What Is a Shoe?

The shoe is a type of footwear that covers and protects the human foot. Shoes are designed to be comfortable and functional, but many also act as fashion items or even art pieces. Shoes are generally made from leather or synthetic materials and can be worn in a variety of situations. Some shoes are specifically designed for certain activities, such as running or hiking. Others are intended to be fashionable, like high heels or ballet flats. Still others are purely practical, such as work boots or steel-toed shoes for workers in industrial environments.

The portion of the shoe that extends above the lower and insert is known as the upper. Most uppers have some mechanism, such as laces, straps with buckles, elastic, velcro straps, or buttons, for tightening the upper on the foot. Many also have a tongue, which helps seal the laced opening and protects the foot from abrasion by the lace ends. Some uppers have a counter, which supports the heel and elevates it above the toe area. Finally, most shoes have a shank, which reinforces and stiffens the sole.

The general shape of a shoe is determined by a “last”, which is a general model of a human foot. There are two common types of lasts, straight and curved. Most shoes are molded on these shapes, although some are shaped by hand or machine. Before the 19th century, shoemaking was a traditional handcraft; by that time, the industry had shifted to factories and was mostly mechanized.Shoes