Five Types of Shoes, a Shoestring, a Sock and More Quiz

Answer: Winklepickers

Winklepickers are a style of footwear known for their long, pointed toes. These were so sharp they were humorously likened to the pins used to extract periwinkle snails, hence the name. They emerged in Britain during the 1950s and quickly became a signature look for rebellious youth subcultures like the Teddy Boys, who paired them with Edwardian-style suits to create a bold look.

The shoes drew inspiration from medieval pointed footwear and were often made in sleek leather with lace-up or zippered designs, sometimes featuring Cuban heels for added flair. Over the decades, they evolved into a symbol of edgy fashion, embraced by goths, punks, and rockabilly fans for their dramatic style. Though less extreme today, their pointed shape is still popular. They've appeared in music scenes, fashion runways, and vintage revivals.

Answer: Geta

Japanese geta are traditional wooden sandals with raised soles that help keep feet and clothing clean in muddy or wet conditions. They've been worn for centuries and are still used today during festivals and with traditional outfits like yukata.

They have a flat wooden base and are held on the foot with a cloth strap between the toes. Some styles have two wooden blocks underneath called teeth, which make a clacking sound when walking. People wear them for comfort, tradition, and style, especially during summer events or ceremonies.

Some modern versions of geta are designed for comfort and everyday use, with rubber soles or softer straps. They can be seen at fireworks shows, temple visits, or even in fashion photoshoots. Their clacking sound and raised shape still make them a charming part of Japanese culture.

Answer: Ballet Shoes

Emma Watson stars as Pauline Fossil in 'Ballet Shoes', a 2007 BBC adaptation of Noel Streatfeild's novel. Set in 1930s London, the story follows three orphaned girls, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy, who are adopted by an eccentric palaeontologist and raised by his niece Sylvia.

As the family's finances dwindle, the girls are enrolled in the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training, where each discovers her own passion: Pauline dreams of becoming a stage actress, Petrova longs to fly planes, and Posy is a gifted ballerina.

The film blends period drama with coming-of-age warmth. The production features a strong cast, including Lucy Boynton as Posy and Yasmin Paige as Petrova, alongside veteran actors like Victoria Wood and Richard Griffiths. The London filming locations are styled to reflect the 1930s.

Answer: Charles Perrault

'Puss in Boots' is a clever and charismatic feline who first appeared in European fairy tales, most famously in Charles Perrault's 1697 version. In the story, a poor miller's son inherits only a cat, but this cat turns out to be a master strategist.

By tricking a king and outwitting an ogre, Puss secures wealth and status for his master, all while dressed in boots and a feathered hat. His tale celebrates wit over wealth, showing how cunning and charm can transform one's fate.

The character has since leapt from folklore into pop culture, most notably in the 'Shrek' film series, where he's voiced by Antonio Banderas. This version of Puss is a swashbuckling rogue with a soft side, known for his dramatic flair and irresistible big eyes routine. He's also starred in his own spin-off films.

Answer: 1970s

Platform shoes are footwear characterised by thick soles that significantly elevate the wearer above the ground. While their origins stretch back to ancient Greece and China, where elevated shoes signified status or helped actors stand out on stage, they surged into mainstream fashion in the 20th century. The 1970s disco era made platforms popular, with bold designs and towering heights. They were worn by both men and women and became a fashion statement.

Platform shoes continue to evolve today, appearing in everything from chunky sneakers to elegant heels. Designers use them to play with proportion, add drama to silhouettes, and offer height without the discomfort of steep arches. Besides fashion, platforms have also become symbols of self-expression, whether worn to stand tall or stand out.

Answer: Airports, helipads, and industrial sites

Windsocks are vital visual indicators used at airports, helipads, and industrial sites to show wind direction and approximate speed. Their simple, tapered design allows them to respond instantly to changes in airflow, helping pilots and ground crews make quick decisions during takeoff, landing, and rotor operations.

At airports and helipads, windsocks are normally mounted in clear view near runways or landing pads, often illuminated for nighttime visibility, ensuring safe navigation in varying weather conditions.

In industrial settings, such as chemical plants, oil refineries, or construction zones, windsocks serve a critical safety role. They help workers assess wind direction in case of gas leaks, airborne contaminants, or hazardous spills, guiding emergency response and evacuation routes. They require no power and offer real-time information.

Answer: Ethiopia

Born in the village of Jato in 1932, Abebe Bikila was an Ethiopian marathon runner who made history by winning the 1960 Olympic marathon in Rome while running barefoot, becoming the first African to win an Olympic gold medal in long-distance running. He joined the Imperial Guard in Addis Ababa and began training seriously in his mid-20s.

Four years later, he stunned the world again by winning the 1964 Olympic marathon in Tokyo, this time wearing shoes and just weeks after undergoing an appendectomy. He became the first athlete to win back-to-back Olympic marathons, further cementing his legacy.

Tragically, a car accident in 1969 left him paralysed, but he continued to compete in sports for disabled athletes, including archery. He died in 1973 at the age of 41, and his legacy lives on through awards and tributes that honour his pioneering spirit and enduring impact on long-distance running.

Answer: Trevor Eve

'Shoestring' was a British detective drama that aired on BBC One from 1979 to 1980, starring Trevor Eve as Eddie Shoestring, a former computer programmer turned private investigator.

After suffering a nervous breakdown, Shoestring reinvents himself by hosting a radio show on the fictional Radio West in Bristol, where listeners call in with mysteries for him to investigate. Living in a boarding house owned by his landlady Erica Bayliss, he becomes the station's 'Private Ear', solving cases that combine psychological insight with local detail.

The series stood out for its unconventional lead, a fragile, reluctant detective rather than a hardened professional, and its use of Bristol as a backdrop. It won a loyal following and helped launch Eve's career. The show ended when he chose not to return for a third series, leading the BBC to develop 'Bergerac', a successor drama that carried forward elements of Shoestring's format and style.

Answer: Argentina

Gabriel Batistuta, known as 'Batigol,' is one of Argentina's most famous strikers. Born in 1969 in Reconquista, he started his career at Newell's Old Boys and went on to play for River Plate and Boca Juniors before making a big move to Italy with Fiorentina in 1991. He became a legend in Florence, even staying with the club when they were relegated and helping them fight back to Serie A.

Later, he joined Roma and was a key part of their 2001 league title win, their first in almost 20 years. For Argentina, he scored 54 goals in 77 matches, holding the national scoring record until Lionel Messi passed him. He also made history by scoring in three straight World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002), including hat-tricks in two of them.

After hanging up his boots in 2005, Batistuta stepped away from football and revealed the toll the game took on his body, struggling at times with severe pain. He's remembered not just for his powerful, explosive goals, but also for his loyalty and humble character. For fans around the world, 'Batigol' remains an icon of the 90s and early 2000s football.

Answer: Slipper lobster

Slipper lobsters are unusual-looking crustaceans from the family Scyllaridae. Unlike the big-clawed lobsters most people picture, they don't have big pincers. Instead, they've got flat bodies and wide, plate-like antennae that look kind of like a pair of slippers, and that's how they got their name. They spend the day hiding under sand or rocks on the sea floor and come out at night to snack on creatures like snails, clams, and small crabs.

They're not quick tail-splashers like true lobsters; instead, they rely on their tough shells, camouflage, and burrowing skills to keep out of trouble. There are about 90 species of slipper lobsters. Some are only a few centimetres long, while others can grow close to half a meter.

A few species, like the Balmain bug and Moreton Bay bug, are actually seafood favourites in parts of the world.