1 [count] : an outer covering for your foot that usually has a stiff bottom part called a sole with a thicker part called a heel attached to it and an upper part that covers part or all of the top of your foot
▪ She bought a pair of shoes. ▪ He took off his shoes and socks. ▪ high-heeled shoes ▪ dress shoes [=shoes for formal events or times] ▪ athletic/running shoes ▪ shoe polish ▪ a shoe store/shop 2 shoes [plural] : another person's situation or position
▪ I wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now. ▪ Anyone in her shoes would have done the same thing. ▪ Try to put yourself in their shoes [=try to imagine yourself in their situation] and think of how you would want to be treated. ▪ I don't think anyone will be able to fill her shoes [=do what she does as well as she does it] after she retires. ▪ He stepped into the shoes [=took the role] of president with ease. 3 [count] : a flat U-shaped piece of iron that is nailed to the bottom of a horse's hoof : horseshoe 4 [count] : the part of a brake that presses on the wheel of a vehicle — usually plural ▪ The brake shoes are worn out.