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