The earliest known shoes Discount Steve Madden 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 years, so shoes were probably in use long before this. Physical anthropologist Erik Trinkaus believes he has found evidence that the use of Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 Discount Steve Madden Shoes toes (other than the big toe) decreased during this period, on the premise that going barefoot results in greater bone growth before this period.[1]
Parts of a shoe
Gluing a new outsole Discount Steve Madden Shoes to an athletic shoe
Sole
The bottom of a shoe is called the sole.
Insole
The insole is the Discount Steve Madden Shoes interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot. Many shoes have removable and Height Increasing Shoes replaceable insoles, and extra insoles are often added for Discount Steve Madden Shoes comfort or health reasons (to control the shape, moisture, or smell of the Discount Steve Madden Shoes shoe).
Outsole
The Soft Spots Shoes outsole is the layer Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 comprise separate pieces of different materials. Often the heel of the sole is rubber Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 the outsole to grip the ground; many kinds of dancing shoes have much softer or Discount Steve Madden Shoes harder Discount Steve Madden Shoes soles.
Midsole
The layer in between the outsole and the insole that is typically Discount Steve Madden Shoes there for shock absorption. Some types of shoes, like running shoes, have another material for shock absorption, usually beneath the Discount Steve Madden Shoes heel where one puts the most pressure down. Discount Steve Madden Shoes Different companies Discount Steve Madden Shoes use Discount Steve Madden Shoes different materials for the Discount Steve Madden Shoes midsoles of their shoes. Some Discount Steve Madden Shoes shoes may not have a midsole at all.
Heel
Women's Discount Steve Madden Shoes fashion boots
The bottom Discount Steve Madden Shoes rear part of a shoe is the heel. Its function is to support the heel of the foot. They Discount Steve Madden Shoes are Discount Steve Madden Shoes often made of the same material Discount Steve Madden Shoes as the sole of the shoe. This part can be high for fashion or to make the person Discount Steve Madden Shoes look taller, or flat for a more practical use.
Vamp, or upper
Any shoe has an upper part that helps hold the shoe onto the foot. In the Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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, Discount Steve Madden Shoes such as boots, sneakers and most men's shoes, will have a more complex upper. This part is often decorated or is made in a certain Discount Steve Madden Shoes style to look attractive. The U.S. Patent 3,355,535 , from 1967, describes a method for producing a shoe-upper (Hain 1967).
Accessories 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 Discount Steve Madden Shoes user is Discount Steve Madden Shoes not wearing it, to help maintain the shoe's shape.
Shoe polishing equipment:
Shoe polish: a waxy material spread Discount Steve Madden Shoes on shoes to improve appearance, glossiness, and Discount Steve Madden Shoes provide Discount Steve Madden Shoes protection.
Shoe brush and polishing cloth: used to apply polish to shoes.
Overshoes Discount Steve Madden Shoes or galoshes: a rubber covering Discount Steve Madden Shoes placed over shoes for rain and snow Discount Steve Madden Shoes protection.
(Orthopedic) shoe insert: insert of various materials for cushioning, improved fit, Discount Steve Madden Shoes or reduced abrasion. These include padding and inner linings. Inserts may also be used to correct foot problems.
Shoe bag: a bag that protects shoes against damage Discount Steve Madden Shoes when they are not being worn.
Shoe stretcher: a Discount Steve Madden Shoes tool for making a shoe longer or wider or for reducing discomfort in areas Discount Steve Madden Shoes of Discount Steve Madden Shoes a Discount Steve Madden Shoes shoe.
Snow shoe: a wooden or leather piece which increases Discount Steve Madden Shoes the area of ground covered by the shoe.
Shoelaces: a system Discount Steve Madden Shoes used to secure shoes.
Types of shoes
Shoes made from real crocodile Discount Steve Madden Shoes skin, in a conservation exhibit at Bristol Zoo, England.
Dress and Discount Steve Madden Shoes casual shoes
Dress shoes are categorized by smooth and supple leather uppers, leather soles, and narrow Discount Steve Madden Shoes sleek figure. Casual Discount Steve Madden Shoes shoes are characterized Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 often made without apertures or openings, but may also Discount Steve Madden Shoes be made with openings or even itself consist Discount Steve Madden Shoes of a series Discount Steve Madden Shoes of straps, e.g. an open Discount Steve Madden Shoes toe featured in women's Discount Steve Madden Shoes shoes. Shoes Discount Steve Madden Shoes with uppers made Discount Steve Madden Shoes high to cover the ankles are also available; a shoe Discount Steve Madden Shoes with the upper rising above Discount Steve Madden Shoes the ankle is usually Discount Steve Madden Shoes considered a boot Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 some styles have elastic inserts to ease slipping Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 Discount Steve Madden Shoes to Discount Steve Madden Shoes which the laces are attached; also known as "closed Costume Shoes lacing". In England, the balmoral Discount Steve Madden Shoes is known as the Oxford. Discount Steve Madden Shoes The word "Oxford" is used Discount Steve Madden Shoes by American clothing companies Nike Shoes Soccer to market shoes that Discount Steve Madden Shoes are not balmorals, such as rubber-sole bluchers.
Bluchers: the laces are tied to two Discount Steve Madden Shoes pieces of leather independently attached to the vamp; also known as "open Discount Steve Madden Shoes lacing". In England, the Blucher is known as the Derby shoe.
Monk-straps: 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 in various ways:
Plain-toes: have a sleek appearance and no extra decorations on Discount Steve Madden Shoes the vamp.
|
Cap-toes: has an Discount Steve Madden Shoes extra layer of leather that "caps" the toe. This is Discount Steve Madden Shoes possibly the most popular 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. Brogues can be found in both balmoral and blucher styles. Please help improve this section by expanding it.
Further information might be found on the Discount Steve Madden Shoes talk page or at requests Discount Steve Madden Shoes for expansion.
The tone or style of this article or section may not be Discount Steve Madden Shoes appropriate for Wikipedia.
Specific concerns Discount Steve Madden Shoes may be found Discount Steve Madden Shoes on the talk page. See Wikipedia's guide to writing better articles for suggestions.(December 2007)
Women's shoes
There is a large variety Discount Steve Madden Shoes of shoes available Discount Steve Madden Shoes for women, in addition to most of the Discount Steve Madden Shoes men's styles being more accepted as unisex. Discount Steve Madden Shoes Some broad categories are:
Pumps, known in the US and UK as ballerinas, Discount Steve Madden Shoes ballet pumps or skimmers, are Discount Steve Madden Shoes shoes with Discount Steve Madden Shoes a very low heel Discount Steve Madden Shoes and a relatively short vamp, exposing much of the instep. They are popular for warm-weather wear, Discount Steve Madden Shoes and may be seen as more comfortable Discount Steve Madden Shoes than shoes with a higher heel.
High heels Discount Steve Madden Shoes may be shoes with 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 Discount Steve Madden Shoes women for Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 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 various straps, leaving Discount Steve Madden Shoes much of the foot exposed to air. They are thus popular Discount Steve Madden Shoes for warm-weather wear, Discount Steve Madden Shoes because they let the foot be cooler than a closed-toed shoe would.
Saddle shoe: leather shoe Discount Steve Madden Shoes with a contrasting saddle-shaped band over the instep, typically white uppers with Discount Steve Madden Shoes black "saddle".
Loafer: a dress or casual shoe without laces; often with Discount Steve Madden Shoes tassels, buckles, or coin-holders (penny loafers).
Boating shoes, Discount Steve Madden Shoes also known as boat shoes and deck Discount Steve Madden Shoes shoes: similar Discount Steve Madden Shoes to a loafer, but more casual. Laces, Discount Steve Madden Shoes if present, are usually simple leather (often two-tone) with no frills. Often made of canvas or featuring a white sole. They have soft soles/heels to avoid Clothes Shoes marring or scratching a boat deck.
Boots: Long shoes (covering the ankle) frequently made of leather. Some are Discount Steve Madden Shoes designed Discount Steve Madden Shoes to be used in times of bad Discount Steve Madden Shoes weather, or simply as an alternate style of casual or dress wear. Styles include rubber Discount Steve Madden Shoes boots and snow boots, Discount Steve Madden Shoes as well as work boots and hiking boots.
Slippers: Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 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. Discount Steve Madden Shoes Special varieties are available for basketball or tennis.
Running shoes: very similar to above, with additional emphasis on Discount Steve Madden Shoes cushioning.
Track shoes: lightweight; often with plastic or metal cleats
A shoe for the right foot.
Cleat (shoe): a type of shoe featuring molded or removable studs. Usually worn Discount Steve Madden Shoes while playing Discount Steve Madden Shoes sports such as Discount Steve Madden Shoes rugby, Discount Steve Madden Shoes football, American football, or baseball.
A shoe for Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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" made of synthetic plastic-like Shoes For Bunions 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 Discount Steve Madden Shoes greens).
Bowling Discount Steve Madden Shoes shoes: intermediate style between Discount Steve Madden Shoes ordinary dress shoes and athletic shoes. They have harder rubber Discount Steve Madden Shoes soles/heels so as not to damage bowling alley floors. They are Discount Steve Madden Shoes often rented or loaned at Discount Steve Madden Shoes bowling alleys.
Climbing shoes: a shoe designed Discount Steve Madden Shoes for rock climbing. They typically have a Discount Steve Madden Shoes close fit, little if any padding, and Discount Steve Madden Shoes a smooth Wide Ladies Shoes sticky rubber Discount Steve Madden Shoes sole Mens Designer Shoes with an extended rubber rand.
Hiking Discount Steve Madden Shoes shoes or boots: usually have a high somewhat stiff upper Discount Steve Madden Shoes with many lace eyelets, to provide ankle support Discount Steve Madden Shoes on Discount Steve Madden Shoes uneven terrain, with extra large traction on the sole.
Walking shoes: have a more flexible sole than the running shoe, lighter in weight than the Discount Steve Madden Shoes hiking boot, may have air holes, Discount Steve Madden Shoes may not be water proof.
Skating shoes: typically called skates. Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 Discount Steve Madden Shoes extra layers of padding to protect the skateboarders feet.
Cycling shoes are equipped with a metal or plastic cleat to Discount Steve Madden Shoes interface Discount Steve Madden Shoes with clipless pedals, as well as a Discount Steve Madden Shoes stiff sole to maximize power transfer and support the Discount Steve Madden Shoes foot.
Snowshoes are special shoes for walking in thick snow. In temperate climates, snowshoes are used for mostly recreational purposes in winter.
Wrestling shoes are Discount Steve Madden Shoes light, flexible shoes that mimic bare feet while providing additional Discount Steve Madden Shoes traction Discount Steve Madden Shoes and Discount Steve Madden Shoes protection.
Orthopedic shoes
Orthopedic or "comfort" shoes are Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 is stiffened with Discount Steve Madden Shoes glue and a hardened sole so the dancer can stand on the tips of Discount Steve Madden Shoes their toes. They are secured by elastic straps and Discount Steve Madden Shoes ribbons that are tied to Discount Steve Madden Shoes the dancer's ankles.
Ballet Discount Steve Madden Shoes shoes Heel-less slippers made of Discount Steve Madden Shoes canvas or leather, with either continuous or Discount Steve Madden Shoes two-part sole (i.e., split-sole). The sole is typically made of leather, with thicker material under the ball and heel Discount Steve Madden Shoes of the Discount Steve Madden Shoes foot, and thinner and thus more flexible material Discount Steve Madden Shoes under the arch so that the foot can be pointed to its 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 Discount Steve Madden Shoes may be made in specialty colours such as Discount Steve Madden Shoes red or blue.
Jazz shoes. These typically have a two-part, Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 foot by laces or Discount Steve Madden Shoes elastic inserts.
Tango/flamenco dance shoes.
Ballroom shoes. Discount Steve Madden Shoes They fall into two categories for the two genres of Discount Steve Madden Shoes dances Discount Steve Madden Shoes as defined by the IDSF Discount Steve Madden Shoes (International DanceSport Federation): Ballroom and Discount Steve Madden Shoes Latin American. Both are Discount Steve Madden Shoes characterised by suede soles. Mens' Discount Steve Madden Shoes Ballroom shoes are typically lace-ups with 1-inch heels and patent leather uppers. Ladies' Ballroom shoes are typically court shoes with Discount Steve Madden 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 Discount Steve Madden Shoes dress. Discount Steve Madden Shoes The low Ballroom heel distributes the dancer's weight across the foot while Latin American shoes have higher heels designed to throw the Discount Steve Madden Shoes dancer's weight on to the toes and the soles are more flexible. Men's Latin shoes typically have 1.5-inch to 2-inch shaped heels while Discount Steve Madden Shoes Ladies' Latin shoes have 2,5-inch to 3-inch heels, open-toed Discount Steve Madden Shoes and strapped.
Dance sneakers. Also Discount Steve Madden Shoes known as dansneakers, these are a combination of a sneaker and a dance shoe, with Discount Steve Madden Shoes a reinforced rubber toe.
Character shoes. Shoes with a one to three inch heel, which are usually made of leather, and often Discount Steve Madden Shoes have Discount Steve Madden Shoes one or more straps across the instep to secure the foot during dance. They may Discount Steve Madden Shoes come in soft-soled (suede) or hard-soled varieties. Discount Steve Madden Shoes They Discount Steve Madden Shoes may be converted to tap shoes by attaching Discount Steve Madden Shoes taps.
Foot Discount Steve Madden Shoes thongs. Variously called called Foot Paws and FootUndeez, depending on the manufacturer, these are slip-on, partial foot covers Discount Steve Madden Shoes that protect the ball of a dancer's foot from skin abrasions while 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 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 Discount Steve Madden Shoes are generally made from sturdy leather uppers and non-leather outsoles. Sometimes they are used for uniforms or comfort Discount Steve Madden Shoes by nurses, waitresses, police, military personnel, etc. They are commonly used for protection in industrial settings, Discount Steve Madden Shoes construction, mining, and other Discount Steve Madden Shoes workplaces. Protective features may include steel-tipped toes and soles or ankle guards.
Historical shoes
Footwear has Discount Steve Madden Shoes been worn for tens of 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 Discount Steve Madden Shoes a Discount Steve Madden Shoes person's feet dry outdoors. First worn in the middle Discount Steve Madden Shoes ages, they continued in use even into the early 20th century.
Poulaine: a shoe with a long-pointed toe, popular in Europe Discount Steve Madden Shoes in the 1400s.
Moccasins: the historical shoe Discount Steve Madden Shoes of many North American Indian tribes.
Maintenance
Breaking-in: Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 replacement.
When unfit for use, shoes can be treated as trash or municipal solid waste and disposed of. The exception Discount Steve Madden Shoes can be with most athletic sneakers which can Discount Steve Madden Shoes be recycled and turned into other raw materials. See Nike Grind as Discount Steve Madden Shoes an Discount Steve Madden Shoes example.
Someone who makes or repairs shoes in Discount Steve Madden Shoes a shop is Discount Steve Madden Shoes called a cobbler.
Shoe etiquette
In most parts of Discount Steve Madden Shoes the world Discount Steve Madden Shoes (Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of Discount Steve Madden Shoes the Middle Discount Steve Madden Shoes East and Africa, much of Northern Discount Steve Madden Shoes Europe and Canada, as Discount Steve Madden Shoes well as Alaska) it is customary Discount Steve Madden Shoes to remove shoes when entering a house. Discount Steve Madden Shoes In some areas of the United States, especially the Midwest, it is expected that Discount Steve Madden Shoes 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 into the house. For Discount Steve Madden Shoes some societies, including those in Asia, indoor footwear may be provided for guests.
In the Discount Steve Madden Shoes Middle East, parts of Africa, Korea and Thailand, it is considered rude Discount Steve Madden Shoes to show the soles of the Discount Steve Madden Shoes feet to others (even accidentally, such as Discount Steve Madden Shoes by crossing the legs). In addition, in Thailand, it is an extreme insult for Discount Steve Madden Shoes the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's head or be placed over it. Although Discount Steve Madden Shoes feet touching Discount Steve Madden Shoes heads is an extremely rare occurrence in any society, some Muay Discount Steve Madden Shoes Thai Discount Steve Madden Shoes boxers insult each other by "kicking" the opponent's head with their foot (most Muay Thai Discount Steve Madden Shoes kicks are executed with the Discount Steve Madden Shoes shin). Discount Steve Madden Shoes |
