The earliest known shoes date from about 8000 to 7000 BCE and were found in Oregon, USA Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes in 1938[1]. However, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes the materials used for making shoes do not normally last for thousands of years, so shoes were probably in use long before this. Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes Physical anthropologist Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes Erik Trinkaus believes Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes he has 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes of the toes (other Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes a shoe
Gluing a Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes new outsole to an athletic shoe
Sole
The bottom of a shoe is called the sole.
Insole
The insole is the interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot. Many shoes have removable and Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes replaceable insoles, and extra insoles are often added for comfort or health reasons (to control the shape, moisture, or Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes outsole may Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes comprise a Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes single piece, or Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes may comprise Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes separate pieces of different materials. Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes Often the heel of the sole is rubber for durability and traction, while Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes the front is leather for style. Specialized shoes will Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes often have modifications on this design: athletic cleats have spikes embedded in the outsole Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes to grip the ground; many Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes kinds of dancing shoes have much softer or Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes harder Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes soles.
Midsole
The layer in Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes between Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes the outsole and the insole Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes that is typically there for shock absorption. Some types of shoes, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes like running shoes, have another material for Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes shock absorption, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes usually beneath the heel Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes where one Adistar John Smith Wrestling Shoes puts the most pressure Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes down. Different companies use different materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes Some shoes may not have a midsole at all.
Heel
Women's fashion boots
The Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes bottom rear part of a shoe is the heel. Its Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes function is to support 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes shoe has an upper Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes part that Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes helps 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 most men's shoes, will have a more complex upper. This part is often decorated or is made in Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes a Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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 to shoes
Shoehorn: can be used to insert a foot into a shoe by keeping the shoe open and providing a smooth surface for Esprit Shoes the Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes foot to slide upon.
Shoe tree: placed inside the shoe Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes when user is not wearing it, to help maintain the shoe's shape.
Shoe polishing equipment:
Shoe polish: a waxy material spread Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes on shoes to improve appearance, glossiness, and provide protection.
Shoe brush Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes and polishing cloth: used to apply polish to shoes.
Overshoes or galoshes: a rubber covering placed over shoes for rain and snow protection.
(Orthopedic) Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes shoe Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes insert: insert of various materials for cushioning, improved fit, or reduced abrasion. These include padding and Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes inner linings. Inserts may also be used to correct foot problems.
Shoe bag: a 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 or leather piece which increases the area of Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes ground covered by the shoe.
Shoelaces: Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes a system Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes used Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes to secure shoes.
Types of shoes
Shoes made from real crocodile skin, in a conservation exhibit at Bristol Zoo, England.
Dress Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes and casual shoes
Dress shoes are categorized by smooth and supple leather uppers, leather soles, and narrow sleek figure. 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 often made without apertures or openings, but may also be made with openings or even itself consist Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes of a series of straps, e.g. an open toe featured in women's shoes. Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes Shoes with uppers made high to cover the ankles are also available; a shoe with the upper rising above the Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes ankle is usually Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes considered a boot but Memphisto Shoes certain styles may be referred to as high-topped Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes shoes or high-tops. Usually, a high-topped shoe is secured by laces or zippers, although some styles have elastic inserts to ease slipping the shoe Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes on.
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Men's Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes shoes
Men's Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes shoes can be categorized by how Reebok Walking Shoes they are Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes closed:
Balmorals: the vamp has a V-shaped slit to Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes which the laces are attached; also known as Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes "closed lacing". Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes In England, the balmoral is known as the Oxford. The word "Oxford" Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes is used by American clothing companies to market shoes that are not balmorals, such as rubber-sole bluchers.
Bluchers: the laces are Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes tied to two pieces of Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes leather independently attached to the vamp; also known as "open lacing". In England, the Blucher is known as the Derby shoe.
Monk-straps: a buckle and strap instead of Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes lacing
Various other closings exist but Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes are less popular such as side-elastic closings.
Men's shoes can Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes also Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes be decorated in various ways:
Plain-toes: have a sleek appearance and no extra decorations on the vamp.
Cap-toes: has an extra layer of leather Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes that "caps" the toe. This is possibly Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes the most popular decoration.
Brogues (American: wing-tips): The toe of the shoe is Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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 talk page Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes or at requests for expansion.
The tone or style of this article Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes or section may not be appropriate for Wikipedia.
Specific Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes concerns may be found Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes on the talk page. See Wikipedia's guide Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes to writing better 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes are:
Pumps, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes known in the US and Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes UK as ballerinas, ballet pumps or skimmers, are shoes Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes with a very low heel and a relatively short Best Online Shoes Store vamp, exposing much of the instep. They are popular for warm-weather wear, and may be seen Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes as more comfortable than Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes shoes with a higher heel.
High heels may be shoes with heels 2 inches (5 cm) Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes or higher. They are often Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes seen Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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: Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes a shoe Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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: Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes shoe Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes with very thick soles and heels
Moccasin: originated by Native Americans, a Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes soft shoe without a heel and usually made of leather.
Sandals: open shoes consisting of a sole Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes and various straps, leaving much of Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes the foot exposed to air. They are thus popular for warm-weather wear, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes because they let the Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes foot be cooler than a closed-toed shoe would.
Saddle shoe: leather shoe Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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, or coin-holders (penny loafers).
Boating shoes, also known as boat shoes Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes and deck shoes: similar Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes to a loafer, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes but more casual. Laces, if present, are usually simple leather (often two-tone) with no frills. Often made Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes leather. Some are designed to be Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes used in times of bad weather, or simply as an alternate Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes style of casual or dress wear. Styles include rubber boots and snow boots, as well as work boots and hiking Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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; Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes made out of rubber, cloth, and/or plastic to be Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes lightweight, flexible, and have good traction. Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes Special varieties are available for basketball or tennis.
Running shoes: very similar to above, with Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes additional emphasis Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes on cushioning.
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Track shoes: lightweight; Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes often with plastic or metal cleats
A shoe for the right foot.
Cleat (shoe): Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes a type of Shiek Shoes shoe featuring molded or removable studs. Usually worn while playing sports such as rugby, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes football, American football, or baseball.
A shoe for the right foot.
Golf Large Mens Shoes shoes: with "spikes" for Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes better grip in grass and wet Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes ground. Originally the spikes Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes or "cleats" were made Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes of metal but replaceable "soft spikes" made of synthetic plastic-like materials with prongs distributed radially around the edge of Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes each Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes spike are much Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes more common today (and are required on many Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes golf courses since they Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes cause less damage to the Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes greens).
Bowling shoes: Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes intermediate Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes style between ordinary dress Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes shoes and athletic shoes. They have harder rubber soles/heels so Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes as not to damage bowling alley floors. They are often rented or Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes loaned at bowling alleys.
Climbing shoes: a shoe designed for rock climbing. They typically Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes have a close fit, little if any padding, and a Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes smooth sticky rubber sole with an extended rubber rand.
Hiking shoes or boots: Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes usually have a high somewhat stiff upper with many lace eyelets, to provide ankle support on uneven terrain, with extra large traction on Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes the sole.
Walking Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes shoes: have Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes a more flexible sole than the running shoe, lighter in weight than the hiking boot, may have air holes, may not be water Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes proof.
Skating shoes: typically called skates. They have various attachments for skating on the bottom of the shoe portion.
Ice skates
Roller skates
Inline skates
Ski boot: a large, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes thick plastic boot specially designed for attachment to the ski.
Skateboarding shoes Etienne Aigner Discount 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 with a metal or plastic cleat to interface with clipless pedals, as well as a Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes stiff sole to maximize power transfer Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes and support the foot.
Snowshoes are special Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes shoes for walking in thick snow. In temperate climates, snowshoes are used for mostly recreational purposes in winter.
Wrestling shoes are light, flexible shoes that mimic bare Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes feet while providing Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes additional traction and protection.
Orthopedic shoes
Orthopedic or "comfort" shoes Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes are made with pedorthic and Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes anatomically-correct comfort qualities, such as Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes padded removable footbeds, wide toe Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes boxes and arch support are made especially for those Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes with Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes problematic Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes feet.
Dance shoes
Pointe shoes. Designed for ballet dancing. Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes These have a Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes toe box that is Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes stiffened with glue and a hardened sole so the dancer can stand on the Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes tips of their toes. They are secured by elastic straps and ribbons that are tied Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes to the dancer's ankles.
Ballet shoes Heel-less slippers made of canvas or leather, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes with either continuous or two-part sole (i.e., split-sole). The sole Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes is typically Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes made of leather, with thicker Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes material under the ball and heel of the foot, and thinner and thus more flexible material 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes of the foot. They are most commonly pink, white, black, or pale tan, although Abs Shoes they Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes may be Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes made in specialty Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes colours such as red Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes or Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes blue.
Jazz shoes. These typically Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes dance shoes.
Ballroom shoes. They fall into Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes two categories for the two genres of dances as defined Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes by the IDSF (International DanceSport Federation): Ballroom Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes and Latin American. Both are characterised by suede soles. Mens' Ballroom shoes are typically lace-ups Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes with 1-inch heels and Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes a greater variety of colours to match the dancer's Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes dress. The low Ballroom heel distributes the dancer's weight across the foot while Latin American shoes have higher Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes heels designed to throw the dancer's weight on to the toes and the soles are more flexible. Men's Latin shoes typically have 1.5-inch to Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 2-inch shaped heels while Ladies' Latin shoes have 2,5-inch to 3-inch heels, open-toed and strapped.
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Dance sneakers. Also known as Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes dansneakers, these 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes of leather, and often have one Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes or more straps across the instep to secure the foot during dance. They Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes may come in soft-soled (suede) or hard-soled varieties. They may be converted to tap shoes by attaching taps.
Foot thongs. Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes Variously 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 colored foot thongs give a dancer the appearance of having bare Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes feet.
Modern pointe shoes.
Ballet shoes.
Jazz shoes. This style Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes is frequently worn by acro dancers. Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes
A Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes foot thong, viewed from the underside.
Work shoes
Work shoes are designed to stand heavy wear, to protect the wearer, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes and provide high traction. They are generally made from sturdy leather uppers and non-leather Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes outsoles. Sometimes they are Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes used for uniforms or comfort by nurses, waitresses, police, military personnel, etc. They are commonly used Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes in the middle ages, they continued in use even into the early 20th century.
Poulaine: a shoe with a long-pointed toe, popular in Europe in the 1400s.
Moccasins: the historical shoe Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes of many North American Indian tribes.
Maintenance
Breaking-in: Some shoes Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes are made of hard but deformable material. After a person wears them multiple times, the Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes material reforms to fit the wearer's feet. The person is said to have broken in Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes the shoes.
Polishing: for protection, water resistance (to some extent) and appearance, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes especially for leather shoes and boots.
Heel replacement: heels periodically wear out. Not Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes all shoes are designed to enable this.
Sole replacement: soles Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes also wear out. Not all shoes can have their soles replaced.
Shoelace replacement.
When unfit for use, shoes can be treated Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes as trash or municipal solid waste and disposed Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes of. The exception can be with most athletic sneakers which can be recycled and Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes turned into other raw materials. See Nike Grind Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes as an example.
Someone who makes or repairs shoes in a Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes shop Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes is called a cobbler.
Shoe etiquette
In most parts of the world (Asia, Eastern Europe, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes 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 Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes house. Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes In some areas of the United States, especially the Midwest, it is expected that Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes visitors remove their shoes unless Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes a host specifically invites them Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes to leave their shoes on. People do this to avoid bringing dirt, mud or snow into the house. For some societies, including those in Asia, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes indoor footwear may be Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes provided for guests.
In the Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes Middle East, parts of Africa, Korea and Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes Thailand, it is considered rude to show the soles of the feet to others (even accidentally, such as by crossing the legs). Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes In addition, in Thailand, it is an extreme insult for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's Vialis Shoes head or be placed over it. Although feet touching heads is an extremely rare occurrence in any society, Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes some Muay Thai boxers insult each other by "kicking" Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes the opponent's head with their foot (most Etienne Aigner Discount Shoes Muay Thai kicks are executed with the shin). |
