Shoes and footwear

Shoes and footwear are intended to protect the feet, add comfort and warmth, and make it possible to move around on different surfaces and in different terrains. Without footwear, walking in towns and cities, built up areas, the countryside, or even the home would be challenging and often hazardous. Shoes, socks, boots and other footwear variations make walking and running something that we can do without endangering our feet.

Very few people in the western world would be able to live and function without the modern footwear that we now take for granted.

Types and styles of shoe

Given the world that we live in with its different climates, varying lifestyles and almost unlimited list of activities, footwear now comes in a vast variety of forms.

Shoes, generally described as protective covers that encases the whole of the foot below the ankle with a hardwearing sole, are the most common type of footwear, but there are many variations.

The boot is generally seen as an extended version of the shoe where the upper continues beyond the level of the ankle. Boots can terminate just above the ankle, extend up to any point before the knee, or even continue past the knee to the upper leg.

Sandals are a variation on the shoe that have a semi open upper allowing the foot to breath and be ventilated more naturally.

Purpose or function based shoes

Aside from the obvious need to cover and protect the feet, all shoes have a function or design objective. In some cases this may be based around appearance, e.g. as in a fashion shoe, where the look and style of the shoe is paramount. In another instance it may be the comfort of the shoe during walking and every day wear that takes priority and in this case the orthopedic properties of the shoe's design will be to the fore. All early shoes were designed purely with function in mind, however style and fashion have become major influences in shoe design and even the best orthopedic shoes are styled to look good.

A number of shoes have a special design purpose and these can range from work shoes, e.g. heavy duty steel toe capped boots for those working on building sites or in heavy industry, to walking boots intended for hiking and covering significant distances on foot whilst negotiating rough ground. The nature of the uppers and the soles will vary considerable depending upon the shoes' ultimate use.

Sports shoes are yet another specialist area and here there are general training shoes or sneakers that can be used for almost any active pastime. Additionally specialist sports shoes, where the design takes account of the way in which the shoe will be used, e.g. football (soccer) boots with studs, or track shoes with spikes, are another variation.

Ultimately there is now a shoe for every activity, every occupation and every style of outfit.

Socks

Socks are an often undervalued item of footwear, however professional sportsmen and women, plus hikers and walkers, will emphasise the importance of good suitable socks.

The sock can act as an extra layer of padding providing comfort and impact absorption. Socks made of wicking fabrics also enable the feet to breathe and stabilize their temperature more easily and this helps to add to overall foot comfort.

Thermal socks are one example of a purpose designed sock where heat retention is the primary objective, however there are many variations on the sock design and the fabrics from which it is made.