Knowing industry terms will help you shop and understand the site.
|
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.
|
BackstayA 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.
|
CounterThe heel area of a shoe, above the outsole. Provides support.
|
CupsoleA type of unit bottom mold with a full sidewall. Often used for athletic shoes.
|
EyeletsA small usually round hole through which laces are threaded.
|
EyerowThe 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
|
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.
|
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.
|
InstepThe arched, middle portion of the foot. High insteps (arches) or low insteps have an effect on how shoes fit the feet.
|
K-O
|
MidsoleThe 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.
|
P-T
Padded Collar
The area around the ankle when it's padded with foam. Provides added comfort and optimum fit.
|
ShaftThe top portion of a boot which runs up the calf.
|
Sock Lining
The material touching the bottom of the foot. Here it's black.
|
|
Toe Cap
An added layer placed on top of the toe area for extra protection 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
WeltA 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.
|