![Skor från 1700- till 1960-talet - Nordiska Museet - NMA](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/Skor_fr%C3%A5n_1700-_till_1960-talet_-_Nordiska_Museet_-_NMA.0056302.jpg)
A shoe is an item of
footwear
Footwear refers to garments worn on the feet, which typically serves the purpose of protection against adversities of the environment such as wear from ground textures and temperature. Footwear in the manner of shoes therefore primarily serves th ...
intended to protect and comfort the
human foot. They are often worn with a
sock
A sock is a piece of clothing worn on the feet and often covering the ankle or some part of the calf. Some types of shoes or boots are typically worn over socks. In ancient times, socks were made from leather or matted animal hair. In the late ...
. Shoes are also used as an item of decoration and
fashion
Fashion is a form of self-expression and autonomy at a particular period and place and in a specific context, of clothing, footwear, lifestyle, accessories, makeup, hairstyle, and body posture. The term implies a look defined by the fashion in ...
. The design of shoes has varied enormously through time and from culture to culture, with form originally being tied to function. Though the human foot can adapt to varied terrains and climate conditions, it is still vulnerable to environmental hazards such as sharp rocks and temperature extremes, which shoes protect against. Some shoes are worn as safety equipment, such as
steel-toe boots which are required footwear at industrial worksites.
Additionally,
fashion
Fashion is a form of self-expression and autonomy at a particular period and place and in a specific context, of clothing, footwear, lifestyle, accessories, makeup, hairstyle, and body posture. The term implies a look defined by the fashion in ...
has often dictated many design elements, such as whether shoes have very
high heels or flat ones. Contemporary footwear varies widely in style, complexity and cost. Basic
sandals may consist of only a thin
sole and simple strap and be sold for a low cost. High fashion shoes made by famous
designers may be made of expensive materials, use complex construction and sell for large sums of money. Some shoes are designed for specific purposes, such as
boot
A boot is a type of footwear. Most boots mainly cover the foot and the ankle, while some also cover some part of the lower calf. Some boots extend up the leg, sometimes as far as the knee or even the hip. Most boots have a heel that is cle ...
s designed specifically for
mountaineering
Mountaineering or alpinism, is a set of outdoor activities that involves ascending tall mountains. Mountaineering-related activities include traditional outdoor climbing, skiing, and traversing via ferratas. Indoor climbing, sport climbing, a ...
or
skiing, while others have more generalized usage such as
sneakers
Sneakers (also called trainers, athletic shoes, tennis shoes, gym shoes, kicks, sport shoes, flats, running shoes, or runners) are shoes primarily designed for sports or other forms of physical exercise, but which are now also widely used fo ...
which have transformed from a special purpose sport shoe into a general use shoe.
Traditionally, shoes have been made from
leather,
wood or
canvas
Canvas is an extremely durable plain-woven fabric used for making sails, tents, marquees, backpacks, shelters, as a support for oil painting and for other items for which sturdiness is required, as well as in such fashion objects as handbags ...
, but are increasingly being made from
rubber,
plastics, and other
petrochemical-derived materials.
Globally, the shoe industry is a $200 billion a year industry.
90% of shoes end up in land-fills, because the materials are hard to separate, recycle or otherwise reuse.
History
Antiquity
Americas
![Romanwallinscotl00macduoft raw 0263](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/21/Romanwallinscotl00macduoft_raw_0263.png)
The earliest known shoes are sagebrush bark
sandals
dating from approximately 7000 or 8000 BC, found in the
Fort Rock Cave
Fort Rock Cave was the site of the earliest evidence of human habitation in the US state of Oregon before the excavation of Paisley Caves. Fort Rock Cave featured numerous well-preserved sagebrush sandals, ranging from 9,000 to 13,000 years old. ...
in the
US state of
Oregon in 1938.
The world's
oldest leather shoe, made from a single piece of cowhide laced with a leather cord along seams at the front and back, was found in the
Areni-1 cave complex
The Areni-1 cave complex ( hy, Արենիի քարանձավ) is a multicomponent site, and late Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age ritual site and settlement, located near the Areni village in southern Armenia along the Arpa River.
Findings
In ...
in
Armenia in 2008 and is believed to date to 3500 BC.
[ Reported in (among others) ] Ötzi the Iceman's shoes, dating to 3300 BC, featured brown bearskin bases, deerskin side panels, and a bark-string net, which pulled tight around the foot.
The
Jotunheimen shoe
The Jotunheimen shoe is a leather shoe discovered in the Jotunheimen Mountains in eastern Norway. The shoe, discovered in August 2006, was originally dated to around 1000 CE, but subsequent testing revealed it to be at least three thousand years o ...
was discovered in August 2006: archaeologists estimate that this leather shoe was made between 1800 and 1100 BC, making it the oldest article of clothing discovered in Scandinavia.
It is thought that shoes may have been used long before this, but because the materials used were highly perishable, it is difficult to find evidence of the earliest footwear.
By studying the bones of the smaller toes (as opposed to the big toe), it was observed that their thickness decreased approximately 40,000 to 26,000 years ago. This led
archaeologist
Archaeology or archeology is the scientific study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The archaeological record consists of artifacts, architecture, biofacts or ecofacts, sites, and cultural landscap ...
s to deduce that wearing shoes resulted in less bone growth, resulting in shorter, thinner toes.
These earliest designs were very simple, often mere "foot bags" of leather to protect the feet from rocks, debris, and cold.
Many early natives in North America wore a similar type of footwear, known as the
moccasin. These are tight-fitting, soft-soled shoes typically made out of leather or
bison
Bison are large bovines in the genus ''Bison'' (Greek: "wild ox" (bison)) within the tribe Bovini. Two extant and numerous extinct species are recognised.
Of the two surviving species, the American bison, ''B. bison'', found only in North Ame ...
hides. Many moccasins were also decorated with various beads and other adornments. Moccasins were not designed to be waterproof, and in wet weather and warm summer months, most
Native Americans went
barefoot.
The leaves of the
sisal plant were used to make
twine for sandals in South America while the natives of Mexico used the
Yucca plant.
Africa and Middle East
As civilizations began to develop, thong sandals (precursors to the modern
flip-flop) were worn. This practice dates back to pictures of them in
ancient Egyptian murals from 4000 BC. “Thebet” may have been the term used to describe these sandals in Egyptian times, possibly from the city
Thebes. The
Middle Kingdom is when the first of these thebets were found, but it is possible that it debuted in the
Early Dynastic Period. One pair found in Europe was made of
papyrus leaves and
dated
Date or dates may refer to:
*Date (fruit), the fruit of the date palm (''Phoenix dactylifera'')
Social activity
*Dating, a form of courtship involving social activity, with the aim of assessing a potential partner
**Group dating
*Play date, an ...
to be approximately 1,500 years old. They were also worn in
Jerusalem during the first century of the Christian era.
Thong sandals were worn by many civilizations and made from a wide variety of materials. Ancient Egyptian sandals were made from papyrus and palm leaves. The
Masai of Africa made them out of
rawhide. In India they were made from wood.
While thong sandals were commonly worn, many people in ancient times, such as the
Egyptians
Egyptians ( arz, المَصرِيُون, translit=al-Maṣriyyūn, ; arz, المَصرِيِين, translit=al-Maṣriyyīn, ; cop, ⲣⲉⲙⲛ̀ⲭⲏⲙⲓ, remenkhēmi) are an ethnic group native to the Nile, Nile Valley in Egypt. Egyptian ...
,
Hindus and
Greeks, saw little need for footwear, and most of the time, preferred being barefoot.
The Egyptians and Hindus made some use of ornamental footwear, such as a soleless sandal known as a "Cleopatra", which did not provide any practical protection for the foot.
Asia and Europe
The ancient Greeks largely viewed footwear as self-indulgent, unaesthetic and unnecessary. Shoes were primarily worn in the theater, as a means of increasing stature, and many preferred to go barefoot.
Athletes in the
Ancient Olympic Games
The ancient Olympic Games (Ὀλυμπιακοὶ ἀγῶνες; la, Olympia, neuter plural: "the Olympics") were a series of athletic competitions among representatives of city-states and were one of the Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece. ...
participated barefoot—and naked.
Even the
gods and heroes were primarily depicted barefoot, as well as the
hoplite
Hoplites ( ) ( grc, ὁπλίτης : hoplítēs) were citizen-soldiers of Ancient Greece, Ancient Greek Polis, city-states who were primarily armed with spears and shields. Hoplite soldiers used the phalanx formation to be effective in war with ...
warriors. They fought battles in bare feet and
Alexander the Great conquered his vast empire with barefoot armies. The runners of
Ancient Greece had also been believed to have run barefoot.
![6 Schoen inheemse soldaat LegioIIAugusta BlackBox endeLimes fotoAvdOord](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a1/6_Schoen_inheemse_soldaat_LegioIIAugusta_BlackBox_endeLimes_fotoAvdOord.jpg)
The
Romans, who eventually conquered the Greeks and adopted many aspects of their culture, did not adopt the Greek perception of footwear and clothing.
Roman clothing was seen as a sign of power, and footwear was seen as a necessity of living in a civilized world, although the slaves and paupers usually went barefoot.
Roman soldiers were issued with
chiral (left and right shoe different) footwear. Shoes for soldiers had riveted insoles to extend the life of the leather, increase comfortability, and provide better traction. The design of these shoes also designated the rank of the officers. The more intricate the insignia and the higher up the boot went on the leg, the higher the rank of the soldier. There are references to shoes being worn in the
Bible. In China and Japan, rice straws were used.
Starting around 4 BC, the Greeks began wearing symbolic footwear. These were heavily decorated to clearly indicate the status of the wearer. Courtesans wore leather shoes colored with white, green, lemon or yellow dyes, and young woman betrothed or newly married wore pure white shoes. Because of the cost to lighten leather, shoes of a paler shade were a symbol of wealth in the upper class. Often, the soles would be carved with a message so it would imprint on the ground. Cobblers became a notable profession around this time, with Greek shoemakers becoming famed in the Roman empire.
Middle Ages and early modern period
Asia and Europe
A common casual shoe in the
Pyrenees during the Middle Ages was the
espadrille. This is a sandal with braided jute soles and a fabric upper portion, and often includes fabric laces that tie around the ankle. The term is
French
French (french: français(e), link=no) may refer to:
* Something of, from, or related to France
** French language, which originated in France, and its various dialects and accents
** French people, a nation and ethnic group identified with Franc ...
and comes from the
esparto grass. The shoe originated in the
Catalonian region of
Spain as early as the 13th century, and was commonly worn by
peasants in the farming communities in the area.
New styles began to develop during the Song Dynasty in China, one of them being the debut of foot straps. It was first used by the noble Han classes, but soon developed throughout society. Women would use these shoes to develop their “lotus feet”, which would entice the males. The practice allegedly started during the Shang Dynasty, but it grew popular by c. AD 960.
When the
Mongols conquered China, they dissolved the practice in 1279, and the Manchus banned foot binding in 1644. The Han people, however, continued to use the style without much government intervention.
![Walraversijde49](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Walraversijde49.jpg)
In medieval times shoes could be up to two feet long, with their toes sometimes filled with hair, wool, moss, or grass. Many medieval shoes were made using the
turnshoe
A turnshoe is a type of leather shoe that was used during the Middle Ages. It was so named because it was put together inside out, and then was turned right-side-out once finished: this hides the main seam between the sole and vamp—prolongin ...
method of construction, in which the upper was turned flesh side out, and was lasted onto the sole and joined to the edge by a seam. The shoe was then turned inside-out so that the grain was outside. Some shoes were developed with toggled flaps or
drawstrings to tighten the leather around the foot for a better fit. Surviving medieval turnshoes often fit the foot closely, with the right and left shoe being mirror images. Around 1500, the turnshoe method was largely replaced by the welted rand method (where the uppers are sewn to a much stiffer sole and the shoe cannot be turned inside-out).
The turn shoe method is still used for some
dance
Dance is a performing art form consisting of sequences of movement, either improvised or purposefully selected. This movement has aesthetic and often symbolic value. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoir ...
and specialty shoes.
By the 15th century,
pattens became popular by both men and women in
Europe. These are commonly seen as the predecessor of the modern
high-heeled shoe,
while the poor and lower classes in Europe, as well as slaves in the New World, were barefoot.
In the 15th century, the
Crakow was
fashionable
Fashion is a form of self-expression and autonomy at a particular period and place and in a specific context, of clothing, footwear, lifestyle, accessories, makeup, hairstyle, and body posture. The term implies a look defined by the fashion ind ...
in
Europe. This style of shoe is named because it is thought to have originated in
Kraków, the capital of
Poland. The style is characterized by the point of the shoe, known as the "polaine", which often was supported by a
whalebone
Baleen is a filter-feeding system inside the mouths of baleen whales. To use baleen, the whale first opens its mouth underwater to take in water. The whale then pushes the water out, and animals such as krill are filtered by the baleen and re ...
tied to the knee to prevent the point getting in the way while walking.
Also during the 15th century,
chopine
A chopine is a type of women's platform shoe that was popular in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Chopines were originally used as a patten, clog, or overshoe to protect the shoes and dress from mud and street soil.
Chopines were popular ...
s were created in
Turkey, and were usually high. These shoes became popular in
Venice
Venice ( ; it, Venezia ; vec, Venesia or ) is a city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the Veneto Regions of Italy, region. It is built on a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by over 400 ...
and throughout Europe, as a
status symbol
A status symbol is a visible, external symbol of one's social position, an indicator of economic or social status. Many luxury goods are often considered status symbols. ''Status symbol'' is also a sociological term – as part of social and soci ...
revealing wealth and social standing. During the 16th century, royalty, such as
Catherine de Medici or
Mary I of England
Mary I (18 February 1516 – 17 November 1558), also known as Mary Tudor, and as "Bloody Mary" by her Protestant opponents, was Queen of England and Ireland from July 1553 and Queen of Spain from January 1556 until her death in 1558. Sh ...
, started wearing high-heeled shoes to make them look taller or larger than life. By 1580, even men wore them, and a person with authority or wealth was often referred to as, "well-heeled".
In 17th century France, heels were exclusively worn by aristocrats.
Louis XIV of France outlawed anybody from wearing red high heels except for himself and his royal court.
Eventually the modern shoe, with a sewn-on sole, was devised. Since the 17th century, most leather shoes have used a sewn-on sole. This remains the standard for finer-quality dress shoes today. Until around 1800, welted rand shoes were commonly made without differentiation for the left or right foot. Such shoes are now referred to as "straights".
Only gradually did the modern foot-specific shoe become standard.
Industrial era
Asia and Europe
![Shoemaker 1821](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Shoemaker_1821.jpg)
Shoemaking became more commercialized in the mid-18th century, as it expanded as a
cottage industry
The putting-out system is a means of subcontracting work. Historically, it was also known as the workshop system and the domestic system. In putting-out, work is contracted by a central agent to subcontractors who complete the project via remote ...
. Large
warehouses began to stock footwear, made by many small manufacturers from the area.
Until the 19th century, shoemaking was a traditional handicraft, but by the century's end, the process had been almost completely mechanized, with production occurring in large factories. Despite the obvious economic gains of
mass production
Mass production, also known as flow production or continuous production, is the production of substantial amounts of standardized products in a constant flow, including and especially on assembly lines. Together with job production and batch ...
, the factory system produced shoes without the individual differentiation that the traditional shoemaker was able to provide.
The 19th century was when Chinese feminists called for an end to the use of foot straps and a ban in 1902 was created. The ban was soon repealed until it was banned again in 1911 by the new Nationalist government. It was effective in coastal cities, but countryside cities continued without much regulation. Mao Zedong enforced the rule in 1949 and it continues throughout contemporary times. A number of people still have lotus feet today.
The first steps towards mechanisation were taken during the
Napoleonic Wars by the engineer,
Marc Brunel. He developed machinery for the mass production of boots for the soldiers of the
British Army. In 1812, he devised a scheme for making nailed-boot-making machinery that automatically fastened soles to uppers by means of metallic pins or nails.
With the support of the
Duke of York
Duke of York is a title of nobility in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. Since the 15th century, it has, when granted, usually been given to the second son of English (later British) monarchs. The equivalent title in the Scottish peerage was Du ...
, the shoes were manufactured, and, due to their strength, cheapness, and durability, were introduced for the use of the army. In the same year, the use of screws and staples was patented by
Richard Woodman. Brunel's system was described by
Sir Richard Phillips as a visitor to his factory in
Battersea
Battersea is a large district in south London, part of the London Borough of Wandsworth, England. It is centred southwest of Charing Cross and extends along the south bank of the River Thames. It includes the Battersea Park.
History
Batter ...
as follows:
In another building I was shown his manufactory of shoes, which, like the other, is full of ingenuity, and, in regard to subdivision of labour, brings this fabric on a level with the oft-admired manufactory of pins. Every step in it is affected by the most elegant and precise machinery; while, as each operation is performed by one hand, so each shoe passes through twenty-five hands, who complete from the hide, as supplied by the currier, a hundred pairs of strong and well-finished shoes per day. All the details are performed by the ingenious application of the mechanic powers; and all the parts are characterised by precision, uniformity, and accuracy. As each man performs but one step in the process, which implies no knowledge of what is done by those who go before or follow him, so the persons employed are not shoemakers, but wounded soldiers, who are able to learn their respective duties in a few hours. The contract at which these shoes are delivered to Government is 6s. 6d. per pair, being at least 2s. less than what was paid previously for an unequal and cobbled article.
However, when the war ended in 1815,
manual labour became much cheaper, and the demand for military equipment subsided. As a consequence, Brunel's system was no longer profitable and it soon ceased business.
Americas
Similar exigencies at the time of the
Crimean War stimulated a renewed interest in methods of mechanization and mass-production, which proved longer lasting.
A shoemaker in
Leicester
Leicester ( ) is a city status in the United Kingdom, city, Unitary authorities of England, unitary authority and the county town of Leicestershire in the East Midlands of England. It is the largest settlement in the East Midlands.
The city l ...
, Tomas Crick, patented the design for a riveting machine in 1853. His machine used an iron plate to push iron rivets into the sole. The process greatly increased the speed and efficiency of production. He also introduced the use of
steam-power
A steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid. The steam engine uses the force produced by steam pressure to push a piston back and forth inside a Cylinder (locomotive), cylinder. This pus ...
ed
rolling-machines for hardening leather and cutting-machines, in the mid-1850s.
![Attila Elina Linkopuu (16556987222)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Attila_Elina_Linkopuu_%2816556987222%29.jpg)
The sewing machine was introduced in 1846, and provided an alternative method for the mechanization of shoemaking. By the late 1850s, the industry was beginning to shift towards the modern factory, mainly in the US and areas of England. A shoe-stitching machine was invented by the American Lyman Blake in 1856 and perfected by 1864. Entering into a partnership with McKay, his device became known as the McKay stitching machine and was quickly adopted by manufacturers throughout
New England. As bottlenecks opened up in the production line due to these innovations, more and more of the manufacturing stages, such as pegging and finishing, became automated. By the 1890s, the process of mechanisation was largely complete.
On January 24, 1899, Humphrey O'Sullivan of
Lowell, Massachusetts, was awarded a
patent for a rubber heel for boots and shoes.
Globalization
A process for manufacturing stitchless, that is, glued, shoes—
AGO—was developed in 1910. Since the mid-20th century, advances in rubber, plastics, synthetic cloth, and industrial adhesives have allowed manufacturers to create shoes that stray considerably from traditional crafting techniques. Leather, which had been the primary material in earlier styles, has remained standard in expensive dress shoes, but athletic shoes often have little or no real leather. Soles, which were once laboriously hand-stitched on, are now more often machine stitched or simply glued on. Many of these newer materials, such as rubber and plastics, have made shoes less biodegradable. It is estimated that most mass-produced shoes require 1000 years to degrade in a
landfill
A landfill site, also known as a tip, dump, rubbish dump, garbage dump, or dumping ground, is a site for the disposal of waste materials. Landfill is the oldest and most common form of waste disposal, although the systematic burial of the waste ...
.
In the late 2000s, some shoemakers picked up on the issue and began to produce shoes made entirely from
degradable materials, such as the Nike Considered.
In 2007, the global shoe industry had an overall market of
$107.4 billion, in terms of
revenue, and is expected to grow to $122.9 billion by the end of 2012. Shoe manufacturers in the
People's Republic of China account for 63% of production, 40.5% of global exports and 55% of industry revenue. However, many manufacturers in
Europe dominate the higher-priced, higher value-added end of the market.
Culture and folklore
![Children's shoes at school in Ladakh](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Children%27s_shoes_at_school_in_Ladakh.jpg)
As an integral part of human culture and civilization, shoes have found their way into our culture, folklore, and art. A popular 18th-century
nursery rhyme
A nursery rhyme is a traditional poem or song for children in Britain and many other countries, but usage of the term dates only from the late 18th/early 19th century. The term Mother Goose rhymes is interchangeable with nursery rhymes.
From t ...
is ''
There was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe''. This story tells about an old woman living in a shoe with a lot of children. In 1948,
Mahlon Haines
Mahlon Nathaniel Haines (March 5, 1875 – October 31, 1962) was a well-known businessman and philanthropist in York, Pennsylvania. Haines arrived in York in 1905 where he became very successful at selling shoes. Referred to as the "Shoe Wiz ...
, a shoe salesman in
Hallam, Pennsylvania, built an actual house shaped like a
work boot as a form of advertisement. The
Haines Shoe House
The Haines Shoe House is a shoe-shaped house in Hellam Township, Pennsylvania, about two miles west of the borough of Hallam, on Shoe House Road near the Lincoln Highway. The house is high, wide, and long, and is visible from US Route 30.
Bu ...
was rented to newlyweds and the elderly until his death in 1962. Since then, it has served as an
ice cream parlor, a
bed and breakfast, and a
museum. It still stands today and is a popular roadside attraction.
Shoes also play an important role in the
fairy tales
A fairy tale (alternative names include fairytale, fairy story, magic tale, or wonder tale) is a short story that belongs to the folklore genre. Such stories typically feature magic, enchantments, and mythical or fanciful beings. In most cult ...
''
Cinderella'' and ''
The Red Shoes''. In the
movie adaption of the
children's book ''
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'', a pair of red ruby slippers play a key role in the plot. The 1985 comedy ''
The Man with One Red Shoe'' features an eccentric man wearing one normal business shoe and one red shoe that becomes central to the plot.
One poem, written by Phebus Etienne with the title “Shoes”, focuses on them. It describes religious messages and is 3 stanzas long. The first stanza is one line, whereas the second is 13 lines and the third being 14 lines. Throughout the poem the main character talks about their dead mother and their routine with her grave. Haitians are said to "not put shoes on the dead." as it makes spirits easier to “step over the offerings”.
Athletic sneaker collection has also existed as a part of urban subculture in the United States for several decades.
Recent decades have seen this trend spread to European nations such as the
Czech Republic.
A
Sneakerhead
Sneaker collecting is the acquisition and trading of sneakers as a hobby. It is often manifested by the use and collection of shoes made for particular sports, particularly basketball and skateboarding. A person involved in sneaker collecting is ...
is a person who owns multiple pairs of shoes as a form of collection and fashion. A contributor to the growth of sneaker collecting is the continued worldwide popularity of the
Air Jordan line of sneakers designed by
Nike for
Basketball star
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17, 1963), also known by his initials MJ, is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. His biography on the official NBA website states: "By acclamation, Michael Jordan is the g ...
.
In the
Bible's
Old Testament
The Old Testament (often abbreviated OT) is the first division of the Christian biblical canon, which is based primarily upon the 24 books of the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh, a collection of ancient religious Hebrew writings by the Israelites. The ...
, the shoe is used to symbolize something that is worthless or of little value. In the
New Testament, the act of removing one's shoes symbolizes servitude.
Ancient Semitic-speaking peoples
Ancient Semitic-speaking peoples or Proto-Semitic people were people who lived throughout the ancient Near East, including the Levant, Mesopotamia, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Horn of Africa from the 3rd millennium BC until the end of antiquit ...
regarded the act of removing their shoes as a mark of reverence when approaching a sacred person or place.
[, pages=273–274] In the
Book of Exodus,
Moses
Moses hbo, מֹשֶׁה, Mōše; also known as Moshe or Moshe Rabbeinu (Mishnaic Hebrew: מֹשֶׁה רַבֵּינוּ, ); syr, ܡܘܫܐ, Mūše; ar, موسى, Mūsā; grc, Mωϋσῆς, Mōÿsēs () is considered the most important pro ...
was instructed to remove his shoes before approaching the burning bush:
![Salted Lake (Salt Crystal Shoes on a Frozen Lake)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/Salted_Lake_%28Salt_Crystal_Shoes_on_a_Frozen_Lake%29.jpg)
The removal of the shoe also symbolizes the act of giving up a legal right. In
Hebrew custom, if a man chose not to
marry his childless brother's widow, the widow removed her brother-in-law's shoe to symbolize that he had abandoned his duty. In
Arab custom, the removal of one's shoe also symbolized the dissolution of marriage.
In
Arab culture, showing the sole of one's shoe is considered an insult, and to
throw a shoe and hit someone with it is considered an even greater insult. Shoes are considered to be dirty as they frequently touch the ground, and are associated with the lowest part of the body—the
foot
The foot ( : feet) is an anatomical structure found in many vertebrates. It is the terminal portion of a limb which bears weight and allows locomotion. In many animals with feet, the foot is a separate organ at the terminal part of the leg made ...
. As such, shoes are forbidden in
mosques, and it is also considered unmannerly to cross the legs and display the soles of one's shoes during conversation. This insult was demonstrated in Iraq, first when
Saddam Hussein's statue was toppled in 2003, Iraqis gathered around it and struck the statue with their shoes.
In 2008, United States President
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is an American politician who served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A member of the Republican Party, Bush family, and son of the 41st president George H. W. Bush, he ...
had a shoe thrown at him by a journalist as a statement against the war in Iraq.
More generally,
shoe-throwing or shoeing, showing the sole of one's shoe or using shoes to
insult
An insult is an expression or statement (or sometimes behavior) which is disrespectful or scornful. Insults may be intentional or accidental. An insult may be factual, but at the same time pejorative, such as the word "inbred".
Jocular exc ...
are forms of protest in many parts of the world. Incidents where shoes were thrown at political figures have taken place in Australia, India, Ireland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and most notably the
Arab world.
[Arab culture: the insult of the shoe]
, '' The Telegraph'', 15 December 2008.[Bush shoe-ing worst Arab insult]
, BBC, 16 December 2008.
Empty shoes may also symbolize death. In
Greek culture, empty shoes are the equivalent of the American funeral wreath. For example, empty shoes placed outside of a Greek home would tell others that the family's son has died in battle.
At an observation memorializing the 10th anniversary of the
September 11 attacks, 3,000 pairs of empty shoes were used to recognize those killed.
The
Shoes on the Danube Bank
The Shoes on the Danube Bank () is a memorial erected on 16 April 2005, in Budapest, Hungary. Conceived by film director Can Togay, he created it on the east bank of the Danube River with sculptor to honour the Jews who were massacred by fascis ...
is a memorial in
Budapest,
Hungary. Conceived by film director
Can Togay, he created it on the east bank of the
Danube River with sculptor
Gyula Pauer Gyula may refer to:
* Gyula (title), Hungarian title of the 9th–10th century
* Gyula (name), Hungarian male given name, derived from the title
; People
* Gyula II, the ''gyula'' who was baptized in Constantinople around 950
* Gyula III, the ''g ...
to honor the Jews who were killed by fascist
Arrow Cross
A cross whose arms end in arrowheads is called a "cross barby" or "cross barbée" in the traditional terminology of heraldry. In Christian use, the ends of this cross resemble the barbs of fish hooks, or fish spears. This alludes to the Ichth ...
militiamen in Budapest during
World War II. They were ordered to take off their shoes and were shot at the edge of the water so that their bodies fell into the river and were carried away. The memorial represents their shoes left behind on the bank.
Construction
The basic anatomy of a shoe is recognizable, regardless of the specific style of footwear.
All shoes have a , which is the bottom of a shoe, in contact with the ground. Soles can be made from a variety of materials, although most modern shoes have soles made from
natural rubber,
polyurethane, or
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds.
Soles can be simple—a single material in a single layer—or they can be complex, with multiple structures or layers and materials. When various layers are used, soles may consist of an insole, midsole, and an outsole.
The is the interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot under the footbed (also known as sock liner). The purpose of the insole is to attach to the lasting margin of the upper, which is wrapped around the
last during the closing of the shoe during the lasting operation. Insoles are usually made of cellulosic paper board or synthetic non woven insole board. Many shoes have removable and replaceable footbeds. Extra cushioning is often added for comfort (to control the shape, moisture, or smell of the shoe) or health reasons (to help deal with differences in the natural shape of the foot or positioning of the foot during standing or walking).
The is the layer in direct contact with the ground. Dress shoes often have leather or resin rubber outsoles; casual or work-oriented shoes have outsoles made of natural rubber or a synthetic material like polyurethane. The outsole may comprise a single piece or may be an assembly of separate pieces, often of different materials. On some shoes, the heel of the sole has a rubber plate for durability and traction, while the front is leather for style. Specialized shoes will often have modifications on this design: athletic or so-called cleated shoes like soccer, rugby, baseball and golf shoes have spikes embedded in the outsole to improve traction.
The is the layer in between the outsole and the insole, typically there for shock absorption. Some types of shoes, like running shoes, have additional material for
shock absorption
A shock absorber or damper is a mechanical or hydraulic device designed to absorb and damp shock impulses. It does this by converting the kinetic energy of the shock into another form of energy (typically heat) which is then dissipated. Most sh ...
, usually beneath the heel of the foot, where one puts the most pressure down. Some shoes may not have a midsole at all.
The
heel
The heel is the prominence at the posterior end of the foot. It is based on the projection of one bone, the calcaneus or heel bone, behind the articulation of the bones of the lower Human leg, leg.
Structure
To distribute the compressive for ...
is the bottom rear part of a shoe. 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 part can be high for fashion or to make the person look taller, or flat for more practical and comfortable use.
On some shoes the inner forward point of the heel is chiselled off, a feature known as a "gentleman's corner". This piece of design is intended to alleviate the problem of the points catching the bottom of trousers and was first observed in the 1930s. A heel is the projection at the back of a shoe which rests below the
heel bone. The shoe heel is used to improve the balance of the shoe, increase the height of the wearer, alter posture or other decorative purposes. Sometimes raised, the
high heel
High-heeled shoes, also known as high heels, are a type of shoe with an angled sole. The heel in such shoes is raised above the ball of the foot. High heels cause the legs to appear longer, make the wearer appear taller, and accentuate the ...
is common to a form of shoe often worn by women, but sometimes by men too. See also
stiletto heel.
The 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, trainers and most men's shoes, will have a more complex upper. This part is often decorated or is made in a certain style to look attractive. The upper is connected to the sole by a strip of leather, rubber, or plastic that is stitched between it and the sole, known as a
welt
Welt, welts or variants may refer to:
Media
* ''Die Welt'' (''The World''), a German national newspaper
** ''Welt am Sonntag'' (''World on Sunday''), the Sunday edition of ''Die Welt''
* ''Die Welt'', former weekly newspaper in Vienna, Austria
* ...
.
Most uppers have a mechanism, such as laces, straps with buckles, zippers, elastic, velcro straps, buttons, or snaps, for tightening the upper on the foot. Uppers with laces usually have a tongue that helps seal the laced opening and protect the foot from abrasion by the laces. Uppers with laces also have eyelets or hooks to make it easier to tighten and loosen the laces and to prevent the lace from tearing through the upper material. An
aglet
An aglet ( ) or aiglet is a small sheath, often made of plastic or metal, attached at each end of a shoelace, a cord, or a drawstring. An aglet keeps the fibers of the lace or cord from unraveling; its firmness and narrow profile make it easier ...
is the protective wrapping on the end of the lace.
The is the front part of the shoe, starting behind the toe, extending around the eyelets and tongue and towards back part of the shoe.
The is the part of the shoe closest to a person's center of symmetry, and the lateral is on the opposite side, away from their center of symmetry. This can be in reference to either the outsole or the vamp. Most shoes have
shoelaces on the upper, connecting the medial and lateral parts after one puts their shoes on and aiding in keeping their shoes on their feet. In 1968,
Puma SE introduced the first pair of sneakers with
Velcro straps in lieu of shoelaces, and these became popular by the 1980s, especially among children and the elderly.
The is the part that covers and protects the toes. People with toe deformities, or individuals who experience toe swelling (such as
long-distance runners
Long-distance running, or endurance running, is a form of continuous running over distances of at least . Physiologically, it is largely aerobic in nature and requires stamina as well as mental strength.
Within endurance running comes two d ...
) usually require a larger toe box.
File:Shoe diagram.svg, Diagram of a typical dress shoe. Note that the area labeled as the "Lace guard" is sometimes considered part of the quarter and sometimes part of the vamp.
File:Rhof-schuhmacher.ogv, A shoemaker making turnshoes at the Roscheider Hof Open Air Museum
The Roscheider Hof Open Air Museum is the open-air museum and Folklore Museum of the Greater SaarLorLux Region. The museum is situated in Konz, Germany, on the Saar and Mosel rivers, 8 km west of Trier and 30 km east of Luxembourg. It i ...
. English subtitles.
File:Shoe-parts-en.svg, Cutaway view of a typical shoe.
Types
There are a wide variety of different types of shoes. Most types of shoes are designed for specific activities. For example,
boot
A boot is a type of footwear. Most boots mainly cover the foot and the ankle, while some also cover some part of the lower calf. Some boots extend up the leg, sometimes as far as the knee or even the hip. Most boots have a heel that is cle ...
s are typically designed for work or heavy outdoor use.
Athletic shoes are designed for particular sports such as running, walking, or other sports. Some shoes are designed to be worn at more
formal
Formal, formality, informal or informality imply the complying with, or not complying with, some set of requirements (forms, in Ancient Greek). They may refer to:
Dress code and events
* Formal wear, attire for formal events
* Semi-formal attire ...
occasions, and others are designed for casual wear. There are also a wide variety of shoes designed for different types of dancing. Orthopedic shoes are special types of footwear designed for individuals with particular foot problems or special needs. Clinicians evaluate patient’s footwear as a part of their clinical examination. However, it is often based on each individual’s needs, with attention to the choice of footwear worn and if the shoe is adequate for the purpose of completing their activities of daily living. Other animals, such as
dogs and
horses, may also wear special shoes to protect their feet as well.
Depending on the activity for which they are designed, some types of footwear may fit into multiple categories. For example,
Cowboy boots
Cowboy boots are a specific style of riding boot, historically worn by cowboys. They have a High-heeled footwear#Men and heels, high heel that is traditionally made of stacked leather, rounded to pointed toe, high shaft, and, traditionally, no l ...
are considered boots, but may also be worn in more formal occasions and used as
dress shoes.
Hiking boots
Hiking (walking) boots are footwear specifically designed for protecting the feet and ankles during outdoor walking activities such as hiking. They are one of the most important items of hiking gear, since their quality and durability can determ ...
incorporate many of the protective features of boots, but also provide the extra flexibility and comfort of many
athletic shoes.
Flip-flops are considered casual footwear, but have also been worn in formal occasions, such as visits to the
White House.
Athletic
Athletic shoes are specifically designed to be worn for participating in various sports. Since
friction between the foot and the ground is an important force in most sports, modern athletic shoes are designed to maximize this force, and materials, such as
rubber, are used. Participants in sports in which sliding is desirable, such as
dancing or
bowling, wear shoes with lower coefficients of friction.
The earliest athletic shoes, dating to the mid-19th century, were
track spikes—
leather shoes with metal
cleats on the soles to provide increased friction during running. They were developed by J.W. Foster & Sons, which later become known as
Reebok. By the end of the 19th century,
Spalding also manufactured these shoes as well.
Adidas
Adidas AG (; stylized as adidas since 1949) is a German multinational corporation, founded and headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, that designs and manufactures shoes, clothing and accessories. It is the largest sportswear manufactur ...
started selling shoes with track spikes in them for
running and
soccer
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a team sport played between two teams of 11 players who primarily use their feet to propel the ball around a rectangular field called a pitch. The objective of the game is ...
in 1925. Spikes were eventually added to shoes for
baseball and
American football in the 20th century.
Golfers also use shoes with small metal spikes on their soles to prevent slipping during their swing.
The earliest rubber-soled athletic shoes date back to 1876 in the United Kingdom, when the New Liverpool Rubber Company made
plimsolls, or sandshoes, designed for the sport of
croquet. Similar rubber-soled shoes were made in 1892 in the United States by Humphrey O'Sullivan, based on
Charles Goodyear's technology. The
United States Rubber Company was founded the same year and produced rubber-soled and heeled shoes under a variety of brand names, which were later consolidated in 1916 under the name,
Keds. These shoes became known as, "sneakers", because the rubber sole allowed the wearer to sneak up on another person. In 1964, the founding of
Nike by
Phil Knight and
Bill Bowerman
William Jay Bowerman (February 19, 1911 – December 24, 1999) was an American track and field coach and co-founder of Nike, Inc. Over his career, he trained 31 Olympic athletes, 51 All-Americans, 12 American record-holders, 22 NCAA champio ...
of the
University of Oregon introduced many new improvements common in modern running shoes, such as rubber waffle soles, breathable
nylon uppers, and cushioning in the mid-sole and heel. During the 1970s, the expertise of
podiatrists also became important in athletic shoe design, to implement new design features based on how feet reacted to specific actions, such as running, jumping, or side-to-side movement. Athletic shoes for women were also designed for their specific physiological differences.
![A classic Black pair of Converse All Stars resting on the Black & White Ed](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a8/A_classic_Black_pair_of_Converse_All_Stars_resting_on_the_Black_%26_White_Ed._Shoebox_%281998-2002%29.JPG)
Shoes specific to the sport of
basketball were developed by
Chuck Taylor, and are popularly known as
Chuck Taylor All-Stars. These shoes, first sold in 1917, are double-layer
canvas
Canvas is an extremely durable plain-woven fabric used for making sails, tents, marquees, backpacks, shelters, as a support for oil painting and for other items for which sturdiness is required, as well as in such fashion objects as handbags ...
shoes with rubber soles and toe caps, and a high heel (known as a "high top") for added support. In 1969, Taylor was inducted into the
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an American history museum and hall of fame, located at 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts. It serves as basketball's most complete library, in addition to promoting and pres ...
in recognition of this development, and in the 1970s, other shoe manufacturers, such as Nike, Adidas, Reebok, and others began imitating this style of athletic shoe.
In April 1985, Nike introduced its own brand of basketball shoe which would become popular in its own right, the
Air Jordan, named after the then-rookie
Chicago Bulls basketball player,
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17, 1963), also known by his initials MJ, is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. His biography on the official NBA website states: "By acclamation, Michael Jordan is the g ...
. The Air Jordan line of shoes sold $100 million in their first year.
As
barefoot running
Barefoot running, also called "natural running", is the act of running without footwear. With the advent of modern footwear, running barefoot has become less common in most parts of the world but is still practiced in parts of Africa and Latin A ...
became popular by the late 20th and early 21st century, many modern shoe manufacturers have recently designed footwear that mimic this experience, maintaining optimum flexibility and natural walking while also providing some degree of protection. Termed as
Minimalist shoe
Minimalist shoes are shoes intended to closely approximate barefoot running or walking conditions in comparison to traditional shoes. Minimalist shoes are defined as providing "minimal interference with the natural movement of the foot, because of ...
s, their purpose is to allow one's feet and legs to feel more subtly the impacts and forces involved in running, allowing finer adjustments in running style.
Some of these shoes include the
Vibram FiveFingers
The Vibram FiveFingers are a type of minimalist shoe manufactured by Vibram, originally marketed as a more natural alternative for outdoor activities (sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and as a camp or after-hike shoe). The footwear is meant to replica ...
,
Nike Free
Nike Free is a minimalist running shoe. It was introduced in 2005 after Nike representatives observed Nike sponsored track athletes training barefoot.
Overview
The numbering system indicates the cushioning of the shoe and follows a scale ranging ...
,
and
Saucony's Kinvara and Hattori.
Mexican
huaraches are also very simple running shoes, similar to the shoes worn by the
Tarahumara people of northern Mexico, who are known for their distance running abilities.
Wrestling shoes
Wrestling shoes are active wear used in competition and practice for the sport of wrestling. Generally light and flexible, they try to mimic the bare foot, while providing slightly more traction and ankle support and less chance of contracting a ...
are also very light and flexible shoes that are designed to mimic bare feet while providing additional traction and protection.
Many athletic shoes are designed with specific features for specific activities. One of these includes
roller skates
Roller skates, are shoes or bindings that fit onto shoes that are worn to enable the wearer to roll along on wheels. The first roller skate was an inline skate design, effectively an ice skate with wheels replacing the blade. Later the "quad ska ...
, which have metal or plastic wheels on the bottom specific for the sport of roller skating. Similarly,
ice skates have a metal blade attached to the bottom for locomotion across
ice.
Skate shoes
Skate or Skates may refer to: Fish
*Skate (fish), several genera of fish belonging to the family Rajidae
* Pygmy skates, several genera of fish belonging to the family Gurgesiellidae
* Smooth skates or leg skates, several genera of fish belongin ...
have also been designed to provide a comfortable, flexible and durable shoe for the sport of
skateboarding
Skateboarding is an extreme sport, action sport originating in the United States that involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard, as well as a recreational activity, an art form, an entertainment industry Profession, job, and a ...
.
Climbing shoe
A climbing shoe is a specialized type of footwear designed for rock climbing. Typical climbing shoes have a close fit, little if any padding, and a smooth, sticky rubber sole with an extended rubber . Unsuited to walking and hiking, climbing s ...
s are rubber-soled, tight-fitting shoes designed to fit in the small cracks and crevices for
rock climbing
Rock climbing is a sport in which participants climb up, across, or down natural rock formations. The goal is to reach the summit of a formation or the endpoint of a usually pre-defined route without falling. Rock climbing is a physically and ...
.
Cycling shoes are similarly designed with rubber soles and a tight fit, but also are equipped with a metal or plastic cleat to interface with
clipless pedals
The pedal is the part of a bicycle that the rider pushes with their foot to propel the vehicle. It provides the connection between the cyclist's foot or shoe and the crank allowing the leg to turn the bottom bracket spindle and propel the bicycl ...
, as well as a stiff sole to maximize power transfer and support the foot.
Some shoes are made specifically to improve a person's ability to
weight train. Sneakers that are a mix between an activity-centered and a more standard design have also been produced: examples include
roller shoe
Roller shoes are shoes that have wheels protruding slightly from the heel, allowing the wearer to alternate between walking and rolling.
There are a number of tricks that can be done with them, including pop wheelies and spins.
These shoes comm ...
s, which feature wheels that can be used to roll on hard ground, and
Soap shoes
Soap was the brand name of shoes made for grinding, similar to aggressive inline skating. They were introduced by Chris Morris of Artemis Innovations Inc. with the brand name "Soap" in 1997. They have a plastic concavity in the sole, which allow ...
, which feature a hard plastic sole that can be used for
grinding.
Boot
![S3 safety footwear](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/S3_safety_footwear.jpg)
A boot is a special type of shoe which covers the
foot
The foot ( : feet) is an anatomical structure found in many vertebrates. It is the terminal portion of a limb which bears weight and allows locomotion. In many animals with feet, the foot is a separate organ at the terminal part of the leg made ...
and the
ankle and extends up the
leg, sometimes as far as the
knee
In humans and other primates, the knee joins the thigh with the leg and consists of two joints: one between the femur and tibia (tibiofemoral joint), and one between the femur and patella (patellofemoral joint). It is the largest joint in the hu ...
or even the
hip
In vertebrate anatomy, hip (or "coxa"Latin ''coxa'' was used by Celsus in the sense "hip", but by Pliny the Elder in the sense "hip bone" (Diab, p 77) in medical terminology) refers to either an anatomical region or a joint.
The hip region is ...
. Most boots have a
heel
The heel is the prominence at the posterior end of the foot. It is based on the projection of one bone, the calcaneus or heel bone, behind the articulation of the bones of the lower Human leg, leg.
Structure
To distribute the compressive for ...
that is clearly distinguishable from the rest of the
sole, even if the two are made of one piece. They are typically made of leather or rubber, although they may be made from a variety of different materials. Boots are worn both for their functionality—protecting the foot and leg from water, snow, mud or hazards or providing additional ankle support for strenuous activities—as well as for reasons of style and
fashion
Fashion is a form of self-expression and autonomy at a particular period and place and in a specific context, of clothing, footwear, lifestyle, accessories, makeup, hairstyle, and body posture. The term implies a look defined by the fashion in ...
.
Cowboy boots
Cowboy boots are a specific style of riding boot, historically worn by cowboys. They have a High-heeled footwear#Men and heels, high heel that is traditionally made of stacked leather, rounded to pointed toe, high shaft, and, traditionally, no l ...
are a specific style of
riding boots that combine function with fashion. They became popular among
cowboy
A cowboy is an animal herder who tends cattle on ranches in North America, traditionally on horseback, and often performs a multitude of other ranch-related tasks. The historic American cowboy of the late 19th century arose from the '' vaquer ...
s in the
western United States during the 19th century. Traditional cowboy boots have a
Cuban heel, rounded to pointed toe, high shaft, and, traditionally, no lacing.
They are normally made from cowhide
leather but may be made from more exotic skins such as
ostrich,
anaconda, or
elephant skins.
Hiking boots
Hiking (walking) boots are footwear specifically designed for protecting the feet and ankles during outdoor walking activities such as hiking. They are one of the most important items of hiking gear, since their quality and durability can determ ...
are designed to provide extra ankle and arch support, as well as extra padding for comfort during
hiking. They are constructed to provide comfort for miles of walking over rough terrains, and protect the hiker's feet against water, mud, rocks, and other wilderness obstacles. These boots support the ankle to avoid twisting but do not restrict the ankle's movement too much. They are fairly stiff to support the foot. A properly fitted
boot
A boot is a type of footwear. Most boots mainly cover the foot and the ankle, while some also cover some part of the lower calf. Some boots extend up the leg, sometimes as far as the knee or even the hip. Most boots have a heel that is cle ...
and/or friction-reducing patches applied to troublesome areas ensures protection against
blister
A blister is a small pocket of body fluid (lymph, serum, plasma, blood, or pus) within the upper layers of the skin, usually caused by forceful rubbing (friction), burning, freezing, chemical exposure or infection. Most blisters are filled wi ...
s and other discomforts associated with long hikes on rugged terrain.
During
wet or
snowy weather,
snow boot
A snow boot is a type of boot, generally waterproof or water-resistant. The boot, in almost all cases, has a high side, keeping snow from entering the boot, and a rubber sole, to keep water out. Snowboots are used in wet, slushy, muddy, and snowy ...
s are worn to keep the foot warm and dry. They are typically made of
rubber or other
water-resistant material, have multiple layers of insulation, and a high heel to keep snow out.
Boots may also be attached to
snowshoes to increase the distribution of weight over a larger
surface area
The surface area of a solid object is a measure of the total area that the surface of the object occupies. The mathematical definition of surface area in the presence of curved surfaces is considerably more involved than the definition of arc ...
for walking in
snow.
Ski boots are a specialized snow boot which are used in
alpine
Alpine may refer to any mountainous region. It may also refer to:
Places Europe
* Alps, a European mountain range
** Alpine states, which overlap with the European range
Australia
* Alpine, New South Wales, a Northern Village
* Alpine National Pa ...
or
cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a form of skiing where skiers rely on their own locomotion to move across snow-covered terrain, rather than using ski lifts or other forms of assistance. Cross-country skiing is widely practiced as a sport and recreation ...
and designed to provide a way to attach the skier to his/her
skis using
ski bindings. The ski/boot/binding combination is used to effectively transmit control inputs from the skier's legs to the snow.
Ice skates are another specialized boot with a metal blade attached to the bottom which is used to propel the wearer across a sheet of
ice.
Inline skates are similar to ice skates but with a set of three to four wheels in lieu of the blade, which are designed to mimic ice skating on solid surfaces such as wood or concrete.
Boots are designed to withstand heavy wear to protect the wearer and provide good traction. They are generally made from sturdy leather uppers and non-leather outsoles. They may be used for
uniforms of the
police or
military, as well as for protection in industrial settings such as
mining and
construction. Protective features may include
steel-tipped toes and soles or
ankle guards.
Dress and casual
Dress shoes are characterized 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 of a series of straps, e.g. an open toe featured in women's shoes. Shoes with uppers made high to cover 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 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 the shoe on.
Men's
![Blucher (PSF)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/Blucher_%28PSF%29.jpg)
Men's shoes can be categorized by how they are closed:
*
Oxfords
An Oxford shoe is characterized by shoelace eyelets tabs that are attached under the vamp, a feature termed "closed lacing". This contrasts with Derbys, or bluchers, which have shoelace eyelets attached to the top of the vamp. Originally, Oxf ...
(also referred as "Balmorals"): the vamp has a V-shaped slit to which the laces are attached; also known as "closed lacing". The word "Oxford" is sometimes used by American clothing companies to market shoes that are not Balmorals, such as
bluchers
A blucher ( or , , ) is a style of shoe with open lacing, its vamp made of a single piece of leather ("one cut"), with shoelace eyelets tabs sewn on top.
The blucher is similar to a derby: both feature open lacing, in contrast to the Oxford shoe ...
.
*
Derby shoe
A derby ( , ; also called gibson) is a style of boot or shoe characterized by quarters, with shoelace eyelets that are sewn on top of the vamp. : the laces are tied to two pieces of leather independently attached to the vamp; also known as "open lacing" and is a step down in dressiness. If the laces are not independently attached to the vamp, the shoe is known as a
blucher shoe
A blucher ( or , , ) is a style of shoe with open lacing, its vamp made of a single piece of leather ("one cut"), with shoelace eyelets tabs sewn on top.
The blucher is similar to a derby: both feature open lacing, in contrast to the Oxford shoe ...
. This name is, in American English, often used about derbys.
*
Monk-straps: a buckle and strap instead of lacing
*
Slip-ons: There are no lacings or fastenings. The popular
loafers are part of this category, as well as less popular styles, such as elastic-sided shoes.
Men's shoes can also 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 that "caps" the toe.
*
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, but are considered slightly less formal.
Formal high-end men's shoes are manufactured by several companies around the world, amongst others in Great Britain, France, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Italy, and to a lesser extent in the United States. Notable British brands include:
Church's English Shoes (est. 1873),
John Lobb Bootmaker (est. 1849),
Edward Green Shoes
Edward Green is an English shoemaker founded in 1890. Edward Green is based in Northampton, England. The level of handwork involved in production is very high and only around 250 pairs of shoes are completed a week.
During the 1930s, Edward Gre ...
(est. 1890), and
Crockett & Jones (est. 1879). Both John Lobb and Edward Green offer
bespoke
The word ''bespoke'' () has evolved from a verb meaning 'to speak for something', to its contemporary usage as an adjective. Originally, the adjective ''bespoke'' described tailor-made suits and shoes. Later, it described anything commissioned t ...
products. In between the world wars, men's footwear received significant innovation and design, led by
cobblers and
cordwainer
A cordwainer () is a shoemaker who makes new shoes from new leather. The cordwainer's trade can be contrasted with the cobbler's trade, according to a tradition in Britain that restricted cobblers to repairing shoes. This usage distinction is ...
s in London's West End. A well-known French maker is
J.M. Weston
J.M. Weston is a French luxury shoe company founded by Édouard Blanchard in 1891 in Limoges.
Products
The company is renowned for its handmade shoes for men. They also produce a full line of leather goods ranging from belts and briefcases t ...
.
Armani of Italy was a major influence on men's shoe design in the 1960s–1980s until they returned to the larger proportions of its forebears, the welt-constructed Anglo-American dress shoe originally created in
Edwardian England
The Edwardian era or Edwardian period of British history spanned the reign of King Edward VII, 1901 to 1910 and is sometimes extended to the start of the First World War. The death of Queen Victoria in January 1901 marked the end of the Victori ...
. Another well-known Italian company is
Salvatore Ferragamo Italia S.p.A.
Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A., rebranded in September 2022 as Ferragamo, () is an Italian luxury goods company headquartered in Florence. It specializes in designing and manufacturing footwear and leather goods, which together account for over 86% o ...
Higher end companies in the United States are
Allen Edmonds
Allen Edmonds is an American upscale men's shoe company based in Port Washington, Wisconsin. The company was established in Belgium, Wisconsin, in 1922 by Elbert W. Allen as Allen-Spiegal Shoe Company. The company is one of the few companies to m ...
and
Alden Shoe Company
The Alden Shoe Company is an American shoe company founded in 1884 by Charles H. Alden in Middleborough, Massachusetts. Alden specializes in handcrafted men's leather boots and dress shoes, such as Oxfords, Blüchers, loafers, and Chukka boots. ...
. Alden, located in New England, specializes in genuine shell cordovan leather from the only remaining horse tannery in the US, in Chicago and is completely manufactured domestically, whereas Allen Edmonds of Wisconsin is a larger company that outsources some of its production.
Women's
![Red High Heel Pumps](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Red_High_Heel_Pumps.jpg)
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:
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High-heeled footwear is footwear that raises the heels, typically 2 inches (5 cm) or more above the toes, commonly worn by women for formal occasions or social outings. Variants include
kitten heels (typically –2 inches high) and
stiletto heels (with a very narrow heel post) and wedge heels (with a wedge-shaped sole rather than a heel post).
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Mules
A mule is the offspring of a female horse and a male donkey.
Mule, Mules, MULE or The Mule can also refer to:
Animals
* Mule (sheep), in British sheep farming, a cross between a meat ram and a hardy mountain ewe
* Mule deer (''Odocoileus hemio ...
are shoes or slippers with no fitting around the heel (i.e. they are backless)
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Slingbacks are shoes which are secured by a strap behind the heel, rather than over the top of the foot.
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Ballet flats, known in the UK as ballerinas, 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 may be seen as more comfortable than shoes with a higher heel.
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Court shoe
A court shoe (British English), or pump (American English), is a shoe with a low-cut front, or vamp, with either a shoe buckle or a black bow as ostensible fastening. Deriving from the 17th and 18th century dress shoes with shoe buckles, the vam ...
s, known in the United States as pumps, are typically high-heeled, slip-on dress shoes.
Unisex
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Clog
Clogs are a type of footwear made in part or completely from wood. Used in many parts of the world, their forms can vary by culture, but often remained unchanged for centuries within a culture.
Traditional clogs remain in use as protective f ...
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Platform shoe: shoe with very thick soles and heels
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Sandals: open shoes consisting of a sole and various straps, leaving much of the foot exposed to air. They are thus popular for warm-weather wear, because they let the foot be cooler than a closed-toed shoe would.
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Saddle shoe: leather shoe with a contrasting saddle-shaped band over the instep, typically white uppers with black "saddle".
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Slip-on shoe: a dress or casual shoe without shoelaces or fasteners; often with tassels, buckles, or coin-holders (penny loafers).
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Boat shoe
Boat shoes (also known as deck shoes) are typically canvas or leather with non-marking rubber soles designed for use on a boat. A siping pattern is cut into the soles to provide grip on a wet deck; the leather construction, along with the applic ...
s, also known as "deck shoes": similar to a loafer, but more casual. Laces are usually simple leather with no frills. Typically made of leather and featuring a soft white sole to avoid marring or scratching a boat deck. The first boat shoe was invented in 1935 by
Paul A. Sperry
Paul Alling Sperry (December 4, 1895 – November 7, 1982) was an American inventor, businessman, photographer, screen printer, sailor and outdoorsman. He designed the first boat shoe and founded Sperry (formerly Sperry Top-Sider), a sportswea ...
.
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Slippers: For indoor use, commonly worn with
pajamas.
Dance
A wide variety of footwear is used by dancers. The choice of dance shoe type depends on the style of
dance
Dance is a performing art form consisting of sequences of movement, either improvised or purposefully selected. This movement has aesthetic and often symbolic value. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoir ...
that is to be performed and, in many cases, the characteristics of the surface that will be danced on.
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Pointe shoes are designed for ballet dancing. These have a toe box that is stiffened with glue and a hardened sole so the dancer can stand on the tips of their toes. They are secured by elastic straps and ribbons that are tied to the dancer's ankles.
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Ballet shoes are soft, pliable shoes made of canvas or leather, with either continuous or two-part sole (also called ''split-sole''), used for ballet dancing. The sole is typically made of leather, with thicker 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 easily pointed. They are typically secured by elastics across the top of the foot.
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Ghillies are soft shoes that are used in
Irish dance,
Scottish country dance, and
highland dance
Highland dance or Highland dancing ( gd, dannsa Gàidhealach) is a style of competitive dancing developed in the Scottish Highlands in the 19th and 20th centuries, in the context of competitions at public events such as the Highland games. It ...
.
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Jazz shoe
A jazz shoe is a type of shoe worn by dancers. They were popularized in jazz dance and other styles of dance including acro dance, acrobatic rock'n'roll, and in other activities, such as aerobics. Jazz dance can be done in any type of shoe, Jazz o ...
s typically have a two-part rubberized sole (also called ''split-sole'') to provide both flexibility and traction, and a short heel. They are secured to the foot by laces or elastic inserts.
* Tango and
Flamenco shoes
A flamenco shoe is a type of shoe worn by flamenco dancers. They are typically worn by female dancers, they are called flamenco heel, often with traje de flamenca
The ''traje de flamenca'' ("flamenco outfit") or ''traje de gitana', Nancy Pered ...
are used for
tango or
flamenco dancing.
* Ballroom shoes fall into two categories: Ballroom and Latin American. Both are characterised by
suede soles. Men's ballroom shoes are typically lace-ups with one-inch heels and patent leather uppers. Ladies' ballroom shoes are typically court shoes with two-inch heels, made of fabric that can be colored to match the dancer's dress. In contrast to the low Ballroom heel, which evenly distributes weight across the foot, Latin American shoes have higher heels designed to shift weight onto the toes. Latin shoes are also more flexible than ballroom shoes. Men's Latin shoes typically have 1.5- to 2-inch high, shaped heels, while Ladies' Latin shoes have 2.5-inch to 3-inch heels. Ladies shoes are typically open-toed and strapped.
* Dance sneakers are lightweight
sneakers
Sneakers (also called trainers, athletic shoes, tennis shoes, gym shoes, kicks, sport shoes, flats, running shoes, or runners) are shoes primarily designed for sports or other forms of physical exercise, but which are now also widely used fo ...
with reinforced rubber toes that allows dancers to briefly stand on their toes. These are known by various trademarked names, such as dansneakers.
* Foot thongs are slip-on, partial foot covers that cover the ball of the dancer's foot so as to reduce friction while executing turns, thus making it easier to perform turns and also protecting the foot from skin abrasions. From a distance, flesh colored foot thongs give a dancer the appearance of having bare feet. They are known by various names depending on the manufacturer, including dance paws, foot undies, and foot paws.
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Tap shoe
Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. Two major variations on tap dance exist: rhythm (jazz) tap and Broadway tap. Broadway tap focuses on dance; it is widely perfo ...
s have metal plates mounted to the bottoms of the toe and heel. The metal plates, which are known as ''taps'', make a loud sound when struck against a hard performance surface. Tap shoes, which are used in
tap dancing, may be made from any style of shoe to which taps can be attached.
* Character shoes are leather shoes with one- to three-inch heels, usually with one or more straps across the instep to secure it to the foot. They may be soft-soled (suede) or hard-soled. They may be converted to tap shoes by attaching taps.
* Kierpce are traditional dance shoes in German, Polish, Slovakian, Lithuanian, Latvian and maybe other cultures. They are lightweight, do not have a sole, and are made with leather. Traditionally white wool
socks are worn alongside kierpces.
File:PointeShoes.jpg, Pointe shoes
A pointe shoe (, ), also called a ballet toe shoe or simply toe shoe, is a type of shoe worn by ballet dancers when performing pointe work. Pointe shoes were conceived in response to the desire for dancers to appear weightless and sylph-like an ...
File:Ballet shoes in fifth position.jpg, Ballet shoes
A ballet shoe, or ballet slipper, is a lightweight shoe designed specifically for ballet dancing. It may be made from soft leather, canvas, or satin, and has flexible, thin full or split soles. Traditionally, women wear pink shoes and men wear wh ...
File:AcroShoes.jpg, Jazz shoe
A jazz shoe is a type of shoe worn by dancers. They were popularized in jazz dance and other styles of dance including acro dance, acrobatic rock'n'roll, and in other activities, such as aerobics. Jazz dance can be done in any type of shoe, Jazz o ...
s. This style is frequently worn by acro dancers
File:Foot Thong.jpg, A ''foot thong'', viewed from the bottom
File:Ghillie.JPG, Ghillies
File:Ladies' ballroom shoes, Tango Shoes 2.jpg, Ladies' ballroom shoes
File:Mens' ballroom shoes, Eurodance CZ.jpg, Men's ballroom shoes
File:TapShoeSide.jpg, Tap shoe
Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. Two major variations on tap dance exist: rhythm (jazz) tap and Broadway tap. Broadway tap focuses on dance; it is widely perfo ...
s
File:Pastalas.jpg, Kierpce
File:Barnskor - 1980.jpg, Children's shoe from the early 80s.
Orthopedic
![Orthopedic heavy duty black leather school uniform shoes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/Orthopedic_heavy_duty_black_leather_school_uniform_shoes.jpg)
Orthopedic shoes are specially-designed footwear to relieve discomfort associated with many foot and ankle disorders, such as blisters,
bunions,
calluses and corns,
hammer toes,
plantar fasciitis, or heel spurs. Certain types of therapeutic footwear are prescribed for children with mobility issues. They may also be worn by individuals with
diabetes or people with
unequal leg length. These shoes typically have a low heel, tend to be wide with a particularly wide toe box, and have a firm heel to provide extra support. Some may also have a removable insole, or
orthotic, to provide extra arch support.
Measures and sizes
![MarikinaRiverBankShoesjf9425 30](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/MarikinaRiverBankShoesjf9425_30.JPG)
The measure of a foot for a shoe is from the heel to the longest toe. Shoe size is an alphanumerical indication of the fitting size of a shoe for a person. Often it just consists of a number indicating the length because many shoemakers only provide a standard width for economic reasons. Worldwide, several different shoe-size systems are used, differing in their units of measurement and in the position of sizes 0 and 1. Only a few systems also take the width of the feet into account. Some regions use different shoe-size systems for different types of shoes (e.g., men's, women's, children's, sport, or safety shoes).
Units for
shoe sizes vary widely around the world. European sizes are measured in ''Paris Points'', each measuring two-thirds of a centimeter. The UK and American units result in whole-number sizes spaced at one
barleycorn ( inch), with UK adult sizes starting at size 1 = . In the US, this is size 2. Men's and women's shoe sizes often have different scales. Shoe size is often measured using a
Brannock Device, which can determine both the width and length size values of the foot. A metric standard for shoe sizing, the Mondopoint system, was introduced in the 1970s by International Standard ISO 2816:1973 "Fundamental characteristics of a system of shoe sizing to be known as Mondopoint" and ISO 3355:1975 "Shoe sizes – System of length grading (for use in the Mondopoint system)". the current version of the standard is ISO 9407:2019, "Shoe sizes—Mondopoint system of sizing and marking".
[International Standard ISO 9407:2019, Shoe sizes—Mondopoint system of sizing and marking] The Mondopoint system includes measurements of both length and width of the foot.
Accessories
* Foam tap: a small foam pad placed under the ball of the foot to push the foot up and back if the shoe is too loose.
* Heel grip: used to prevent the shoe from slipping on the heel if the fit is not perfect
* Overshoes or
galoshes: a rubber covering placed over shoes for rain and snow protection.
* Shoe bag: a bag that protects shoes against damage when they are not being worn.
* Shoe brush and polishing cloth: used to apply polish to shoes.
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Shoe insert, insole or inner sole: orthopedic or regular insert of various materials for cushioning, improved fit, reduced abrasion or to keep shoe fresh and increase its durability. These include padding and inner linings. Inserts may also be used to correct foot problems.
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Shoe polish
Shoe polish (or boot polish) is a waxy paste, cream, or liquid that is used to polish, shine, and waterproof leather shoes or boots to extend the footwear's life and restore its appearance. Shoe polishes are distinguished by their textures, ...
: a waxy material spread on shoes to improve appearance and glossiness, and provide protection.
* Shoe stretcher: a tool for making a shoe longer or wider or for reducing discomfort in areas of a shoe.
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Shoe tree: placed inside the shoe when user is not wearing it, to help maintain the shoe's shape.
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Shoehorn
A shoehorn or shoe horn (sometimes called a shoespooner, shoe spoon, shoe schlipp, or shoe tongue) is a tool with a short handle that flares into a longer spoon-like head meant to be held against the inside back of a snug-fitting shoe so that a ...
: 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.
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Shoelaces: a system used to secure shoes.
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Snow shoe: a wooden or leather piece that increases the area of ground covered by the shoe.
Removal of shoes
![PLZZ REMOVE YOUR SHOES](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/PLZZ_REMOVE_YOUR_SHOES._Sign_at_entrance_to_stupa._Nubra%2C_India.jpg)
In many places in the world shoes are removed when moving from exteriors to interiors, particularly in homes and religious buildings. In many Asian countries, outdoor shoes are exchanged for indoor shoes or slippers. Some fitness centres require that shoes be exchanged for indoor shoes to prevent dirt and grime from being transferred to the equipment.
See also
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Foot binding
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List of shoe companies
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List of shoe styles
This is a list of shoe styles and designs. A shoe is an item of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot while doing various activities. Shoes are also used as an item of decoration. The design of shoes has varied enormously throu ...
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Locomotor effects of shoes
Locomotor effects of shoes are the way in which the physical characteristics or components of shoes influence the locomotion neuromechanics of a person. Depending on the characteristics of the shoes, the effects are various, ranging from alterat ...
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Runner's toe
A subungual hematoma is a collection of blood ( hematoma) underneath a toenail or fingernail. It can be extremely painful for an injury of its size, although otherwise it is not a serious medical condition.
Nature
A laceration of the nail bed ...
, injury from malfitting shoes
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Shoe dryer
A shoe dryer or boot dryer is a machine used for drying shoes, and usually functions by blowing air on the inside of the shoes. The airflow causes the shoes to dry faster. The air can be heated for even faster drying, and these are the most common ...
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Shoe rack
A shoe rack is a furniture which is often found by the door mat in the entryway of houses, and serves a function to keep shoes organized. Often it is placed near a hat shelf, a hatstand, wardrobe rail, or hook rack where clothes for outdoor use ...
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Shoe tossing
Shoe-tossing, also known as shoefiti, is the act of using footwear as a projectile in a number of folklore, folk sports and cultural practices. Shoe-tossing entails throwing a pair of laced shoes onto raised wires, such as telephone wires and pow ...
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Trousers
References
Bibliography
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* Doe, Tamasin (1998), ''Patrick Cox: Wit, Irony, and Footwear'', .
* Pattison, Angela, ''A Century of Shoes: Icons of Style in the 20th Century'', .
* Swann, June. ''History of Footwear in Norway, Sweden and Finland: Prehistory to 1950'', .
Further reading
* Design Museum. ''Fifty Shoes That Changed the World''. London: Conran Octopus, 2009. .
External links
All About Shoesthe
Bata Shoe Museum
The Bata Shoe Museum (BSM) is a museum of footwear and calceology in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The museum's building is situated near the northwest of the University of Toronto's St. George campus, in downtown Toronto. The museum building was de ...
's online exhibits on the history and variety of footwear
Footwear History from i18nguy's website, offers more information.
- an illustrated glossary of shoe parts and styles
{{Authority control
Shoes,
Articles containing video clips
Footwear
Protective gear