Shoes are the basic requirement and integral part of overall outfit and dressing. They also show fashion, trend and choice of the human beings. A good look that begins from head ends at the toes and last look gives a lasting impression. Moreover, shoe making is a huge industry having plenty of businesses and jobs across the globe. It has sprawled when the size standardization has been determined.
Wherever man goes, shoes go ahead of him. At every threshold where man intends to enter, he steps in setting the shoes first. It shows that shoes are the first introduction of personality and enlist the characteristics of oneself. Perhaps man had recognized the necessity of the feet coverings soon after beginning of civilization as he had to protect his feet from the harsh weather conditions, hard rocky paths, thorny bushes, edgy surfaces, biting insects and sizzling soil. It was the basic requirement in the beginning but with the passage of time, necessity of shoes turned into a trend, a style, a self-expression and a matter of pride. This factor laid the foundation of a huge and sprawling shoe industry which is producing countless number of shoes with diverse designs, styles, trends, material as particular shoes are also being produced for particular occasions.
SHOES AND BOOTS
Are shoes and boots same? Some think them the same and others may find a difference but it is usually confusing because there is a thin line between them and more often both are overlapped by many. However, there is a basic difference between the boots and shoes as boots are meant to cover the feet with ankles and in some cases even the lower part of the legs and the shoes are designed to cover the feet and stay below the ankles. The boots appear to be hardy, tough and manly while the shoes have a tinge of delicacy and refinement.
Shoes are of many kinds and some of them are as under;
- MOCCASIN
Moccasin perhaps one of the oldest shoes, man has been wearing because of their easy making as it consists of a soft soul, no heel and upper part of the shoes cover the heel and toes with stitches in puckered shape on the front. Half of the foot remains uncovered in some moccasins while others have some extended covering.
- LOAFERS
Loafers refer to a person who spends aimless life and remains idle and lazy. The term came into use in mid-19th century and the shoes which are easy to wear having loose fitting and slipped on shape are called loafers. These are used by men and women alike.
- DRESS SHOES
The dress shoes are meant to wear with formal dress and have official look. These are made up of fine leather with a heel and covering of the whole foot from upper part. Most of the dress shoes have laces while some are without laces. Mostly, dress shoes are more expensive than loafers and moccasins.
- BROGUES
The term has Irish and Scottish origin and refers to the shoes having low heel, laces, and covering from all sides of the foot. The shoes have many pieces, hard leader front and upper with adornment of perforations or broguing and serration on the edges of leather pieces.
- FLATS
The classic ballet pumps, pointed-toe, mules, loafers, slingbacks and slip-on shoes made of leather are flats which are easy to wear. These are also called sneakers but they refer to flat shoes with no or only marginal heels. These are popular among the women and are associated with the ballet dancers.
- OXFORDS
Oxford are elegant dress shoes meant to be worn formally as it is associated with offices, workplaces and other such formal gatherings. It has leather covering from all sides with laces, low heel, hard toe and soft and flexible sole.
COURT SHOES
Court shoes or pump shoes are particular for women and are meant to be worn formally. It has low-cut front or vamp and a buckle on the upper part or an adornment bow. It has heel and toe covering while upper part of the foot remains exposed.
- DERBY SHOES
Derby shoes are different from the Oxfords as these have open lacing system and there is no seem between the tongue and the front of the shoes. Derby shoes have many other names as it is called Blucher in US and also called Gibson in UK.
- CLOGS
The clogs are perhaps the oldest form of the shoes as the people particularly the religious ones have been wearing them. The clogs have the simplest form as they consist of wooden sole and the leather covering of the toe with back open.
- CLEATS
Cleats are sports shoes used in soccer, rugby and other such games. The cleats, studs or protrusion under the sole save the player from slipping and provide them with firm grip. They have conical or blade shape and are made of plastic, rubber or metal.
- ESPADRILLES
Espadrilles have Spanish origin and are considered as casual wear. They have canvas or cotton fabric upper and flexible and soft sole. The people prefer to wear these shoes because they are easy to wear and comfortable for feet.
- MONK STRAPS
The monk straps are more akin to oxfords but have basic difference of laces as the Oxfords are characterized with laces while monk straps have one or leather straps on the upper side mostly with buckles. As is evident through its name, these are associated with the religious people who used to wear the strapped shoes while working in the fields.
- GOLF SHOES
The golf shoes are made for golf course as they provide the golfer with stability and firm grip. The golf shoes have spikes, lugs and tractions.
- CLIMBING SHOES
As is evident from the purpose, the shoes are designed to provide maximum grip and stability to the wearer while climbing the rocks and boulders.
It is a proven fact that the shoes are meant to provide safety and comfort to the wearer while moving around. The easy to wear, comfortable and cozy shoes are liked by all. Above the purpose and utility, the shoes give elegance and majesty to the people and thus become part and parcel of the overall outfit and appearance. The shoes are also designed to fulfil the requirements of the trends and fashion. These are also symbol of pride and elation.
FAQs (Frequent Asked Questions)
Which are the types of boots?
Like shoes, boots have also many types like combat boots, cowboy boots, hiking boots and others.
Why is foot wear so expensive?
Foot wear is expensive, it is true, because its materials and services are expensive.
What is the solution to have affordable shoes?
Used boots from hand-down market can be a good option to have affordable shoes.
