The earliest known shoes Knapp Shoes date from about 8000 to 7000 BCE and were found in Oregon, USA in 1938[1]. However, the materials used for Knapp Shoes making shoes do not normally last for thousands of years, so shoes Knapp Shoes were probably in use long Knapp Shoes before Knapp Shoes this. Physical anthropologist Erik Trinkaus believes he has found evidence that the use of shoes began in the period between about 40,000 and 26,000 Knapp Shoes years ago, based on Knapp Shoes the fact that Knapp Shoes the thickness of the bones of the toes (other than the big toe) decreased during this period, on the premise that going barefoot Knapp Shoes results in greater bone growth before this period.[1]
Parts of a shoe
Gluing a Knapp Shoes new outsole to an athletic shoe
Sole
The bottom of a shoe is called the sole.
Insole
The insole is the interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot. Many shoes have removable and replaceable Knapp Shoes insoles, and extra insoles are often added for comfort or health reasons (to control the shape, moisture, or Knapp Shoes smell of Knapp Shoes the shoe).
Outsole
The outsole is the Knapp Shoes layer in direct contact with the ground. Dress shoes have leather outsoles; casual or work-oriented shoes have Knapp Shoes outsoles made of natural Knapp Shoes rubber or a Knapp Shoes synthetic imitation. The outsole may comprise a single piece, or may comprise separate pieces of Knapp Shoes different Knapp Shoes materials. Often the heel of the sole is Knapp Shoes rubber for durability and Knapp Shoes traction, Knapp Shoes while the Knapp Shoes front is leather for style. Specialized shoes will often have modifications on this design: athletic cleats have spikes embedded in the outsole to grip the ground; many kinds of dancing shoes have much Knapp Shoes softer or harder soles.
Midsole
The layer in between the outsole Knapp Shoes and the insole that is Track Shoes typically there for shock absorption. Some types of shoes, like running shoes, have another Knapp Shoes material for shock Knapp Shoes absorption, usually beneath the heel where one puts the most pressure down. Different companies use different materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Some shoes may not have a midsole at all.
Heel
Women's fashion boots
The bottom rear part of a shoe is the heel. Its function is to support the heel of the foot. They are often made of the Knapp Shoes same material as the sole Knapp Shoes of the shoe. Knapp Shoes This Knapp Shoes part can be high for fashion Knapp Shoes or to make the person look taller, or flat for a more practical use.
Vamp, or upper
Any shoe has an upper part that helps Knapp Shoes hold the shoe onto the Knapp Shoes foot. In the simplest cases, Knapp Shoes such as sandals or flip flops, this may be nothing more than a few straps for holding the sole in place. Knapp Shoes Closed footwear, such as boots, sneakers and most men's Knapp Shoes shoes, will have a more complex upper. This part is often decorated or is made in a certain style to look attractive. The U.S. Patent 3,355,535 , from 1967, describes a Knapp Shoes method for producing a shoe-upper (Hain 1967).
Accessories Knapp Shoes to shoes
Shoehorn: can be used to insert a foot into a shoe by keeping the shoe open and providing a smooth surface for the foot to slide upon.
Shoe tree: placed inside the shoe when user is not wearing it, to help maintain the shoe's shape.
Shoe polishing equipment:
Shoe polish: a waxy material spread on shoes to improve appearance, glossiness, and provide protection.
Shoe brush and polishing cloth: used to apply polish to shoes.
Overshoes or galoshes: a rubber covering Knapp Shoes placed over shoes for rain and snow protection.
(Orthopedic) shoe insert: insert of various materials for cushioning, improved fit, Peltz Shoes or reduced Knapp Shoes abrasion. These Knapp Shoes include padding Knapp Shoes and inner Knapp Shoes linings. Inserts may also be used to correct foot Knapp Shoes problems.
Shoe bag: a bag that protects shoes against damage when they are not being worn.
Shoe stretcher: a tool for making a shoe longer or wider or for reducing discomfort in areas of a Knapp Shoes shoe.
Snow Knapp Shoes shoe: a wooden or leather piece which increases Knapp Shoes the area of ground covered by the shoe.
Shoelaces: a system used to secure shoes.
Types of shoes
Shoes made from real crocodile skin, in a conservation exhibit at Bristol Zoo, England.
Dress and casual shoes
Dress shoes are categorized by smooth and supple leather uppers, leather soles, and narrow sleek figure. Casual shoes are characterized by sturdy leather uppers, non-leather outsoles, and wide Knapp Shoes profile.
Some designs of dress shoes can be worn Knapp Shoes by Knapp Shoes either gender. The majority of dress shoes have an upper covering, commonly made of leather, enclosing most of the lower foot, but not covering the ankles. This upper part of the shoe is often made without apertures or openings, but may also be Knapp Shoes made with openings or even itself consist of a series of straps, e.g. an Knapp Shoes open toe featured in women's shoes. Shoes with uppers made high to cover the ankles are Knapp Shoes also available; a shoe with the upper rising above the ankle is usually considered a boot but certain styles may be referred to as high-topped shoes or high-tops. Usually, a high-topped shoe is Knapp Shoes secured by laces or Knapp Shoes zippers, although some styles have elastic inserts to ease slipping the shoe on.
Men's shoes
Men's shoes can be categorized by how they are closed:
Balmorals: the vamp has a V-shaped slit to which the laces are attached; also known Knapp Shoes as "closed lacing". In England, the balmoral is known as Knapp Shoes the Oxford. The word "Oxford" is used by American Knapp Shoes clothing companies to market shoes that are not balmorals, such as rubber-sole bluchers.
Bluchers: the laces Knapp Shoes are tied to two pieces of leather independently attached to the vamp; also known Knapp Shoes as "open lacing". In England, the Blucher is known as Knapp Shoes the Derby shoe.
Monk-straps: a buckle Knapp Shoes and Knapp Shoes strap instead of lacing
Various other Knapp Shoes closings exist but are less popular such as side-elastic closings.
Men's shoes can also be decorated Knapp Shoes in various ways:
Plain-toes: have Knapp Shoes a sleek appearance and no extra decorations on the vamp.
Cap-toes: has an extra layer of Knapp Shoes leather that "caps" Knapp Shoes the toe. This is possibly the most popular Knapp Shoes decoration.
Brogues (American: wing-tips): The toe of the shoe is covered with a perforated panel, the wing-tip, which extends down either side of the shoe. Knapp Shoes Brogues can be Knapp Shoes found in both balmoral and blucher styles. Please help improve this Lebron James Shoes section by expanding Knapp Shoes it.
Further information might be found on the talk page Knapp Shoes or at requests for expansion.
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Specific concerns may be found on the talk page. See Wikipedia's guide to writing better articles for suggestions.(December 2007)
Women's shoes
There is a large variety of shoes available for women, in Knapp Shoes addition to most of the men's styles being more accepted as unisex. Some broad categories are:
Pumps, known in the US and UK as ballerinas, ballet pumps or skimmers, are shoes with a very low Knapp Shoes heel and a relatively short vamp, exposing much of the instep. They are popular for warm-weather wear, and may be seen as more comfortable Knapp Shoes than Knapp Shoes shoes with Knapp Shoes a higher heel.
High heels may be shoes with heels 2 inches (5 cm) or higher. They are often seen as Knapp Shoes having more sex appeal than low heels (see article for Knapp Shoes discussion) and are Knapp Shoes thus commonly Knapp Shoes worn by women for formal occasions or social outings.
Sneaker boot and sneaker pump: a shoe that looks like an athletic shoe, but is equipped with a heel, making it a kind of novelty dress shoe.
Either Knapp Shoes gender
Women's sandals
Clog
Platform shoe: shoe with very thick Knapp Shoes soles and heels
Moccasin: originated by Native Knapp Shoes Americans, a soft shoe without a heel and usually made of leather.
Sandals: open shoes consisting of a sole and various Knapp Shoes straps, leaving much of the foot exposed to air. They are thus popular for warm-weather wear, because they let the foot be cooler than a closed-toed shoe would.
Saddle shoe: leather shoe with a contrasting saddle-shaped band over the instep, Knapp Shoes typically white uppers with black "saddle".
Loafer: a Knapp Shoes dress or casual shoe Knapp Shoes without laces; often with tassels, buckles, or Knapp Shoes coin-holders (penny loafers).
Boating shoes, also known as boat shoes and deck shoes: similar to a loafer, but Knapp Shoes more casual. Laces, if present, are usually simple leather (often two-tone) with Knapp Shoes no frills. Often made of canvas or featuring a white sole. They have soft soles/heels to avoid marring or scratching a boat deck.
Boots: Long shoes (covering the ankle) frequently made of leather. Some are designed to Knapp Shoes be used in Knapp Shoes times of bad weather, or simply as an alternate style of casual or dress wear. Styles include rubber boots and snow Wholesale Women Shoes boots, Knapp Shoes as well as work boots and Knapp Shoes hiking boots.
Slippers: For Knapp Shoes indoor use, Knapp Shoes commonly worn with pajamas.
Athletic shoes
Men's and Knapp Shoes women's athletic shoes and special function shoes often have less difference between the Knapp Shoes sexes than in dress shoes. In many cases these shoes can be worn Knapp Shoes by either sex. Emphasis tends to Knapp Shoes be more on function than style.
Sneakers/trainers (also called gym shoes or tennis shoes): general purpose athletic shoes; made out of rubber, cloth, and/or plastic to be lightweight, flexible, and have good traction. Special varieties are available for basketball or tennis.
Running Knapp Shoes shoes: very similar to above, with additional emphasis Knapp Shoes on cushioning.
Track shoes: lightweight; often with plastic or metal cleats
A shoe for the right Capezio Dance Shoes foot.
Cleat (shoe): a type Knapp Shoes of shoe featuring molded or removable studs. Usually worn while playing sports such as rugby, football, American football, or Knapp Shoes baseball.
A shoe for the Knapp Shoes right foot.
Golf shoes: with "spikes" for better grip in grass and Knapp Shoes wet Knapp Shoes ground. Originally the spikes or "cleats" were made of metal but replaceable "soft spikes" made of synthetic plastic-like materials with prongs distributed Knapp Shoes radially around the edge of each spike are much more Knapp Shoes common today (and Knapp Shoes are required on many Knapp Shoes golf courses since they Knapp Shoes cause less damage to the greens).
Bowling shoes: intermediate style between ordinary dress shoes Knapp Shoes and athletic shoes. They have harder rubber soles/heels so as not to damage bowling alley floors. They are often rented Knapp Shoes or loaned at bowling alleys.
Climbing shoes: a shoe designed for rock climbing. Fallen Shoes They typically Knapp Shoes have a close fit, little if any padding, and Knapp Shoes a smooth sticky rubber sole with an extended rubber rand.
Hiking shoes or boots: usually have a high somewhat stiff upper with many lace eyelets, Knapp Shoes to provide ankle support on uneven terrain, with extra Knapp Shoes large traction on the sole.
Walking shoes: have a more flexible sole than the running shoe, lighter in weight than the hiking boot, may have air holes, may Knapp Shoes not be water proof.
Skating shoes: typically called skates. They have various attachments for skating on the bottom of the shoe portion.
Ice skates
Roller skates
Inline skates
Ski boot: a large, thick plastic boot specially designed for Knapp Shoes attachment to the ski.
Skateboarding shoes have flat soles for a better grip on a skateboard. They are very Knapp Shoes wide and have extra layers of padding to protect the Knapp Shoes skateboarders feet.
Cycling shoes Knapp Shoes are equipped with Knapp Shoes a metal or plastic cleat to interface with clipless pedals, as Knapp Shoes well as a stiff sole to maximize power transfer and support the foot.
Snowshoes are special shoes for walking Knapp Shoes in thick snow. In temperate climates, snowshoes are used for Knapp Shoes mostly recreational purposes Knapp Shoes in winter.
Wrestling shoes are light, flexible shoes Knapp Shoes that mimic bare feet while Knapp Shoes providing Knapp Shoes additional traction and Marty S Shoes protection.
Orthopedic shoes
Orthopedic or "comfort" shoes are made with pedorthic and anatomically-correct comfort qualities, such as padded Knapp Shoes removable footbeds, wide toe boxes Knapp Shoes and arch support are Knapp Shoes made especially for those with problematic feet.
Dance shoes
Pointe shoes. Designed for ballet dancing. These have a toe box that is stiffened with glue and a hardened sole Knapp Shoes so the dancer can Knapp Shoes stand Knapp Shoes on the tips of their toes. They are secured by Womens Dress Shoes elastic straps and ribbons that are tied to Knapp Shoes the dancer's ankles.
Ballet shoes Heel-less slippers made of canvas or Knapp Shoes leather, with either Knapp Shoes continuous or two-part sole (i.e., split-sole). The sole Knapp Shoes is typically made of leather, with thicker material under the Knapp Shoes ball and heel of the foot, and thinner and Knapp Shoes thus more Knapp Shoes flexible material under the arch so that the Knapp Shoes foot can Knapp Shoes be pointed to its utmost. Ballet slippers are Knapp Shoes usually secured by elastics that cross over the top of Knapp Shoes the foot. They Knapp Shoes are most commonly pink, white, black, Knapp Shoes or pale tan, although they may be made in specialty colours such as red or blue.
Jazz shoes. These typically have Knapp Shoes a two-part, rubberized sole (i.e., split-sole) Knapp Shoes to Knapp Shoes provide both flexibility and traction, and a low Knapp Shoes (one inch or shorter) heel. They are secured to the foot by laces or elastic inserts.
Tango/flamenco dance shoes.
Ballroom shoes. They fall into two categories for the two genres of dances Knapp Shoes as defined by the IDSF (International DanceSport Federation): Ballroom and Knapp Shoes Latin American. Both are characterised Knapp Shoes by suede soles. Mens' Ballroom shoes are typically Knapp Shoes lace-ups with 1-inch heels and patent leather uppers. Ladies' Ballroom shoes are typically court Knapp Shoes shoes Knapp Shoes with low 2-inch heels, usually made of Knapp Shoes fabric so that they can be finished with a greater variety of colours to match Knapp Shoes the dancer's dress. The low Ballroom heel distributes the dancer's weight across Knapp Shoes the foot while Latin American shoes have higher heels designed to Knapp Shoes throw the dancer's weight on to the Knapp Shoes toes and Knapp Shoes the soles are more flexible. Men's Latin shoes typically have 1.5-inch to 2-inch shaped Knapp Shoes heels while Ladies' Latin shoes have 2,5-inch to 3-inch heels, open-toed and strapped.
Dance sneakers. Also known as dansneakers, Knapp Shoes these are a combination of a sneaker and a dance shoe, with a reinforced rubber toe.
Character shoes. Shoes with a one to three inch heel, which are usually made of leather, and often have one or Knapp Shoes more straps across the instep to secure the foot during dance. They may come in soft-soled (suede) or hard-soled varieties. They may be converted to tap shoes by attaching taps.
Foot thongs. Variously called Knapp Shoes called Foot Paws and FootUndeez, depending on Knapp Shoes the manufacturer, Knapp Shoes these are slip-on, partial foot Knapp Shoes covers Knapp Shoes that protect the ball of a dancer's foot from skin abrasions while Knapp Shoes executing turns. From a distance, flesh colored foot thongs give a dancer the appearance of having bare feet.
Modern pointe shoes.
Ballet shoes.
Jazz shoes. This style is frequently worn Knapp Shoes by acro dancers.
A foot thong, viewed from the underside.
Work Knapp Shoes shoes
Work Knapp Shoes shoes are designed to stand heavy wear, to protect the wearer, Knapp Shoes and provide high traction. They are generally made from sturdy leather uppers and non-leather outsoles. Sometimes they are used for uniforms or comfort by nurses, Knapp Shoes waitresses, police, Knapp Shoes military personnel, etc. They are commonly used for protection in industrial settings, construction, mining, and other workplaces. Protective features may include steel-tipped toes and soles or ankle guards.
Historical shoes
Footwear has been worn for Knapp Shoes tens of Knapp Shoes thousands of years. Shoes of the past include:
Espadrilles: these sandals, which are still worn today, are found as early as the 14th century.
Patten: a European wooden overshoe used to keep a person's feet dry outdoors. First worn in the middle ages, they continued in Knapp Shoes use Knapp Shoes even Knapp Shoes into Knapp Shoes the early 20th century.
Poulaine: a shoe with a long-pointed toe, Knapp Shoes popular in Europe in the 1400s.
Moccasins: the historical shoe Knapp Shoes of many North American Indian tribes.
Maintenance
Breaking-in: Some shoes are made of hard but deformable material. After a Knapp Shoes person wears Knapp Shoes them multiple times, the Knapp Shoes material reforms to fit the wearer's feet. The person is said to Knapp Shoes have broken Knapp Shoes in the shoes.
Polishing: for Knapp Shoes protection, Knapp Shoes water resistance (to some extent) and appearance, especially for leather shoes and boots.
Heel replacement: heels periodically wear out. Not all shoes are designed to enable this.
Sole replacement: soles also wear out. Not all shoes can have their soles replaced.
Shoelace replacement.
When unfit for use, shoes can be treated as Knapp Shoes trash or municipal solid waste and disposed of. The exception can be with most athletic sneakers which Knapp Shoes can be recycled and turned into other Knapp Shoes raw Knapp Shoes materials. See Nike Grind as an example.
Someone who makes or repairs shoes in a shop is Knapp Shoes called a Knapp Shoes cobbler.
Shoe etiquette
In most parts of the world (Asia, Knapp Shoes Eastern Europe, parts of the Middle East and Africa, much Pikolinos Shoes of Northern Europe and Canada, as well as Knapp Shoes Alaska) it Stonefly Shoes is customary to remove shoes when entering a house. In Knapp Shoes some areas of the Pay Less Shoes United States, especially Knapp Shoes the Midwest, it is expected that visitors remove Knapp Shoes their shoes unless a host specifically invites them to leave their shoes on. People do Knapp Shoes this to avoid bringing dirt, mud or snow into the house. For some societies, including those in Asia, indoor footwear may be provided for guests.
In the Middle East, parts of Africa, Korea and Thailand, it is considered rude to show the soles of the feet Knapp Shoes to others (even accidentally, such as by crossing the legs). In addition, in Thailand, Knapp Shoes it is Knapp Shoes an extreme insult for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's head or be placed over it. Although feet Knapp Shoes touching heads is an extremely rare occurrence in any society, some Muay Thai boxers insult each other by "kicking" the opponent's head with Knapp Shoes their Knapp Shoes foot (most Muay Thai kicks are executed with the shin). |
