What type of officer is referred to as a "shoe"?

The term "shoe" commonly refers to a surface warfare officer in the United States Navy. This nickname derives from the black shoes that surface warfare officers wear as part of their uniform. Surface warfare officers are responsible for the operation and navigation of naval vessels, overseeing various missions, and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of shipboard operations.

This terminology is specific to the Navy's culture and helps to distinguish surface warfare officers from other communities within naval service, such as naval aviators or other technical fields. Understanding these distinctions is important for grasping the broader context of naval operations and structure.