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 Aligator Shoes for thousands of years, so shoes were probably in use long before this. Physical anthropologist Erik Large Mens Shoes Trinkaus believes he Large Mens Shoes has found evidence that the use of shoes began in the period between about 40,000 and Large Mens Shoes 26,000 Large Mens Shoes years ago, based on the fact that the thickness of the bones of the toes (other than the big toe) decreased Large Mens Shoes during this Why Do Shoes Squeek period, Large Mens Shoes on the premise that going barefoot results in greater bone growth before Large Mens Shoes this period.[1]
Parts of a shoe
Gluing a Large Mens Shoes new outsole to an athletic shoe
Sole
The bottom of a shoe is called the sole.
Insole
The insole is the Large Mens Shoes interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot. Many shoes have removable and Large Mens Shoes replaceable Large Mens Shoes insoles, and extra insoles are often added for comfort or health reasons (to control Large Mens Shoes the shape, moisture, or smell of the shoe).
Outsole
The outsole is 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, Large Mens Shoes or may comprise separate pieces Large Mens Shoes 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 often have modifications on this design: Large Mens Shoes 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 and the insole that is typically there for Large Mens Shoes shock absorption. Some types of shoes, like running shoes, have another material for shock Large Mens Shoes absorption, usually beneath the heel where one puts Nike Skateboarding Shoes the most pressure Large Mens Shoes down. Different companies use Large Mens Shoes different materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Some shoes may not have a midsole at Large Mens Shoes all.
Heel
Women's fashion boots
The bottom rear part of a shoe is the heel. Its function is to Large Mens Shoes support Large Mens Shoes 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 the person look taller, or flat for a more practical use.
Vamp, or upper
Any shoe Large Mens Shoes has an upper part that helps hold the shoe onto the foot. In the simplest Large Mens Shoes cases, such as sandals Large Mens Shoes or flip flops, this may be nothing more than a Ulu Shoes few straps for holding Large Mens Shoes the sole in place. Closed footwear, such as Large Mens Shoes boots, sneakers and most men's shoes, will have a more complex upper. This part is often decorated or is made Large Mens Shoes in a certain Large Mens Shoes style to look attractive. The U.S. Patent Large Mens Shoes 3,355,535 , from 1967, describes a method for producing a shoe-upper (Hain Large Mens Shoes 1967).
Accessories to shoes
Shoehorn: can be used to Large Mens Shoes insert a foot Large Mens Shoes into a shoe by keeping the shoe open and providing a smooth surface for the foot to Nike Trail Running Shoes slide upon.
Shoe tree: Large Mens Shoes placed Large Mens Shoes inside the shoe when user is not wearing it, to help maintain the shoe's shape.
Shoe Large Mens Shoes polishing equipment:
Shoe polish: a waxy material spread Large Mens Shoes on shoes to improve appearance, glossiness, and provide protection.
Shoe brush and polishing Large Mens Shoes cloth: used to apply polish to shoes.
Overshoes or galoshes: a rubber covering placed over Large Mens Shoes shoes for rain and snow protection.
(Orthopedic) shoe insert: insert of various materials for cushioning, improved fit, or reduced Large Mens Shoes abrasion. These include padding and inner linings. Large Mens Shoes Inserts may also be used to correct foot problems.
Shoe bag: a bag that protects shoes against damage when they are not being Large Mens Shoes 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 Large Mens Shoes piece which increases the area of ground covered by the shoe.
Shoelaces: a system used to secure shoes.
Types of shoes
Shoes made from real crocodile skin, Large Mens Shoes in Large Mens Shoes a conservation exhibit at Bristol Zoo, England.
Dress and casual shoes
Dress shoes are categorized by smooth and supple leather uppers, leather Large Mens Shoes soles, and narrow sleek figure. Large Mens Shoes Casual shoes are characterized by sturdy leather Large Mens Shoes uppers, non-leather Large Mens Shoes outsoles, and wide profile.
Some Large Mens Shoes designs of dress shoes can be worn by either gender. The majority of dress shoes Large Mens Shoes have an upper Large Mens Shoes covering, commonly made of leather, enclosing most of the lower foot, but Large Mens Shoes not covering the Large Mens Shoes ankles. This upper part of the shoe Large Mens Shoes is often made without apertures or openings, but may also be made with openings or even itself Large Mens Shoes consist of a series Large Mens Shoes of Large Mens Shoes straps, e.g. Large Mens Shoes an open toe featured in women's shoes. Shoes with uppers made high to cover the ankles are also available; a Large Mens Shoes shoe with the upper rising above the ankle is usually considered a boot but certain styles may be referred to as Large Mens Shoes high-topped shoes or high-tops. Usually, a high-topped shoe is secured Large Mens Shoes by laces or zippers, although some styles have elastic inserts to Large Mens Shoes ease slipping the shoe on.
Men's shoes
Men's Large Mens Shoes shoes can be categorized by how Large Mens Shoes they are closed:
Balmorals: the vamp has a V-shaped slit to which the laces are attached; also known as Large Mens Shoes "closed lacing". In England, the balmoral is known as the Oxford. The word "Oxford" is used by American clothing companies to market shoes that are not balmorals, such as Large Mens Shoes rubber-sole bluchers.
Bluchers: the laces are tied to two pieces of leather independently attached to the vamp; also known as "open lacing". In England, the Blucher Large Mens Shoes is known as the Derby shoe.
Monk-straps: a buckle and strap instead of Large Mens Shoes lacing
Various other closings exist but are less popular Large Mens Shoes such as side-elastic closings.
Men's shoes can also be decorated in various ways:
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Plain-toes: have a sleek appearance and no extra decorations on Large Mens Shoes 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 of the shoe is covered Large Mens Shoes with a perforated Large Mens Shoes panel, the wing-tip, which extends down either side of the shoe. Brogues can be found in both balmoral and blucher styles. Please Large Mens Shoes help improve this section by expanding it.
Further information Large Mens Shoes 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 the talk page. See Wikipedia's guide to writing better Large Mens Shoes articles for suggestions.(December 2007)
Women's shoes
There is a large variety of shoes available for women, in addition to most of the men's styles being more accepted as unisex. Some broad categories are:
Pumps, known in the US Large Mens Shoes and UK Large Mens Shoes as ballerinas, ballet pumps or skimmers, Large Mens Shoes are shoes with a very low heel and a relatively short vamp, exposing much of the Adistar John Smith Wrestling Shoes 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 heels 2 inches (5 cm) or higher. They are often seen Large Mens Shoes as having more sex appeal than Large Mens Shoes low heels (see article for discussion) and are Large Mens Shoes thus commonly worn by women for formal occasions or social outings.
Sneaker boot and sneaker pump: a shoe that looks like Large Mens Shoes an athletic shoe, but is Large Mens Shoes equipped with a heel, making it a kind of novelty dress shoe.
Either gender
Women's sandals
Clog
Platform shoe: shoe with very thick Large Mens Shoes soles and heels
Moccasin: originated by Native Americans, a soft shoe without a heel and usually made of leather.
Sandals: Large Mens Shoes open shoes Esprit Shoes consisting of a sole and various straps, leaving much Large Mens Shoes of Memphisto Shoes the foot exposed to air. They are thus popular for warm-weather wear, because they let Large Mens Shoes the foot be cooler than a closed-toed shoe would.
Saddle shoe: Large Mens Shoes leather Large Mens Shoes shoe with a contrasting saddle-shaped band over the instep, typically white uppers with black "saddle".
Loafer: a dress or casual Large Mens Shoes shoe without laces; often with tassels, buckles, or coin-holders (penny Large Mens Shoes loafers).
Boating shoes, also known as boat shoes and deck shoes: similar to a loafer, but Large Mens Shoes more casual. Laces, if present, are usually simple leather (often two-tone) with no frills. Often made of Large Mens Shoes canvas or featuring a white sole. They have soft soles/heels to avoid marring or Large Mens Shoes scratching a boat deck.
Boots: Large Mens Shoes Long shoes (covering the ankle) frequently made of leather. Some are designed to be used in Large Mens Shoes 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 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 Large Mens Shoes these Large Mens Shoes shoes can Large Mens Shoes 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. Special varieties are available for Large Mens Shoes basketball or tennis.
Running shoes: very Large Mens Shoes similar Large Mens Shoes to above, with additional emphasis on cushioning.
Track shoes: lightweight; often with plastic or metal cleats
A shoe for the Large Mens Shoes right foot.
Cleat Large Mens Shoes (shoe): a type of shoe featuring molded or removable studs. Usually worn while playing Large Mens Shoes sports such as rugby, football, American football, or baseball.
A shoe for the right foot.
Golf shoes: with "spikes" for better grip in Large Mens Shoes grass and wet ground. Originally the spikes or "cleats" were made of metal but replaceable "soft spikes" made of synthetic plastic-like materials Large Mens Shoes with prongs distributed radially around the edge of each spike are much more common today (and are required on many golf Large Mens Shoes courses since they Large Mens Shoes cause less damage to the greens).
Bowling shoes: Large Mens Shoes intermediate style between ordinary dress shoes Large Mens Shoes and athletic shoes. They have harder rubber soles/heels so as not Large Mens Shoes to damage Large Mens Shoes bowling alley floors. They are often rented Large Mens Shoes or Large Mens Shoes loaned at bowling alleys.
Climbing shoes: a shoe designed for Large Mens 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 Large Mens Shoes shoes or Large Mens Shoes boots: usually have a high somewhat stiff Large Mens Shoes upper with many lace eyelets, to provide ankle support on uneven terrain, with extra large traction on Large Mens Shoes the sole.
Walking Large Mens Shoes shoes: have a Large Mens Shoes more flexible sole than the running shoe, lighter in weight than the hiking boot, may have Large Mens Shoes air holes, may not be water proof.
Skating shoes: typically called skates. They have Large Mens Shoes various attachments for skating on the bottom Large Mens Shoes of the shoe portion.
Ice skates
Roller skates
Inline skates
Ski boot: a large, thick plastic boot specially designed for Large Mens Shoes attachment to the ski.
Skateboarding Large Mens Shoes shoes have flat Large Mens Shoes soles for a better grip on a skateboard. They are very wide and have extra layers of padding to protect Large Mens Shoes the skateboarders feet.
Cycling shoes are equipped with a metal or plastic cleat to interface with clipless pedals, as well as Large Mens Shoes a Large Mens Shoes stiff sole to maximize power Large Mens Shoes transfer and support the Large Mens 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 light, Large Mens Shoes flexible shoes that Large Mens 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 Large Mens Shoes made especially for those with problematic feet.
Dance shoes
Pointe shoes. Designed for ballet Large Mens Shoes dancing. These have a toe box that Large Mens Shoes is stiffened with glue and a hardened sole so the dancer can stand Large Mens Shoes on the tips of their toes. They are Large Mens Shoes secured by elastic Large Mens Shoes straps and ribbons that are tied to the dancer's ankles.
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Ballet shoes Heel-less slippers made of canvas or leather, with either continuous or two-part Large Mens Shoes sole (i.e., split-sole). The Large Mens Shoes sole is typically made of leather, with thicker material under the Large Mens Shoes ball and heel of the Large Mens Shoes foot, and thinner and thus more flexible material under the arch so Large Mens Shoes that the foot can be pointed to its Large Mens 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 Large Mens Shoes pale tan, although they may be made in specialty colours such Large Mens Shoes as red Large Mens Shoes or Large Mens Shoes 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 foot by laces or elastic inserts.
Tango/flamenco dance shoes.
Ballroom shoes. They fall Large Mens Shoes into Large Mens Shoes 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 Large Mens Shoes are typically lace-ups with 1-inch heels and patent leather uppers. Ladies' Ballroom shoes are typically Large Mens Shoes court shoes with low 2-inch heels, usually Large Mens Shoes made of fabric so Large Mens Shoes that Large Mens Shoes they can be finished with a greater variety of colours Large Mens Shoes to match the dancer's dress. The low Ballroom heel distributes the dancer's weight across Large Mens Shoes the foot while Latin American shoes have higher heels designed to Large Mens Shoes throw Large Mens Shoes the dancer's weight on to the toes and the soles are Large Mens Shoes more flexible. Men's Latin shoes Large Mens 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 Large Mens Shoes strapped.
Dance sneakers. Also known as dansneakers, these Large Mens Shoes are a combination of Large Mens Shoes a sneaker and a dance shoe, with a reinforced rubber Large Mens Shoes toe.
Character shoes. Shoes with a one to three inch Large Mens Shoes heel, which are usually made of leather, and often have one or more straps across the instep to secure the foot during 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 Large Mens Shoes FootUndeez, depending on the manufacturer, these are slip-on, partial foot covers that protect the ball of a dancer's foot from skin Large Mens Shoes abrasions while executing turns. From a Large Mens Shoes distance, flesh colored foot thongs give a dancer the appearance of having Large Mens Shoes 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 Reebok Walking Shoes shoes are designed to Large Mens Shoes stand heavy wear, to protect the wearer, and provide high traction. They are generally made from sturdy leather uppers and non-leather outsoles. Sometimes they are Large Mens Shoes used for uniforms or comfort by nurses, waitresses, police, military personnel, Large Mens Shoes etc. Large Mens Shoes They are commonly used for protection Best Online Shoes Store in industrial settings, construction, mining, and other workplaces. Protective Large Mens Shoes 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 still worn today, are 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, Large Mens Shoes they Large Mens Shoes continued in use even into Large Mens Shoes the Large Mens Shoes early 20th century.
Poulaine: a shoe Large Mens Shoes with Large Mens Shoes a long-pointed toe, popular in Europe in the Large Mens Shoes 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 Large Mens Shoes material reforms to fit the wearer's feet. The person is said to Large Mens Shoes have broken in the Large Mens Shoes 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 Large Mens 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 Large Mens Shoes use, shoes can be treated as Large Mens Shoes trash or municipal solid waste and disposed of. The exception can be with Large Mens Shoes most athletic sneakers which Large Mens Shoes can be Large Mens Shoes recycled Large Mens Shoes and turned into other raw materials. See Nike Grind as an example.
Someone who makes Large Mens Shoes or repairs shoes in a shop is called a cobbler.
Shoe etiquette
In most Large Mens Shoes parts of the world (Asia, Eastern Europe, parts Large Mens Shoes of Large Mens Shoes the Middle East and Africa, much of Northern Europe Large Mens Shoes and Canada, as well as Alaska) Large Mens Shoes it is customary Large Mens Shoes to remove shoes when entering a house. In some areas Large Mens Shoes of the United Large Mens Shoes States, especially the Midwest, it is expected that visitors remove their shoes unless a host Large Mens Shoes specifically Large Mens Shoes invites them Large Mens Shoes to leave their shoes on. People do this Large Mens Shoes to avoid bringing dirt, mud or Large Mens Shoes snow into the house. For some societies, including those in Asia, indoor footwear may be provided for guests.
In the Middle East, Large Mens Shoes parts of Shiek Shoes Africa, Korea and Thailand, it is considered rude to show the soles of the Large Mens Shoes feet to others Large Mens Shoes (even accidentally, such as by crossing the legs). In addition, Large Mens Shoes in Thailand, it is an extreme insult for the foot, Large Mens Shoes socks, or shoes to touch someone's head or Large Mens Shoes be placed over it. Although feet touching heads is an Large Mens Shoes extremely rare occurrence in any society, some Large Mens Shoes Muay Thai boxers insult each other by "kicking" the opponent's head with their foot (most Muay Thai kicks are executed with the shin). |
