Vulcanization
Before the first sneakers were made (in the late 1800s), shoes had been fashioned from mostly leather materials. These shoes were straight and uniform. Both shoes were identical--no right or left existed. Comfort and flexibility had not been implemented until the first rubber-soled sneakers were introduced. The sneakers were fashioned by a process of melding the rubber to the other materials (vulcanization), which resulted in a strong bond.
Manufacturing
The earliest sneakers were tediously sewn together by the hand of a shoemaker. Today, however, more modern equipment and machines exist in factories, allowing mass quantities of shoes to be produced in a minimal amount of time. Labor costs are the most significant factor representing the cost of shoes. For this reason, many manufacturing plants have moved to Asia, where the cost of labor is cheaper. See Resources for more information.
Steps
Vulcanization is still the process by which shoes are made. However, stitching and assembly are now done with machines. In the factories, the shoes are stock fitted. A process known as "lasting" prepares attachment of the upper portion to the shoe's sole. Heeling is done by attaching the bottom portion of the shoe to the shoe form. The last step includes finishing and treeing. The treeing process adds the final touches and attachments, such as the laces, to the shoe. Once the shoes are assembled, they are shipped to distribution companies where they can be distributed and sold.
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