shoe

IPA/ʃuː/
KK[ʃˈu]IPA/ʃuː/

shoe — noun

  • shoesingular
  • shoesplural

1. a protective item worn on each foot, typically made from leather, cloth, or rubb

1.nounA1
Definition

a protective item worn on each foot, typically made from leather, cloth, or rubber, with a firm base and a small heel, used for walking outside and for everyday wear.

Example

Asher tied his shoelaces and rushed out the door to catch the bus.

collocation: tie one's shoelaces

The leather shoes had holes in the soles, so Paloma bought a new pair.

collocation: a pair of shoes / sole of a shoe

Common collocations
  • pair of shoes
  • leather shoes
  • running shoes
  • shoe size
  • shoe store
  • put on / take off shoes
  • tie / undo shoelaces
  • shoe polish
  • shoe rack
Synonyms
  • footwear

    a general category that includes shoes, boots, sandals, etc.; more formal and collective

  • trainer

    a shoe for sports; British English equivalent of 'sneaker'

Grammar Patterns

a pair of shoes

shoes + verb

Usage Note

In many Asian cultures, it is customary to take off one's shoes before entering a home. The verb pair most commonly used with shoes is 'wear' (for having them on) and 'take off' (for removing them).

Common Mistakes

I need to buy a new shoe.' (when meaning one pair)
I need to buy a new pair of shoes.
shoe is countable but almost always used in the plural when referring to the pair that goes on both feet.
I put on my shoes and go out.
I put on my shoes and went out.
tense inconsistency is common; keep the time frame clear.

2. a second unfortunate event that follows an earlier bad one, used especially in t

2.nounC1
Definition

a second unfortunate event that follows an earlier bad one, used especially in the expression about waiting for something bad to happen next.

Example

After the company lost its biggest client, everyone waited for the other shoe to drop.

fixed phrase: wait for the other shoe to drop

First the roof leaked, and then the other shoe dropped when the boiler stopped working.

Synonyms
  • second blow

    more direct but less idiomatic; describes the same idea without the fixed expression

Grammar Patterns

the other shoe drops

wait for the other shoe to drop

Usage Note

This sense only appears in the fixed expression 'the other shoe drops' (or 'wait for the other shoe to drop'). It cannot be used in other grammatical contexts — you cannot say 'I had another shoe today' to mean another bad thing happened. Distinguish from sense 1 (ordinary footwear) where 'other shoe' simply refers to a second piece of footwear.

Common Mistakes

The other shoe dropped on my head.' (literal meaning)
The other shoe dropped when the bank called about the unpaid loan.
the phrase is always metaphorical, never literal.

3. a curved piece of iron nailed under a horse's hoof, which stops the hoof from we

3.nounB1
Definition

a curved piece of iron nailed under a horse's hoof, which stops the hoof from wearing away on hard roads.

Example

The farrier checked each shoe on the horse before the long ride through the mountains.

Mayumi hung a horseshoe over the stable door for good luck.

cultural note: horseshoe as a lucky charm

Common collocations
  • nail a shoe
  • shoe comes loose
  • fit a shoe
  • horse shoe
Synonyms
  • horseshoe

    the full, more standard term for this object

Grammar Patterns

a shoe on a horse

nail a shoe to a hoof

Usage Note

In everyday English, the full word 'horseshoe' is far more common than 'shoe' alone for this meaning. The short form 'shoe' is used mainly by people who work with horses (farriers, riders, stable staff). When writing for a general audience, use 'horseshoe' instead.

Common Mistakes

The horse needs four new shoes for running.' (acceptable but informal)
The horse needs four new horseshoes.
for general readers and formal writing, 'horseshoe' is clearer.
Idioms

be in someone's shoes

idiom

to be in the same difficult situation as another person, often used to express empathy or to give advice about what you would do.

If I were in your shoes, I would accept the scholarship offer without hesitation.

Nobody knows what they would do in her shoes until they face the same crisis themselves.

the shoe is on the other foot

idiom

used to say that a situation has completely reversed, so that the person who was in a weaker position is now in a stronger one, or vice versa.

Years ago I asked him for a job; now the shoe is on the other foot and he works for me.

The shoe is on the other foot now that Jisoo's former boss reports to her.

if the shoe fits (wear it)

idiom

used to tell someone that a critical remark or description applies to them and they should accept it rather than object to it.

When Olivia complained about the comment, Sade said, "If the shoe fits, wear it."

Aarav denied being lazy, but his teacher just shrugged and said the shoe fits.

fill somebody’s shoes/boots

idiom

To do someone's job well enough when they are absent.

Can you fill Sara's shoes while she is on leave?

No one can fill the manager's boots after he leaves.

if I were in your shoes

idiom

Used to give advice by imagining yourself in the other person's situation.

If I were in your shoes, I would accept the offer.

If I were in your shoes, I'd talk to the teacher.

if the shoe fits (, wear it)

idiom

If a criticism applies to you, you should accept it.

He said someone is lazy. If the shoe fits, wear it.

If the shoe fits, maybe you should change your behavior.

shake in your boots/shoes

idiom

To be extremely frightened or nervous.

The little boy was shaking in his boots during the storm.

Before the exam, Aiden was shaking in his shoes.

step into somebody’s shoes

idiom

To take over a job or role that someone else started.

After her mentor retired, Min stepped into her shoes.

Who will step into the coach's shoes when he leaves?

shoe — verb

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe foot coverings but differ in height, coverage, and use. A shoe covers the foot up to the ankle and is worn for general outdoor activities. A boot extends above the ankle, often to the calf or knee, providing more support and protection for hiking, rain, or cold weather. A sandal has an open design with straps or a simple sole held on by thongs, worn in warm weather. A slipper is a soft, lightweight shoe worn indoors, not intended for outdoor walking. For example, you wear boots in the snow, sandals at the beach, slippers at home, and shoes to work or school.

shoe ↗boot ↗sandal ↗slipper ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • shoe size
  • shoe store
  • shoe polish
  • shoe rack
  • shoe shop
  • shoe lace

Phrases

  • pair of shoes
  • put on / take off shoes
  • change one's shoes
  • break in new shoes

Etymology

Proto-Indo-EuropeanProto-GermanicOld EnglishEnglish

The word 'shoe' comes from Old English 'scōh', which traces back to the Proto-Germanic '*skōhaz'. This Germanic root may come from the Proto-Indo-European '*skek-', meaning 'to move quickly' or 'to jump'. Related words exist across Germanic languages: German 'Schuh', Dutch 'schoen', and Swedish 'sko'. The verb sense 'to shoe a horse' goes back to the same Old English period, since horses were central to travel and work.