Shoe

Shoe

A shoe is an item of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot. Shoes are also used as an item of decoration and fashion. The design of shoes has varied enormously through time and from culture to culture, with appearance originally being tied to function.

History

The earliest known shoes are sagebrush bark sandals dating from approximately 7000 or 8000 BC, found in the Fort Rock Cave 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 in Armenia in 2008 and is believed to date to 3500 BC.

Types

There are a vast variety of shoes, including dress shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, and many more. Each of these have their own subcategories and are designed for specific activities, occasions, or professions.

Construction

Shoes are constructed in a variety of ways, primarily depending on their intended use. For example, dress shoes are typically made from leather or suede, while athletic shoes are often made of synthetic materials that are lightweight and breathable.

Health and environment

Shoes can have a significant impact on foot health and the environment. Ill-fitting shoes can cause a number of health problems, including bunions, corns, and hammer toe. The shoe industry also has a significant environmental impact, particularly in terms of the use of natural resources, pollution, and waste.

See also

• Footwear
• Sneaker (footwear)
• Boot
• Sandal
• Dress shoe

Shoe Resources
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