Footwear: meaning, definitions and examples

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footwear

[ˈfʊt.wɛər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

for walking

Footwear refers to garments worn on the feet, which serve to protect and comfort the human foot while doing various activities. They can also be used for fashion and adornment purposes.

Synonyms

boots, sandals, shoes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
footwear	A general term for all types of shoes, boots, sandals, and other items worn on the feet. Please make sure to wear appropriate footwear for the hike
shoes	A general term for closed-toed footwear, suitable for various occasions including formal, casual, and athletic activities. He needs new running shoes for the upcoming marathon
boots	Sturdy shoes that usually cover the ankle and are often used for specific activities like hiking, work, or snow. He put on his boots before heading out to shovel snow
sandals	Open-toed footwear, usually worn in warm weather and often casual in nature. She wore sandals to the beach to keep her feet cool

Examples of usage

Her footwear consists of sneakers and boots.
I need to buy new footwear for hiking.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in sports

In sports, footwear is essential for providing support, traction, and stability during physical activities. Different sports may require specific types of footwear for optimal performance.

Synonyms

cleats, sports shoes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
footwear	A general term that describes anything worn on the feet, suitable for everyday conversation, shopping, or fashion contexts. She has a great collection of footwear. You should wear appropriate footwear for the hike.
sports shoes	Refers to shoes designed specifically for sports or physical activities, commonly used in conversations about exercise, gyms, and physical training. She bought new sports shoes for the marathon. You need comfortable sports shoes for running.
cleats	Refers specifically to shoes with protrusions on the sole for better traction, often used in sports contexts like soccer or football. Make sure you bring your cleats for the game tomorrow. His cleats got stuck in the mud during practice.

Word

Description / Examples

footwear

A general term that describes anything worn on the feet, suitable for everyday conversation, shopping, or fashion contexts.

She has a great collection of footwear.
You should wear appropriate footwear for the hike.

sports shoes

Refers to shoes designed specifically for sports or physical activities, commonly used in conversations about exercise, gyms, and physical training.

She bought new sports shoes for the marathon.
You need comfortable sports shoes for running.

cleats

Refers specifically to shoes with protrusions on the sole for better traction, often used in sports contexts like soccer or football.

Make sure you bring your cleats for the game tomorrow.
His cleats got stuck in the mud during practice.

Examples of usage

Proper footwear is crucial for preventing injuries in running.
Basketball players need specialized footwear for the court.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

formal occasions

On formal occasions, footwear plays a significant role in completing an outfit. Elegant and polished footwear can enhance the overall look and make a fashion statement.

Synonyms

dress shoes, formal shoes, heels.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
footwear	General term for anything you wear on your feet. You need comfortable footwear for hiking The store sells a variety of footwear
dress shoes	Refers to smart, stylish shoes that are typically worn with formal or business attire. He's wearing dress shoes to the interview Dress shoes are necessary for a wedding
heels	Specifically refers to women's shoes with a raised heel, often worn for fashion or formal occasions. She decided to wear heels to the date High heels can be uncomfortable after a few hours
formal shoes	Specifically used to indicate shoes suitable for formal occasions like weddings, business meetings, or ceremonies. He polished his formal shoes before the gala Formal shoes are required for the black-tie event

Examples of usage

She chose a pair of high heels as her formal footwear.
Men usually wear dress shoes for formal events.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'footwear' combines 'foot' (from Old English 'fōt') and 'wear', which means to use or have something on.
In ancient times, people wrapped their feet in leaves or animal skins, leading to the development of more complex footwear.
The term 'footgear' is often used interchangeably with 'footwear', though 'footwear' is more commonly accepted.

History

Sandals are one of the oldest forms of footwear, dating back to ancient Egypt and worn by people for thousands of years.
The invention of modern footwear saw the introduction of the high heel in the 16th century, originally worn by men to aid in riding.
Sneakers, initially designed for sports, became a major fashion trend in the 1980s and marked a cultural shift towards casual dressing.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, footwear can signify status; for example, luxury brands are often associated with wealth and prestige.
Traditional shoes in different cultures tell stories, like the wooden clogs of the Netherlands or the colorful Huichol beaded sandals of Mexico.
In some regions, removing shoes before entering a home is a sign of respect and cleanliness in various cultures.

Fashion

Footwear is a major sector in fashion, with styles changing seasonally, ensuring that what’s in vogue varies from year to year.
Athleisure, a trend combining athletic wear with casual clothing, has resulted in the rise of fashionable sneakers as everyday footwear.
Fashion shows often highlight innovative footwear designs, showcasing unique materials, shapes, and artful expressions.

Health and Psychology

Wearing the right footwear can significantly impact posture and overall foot health, reducing pain and preventing injuries.
Studies suggest that certain footwear impacts how confident a person feels; for instance, wearing high heels may boost self-esteem in some women.
Footwear can also influence first impressions; studies show that people often judge others by their shoes, linking them to social status or personality.

Translations

Translations of the word "footwear" in other languages:

🇵🇹 calçado

🇮🇳 जूते

🇩🇪 Schuhwerk

🇮🇩 alas kaki

🇺🇦 взуття

🇵🇱 obuwie

🇯🇵 履物 (はきもの)

🇫🇷 chaussures

🇪🇸 calzado

🇹🇷 ayakkabı

🇰🇷 신발

🇸🇦 الأحذية

🇨🇿 obuv

🇸🇰 obuv

🇨🇳 鞋类 (xié lèi)

🇸🇮 obutev

🇮🇸 skór

🇰🇿 аяқ киім

🇬🇪 ფეხსაცმელი

🇦🇿 ayaqqabı

🇲🇽 calzado