The Top Level Domain (TWD) “.shoes” falls into the category of Generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs), which were introduced by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in 2011 to manage some of the concerns about the lack of available domain names in the original TLDs (.com, .org, .net, etc). These gTLDs allow for more industries and companies to establish a domain name that accurately reflects their businesses and are recognized across the globe.
The “.shoes” TLD is mainly intended for the footwear industry. This could consist of retailers, manufacturers, designers, or other entities that are involved in creating, selling, reviewing, or advertising shoes. Not only does this specific domain express the business functioning more clearly to the visitors, but it also holds huge benefits for search engine optimisation.
For instance, Nike might use a domain like www.Nike.shoes to make its purpose immediately clear to customers and to gain advantage in online searches for shoes. This TLD can also be beneficial for blogs or forums about shoes, and for sellers of particular types of shoes, such as www.running.shoes or www.hiking.shoes.
The “.shoes” TLD is therefore a practical and efficient way for relevant stakeholders in the shoe industry to differentiate themselves from competitors and make it easier for customers to find them.
According to ICANN, the initial operator of the “.shoes” TLD is Binky Galley, LLC, a company owned by Donuts Inc. which is also a domain name registry and applied for 307 new gTLDs in the 2012 expansion program including “.shoes”.
To use a “.shoes” domain, a company or individual would have to purchase the domain from a domain name registrar that works with ICANN. Some of the such accredited domain name registrars include GoDaddy, Name.com and others. However, as with any domain, it’s always important to consider intellectual property rights and to ensure that you’re not infringing on other recognized brands ( i.e. it is not advisable to use www.NikeAdidas.shoes unless related permission is granted).
The specific cost to purchase a .shoes domain name can vary depending on the registrar, the demand for the domain name, and other factors. However, it often comes at a higher price compared to more common TLDs such as .com or .org due to its business specific nature.
In conclusion, the Top Level Domain “.shoes” offers a unique and specialized platform for businesses, bloggers, or enthusiasts in the footwear industry to establish a solid online presence.
Sources:
- ICANN. “New gTLD Program.” https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program
- ICANNWiki. “Donuts.” https://icannwiki.org/Donuts
- VeriSign. “Top Level Domain Names.” https://www.verisign.com/en\_US/website-presence/online/domain-names/top-level-domains/index.xhtml
- ICANN. “ICANN Accredited Registrars.” https://www.icann.org/registrar-reports/accreditation-qualified-list.html
