Knowing industry terms will help you shop and understand the site.
I hope this knowledge will also help you appreciate the hard-working people all over the world who make shoes for your children.
This is a work in progress.  Basic components are listed;  Constructions, materials and manufacturing processes will be added.

I'm looking for factories to partner with who are willing to provide additional videos for certain shoe-making processes.  If you're interested in providing video, please contact me.

A-E

Achilles Heel

A notched heel design, usually padded, which provides excellent comfort.

Aglet

A finishing tip at the end of a lace which keeps fibers from unraveling and makes lacing through eyelets easy.

Backstay

A strip of material placed vertically at the heel of the shoe to give a certain finished look.

Cap Toe

A material overlay at the toe; a classic look especially for ballet flats.

Counter

The heel area of a shoe, above the outsole.  Provides support.

Cupsole

A type of unit bottom mold with a full sidewall.  Often used for athletic shoes.

Eyelets

A small usually round hole through which laces are threaded.

Eyerow

The portion of the shoe, usually the top of the quarters, where the closure system is located.  In this picture it includes the the entire row of eyelets.

EVA
Ethyl Vinyl Acetate

Commonly known as "foam rubber."  EVA is a polymer typically used in jogging styles as a cushioning layer.

F-J

Footbed (Insole)

A layer of material that separates the foot from the sole of the shoe.  It should be cushioned; can also provide arch support and can be lined with a variety of materials.  Sometimes removable.  See "Footbed."

Foxing

A strip of rubber wrapped around the side of a shoe in a vulcanized construction.

Foxing Stripes

Stripes placed on foxing tape for for color pop.

Gore

A sturdy, elastic material that allows the shoe to stretch for easy foot entry, and to accommodate and provide comfort for different shapes of feet.

Heel Loop

A loop at the top of the heel that can be grabbed,  helping to take shoes on and off.

Heel Patch

A patch placed on the foxing at the heel of a shoe, usually a logo.

Inside Quarter

The side of the shoe that faces the opposite foot.  Manufacturers often use cheaper materials at the inside quarter than at the outside quarter.

Insole (Footbed)

A layer of material that separates the foot from the sole of the shoe.  It should be cushioned; can also provide arch support and can be lined with a variety of materials.  Sometimes removable.

Instep

The arched, middle portion of the foot.  High insteps (arches) or low insteps have an effect on how shoes fit the feet.

K-O

Last

The solid form around which a shoe is created. The fit of a shoe depends on the last's design, shape and volume. A last must have anatomical integrity, while giving a pleasing, fashionable look to the finished shoe. It's the foundation of shoe-making.

Lining

The material inside the shoe that touches the foot.  Here, the SOCK lining is black, and the QUARTER and TONGUE linings are blue.

Midsole

The layer of material located under the insole but over the outsole providing the shoe’s main support and cushioning components.  Also, the EVA

Moc Toe

An abbreviation of the Native American word "moccasin."  Refers to the upward seam at the toe that is iconic of a moccasin.  Traditionally handsewn, but manufacturers have less expensive ways of faking it too.

Outside Quarter

The side of a shoe that faces the "world."  Shoes aren't symmetrical, the OUTSIDE and INSIDE quarters are different.

Outsole

Refers to the entire portion of the bottom of the shoe, in children's shoes typically made of TPR (thermoplastic rubber).

P-T

Padded Collar

The area around the ankle when it's padded with foam.  Provides added comfort and optimum fit.

Padded Tongue

A tongue which has foam padding sewn into the lining.  Adds comfort and improved fitting characteristics.

Quarters

The sides of a shoe.  Also see INSIDE QUARTER and OUTSIDE QUARTER.

Shaft

The top portion of a boot which runs up the calf. 

Sock Lining

The material touching the bottom of the foot.  Here it's black.

Stitch and Turn Seam

The seam connecting the blue and black materials is "stitched & turned."  It's sewn inside out, then turned to hide the seam.  An expensive process, as compared to regular binding.

Toe Box

The area inside the shoe where the toes sit.  For growing children, it should be comfortable with about 1/2" of growing room at the end.

Toe Bumper

A textured, rubber overlay placed on top of the foxing at the toe area.  Provides an extra layer for durability.

Toe Cap

An added layer placed on top of the toe area for extra protection and durability.

Tongue

The portion of the shoe that can be lifted up for easy foot entry. 

Topline

The top edge of the shoe that surrounds the ankle area -- the shape of which has an effect on style and comfort.

TPR
Thermoplastic Rubber

A molding compound which is a blend of natural rubber and synthetic plastic used commonly in outsoles.  The rubbber provides elasticity and the plastic provides support and durability.

Tread

Refers to the grooves on the bottom of an outsole that help grip the ground to reduce slippage.  The specific ratio of rubber to plastic of an outsole compound also has an effect on slippage.  The more rubber used, the tackier and sticky the outsole;  the more plastic, the more slick and plasticy the outsole.

U-Z

Upper

Refers to all materials that cover the foot, excluding any laces; and excluding the outsole.  On this shoe the entire upper is made out of black canvas.

Vamp

The area of the shoe that rests on top of the foot, including the toe area.

Vamp Plug

A separate piece of material inserted into the vamp, as in a this moccasin pattern.

Vamp Strap

Any strap that lies on top of the foot, most typically on a maryjane style.  It's closure technique is usually hook or loop or elastic. 

Welt

A true welt was originally called a Goodyear welt.  Most welts, especially in children's shoes are not true welts, but molded rubber to appear like welt for the sake of a fashion look.