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