Hey there, Shoe Encyclopedia class! Time to go over some new shoe terms. But first, let's take a quick look at last session's lessons, some of which got a little fishy and sticky. OK, almost sticky and fishy, but not quite. Last time we went over jellies, which sound sticky and maybe even yummy, but we learned that they actually are just slip-on shoes woven from plastic. We also covered fisherman sandals, Opanka construction and what ANSI stands for. If you missed the last session or any prior sessions, don't forget that they can all be found on Zappos. In the meantime, pull up your chairs to learn the meaning of the terms Pebax, Maxum-Lite, predator and electrical hazard in reference to shoes.

Pebax
Pebax is a type of thermos plastic used in the outsole to create support for the balls of the feet. It is lightweight, making it a perfect medium for athletic footwear. Nikehas used Pebax as a top plate in its Nike Shox columns to create even distribution of pressure and strengthen support in the medial arch and midfoot.

Maxum-Lite
Maxum-Lite is a polyurethane outsole that is designed for ultimate protection. Features of Maxum-Lite include slip resistance, oil resistance and abrasion resistance. Maxum-Lite is great for shock absorbency. These types of shoes often are used in industries where floors may be slippery, such as restaurants and manufacturing plants.

Predator
This is not the type of predatoryou'll be running from. However, they might instead help you in running. Shoes with the predator feature are commonly used in soccer. They are designed to help increase the power of kicks. The rubber strips added to the upper can add spin and power to kicks of the soccer ball.

Electrical Hazard
These shoes are just as they sound. Footwear with the electrical hazard feature is designed especially for situations in which electric shock may occur. This type of footwear can withstand high voltage application as outlined by specific ANSI and ASTM standards.

Sources:
http://www.shoebacca.com/resources/definitions/pebax.html
http://www.shoebacca.com/resources/definitions/maxum-lite.html
http://www.shoebacca.com/resources/definitions/predator.html
http://www.shoebacca.com/resources/definitions/electrical-hazard-shoes.html

Summer is a great time of year. The hot weather makes such activities as boating and swimming desirable. And if you are headed out for a day on the lake, whether for fishing, sailing or water skiing, boat shoes are a must-have.

Boat shoes are not traditionally considered very stylish. They are very simple: canvas (the fashion gods shudder) or leather uppers attached to a rubber sole. The rubber sole, one might guess, is meant to keep the wearer from slipping on the deck of a boat that is most likely wet. In earlier times, boat shoes resembled moccasins more than anything else. Now, though, boat shoes are becoming as high tech as any other shoe.

Worried about foot odor out there on the lake? Some boat shoes are treated with special products that help maintain "all day freshness." Concerned about stains? You can get boat shoes that are made from stain resistant materials. Is there anything nanotechnology can't do? Additionally, high-quality boat shoes made with real metal eyelets are often treated with products that resist rust. After all, you don't want your shoes to get rusty.

Many boat shoes are also made with soles that are molded so that proper support is given to the foot. Your feet can become sore while you are out there padding around on the deck of a boat. Now you can enjoy space age comfort, even while escaping the space age on your sail boat, with items such as venting, sun protection and secured tab collars. Plus, you can get special grip soles that are made with advanced traction to keep you from falling off your boat.

It is also possible to get boat shoes made from a variety of fabrics and different features for different activities. Want special fishing boat shoes? You can get those. No matter what you

One of the classic shoes is the Mary Jane. A Mary Jane is a very basic shoe with a strap across the top. Most of the time, a Mary Jane has a low heel, and traditionally these are black shoes, often made from patent leather. Today, though, in keeping with evolving styles and a desire for individuality, Mary Janes are taking on new life. There are Mary Jane pumps, and there are Mary Janes that comes with large, chunky heels. There are even sneaker-style Mary Jane shoes. It is also possible to find Mary Janes made from different materials, with large and embellished buckles and in a variety of colors.

Where the name "Mary Jane" Originated

Back in the early 1900s, Richard Outcault created a comic strip called Buster Brown. Buster Brown was rather popular, and he had a sister named Mary Jane. While both siblings wore the simple, strapped shoes in the comic, they ended up being named after the female character (I guess calling them "Buster Browns" just didn't have the same appeal).

At any rate, Outcault was no idiot. In 1904 he went to the World's Fair and began selling licenses like crazy to companies who wanted to use his comic characters to help sell their products. The Brown Shoe Company (hmmm ... not idiots, either, seeing an opportunity to use Buster Brown to represent Brown shoes) bought a license from Outcault and began doing its best to cement a connection between beloved comic characters and shoes.

Mary Janes Today

In the past, Mary Janes were associated mainly with little schoolgirls. Now, though, Mary Jane shoes are worn by women of all ages. And where they used to be worn by boys as well, there are very few males these days who would feel comfortable wearing a pair of Mary Janes.

While today clogs generally refer to chunky, backless slip-on shoes for women, historically the clog was defined by both shape and material. Traditional clogs have a wooden sole, but those are rarely seen in today's fashion shoes. When they are, it usually has a bit of added rubber on the bottom for both traction and durability.

Although we generally associate clogs with the Nordic countries, wooden shoes that can be termed clogs have historically been worn all over Europe, including the British Isles and Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece, where they were most predominant in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today these wooden shoes often remain part of traditional ethnic dress and are still worn because they are considered to promote health. In some cases, the clog remains as a wooden over-shoe to protect a delicate and expensive footwear from mud and rain.

For those in the United States, clogs have two main associations. The first is clog dancing, which originated in Europe. Clog dancing is a competitive dance sport in both the United States and Europe, although the shoes usually used now do not visually resemble the historical wooden clog, but tend to look more like a men's dress shoe with a boxy toe and are very loud (thanks to wood or metal plates) when dancing.

Otherwise, when it comes to clogs, many Americans think of 1970s fashion, where natural fibers, ropes and wood were popular in all manner of shoes for men and women.

While some of today's clogs hark back to that retro 1970s look, clogs are now often made of rubber or other comfortable materials, appear in both vibrant and natural tones and bear little resemblance to their wood ancestors. Today's clogs appear in a range of heel heights, and some clogs can be appropriate for men and women, although the style is dominated by women's shoes.

Crocs and their imitators represent the most recent evolution of the clog. These shoes, which started as comfortable gardening shoes, have become a fashion trend for both genders thanks to their easy wear-ability, multiple colors, unisex design and futuristic shaping.

High heel shoes provided the impetus for the modern way of making shoes.

One of the more interesting facts about shoes is that high heel shoes provided the impetus for the way that modern shoes are made. Often, we think of high heel shoes as fashionable and even sexy - the perfect compliment to the perfect dress. However, high heel shoes provided us with more than a way to make a good looking gal look great: they are also the reason that modern shoes are sold in pairs.

The origin of high heel shoes

These popular feminine accouterments actually originated in Turkey. Sometime in the 1400s, shoes with flat bottoms and heels between seven inches and 18 inches appeared. The main idea was to elevate fashionable women in long dresses above the muddy streets. The fashion emigrated to Italy in the 1500s, and the famous Catherine de Medici (who married the future king of France) made them popular. She brought the style to France, and then it traveled to England. Of course, the ladies in France and England wanted the highest shoes imaginable and often took the entire 18 inches. As one might guess, such an arrangement meant that a servant on either side of the lady was required in order prevent her plopping face-first into the mud.

How high heel shoes influenced modern footwear

High heel shoes' origin as a fashion statement also influenced other types of shoe making. Prior to high heel shoes, all shoes were made with the same pattern (called a last). There was no difference between the right and left shoe. Instead, buyers walked into a shop and tried to find two different shoes that were the same size and color. Shoes were paid for individually. But high heel shoes changed all of that. Because of the heel, it was no longer sufficient to have the same last for both shoes. Matching shoes, made differently for right and left (called "crookeds"), meant that shoes had to be sold in pairs from then on out.

How are football shoes made?

Football season is still a couple of months away, but my husband (and me too, I admit) is getting excited. Every year my husband attends the Giants training camp at Albany while we are in New York visiting his parents. It's something he can do with his dad. And the time is fast approaching that we will be in New York - and my husband can watch his beloved G-Men train to defend their Super Bowl championship.

But what about those shoes they are wearing? What are their features? And are they different for different players? I wondered about this, since it seems you would need shoes fitted to the specific rigors of different positions. I mean, wouldn't a quarterback need greater stability? He needs to be able to plant himself properly to through, so a wider sole would be better. And a narrower sole would work better for the players that need to make different movements -- like sprinting.

For the most part, American football shoes are cleats. There are between seven and nine cleats on each show (seven is fairly standard). These cleats are placed in the areas that can do the most good: one at the tip of shoe, four at the middle of the shoe and two at the back of the shoe, near the heel. This allows for the shoe to grip properly.

But it is also important to make sure that you have the right shoes for the turf. Many professional American football players have more than one set of cleats in order to ensure that they can play on either Astroturf or grass. Consider: Astroturf has different challenges, and it is not as soft as grass. This means that it can be helpful to have toe protectors in the front of the shoe in order to protect from "turf toe." For those playing on grass, it can help to use football cleats with higher tops so that there is more ankle support.

Football shoes are made in a similar way to other athletic shoes, coming with extra padding in some places, and made with leather uppers for flexibility. Plastic coverings can also be found on football cleats. And, of course, the best thing to do is check for proper fit and consider position, since shoes are made differently - and can even be made custom - for different players.

Every now and again, when I want to feel sexy, I'll put on a pair of high heels, shunning my flats and heading out in true style. Shoes with high heels have been around since the 1400s (for the mundane task of keeping one's feet out of the mud), but it wasn't until Catherine de Medici came from the Italian peninsula to France in 1533 that high heels became a fashion statement.

At first, only the wealthy and the powerful wore them. But as raw materials became more affordable and consumer spending became possible for more and more people, high heels became more popular. Assembly line and mass production techniques that make use of machines mean that just about anyone can buy and wear high heels. There are even high heels designed especially for men who cross-dress or are making gender switches.

It is possible to fabricate high heels out of nearly any material: leather, wood, fabric, plastic, cement and glue, nails, metal and even paper. High heels are designed by independent fashion designers, or created by designers hired by the manufacturer. Most begin as a prototype that can be referred to throughout the process. Embellishments can be added after the basic construction is finished.

Mass-produced high heels are made using computerized assembly lines. This makes it fast and easy to create high heels. Metal dies are used to cut the pieces out of leather or some other material, into the proper sizes. Sometimes, in the more high-tech factories, a laser beam is used to cut the materials. The next machine uses thermal cement to hold the material over a sort-of mold called a last on a temporary basis. This is done while the sole, upper and heel are created and shaped. Finally, another machine puts the shoe together. The final steps are labels and embellishments. Then another machine wraps the high heels in tissue paper and puts them in a box.

It is interesting to note that these days, most of the heels themselves are actually made from plastic. This is one of the essential ingredients to a cheap shoe that is widely affordable.

A look at the helpful features that make walking shoes comfortable -- and supportive.

With summer here, people's thoughts turn to the outdoors -- mine included. Taking walks with my son is one of the things I love to do during the summer. Walking is enjoyable, I get to stop and visit with my neighbors and it is good exercise. Indeed, for those first starting an exercise program, walking is considered a good way to start.

But walking can get old pretty fast without the right shoes. Regular walking puts stress on the foot and on your other joints, and it can result in blisters and calluses. The proper shoes, though, can solve most of these problems. When considering your walking shoes, think about these parts of the shoe, and what they do:

Achilles notch. This is a sort of dip at the top of the back of the shoe. It is designed to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon, creating increased comfort, and allowing you to do more walking.

Ankle collar. Around the top of the back part of the shoe is a line of cushioning known as the ankle collar. This supports the ankle, and it helps stabilize you as you walk. It also contributes to a proper fit.

Upper. Look for an upper (the part of the shoe that goes over your foot) made with mesh on the inside. This helps ventilate your foot and keep it from getting sweaty as you walk. New technology makes the upper more breathable, while still being sturdy and protecting.

Toe box. This is the area that houses the toes. Look for one that is roomy, and that has a round shape. Make sure that your toes aren't squished together. A comfortable toe box can prevent blisters and chafing.

Soles. The soles are general divided into outsole and midsole. The outsole is the part you see on the bottom of your shoe. This provides traction and is usually made of sturdy materials with a slight give. The midsole is the part between the outsole and where your foot rests in the shoe. Often, there is a gel pad to further cushion your foot and reduce impact with the ground. You can also get removable insoles that provide further shock protection and cushioning.

Roll bar. This is part of the walking shoe that stabilizes the foot. It keeps the ankle and foot from rolling to the outside or inside, and plays a part in preventing injury.

How are basketball shoes made? And how come you need them to play basketball?

When it comes to playing basketball, it is important to wear the right shoes - especially if you play often. You don't want to sustain an injury from wearing the wrong kind of shoes to play basketball in. There are three main parts to the basketball shoe: the upper, the midsole and the outsole. Each part plays a role in providing the right kind of comfort, stability and support for your foot and ankle while you play basketball.

Upper

This part of the shoe is the soft top. In the "old days" these were made of leather. Those days, happily, are gone. Instead of stiff leather, there are a number of textiles that are flexible and comfortable - and even more durable. One of the most commonly used materials is a mesh made from synthetic materials, allowing them to be rather breathable. Options for the upper depends on the type of basketball player you are:

• High top basketball shoes: These types cover go up to the ankle, providing support. Most basketball players choose these types of shoe because the stability they offer is much better.
• Mid top basketball shoes: When you don't like the feel of high top shoes (some don't) you can use mid tip shoes. These come right to ankle level. Speed players can benefit from these, since they allow for more agility and a reasonable amount of ankle support.
• Low top basketball shoes: I have ankles that need support, so I never use low top basketball shoes. These are lightweight, but usually aren't terribly ideal for playing basketball. Most regular basketball players avoid low top shoes.

Midsole

The midsole is that soft, cushioned part of the shoe that your foot sits on. Many ballers consider this the most important part of the shoe. EVA or polyurethane (or a combination of the two) is usually used in order to provide shock absorption and cushioning. Many different basketball shoes (Nike is a good example) use different cushioning technologies in order to provide increased comfort and to reduce the amount of stress placed on the foot. The sides of the midsole are generally stiffer, to prevent the foot from rolling.

Outsole

As you might guess, the outsole is the bottom of the shoe. It is the bottom part that is made of rubber. You want it to be flat in order to provide the right kind of base. That way, you will have a smaller chance of hurting yourself. A good base can keep your ankle or foot from rolling. Additionally, it is important to look at the bottom for the tread. Different patterns (herringbone is the most popular) provide traction so that you don't slip while playing basketball. Also, if you play streetball, you should look for basketball shoes designed for tougher play. The outsoles of streetball shoes are usually made from heavier rubber.

When you look for basketball shoes, you should find solid shoes that provide good support and cushioning. The right kind of shoes can improve your game, and help you avoid injury.

construction, basketball shoes

While the basic silhouette of Western boots has survived through the decades, designers have updated the original looks with exotic skins, fur trim, embroidered patches and even sequins and jewels. What will make its way to your closet?

From classic gringo styles to exotic ostrich skin, Western boots continue to be the prized possession of fashionistas across the country. Cowboy boots and ropers can be decked out with leather detailing, embossing and tassels for a classic Southwestern look that's steeped in history. While the basic silhouette of Western boots has survived through the decades, designers have updated the original looks with exotic skins, fur trim, embroidered patches and even sequins and jewels.

It's clear that the country-Western look is here to stay, and boots are the easiest way to pull together a stylish, eye-catching ensemble for any occasion. You don't have to live on a ranch to step into the Western lifestyle once in a while; just pull on a pair of traditional ropers, durable knee-high boots or a fashionable take on classic designs for a one-of-a-kind look!

Western boots are easily distinguished from your average leather boot or bootie with their high shaft, lace-free design and either a rounded or pointed toe. Cowboy boots usually end at mid-calf, have a small heel and can be finished off with a pair of spurs. The roper style usually ends above the ankle and features a squared heel and a rounded toe. The roper is ideal for pairing with short skirts and dresses, while the traditional cowboy can be worn with jeans, leggings and pants. When you want to update your look with some Western inspiration, a pair of boots with some unique details could be all you need to start a new trend.

Luchesse, Old Gringo and Charlie One Horse are just a few of today's bestselling Western boot brands that capture the classic look of an era gone by. Handcrafted boots feature painted designs, embossing and prints to create a unique twist to any outfit. While some may not be high on the comfort factor, they're designed for maximum visual impact and are available in an array of colors. Want to dress up that all-black outfit with a sexy twist? Try a low heel, leather buckle boot that gives you some height with a two- to three-inch heel and sleek, form-fitting style. Dress things up with painted flower designs, embossed leather or zippers and buckles - the perfect combination of fashion-forward looks with Western flair.

Ropers made with rubber soles and leather uppers are a lightweight version of the calf-length boots, a durable and sturdy design with extra cushioning for comfort. Laredo, Ariat and Tony Lamaoffer pairs of practical, unique styles for men, women and kids. Fun and casual, these boots can get you through your daily trek for months, even years to come.

When fashion meets function, you can still catch the Western look with styles from Ariat, Frye and Dingo. Boots and mules from these designers feature wing tip patterns, whipstitch detailing, short and practical heels and either suede or leather construction. Stirrup-friendly soles mean you can still stay stylish on your horseback riding days, and special arch and heel support keeps you in good form on any type of route.

Whether you choose a slouch boot or suede knee highs, fashionable boots with a Western appeal can perk up any standard outfit!

Explore how your running shoes are constructed

Running shoes - the foundation or damnation of a running career. There are hundreds of different running shoes on the market and each one offers a unique design and targets a specific type of runner. Properly designed running shoes will respond to your foot shape, pronation tendencies and running technique in a manner that keeps your feet stable and your joints protected from excessive jarring. Improperly designed running shoes will do little for you, and in some cases could actually cause you to develop a running injury. Before you buy your next pair of running shoes learn how they are constructed and what the latest shoe technology can offer you.

Your Gait Cycle

The way you run, or the way you progress through your gait cycle, impacts what type of running shoe will work best for you. It is difficult to judge your gait cycle style without a third party watching you or without the use of a video device. What you will want to look for is how your arch shape and pronation style affects your body position when you run. For example, a "normal" gait cycle will include landing on your heel, rotating forward toward your toes, slightly pronating and then pushing off.

Pronation is basically just the angling of your heel bone inward. A little pronation is expected. However, overpronating (rotating the heels excessively so the knees point inward), or supinating (rotating the heels excessively so the knees point outward) are not "normal" body mechanics and they can lead to injuries.

Shoe Construction

Almost every shoe is made up of an upper and a sole. The sole is the foundation of the shoe. The sole has two main functions, to provide a protective barrier between your foot and the pavement and to provide your feet with a little bit of cushion. Each sole has about three layers. The outersole is made up of a rubber like material that is hard and has a tread. The midsole is the key to your shoe's design, and it is where shoe design technology comes into play. The midsole's design is going to determine what the shoe is good for. For example, it can be designed to provide maximum cushion, it can be designed to correct pronation problems or it can be designed to handle the extra support needs of larger runners.

The second part of a running shoe's construction is its upper. While a visually important element of your shoe, its design is less important than the sole's design. However, it will provide your feet with some support and stability.

A third part of a running shoe is the sockliner. High end sockliners are particularly useful for runners. They provide an extra layer of cushion and can even help to support high arches. Another great feature of sockliners is that they are removable. This allows you to wash them occasionally and keep your shoes from stinking or growing legs of their own.

Shoe Technology

If you have overpronation problems, then there are three shoe construction technologies that you will want to look into. The first is the crumple zone. This helps your overpronation by separating the midsoles from the lateral heel. A medial post, which is an extra dense and stiff foam block that is position on the medial side of your foot, is another construction advancement that can help you if you overpronate while running. This helps to stabilize your foot and keeps it from rocking to the medial side. The final technology that you can look for in a shoe design is a midfoot shank. This is a semi-rigid shank that is located in the middle of your shoe. Again, it is designed to stop your foot from rotating while you walk or run.

Even though baseball has a season that spans fully half the year, I mainly think of baseball as a summer sport. It's when I played T-ball as a child, and the softball league I participated in as a teenager took place in the summer.

Besides, during the summer, I can't avoid baseball -- even if I want to. My husband loves the Yankees, and we subscribe to MLB.tv and we got XM radio just so that we can listen to baseball games in the car. And we pay an extra fee to the satellite company so that my husband can watch games on the local New York television station. (We also go to one game a year when we head out to visit my husband's family.)<p>Last night, as we watched yet another Yankees game, and as I thought about this blog post, it occurred to me that baseball shoes are made special -- just as other sports shoes are made specifically for the unique challenges of the game. With different fields (turf or grass -- not to mention the dirt infield), and different conditions (dry, wet, somewhere in between), baseball shoes have to be durable and adaptable.

Baseball Shoes in the Early Days

Baseball shoe construction was very basic when the game first appeared in the late 1800s. For the most part, soft leather shoes were used. These were supposed to be comfortable, while at the same time allowing baseball players to run, hit and field as needed. Then someone got a brilliant idea: Spikes. Spikes were made of metal, and made to be detachable. Many player wore them in order to gain traction. Improving performance became vital as stats gained in importance. (Indeed, the number of stats my husband can remember makes me narrow my eyes in skepticism when he claims he "forgot" something I told him.)But, by 1976 metal spikes were banned. Perhaps because of the danger of impalement involved.

Baseball Shoes Today

Today, baseball shoes make full use of modern textile technology. Construction is of synthetic leather or of soft cowhide leather. Most shoes are durable, since they must be worn so much. Often, there is some extra padding on the collar of the shoe and on the tongue. This allows a fit that is firm and close to the foot, but more comfortable than traditional shoes might be.

And instead of spikes, they are fitted with cleats that can be of rubber or of traditional metal (although not such sharp spikes). There are even interchangeable cleats that can be used. Some professional baseball players have their shoes constructed so that they can use different types of cleats on different playing surfaces and in difference conditions.

It is important to note that, while professionals and college players can use metal cleats, they are forbidden in most youth leagues. Before buying baseball shoes, it is important to find out what sort of cleats are allowed -- and which are banned.

Handmade dress shoes as opposed to mass produced dress shoes

When it comes to dress shoes, especially for men, you can benefit from choosing handmade dress shoes over those that are mass produced. Handmade dress shoes are generally made from higher quality materials, as well as with process that includes work done by craftspeople. Mass-produced dress shoes, on the other hand, are usually made from inferior materials that are put together quickly, and without much care, in a factory assembly line. The process for making dress shoes is one that is fairly interesting.

Materials

Materials for handmade dress shoes are usually of high quality. Leather can be made from cow or pigs. Rather than using the lower-quality stiff leather - or even synthetic leather - that is used for mass-produced dress shoes, handmade shoes are made from softer leather. High-quality leather is actually a little bit soft and has some "give." It is usually a little pliable. Many people find this surprising, because they are only exposed to the lower-quality stiff leather that mass-produced shoes are made from.

Leather isn't the only material used in the construction of dress shoes. Sometimes, dress shoes are made with alligator skin or snake skin. This can give the dress shoes an exotic and unique look.

Goodyear Welt Construction of Dress Shoes

The main process used in making men's dress shoes is called Goodyear Welt. This process does take place in a factory, but instead of a factory like those that make mass-produced shoes, this type of factory features craftspeople that make the shoes to a high standard and oversee the cutting, sewing and other aspects of construction for each individual pair of shoes. Machines are used, but there are skilled operators running them.

Goodyear Welt construction of dress shoes consists of an upper that is specially shaped. Then a leather strip (called the welt) is sewed to it, holding the upper to the inner sole and the upper sole. A cavity is formed during this process, and then it is filled with a material made from cork. This cork material is flexible and resilient. Finally, the sole is attached. Goodyear Welt construction usually leads to dress shoes that are comfortable, flexible and quite durable. Additionally, the sewing, and the process used, makes for dress shoes that are more ventilated, allowing them to be more comfortable throughout the day.

Custom Dress Shoes

It is possible to have custom dress shoes made by hand. In this process, a pattern of your foot is used to design a dress shoe that offers optimum comfort and support for your unique foot. Additionally, custom handmade dress shoes are made from the finest materials (you can often help pick them). They are usually more durable than more cheaply made mass-produced shoes. Additionally, if you know you will be on your feet more, you can get added cushioning built into your handmade dress shoes. So, even though you pay more for handmade dress shoes, they often last longer - and look better - than your average mass-produced dress shoes.

The construction of steel toe shoes can provide protection.

Many people work in environments in which it is possible to sustain injury to the feet. Construction sites, logging, firefighting, industrial jobs and factories can all be hazardous. Indeed, many of these work environments require employees to wear steel toe shoes. Steel toe shoes have a piece of steel meant to protect the toes from injury if something should be dropped on them. It can also prevent the toes from being sliced off in cases of heavy machinery and chainsaws. Some people even like to have them for camping and landscaping. Some of the more popular steel toe shoes are Dr. Martens, which are known for their durability.

Construction of Steel Toe Shoes

Steel toe shoes are made similarly to other types of shoes, but they include extra steps for the insertion of the steel portion designed to protect the toes. Steel toe shoes have a sock liner and a vamp lining. The front part of the insole is attached to the bottom of the sock liner. The vamp lining has a toe part. The vamp lining and the shoe liner are stitched so that the toe can fit in the area. The steel part, which often extends partly up the foot (but not terribly far), is positioned around the toe section of the vamp lining.

In addition to having the steel part over the toe, steel toe shoes are usually made from stiff, tough materials. Event the materials that are used are tough, designed to aid in the protection of the toes. This way the entire shoe is part of the safety. Often, steel toe shoes are cushioned to help make them more comfortable. Doc Martens, especially, are known for trying to combine comfort with functionality in steel toe shoes designed for working.

Safety of Steel Toe Shoes

You want to know that your steel toe shoes are safe. While they won't provide complete protection, they can add to the safety of your work environment. My cousin, a firefighter, had a rather large and heavy metal door fall on his steel toe shoes. Under normal circumstances, his toes would have been broken. And they might have been if the door had remained on his feet too much longer. But when the door was levered off, he discovered that his steel toe shoes had prevented permanent damage: All he had were bruises.

Another concern is electrical hazard. Because steel conducts electricity, some people wonder about this if they will be working in areas that include electrical wires. Most steel toe shoes are insulated in such a way that the electric current wouldn't make it to the steel in the first place. It is important that you check your steel toe shoes for electrical hazard designation if you are concerned about this.

Steel toe shoes can provide protection in a dangerous work environment. If you have a job where you think that something could be dropped on your foot, it might be a good idea to buy a good pair of steel toe shoes.