Footwear

Footwear is any article of clothing that is worn on the feet and is normally worn for the goal of providing some kind of protection from the adverse effects of the surrounding environment, such as the wear and tear caused by different ground textures and temperatures. Footwear in the form of shoes, therefore, serves the primary aim of facilitating mobility and protecting the wearer from injury. Footwear may not only be used for the sake of fashion and ornamentation, but also for the purpose of conveying a person's position or rank within a certain social system. In order to provide extra comfort and relief, it is common practise to wear socks and other types of hosiery in addition to other footwear on the feet. The traditions that are associated with footwear may vary greatly from culture to culture. Among them is the practise of avoiding using any in certain circumstances, which often has a symbolic value. Yet, this may also be forced on certain people to put them at a practical disadvantage in comparison to shod people, particularly if they are not allowed to have footwear accessible to them or are forbidden from wearing any footwear at all.

In certain societies, taking off one's shoes before entering a house is considered respectful. In many faiths, worshipping or mourning while barefoot is viewed as a show of humility and respect, and followers of these religions often do so while barefoot. Before entering sacred sites, such as temples, members of some religious organisations are expected to take their shoes off before entering.

In a number of societies, taking off one's shoes is seen as a respectful gesture when meeting someone of a more senior status. In a similar context, purposely forcing other individuals to walk barefoot while oneself remains shod has been utilised to plainly exhibit and portray one's superiority inside a scenario in which there is an imbalance of power.