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