'closed-toe' originates from the combination of 'closed' and 'toe', where 'closed' means 'shut' or 'not open', and 'toe' refers to the front part of a shoe.

'closed-toe' evolved from the need to describe shoes that provide full coverage to the toes, distinguishing them from 'open-toe' footwear.

Initially, it simply described the physical design of shoes, and this meaning has remained consistent.