Footwear

Footwear refers to garments worn on the feet, which originally serves to purpose of protection against adversities of the environment, usually regarding ground textures and temperature. Footwear in the manner of shoes therefore primarily serves the purpose to ease the locomotion and prevent injuries.

History

Footwear is in use since the earliest human history, archeological finds of complete shoes date back to the copper age (ca. 5.000 BCE). Some ancient civilizations, such as Egypt however saw no practical need for footwear due to convenient climatic and landscape situations and used shoes primarily as ornaments and insignia of power.

Design

The design of footwear has varied enormously through time and from culture to culture, with appearance originally being tied to function. Contemporary footwear in the 2010s 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 hundreds or even thousands of dollars a pair. Some shoes are designed for specific purposes, such as boots designed specifically for mountaineering or skiing.

Health and comfort

Shoes can have a substantial effect on foot health and on the body’s internal alignment. Ill-fitting shoes can cause discomfort or blisters, and long term use of ill-fitting shoes can lead to bunions, corns, and hammer toes. Shoes that do not fit properly can also cause or aggravate varicose veins, restrict circulation in the lower body, legs, and feet, and lead to other foot and leg health issues.

See also

• Shoe
• Sandal
• Boot
• Slipper
• Sneaker
• High heels
• Orthopedic footwear

References

Footwear Resources
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