The first shoes were worn to protect the feet from sharp things like rocks and rough ground and they were made from natural materials like wood and animal hides.
In warm places, people wore sandals, and in colder places, they wore moccasins. Both types of shoes are still among the most popular around the world.
As time has gone on, shoes have, of course, changed. Comfort and efficiency drove people to wear sports shoes and lately, many people care more about how shoes look than what their purpose is.
People were probably already wearing shoes to keep their feet warm about 50,000 years ago.
The first type of shoe was just a piece of leather wrapped around the foot like a moccasin. It was tied together with rawhide laces. The Romans set up shoe groups and made shoes that were shaped to fit either the left or right foot. Their shoes differed based on how important they were.
During the Middle Ages, most people wore simple shoes. At first, people wore moccasins made of untanned leather, but later shoes were buckled or tied around the ankle. During the 1400s and 1500s, shoes got very long and pointed. At the end of the 1500s, pointed toes were replaced with rounded ones. In the 1600s, men's shoes had very wide toes that looked like the bill of a duck.
In Europe in the 1600s, most people wore boots. Shoes had heels that were not too high and were often adorned with big rosettes made of lace and ribbons. In the 1800s, gold and silver chains and real or fake gems were used to decorate shoes.
By 1760, the first shoe factory opened in Massachusetts, and a large number of shoes were being made. But it was not until the 19th century, when machines like the sewing machine were invented, that shoes could be made quickly and cheaply.
The word "sneaker" came about because rubber-soled shoes are quieter and easier to sneak up on than wooden-soled shoes.
Since the beginning of time, leather has been used to make shoes. Calf leather is used to make the best shoes for men. Side leather is the most flexible leather and is used for many types of shoes. It is made from cowhide and is called "side" because the big hide is cut in half lengthwise to make it easier to handle.
Goatskin is used to make kid leather, which is used to make boots for men. Some men's shoes are made of alligator, lizard, and snake leather. Cordovan is a heavy leather made from horsehide muscle. Patent leather, which is usually made from cowhide, is made hard and shiny. Suede is made by cleaning the inner surface of the calf, kid, or cowhide to make a napped finish.
Even though leather is still the most common material for shoes, technology has made it possible for shoes to be made with new materials like ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane foam, and gel or liquid silicone.
Most of the shoes are made in large quantities in workshops for the many shoe companies that exist around the world today. For example, the big shoe company Nike makes most of its famous trainers in factories in Asia, in places like China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, and Thailand.
The following are the most popular types of men’s shoes available for purchase in South Africa:
The Chelsea boot represents a style where casual meets corporate. They are modern, highly versatile and ideal for smart occasions.
Service boots are for a “tough” look because they are based on military boots used by service members. Although they may look old-fashioned, they remain popular and of high quality.
Dress boots are not so common, but help you look like the best-dressed guy in the room at fancy occasions. They add some height, keep your ankles wrapped, and provide more insulation than other shoes.
Chukka boots can be supremely casual or dressy and formal.
Oxfords have low heels and a closed lacing system; therefore, they are very classy. They are perfect for office, black ties, and smart-casual events.
Loafers are a mix of high-end style and a desire to have a fun time. They have become the signature slip-on shoes for modern men.
A simple pair of sneakers suit any outfit, from jeans and shorts to chinos.
Technically the term refers to any running or exercise shoes, but Trainers are the kind of shoes you use to get through tough days or wear with laid-back casual Saturday outfits.
There are many things to think about when looking to buy a good pair of men's shoes, and the price is the last one. We give some standard tips:
Check Their Weight - It is crazy how much of a difference it can make in how much your shoes weigh. For example, if you want to buy training shoes, adding 100g may make a big difference.
Put substance ahead of style - A lot of people buy shoes based on how they look or how much they cost, but not all shoes will be comfortable and supportive. Look for a trendy product that works well.
Spend money on the technique - If you wear shoes to work every day or go to parties and other events every day, comfort becomes a must. If you run for fun, you might not pay as much attention to the methods as an expert runner does.
Beware of Fakes - There are a lot of fakes on the market, so be careful when buying through private listings. Check the box, the quality of the label, the tags inside the shoes, and where the brand's label, release date, shoe SKU, and factory code are placed.
Do not believe all the talk - Do not buy a pair of shoes because everyone else is getting them. Find your own way, something that helps you do what you want to do.
Finding the perfect level of comfort - Remember your feet get bigger during the day, so it is best to buy shoes in the afternoon. Make sure that when you stand, there is at least a quarter to a half inch of room between your toe and the inside part of the shoe.
Shop our range of men's shoes for sale and be sure to browse through our other collections too.
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