Shoes: meaning, definitions and examples

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shoes

[ ʃuːz ]

Noun / Verb

^{Context #1 | Noun}

to wear on feet

Shoes are items of footwear that are worn to protect and comfort the human foot. They come in various styles and designs, ranging from sneakers to high heels.

Synonyms

boots, footwear, sandals.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shoes	General term for items worn on feet, covering toes and heel. Used for everyday occasions and offers minimal protection. I bought a new pair of shoes. He forgot to clean his shoes before the meeting.
footwear	A broad term for anything worn on the feet, including shoes, sandals, and boots. The store specializes in women's footwear. Proper footwear is crucial for long-distance running.
sandals	Open-toed footwear usually worn in warm weather. They have straps that attach the sole to the foot. She put on her favorite sandals for the beach. Sandals are perfect for a summer day out.
boots	Typically used in colder weather or for more rugged activities. They cover the ankle and sometimes part of the lower leg. She wore her snow boots to keep her feet warm. Hiking boots are essential for the trip.

Examples of usage

She bought a new pair of shoes for the party.
He always polishes his shoes before going out.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in fashion

Shoes can also be a fashion statement, with many people collecting them as a hobby or for investment purposes. Designer shoes are often sought after for their unique styles and luxury materials.

Synonyms

footwear, heels, sneakers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shoes	A general term for any type of external covering for feet. It is commonly used in everyday conversations to describe various types of footwear. I need to buy new shoes for work These shoes are very comfortable
footwear	A formal term that encompasses all types of shoes, boots, sandals, and other items worn on the feet. It is often used in fashion, retail, and product descriptions. This store provides a wide range of footwear Proper footwear is essential for hiking
heels	Refers specifically to women's shoes with high heels. It is often used in contexts related to fashion, formal occasions, and social events. She wore black high heels to the party Heels are not suitable for walking long distances
sneakers	Refers to casual, athletic shoes designed for sports or everyday comfort. It is frequently used in contexts involving exercise, sports, and casual wear. I'm wearing my sneakers for the gym She has a stylish pair of white sneakers

Examples of usage

She owns a vast collection of designer shoes.
The fashion show featured the latest trends in shoes.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to put on shoes

To shoe means to put on footwear. It is a common action before leaving the house or going outside.

Synonyms

don footwear, put on shoes, wear shoes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shoes	General term for an item worn on feet, can be used in most contexts to refer to the item itself. I need a new pair of shoes. What size shoes do you wear?
put on shoes	Informal and straightforward way to say you're in the act of placing shoes on your feet. Common in daily conversation. I need to put on my shoes before we leave. She always puts on her shoes after breakfast.
wear shoes	Used to describe having shoes on your feet, indicating a state of being rather than the action of putting them on. You have to wear shoes in the restaurant. I usually wear shoes when I work in the garden.
don footwear	More formal and slightly old-fashioned way to say 'put on shoes'. Appropriate in literary or formal speeches. He donned his footwear and stepped out to face the day. Before entering the palace, one must don appropriate footwear.

Examples of usage

She shod her feet before heading out.
He always shoes his children before they play outside.

Translations

Translations of the word "shoes" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sapatos

🇮🇳 जूते

🇩🇪 Schuhe

🇮🇩 sepatu

🇺🇦 взуття

🇵🇱 buty

🇯🇵 靴 (くつ)

🇫🇷 chaussures

🇪🇸 zapatos

🇹🇷 ayakkabılar

🇰🇷 신발 (sinbal)

🇸🇦 أحذية

🇨🇿 boty

🇸🇰 topánky

🇨🇳 鞋 (xié)

🇸🇮 čevlji

🇮🇸 skór

🇰🇿 аяқ киім

🇬🇪 ფეხსაცმელი

🇦🇿 ayaqqabılar

🇲🇽 zapatos

Etymology

The history of shoes dates back thousands of years, with evidence of early footwear found in archaeological sites. Initially, shoes were made from natural materials like leather and wood. As civilizations advanced, so did shoe technology, leading to the diverse range of footwear we have today.

See also: overshoe, shoe, shoelace, shoemaker, shoer, shoestring.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,737, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3734 irregular
3735 organizational
3736 inform
3737 shoes
3738 repeat
3739 brick
3740 rod
...