Shoes

Shoes are a type of footwear designed 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[edit | edit source]

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 of Shoes[edit | edit source]

There are a vast variety of shoes, including dress shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, and slippers. Shoes can also be customized for individuals with specific needs, such as orthopedic shoes for those with foot and leg conditions.

Construction[edit | edit source]

Shoes are constructed in a variety of ways, primarily depending on their intended use. Dress shoes are typically made with leather or suede uppers, leather soles, and are generally more expensive than casual shoes. Casual shoes are usually made with canvas or synthetic uppers and rubber soles.

Health and Environment Impact[edit | edit source]

Shoes can have a significant impact on foot health and the environment. Ill-fitting shoes can cause a variety of foot problems, while the production and disposal of shoes have a significant environmental impact.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Shoes Resources
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