There is a widespread belief that galoshes (they are galoshes) are an attribute of village life. When this word is pronounced, shoes without grace immediately appear in which it is not terrible to get into a puddle or go into a stable. In fact, thanks to the modern design, the wet-legs in recent years have again become fashionable, including among the townspeople, pleasing not only with their practicality, but also with their original appearance.
A bit of history
The appearance of galoshes is associated with a very long history that occurred in the Amazon in 1735, when a Frenchman named Charles Marie de la Condamine went to these places to find out about the milky juice of the hevea tree - latex, on the basis of which rubber was then created. The name rubber itself is translated from Latin as resin. Rubber as such appeared only a century later - in 1839, when the method of vulcanization was discovered.
The main supplier of the initially incredibly popular rubber shoes became the United States. It was from there that fashionable novelties came to Russia. And in the first years after the sale of these progressive things, only rich people could afford them.
They realized that rubber galoshes perfectly protect ordinary shoes from moisture and dirt, which now can not spoil the Persian carpet in their own living room.
Since the production of wet storages was of an industrial scale, the market soon replenished with new waterproof shoes, and it became available to ordinary people, who appreciated not only its water resistance, but also its durability - galoshes served for decades. Commoners, unlike the rich, who protected expensive leather shoes with galoshes, adapted shoes for felt boots.Among the workers, merchants and clerks, white felt boots with black galoshes became fashionable, which served as the output demi-season shoes.
Varieties of galoshes
Rubber galoshes are distinguished by a wide variety of species, depending on their purpose and conditions of use. Some of them are used independently, and others as overlays. This eliminates the need to wet ordinary shoes or boots when walking in wet weather. Depending on the shape, galoshes are:
- ordinary (otherwise they are also called small);
- semi-deep (bots);
- deep
- cloth shoes.
At the same time, the produced models are designed for different weather conditions. On sale you can find:
- winter (insulated) lined with bikes, on fur, with fleece;
- summer (light) with a thin lining without lint;
- thin (extra-light) designed to protect the heel and toe of the main shoe.
Among the sponges, special products are distinguished that are worn on shoes (including high-heeled shoes). Such galoshes look like tight-fitting covers that reliably protect shoes from moisture and dirt. They have no heels. These models look very elegant. They can be matched to match shoes of any color.
Also among galoshes can be distinguished sumps designed for hunting and fishing, riding a motorcycle. In production, special footwear is used that is not corroded by acid and does not allow electricity to pass through. Highlight garden galoshes with a thick sole and a clear tread, which are simply worn on feet in socks. In such sumps you will not feel every pebble under your feet.
As at the dawn of the use of galoshes, you can choose among them designed to protect boots from moisture. Such "insulators" should be worn tightly on traditional Russian winter shoes so as not to fly off when worn even years after they are worn. At the same time there galoshes for swimming. It is advisable to wear such shoes if you walk along the bottom, on which there are sharp stones and corals, and they protect them from harmful marine life such as jellyfish. There are many variations of such shoes on sale.
Production standards
In Soviet times, GOST was adopted for the production of rubber galoshes. The standard provided for a range of sizes depending on the purpose of such products, as well as on who was to wear them. For example, such products were intended to protect leather shoes. Among them stand out:
- small children;
- children’s;
- school;
- Women's
- boys;
- men's.
In the production of galoshes, certain substances are used, of which rubber itself (rubber mixture) is made, as well as special textiles. According to the standard, the following are used to create the basis for future waterproof shoes:
- crude rubber of various kinds;
- regenerate (i.e. material obtained from old galoshes);
- a piece of chalk;
- lodging;
- sulfur;
- coal tar or gas tar;
- rosin;
- soot;
- mineral oils;
- linseed oil (for varnish on galoshes).
Today, when it comes to such practical items as galoshes, one can increasingly hear the name EVA. This is the most modern version of the material for waterproof shoes. In fact, it is also rubber. It is foamed.
It is characterized by pronounced flexibility, the ability to retain heat well, resistance to frost and low weight compared to the traditional basis for the manufacture of wet tines.
How to choose, wear and care?
So that galoshes serve for a long time, and also so that there is no discomfort when wearing them, you need to choose a model depending on the purpose of the pair, use it correctly and care for it. Shoes should be in size, so it does not make sense to order online. It is better to contact a specialized outlet, try on, and if the shoes are used directly as a protective cover for ordinary shoes or boots, make sure that they sit on them like a glove.
If galoshes are intended only for use in warm weather, do not wear them at temperatures below zero. Frost-resistant "versions" are usually worn until the temperature outside drops below -10 degrees.
If the ladders act as an independent shoe, in which a stocking is not provided, before putting on shoes in it, it is better to wear woolen socks, they will not allow the legs to quickly sweat.
In any case, you need to remember that rubber shoes do not let air in. So you should not walk in it constantly. After use, it remains to wash and wipe it from drops, and then dry on a stand. The temperature for drying is 35 degrees, but at room temperature the galoshes will dry out perfectly.
In the next video you will find more information about rubber galoshes.
