Shoes are clothing and accessories that help protect our feet from the ground we walk on. They can also be worn to help us look more stylish and fashionable. Shoes can be found in a variety of styles from casual sneakers like the Chuck Taylor All-Star to more formal Oxfords that can be paired with suits and blazers.
The bottom of the shoe is referred to as the sole and can be made from leather, rubber or another material. A heel is often added to the shoe to give it shape and provide a stable base for walking. The inside of the shoe is usually lined with a material such as fabric or leather to keep the foot comfortable and prevent it from touching the materials that make the upper part of the shoe.
Most shoes are made on a last which is a general model of the shape of a human foot. There are two general forms of lasts, straight and curved, and different types of shoes are made using either of them. Shoes that are made on a straight last tend to be straighter overall while those that are made on a curved last are more curved overall.
Many health issues can result from wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. These problems can range from minor ones such as bunions and ingrown toenails to more severe issues such as hammertoes and Morton’s Neuroma. In addition wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly can lead to improper posture and gait which can cause problems in other parts of the body.