All About Shoes: An Overview of Shoes and Footwear

A shoe is a piece of footwear for humans, less than a boot and more than a slipper. This footwear is shaped to fit the foot (or the area below the ankle) with a flexible upper part of leather (or plastic) usually and a sole and heel of heavier material. Shoes differ from boots by not extending past the ankle. A moccasin is a specialized soft leather shoe worn by the Native Americans.

Footwear consists of garments worn on the feet. Footwear is worn for a variety of reasons, including protection against the environment, hygiene and adornment. Often, socks and other hosiery are worn under footwear. Footwear materials include:

• Leather
• Plastic
• Rubber
• Textiles
• Wood (yes, wooden clogs)

Footwear components:

• Grommet
• Sole
• Air cushion
• Laces
• Tread

Types of footwear:

• athletic shoes
• training shoes
• sandal
• industrial footwear
• clogs
• court shoes
• shoes
• sneakers
• skate shoes
• slippers
• moccasins
• mules
• flip flops, thongs
• pointe shoes
• tap shoes
• boots
  • riding boots
  • Wellington boots
  • kinky boots
  • go-go boots
  • ski boots
  • waders
  • galoshes
  • cowboy boots
• high heels
• Penny loafers
• kitten heel
• flippers
• snowshoes
• climbing shoes

See also:

• Protective clothing
• Shoe

External links:

• The History of Footwear