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