What is the heel of a shoe called?

As early as the 16th century there were such shoes that were worn by both men and women of noble origin. In the 17th and 18th centuries, similar shoes got a small heel, which is still extremely stable and comfortable to wear in everyday life. Finally, in the 19th century, the shoemaker Salvatore Capezio created the famous 'ballet shoes'. According to historical facts, Salvatore Capezio had been making shoes for ballerinas since 1887 and suddenly he had the idea to create shoes for normal women - a comfortable model suitable for everyday use, in which a woman would feel good.

Shoe dictionary: loafers, oxfords and other monk's shoes

What are loafers, what are oxfords, where do chelsea, monks and slip-ons come from? We give you a tip on how to understand the abundance of hipster shoes.

Loafers (loafers means 'loafers') are a shoe model without buckles and laces. Loafers are similar to low shoes, but are characterized by a stable sole with a small heel. Classic slippers have small (usually two) tassels that have no function but are an important part of the classic slipper.

Legends from the 20th century say that the Norwegian shoemaker Nils Gregorjusson Tveranger invented the slipper. He spent his youth in America, where he learned the art of shoemaking. When Nils returned to Norway at the age of 20, he designed his own model of shoes which he called 'eurlan moccasins' (later 'eurlan shoes'), named after the Norwegian town of eurlands where he spent his childhood. The shoes appealed to the local population and quickly became popular. They were exported to Europe, where the comfortable model was also discovered by American tourists. The fame of the 'Norwegian shoe' spread around the world. The Spalding family of American shoemakers began making the same shoe, renaming it the 'Loafer'.

The peak of popularity of this unpretentious footwear came in the 1980s, when Gucci himself declared his love for loafers (he added the famous metal buckle to his shoes). After that, loafers became a truly 'elitist' attribute - on Wall Street they were almost worn as part of the uniform.

Oxfords

Oxfords (originally called 'Balmorals' - the name comes from the royal castle of Balmoral in Scotland) are shoes with a low shaft, closed laces and flat, non-rubber soles.

In the 19th century, these shoes were very popular with Oxford University students. This 'student' popularity prompted Balmorale to change her name. Originally, Oxfords were 'tall boots' without laces, but students contributed by making the boots shorter and adding laces (to keep the shoe from falling off the foot). Most oxfords are made without perforations and come in classic shades of brown and black.

What is closed lacing? It's a special type of lacing where the unia (the front part of the shoe, the leather patch at the top) is laced over the upper (the actual surface of the shoe) - unlike a derby. That is, two sides (tibiae) laced together are sewn under the front part of the shoe (union) and closed over the tongue sewn under the lacing. The side parts, the so-called 'bergs', are sewn to the front part of the shoe in a V-shape.

The identity of the mule.

Danger!!! Unlike sabots, mules do not have a fixed platform or wedge.

It is therefore a perfectly shaped and feminine shoe that from time to time disappears from the catwalks but is sure to make a comeback.

This year the designers offer models for all tastes:

• with open or closed toe;
• with low or high heels;
• with or without jewelry;
• made of natural or synthetic materials or even with fur.

What they have in common is the lack of a back, straps or ties.

What are mules?

Translated from Latin, the word 'muli' means 'thinker'.

A summary! It is believed that in ancient Rome only a select few were entitled to such footwear. This privilege was possessed by kings and scholars, that is, those engaged in intellectual activities.

In addition, open shoes were a sign of the wealth of the wearer. He or she does not have to do heavy work and has time to take care of themselves, especially the skin of the foot.

How the shoeless shoe developed

• Open-toe shoes became popular on the eastern fringes of the Roman Empire because of their unparalleled comfort. There they took on local color: gold embroidery, pearls, jewels, and raised toes.
• The mule did not return to Europe until the time of the Crusaders. Here the heelless shoe was treated differently at different times. In the mid-nineteenth century the ladies of simple virtue elected him; at the beginning of the twentieth century it became the favorite shoe of film divas. If mules have since gone out of fashion, it won't be for long.

characteristics

The open-toe heel shoe seems to have all the advantages. But a closer look reveals a serious disadvantage - namely the. They cannot be worn in winter.. Hot summer, cool autumn - you can choose the right pair for these seasons, but for the cold winter - you can't.

The variety of mules

There is a wide variety of models on store shelves. Classically, they can be divided into seasons:

In each variety there are shoes for every day, there are models for the evening and acceptable for the office.

It would be a mistake to think that mules are only for women. no they have They are also an integral part of the men's wardrobe.

flip flops

Summer shoes with an open sole, a wide toe and no additional straps on the heel or ankle. The main difference from slippers is that flip flops always have a flat sole, while slippers have a small heel. The sole of a flip-flop can be thin or rather firm, while a slipper always has a thin sole.

Flip-flops are perfect for an urban summer look in a sporty-casual style, but also for the beach. They are more practical than slippers. The downsides include that flip flops aren't appropriate for feminine, romantic, or boho stylings, or for the office (although there's no dress code).

flip flops

The elegant version of footwear for the summer. These are shoes with a closed sole and an open heel that are closed neither at the heel nor at the ankle. They are ideal with office attire (if you are not bound by a strict dress code). Open-toed shoes are generally not suitable for the office in summer. Mules are therefore the perfect solution - they are easy to wear, comfortable and elegant at the same time.

Classic trousers, an A-line skirt, a light jumpsuit – they can complement a whole summer office wardrobe. But they also go well with casual, elegant styling.

The height of the heel can vary greatly - from high to a flat sole. Models with a small and stable wide heel of 2-4 cm are in trend this summer.

Designations of the lower parts of the shoe

The lower part of the men's shoe consists of the outsole. On the inside, the outsole is covered with an insole (insole or footbed), which often has two rows. There is a cork layer (cork filling/insole filling) between the outsole and the sole.

The upper reinforces the lower part of the shoe. The shoe is to wear, additionally in parts under the name:

The composition of the lower parts is completed by the heel, which itself is a multi-layer construction.

Monki

Like the slippers there is no lacing, but you can and should close the Monki.. Monkeys come with one or two buckles and straps that have small holes (to adjust the fit). Dark leather monkeys are known for their versatility and look just as harmonious with a business suit as they do with jeans. Other models are less formal but can also be very versatile. In general, they are excellent for visiting concerts, bars, museums, exhibitions, cafes and many other places; moreover, it is possible that you can also wear these shoes at work.

Today, two-buckle monks are considered more fashionable than their single-buckle counterparts. Some men (especially Italians) even wear them in a special way: they leave one of the buckles undone, giving them a slightly unkempt look.

Monks with a hand-applied patina – or, more simply, with a unique hand painting – are also fashionable today.

Shoes

There are several main variants of classic men's shoes, which differ significantly in appearance:

• Balmorals – They are similar to oxford shoes in that they have closed laces. They look strict and often very aristocratic and noble.

• Chelsea – They do not have laces but have elastic on the sides. These shoes are very easy to put on and take off and can be combined with both suits and jeans. A rarely practical and versatile option.
• chukka – The lacing is open and the degree of formality depends on the material of the upper and the type of sole. Some chukkas pair well with moderately casual suits such as flannel or tweed; they also pair well with jeans, chinos and other casual trousers such as corduroys and flannel.
• desserts – are very similar to chukka's but tend to be less formal. Equipped with thick crepe soles that look a little rough. Not suitable for suits, but look great with jeans and cotton trousers.
• Other open-toe shoes don't go by many names, but that's no reason to ignore them. Many models look stylish and are very versatile and comfortable. We recommend avoiding variants with soles that are too thick and chunky, unless it is a specific hiking or sports shoe.

9 Footwear Mistakes That Bring You Daily Misery

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In the 14th century, people determined the size of each shoe with a barleycorn. Three grains equaled one inch. In our time, the situation is much simpler, but with the choice of the right model, we often do not cope. The reason for this is a lack of attention to details when buying, which later leads to awkward moments. It seems that the shoes are great, but they are impossible to wear. The reason for this is a series of mistakes that everyone has made at least once when buying shoes.

In order to wear shoes with pleasure and not put them on the shelf, there are a few rules to follow / Photo: yandex.ru

1. Don't pay attention to the position of the heel

For the right distribution of the load on the foot, the heel must be tight under the heel / photo: look.tm.

This detail in the shoe is not just for beauty. Its function is to support the foot. When walking, the heel comes first and then the toes, which means the heel needs extra support. Therefore, the heel must be placed directly under the heel. If it is shifted to the edge or vice versa in the middle of the foot, the load distribution is not correct and the feet get tired quickly. This is especially true for stiletto heels, as a wider heel generally has good stability.

The queen of women's shoes - pumps

Classic black or beige pumps with a medium heel - this is the most common type of shoe and is recommended by stylists.

These shoes have no fasteners and stay on the leg just by adjusting. The special feature is the deep neckline and heel.

This shoe, like many other popular women's shoes, evolved from the men's shoes that were worn in 15th-century Europe. They were simple, heelless shoes, often with a rounded toe. Over time, women began to turn their attention to these plain flat shoes, and pumps became heeled and decorated with buckles, ribbons, and other fashionable details. Today, lovers of pumps can no longer imagine how they could do without the stiletto heels that are so familiar today. But it was not until 1955 that the French fashion designer Roger Vivier created shoes with a pointed toe and a thin 7-8 cm heel. The most popular women's footwear is not even 60 years old!

The world fame of pumps is due to the designer Salvatore Ferragamo, who raised women above the earthly world with a 10 cm high heel! Hardly surprising when you hear that the designer created such a model for the late 1950s sex diva Marilyn Monroe, who starred in the film 'In Jazz is for Girls'. In it, Ferragamo pumps played a role no less important than the actress herself.

Since its beginnings, the pump has undergone many metamorphoses: the heel has become higher or lower, the toe has been stretched and pointed or rounded, the shoe has been placed on a platform and different materials have been used, from traditional leather to textiles and fur, but one thing has remained constant: the pump was and is the most popular and coveted footwear for women.

Contrary to the assertion that classic pumps go with every outfit, this is not true. A lot depends on the model, the height of the heel, the material of the shoes and much more. Slingback pumps go well with both ultra-feminine ensembles based on new-look dresses and casual, summery business looks, in which classic trousers and straight skirts can form the basis of a suit. However, slingback pumps look very questionable with skinny jeans and short skirts.

Ballerinas: from the dance floor to the street

Ballerinas are a type of shoe without heels or with a very low (maximum 0.5 cm) wide heel and a low neckline. Traditionally, they have a round nose.

The history of ballet shoes is no less interesting: if you study the culture of the 16th and 17th centuries today, it is not entirely clear how people could spend so much time on dressing, combing and other rituals, but if you look at it Remembering that people of high rank had few entertainment options and had to spend their time doing something, it becomes clear where the 'feet' of glamorous balls and midnight dinners came from. The modern art of ballet has its roots in idleness. The first dancers neither stood on pointe shoes nor performed complicated steps or jumps. The dancing shoes were considered ordinary shoes (if royal and courtly shoes can be considered ordinary) and the costumes were everyday wear.

Over time, ballet evolved from court dances to a complex stage art that required special footwear and costumes. This is how pointe shoes were born, light satin ballet shoes with a bold toe.

At the end of the 19th century, the craftsman Salvatore Capezio, a professional dancer, created heelless shoes very similar to pointe shoes. Perhaps someone else had already made such shoes, but the author of the ballet shoes remained in history Capetstio. The ballet slippers did not take over the world immediately but, like the heels, were popularized by Salvatore Ferragamo, who made a pair of ballet slippers for the intellectual beauty of the late 1950s, Audrey Hepburn.

Audrey Hepburn in ballet flats by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Today, ballet flats are the shoe of choice for students, office workers and celebrities alike, as comfortable and versatile footwear for any occasion. However, versatility can be an issue when pairing ballerina flats with a classic pencil skirt. The pencil skirt is one of the few pieces of clothing worn by a woman that requires very careful choice of footwear. Classic ballerinas with a rounded toe in a duet with a pencil skirt or a fitted dress create the unassuming image of a girl who has grown the skirt or a woman who has forgotten how old she is. Just swap the ballerinas for the same shoes without heels, but with a pointed toe, and the image will change immediately!

Women's boots, boots and dungarees

Women's boots, ankle boots and half boots are not just warm footwear. They are also a bright accent and an opportunity to show off your taste and status.

expediency. Relevance. Style… Most women's shoes – whether high, low, Chelsea, etc. – are represented by the classics. They are almost entirely based on the design of men's shoes.

Here are the main trends:

• Derby: The design of the versatile, rough-cut shoes is traditional, with a thick, geisha-like sole;
• Oxford's: They are the most conservative in terms of embellishments and shapes, but look great, especially in the context of romantic and informal outfits;
• monkeys: Similar to the shoes of the same name without laces or with a metal buckle on the side;
• Loafers: Unlaced shoes for every day; soft, firm fabric; pretty decorations in the form of tassels or small fringes;

Sporty, democratic and grunge boots are all the rage. These models are perfect for daring and easy styling with casual dresses, jeans and pants.

Genuine leather sneakers, snickers, grinders and stylized warm boots appear in many collections of modern fashion houses.

Boots

They are a versatile and very practical shoe model. With them you cut a fine figure in business and basic looks as well as in eclectic looks.

They are made of natural and organic leather, suede and nubuck, fabric, lace, knitwear and perforations.

High-heeled boots vary not only in design (and decorated with textured inserts and fur, rhinestones and colored elements, tassels and voluminous applique), but also in type.

• On the grunge and punk models, it's the chunky stiletto heel.
• For the more feminine models, it is the stiletto or wedge heel.
• In avant-garde and oxford variants, the heel is complemented by a platform.
• The style of models with slim but stable wedge heels from democratic and luxury brands is rough, youthful and semi-sporty.
• Fur, flannel and other material-insulated winter boots, usually with thick soles and stable heels or wide platforms, are reinforced in their construction and their seams are waterproof.

5,000 years of shoe history: from bearskin greaves to smooth heeled leather shoes

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The history of footwear in human civilization dates back more than five millennia. And it's full of mysteries and surprises. It's hard to believe today that until recently all shoes were made for one foot and that unfashionable women bare their heels for a long time. About these and other surprising facts from the history of footwear below - in retrospect.

The first shoes of human civilization

In ancient times, the need to protect the feet of prehistoric man was very great. Therefore, very quickly, people began to use various natural materials that could protect their feet from cuts and cold.

The first human inventions looked like flat pieces of wood, small pieces of leather, or broad leaves tied to the feet with a thin string. These simple devices were the prototypes of today's sandals. In countries with harsher climates, people made warm shoes: they first wrapped a piece of leather around each foot, and then sewed leather sacks, which were filled with dry grass and tied to the feet with thin ribbons. This is how the forerunners of today's shoes came about.

The oldest leather shoe found today is the charokh (the prototype of the narrow shoes with pointed ends). It was discovered in Armenia in 2008 during an archaeological excavation in the Areni Cave. Scientists claim that these shoes are around 5500 years old! They resemble leather slippers, knotted at the toes and insulated with dry grass. They were also found in the Alps on the feet of a mummified man who lived around 5,300 years ago.

• Curved heel.
• Why does the heel of a shoe wear out?.
• Shoes for older ladies.
• insoles for shoes.
• How to break in a stiff heel.
• What to do if the back of the shoe rubs against the heel?.
• Optimal heel height for women.
• Shoes for older women with full feet.