Footwear Technology Footwear consists of garments worn on the feet. It is worn for a variety of reasons, including protection against the environment, hygiene and adornment. Usually, socks and other hosiery are worn between the feet and the footwear, except for sandals and flip flops (thongs). It is sometimes associated with fetishism, particularly in some recent fashions in shoes and boots. Some people are very passionate about fashion footwear.