Other evidences show that footwear came to use at the end of the Paleolithic Period, at about the same time the early humans learned the art of leather tanning.

Early pieces of footwear were made of wrappings, usually made of leather or dried grasses. Later on pieces were developed from an oval piece of leather which is bound by a piece of strong leather thongs. Sandals, which are the first crafted footwear, are the successors to these wrappings.

In Egyptian funeral chambers, paintings show the different stages in the preparation of leather and footwear. The images also show that in Egypt, footwear depicted power and class.

The Pharaohs’ sandals were distinguished by the turned up toes, a characteristic which is missing in the commoners’ footwear. Egyptian sandals were crafted using straw, papyrus, or palm fiber.Later on, Egyptian women adorned their footwear with precious stones and jewels.

Material evidences showed that the Greeks loved and took good care of their feet by using different footwear for different activities. Greek women began wearing sandals to signify their social class. Their footwear signified beauty, elegance, refinement, and extravagance.

It has been said that Greek women of bad reputation attracted men by wearing elevated sandals. These sandals create a “clacking” sound when the wearer moves, and this sound was considered as a symbolic flaunting of sexual charms.

In Mesopotamia, leather wrappings are tied to the feet by a strip of the same material.

Romans, on the other hand, created durable leather thongs so their legions can travel to places on foot. It is also believed that foot fetishes began with the Romans when Senator Lucius Vitellus frequently kissed the shoe of his mistress which was hidden in his tunic.

In Rome, footwear also exhibited social class. The consuls wore white shoes, the senators wore brown shoes, and the uniform footwear for the rest of the region was a short pair of boots that uncovered the toes.

But in all of these early civilizations, footwear indicated social status. Footwear consists of garments that are worn over the feet. They are worn mainly for protection and hygiene, but also for fashion and adornment.

Footwear items come from a wide range of materials including leather, rubber, canvass, wood, and plastic. But early pieces were made from available materials like straw, leather, cowhide, and grasses.

When footwear is assembled, the main components are adhesives, cushion, counterfort, heel, hook, insole, laces, sole, steel shank, tack, toe puff, tread, and welt. Generally, footwear is classified into: boots, industrial footwear, shoes, and sandals.

Boots are available as cowboy boots, galoshes, ski boots, thigh length boots, and so on. Industrial footwear includes plastic boots and rubber loafers which are used in laboratories, construction sites, and production lines.

Shoes include athletic shoes (or running shoes), climbing shoes, clogs, high heels, mary janes, moccasins, mules, loafers, tap shoes, and cross-training shoes. Sandals, on the other hand, include espadrilles, flip-flops or thongs, slide-ons, and slippers.

Footwear is considered an extension of one’s personality. Well-maintained footwear says things about the owner, with cleanliness as the most important concern. Although the intricacy of this craft may have been lost to modernization, their influences are still present in shoes today.

The moccasins worn in early times by people in cold countries are still being worn there, while the sandal patterned after the Egyptians’ creation is still frequently used in hotter countries.

Ugg footwear is made using genuine sheep skin. The highest quality boots and shoes will be made with sheep skin on both the inside and the outside. The sheep skin is soft and pliable and fits your foot like a glove. In fact, to get the maximum amount of comfort, it is recommended that this footwear be worn on bare feet. The natural wicking properties of the sheep skin are what help to keep the feet feel dry. It actually draws perspiration and other moisture away from the foot and allows air to circulate. Instead of feet feeling sweaty and damp, they feel clean and fresh. And they smell good, too. The insoles, which are removable , actually form to the shape of the arch. The soles are lightweight but durable. Wearers have compared the feeling they get when wearing ugg footwear to walking on soft pillows. What a nice feeling, especially if you are on you feet a lot.

When it comes to selection, ugg footwear cannot be beat. Visit any shopping mall or click on just about any web site that sells footwear, and you will notice a seemingly endless assortment of styles and colors. From casual to funky to all looks in between, including slippers and clogs, you will be able to find the look you seek. In addition to an ever-changing assortment of styles for men, women and children, these boots and shoes are available in just about every color imaginable. Probably the hardest decision you will have to make when considering ugg footwear is which style to purchase. If you are like many people, one pair simply will not be enough.

Ugg footwear is also an unbeatable value for your money. The boots and shoes are on the expensive side, but in this case you definitely will get what you pay for. You will get quality workmanship and comfort. The footwear is reinforced with double stitching. The soles are durable and provide the wearer with the traction needed to traverse even the most rugged terrain. If you properly wear and care for your ugg footwear, you can expect them to last for several years. Spread the cost of the footwear out over several years, and you will see that the product is actually reasonably priced. It is advisable to purchase a sealant-type product that is made especially for suede and apply this product to the boots right away to protect against the damaging effects of water and soil.

And if you need more reasons why ugg footwear is the right choice, besides comfort, style and durability, then consider this. When you wear this style of boots and shoes you send a message to others that you are “in the know” when it comes to fashion. Anybody who is somebody has at least one pair. Isn’t it time for you to be somebody?

Famous for its athletic footwear, NIKE (pronounced NI-KEY is the twentieth century footwear that lifts the world's best athletes to new levels of outstanding ability and achievement. But Nike shoes are not only for the sportsperson as today's hip and trendy crowds just love the styles designs and comfort that these sporty shoes offer too.

The origins of this global giant started life as a small distributing outfit located in the trunk of Phil Knight's car. From these rather unfavorable beginnings, Knight's brainchild grew to become the shoe and athletic company that now defines many aspects of popular culture and countless varieties of 'hip.' Nike really is quite a success story formed from very humble beginnings.

Let's take a look at this popular brand and see why it has become what it is today. Let's start off with the Swoosh logo that has become synonymous with the company.

The SWOOSH logo is simply Nike's graphic design and was created by a lady student Caroline Davidson way back in 1971. It actually represents the wing of the Greek Goddess NIKE, hence the company name. Caroline Davidson was just a student at Portland State University when she first met Phil Knight. She was studying advertising while he was teaching accounting classes. They got acquainted when she started doing some freelance work for his young company.

Now what I'm about to write next will probably take you aback. One day, Phil Knight asked Caroline if she could design him a logo that could be placed on the side of a shoe. After some time she presented him with the SWOOSH, and he handed her $35.00 for here work. It was in the spring of 1972 that the first shoe with the NIKE SWOOSH was introduced, and the rest, as they say, is history!

The company has gone from strength to strength ever since and today has an international reputation for producing great quality sports footwear and other sportswear products. In fact the most sought after baseball footwear today is a pair of Nike air baseball cleats, but the Nike image will dress the dedicated Nike follower from head to toe in its products. Nike also has a wonderful lineup of quality sports bags and like all their creations the range is forever changing.

Companies don't just become brand names over night, they have to earn it, and even then they have to continually strive to change with the times in order to keep their position in the market place. As far as Nike products are concerned, you can be sure that you are getting an excellent product from a sports company that you can trust. They even have a line in golf bags and caps, as they have now become known for quality sportswear and not just the athletic sports shoes that started it all off.

But all other products aside, for me it's the Nike shoes that I just love the best. This company take their designing and method of creating running shoes and all other types of sport shoes very seriously indeed, and folks just know that when they buy Nike athletic footwear that they are getting great value for money, high quality, comfort, and the best protection for their feet.

1. Two or three pairs of expensive-looking shoes for a work. Study what your boss is wearing then get yourself two great-looking pairs of similar shoes. Not only will you always look appropriate and stylish. you'll always have a pair clean and ready should one need to go to the cobbler. Need style suggestions? Go with pumps. Not only are pumps flattering and easy to wear, they are the quintessential woman's work shoes, especially for those working in offices, banks, or upscale shops. Opt for a dark or medium neutral. Think black, chocolate, cordovan (an old-fashioned word for cherry-kissed brown), or even burgundy, navy, or charcoal.

2. One warm-weather work shoe. Your best bet is a two-part pump—or one with peep toes— in a light shade such as tan, beige or dove gray.

3. One pair of slingbacks in a neutral shade. They look chic with straight skirts and classic-cut trousers. They can be worn with bare legs or opaque winter stockings. Plus, they work well with formal and near-formal wear, they add sophistication to jeans, and instantly dress up a denim skirt and cardigan like nothing else can.

4. One pair of strappy dress sandals to wear with formal or semi-formal attire. They can sex-up a pair of jeans, too. Best colors: a mid-tone or pale neutral, including metallics such as silver or gold.

5. One pair of neutral-colored casual shoes for weekends. A woman can never go wrong with classics such as oxfords, moccasins, loafers, or clogs.

6. One pair of attractive athletic shoes. They’re good-enough-looking for your Juicy Couture tracksuit, yet hard-working enough to perform at the gym.

7. One pair of fashion boots in a medium or dark neutral. Something classic enough for work-wear yet sexy enough to add an edge to jeans and an everyday tee. Top-of-the-calf boots with a flat heel are one of the cold weather season’s hottest looks, but are surprisingly in-demand even as the weather grows warmer.

8. Two or more pair of casual, warm weather shoes in a pale neutral or fashion color. Think sandals, ballet slippers, or flip-flops done up in a dressy material like leather. Consider yourself a die-hard fashionista? Find a pair of espadrilles with a low to medium heel. Espadrilles are one of 2006's most coveted warm-weather trends.

9. One pair of galoshes or other weather-protective footwear. If you spend a good amount of time outdoors, go with two pairs . Be sure one is a classic style, such as Hunter Wellingtons in navy, green, red, pink or pale blue.

So ladies, clean out your closets, and stop spending money on shoes you don't absolutely love or that does not fit well, complement your style and is not versatile to serve multiple purposes. If you follow the above tips you will create a woman's fashion footwear wardrobe, that no matter what the occasion is, you will have the perfect shoe.

Bridal shoes should be chosen early on. This will enable the bride to see her complete ensemble at an earlier date. Additionally, if the brides gown is tailored wearing the bridal shoes ensures that the hem will be tailored to the proper length.

Many brides consider their husband to be and his height when choosing bridal shoes. Most brides like their fiancé to appear taller then them in photographs. When selecting a bridal shoe select a higher heel if your fiancé is significantly taller then you.

Women should consider comfort when selecting bridal footwear. For women unaccustomed to high heeled shoes it may be uncomfortable, and shoes should be worn around the house so that they are broken in before the day of the wedding.

Bridal shoes come in a wide array of fabrics and colors. White, cream and light hues are most favored. Embellishments such as beads, sequins and embroidery add even more drama to bridal shoes.