Glossary of General Footwear Terms

Numerical - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

Numerical

360º Lacing System
A lacing system that wraps around the back of the upper for enhanced comfort.

3M Reflective
3M material that reflects in low-light conditions.

3M Scotchlite®
Retro-reflexive technology that reflects all direct light sources.

4mm T70 Alpine Board Insole
This is a nonwoven nylon used in hiking boots to provide maximum torsional rigidity.

5.5mm Texon
This is an insole board used in all safety toe boots and many work boots to add torsional rigidity.

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A

Achilles Dip
A dip in the heel lining that allows the Achilles to be cushioned.

Achilles Flex Notch
Area at the back portion of the heel to prevent irritation of the Achilles tendon.

Achilles Tendon
The large tendon running from the heel bone to the calf muscle of the leg.

Action Leather
This is a PU coated split grain leather, having a smooth surface resembling full grain leather.

Air Mesh
Breathable mesh that is lightweight and comfortable.

Anatomical Fit
A shoe that follows the dimensions, curves, contours and shape of the human foot. It provides a natural fit for comfort and performance.

Anatomical Last
Shape construction where the top surface of the midsole mirrors the shape of the foot to promote stability.

Anti-slip heel lining
This material prevents heel slippage.

Arch Lug
Located on the medial side of the outsole to provide additional support. It helps reduce the rate of pronation.

Arch Support
Protects and supports the foot's natural instep area.

Arch-lock
Midfoot wrap provides superior control and support.

Asymmetric Heel Collar
This type of heel collar reduces ankle stress and strain associated with high jumping.

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B

Ballistic Mesh
A high-abrasion, tear-resistant mesh.

Bellows Tongue
A folded tongue stitched in under the lace holes.

Bioflex® Concentric Circle Magnets
These magnets are built into certain shoes to help reduce pain, accelerate healing and improve blood circulation.

Blade Cleat Design
Long, narrow cleats that enhance traction and allow for easier pivoting.

Blown Rubber
Rubber that is expanded during the molding process. The result is a lightweight, flexible, rubber outsole material which provides added cushioning and maintains durability.

Board Lasted
Fiberboard is glued to the insole of an upper, between the midsole and innersole for stability and firmness.

Bootie
A complete lining of the upper, from under foot to top lining. It is used to seal waterproof shoes.

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C

California Slip Lasted
A method of slip lasting where the upper unit is stitched around the outside of the insole before it is adhered to the midsole. This offers you added flexibility and comfort.

Cambrelle® Nylon
This nylon provides exceptional comfort, wicks away moisture, and is abrasion-resistant.

Carbon Fiber Inserts
These inserts are located in the heel and tongue to resist abrasion.

Carbon Rubber
This dense rubber compound has a carbon additive that makes it more durable and resistant to abrasion.

CM-EVA
The compressed and molded form of sheet EVA, wherein the structure and shape of the material may be contoured for improved fit and function.

Collar
Material located around the top of the heel for added comfort and support.

Combination Last
A construction technique wherein the upper is slipped onto the last in combination with a 3/4 length fiber board reinforcement for stability. The forefoot is then stitched together by fabric before gluing it to the midsole.

Comfit(TM)
Classic models in nubuck or full-grain leather, constructed of a polyurethane midsole and outsole for cushioned durability.

Composite Shank
This epoxy and fiberglass shank replaces the steel shank in non-metallic footwear.

CoolMax®
This type of fabric is a tetra-channel polyester, which pulls, or "wicks", moisture away from your skin to the outer layer of the fabric. It offers fast evaporation so you stay dry and comfortable.

Cordura®
DuPont Cordura® is a durable textile material that is easy to take care of, yet is very resistant to abraison, tears or punctures.

Crumple Zone
Designed to help absorb impact and center your foot at the point of heel contact.

Curved Last
This refers to the shape or curvature on the base of each last. A curved last will reflect a bent-line or curvature from center heel to toe. A curved or semi-curved last is designed to work with the curvature of the human foot to promote a natural footstrike.

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D

Decoupled Heel
A segmented heelstrike area that deflects impact to help absorb shock and slow the rate of pronation. It provides a more efficient ride because of a smoother transition through the footstrike.

Denier
A measure of thickness for fabric materials on a 1-1000 scale.

Density
Measure of firmness of the material in a midsole or outsole.

Diagonal Rollbar(TM)
A wedge-shaped midsole component made of dense EVA designed for stabilizing the foot and minimizing excessive pronation.

Dome TRB(TM)
A concave TPU sphere that works with Saucony's GRID® Cassette to maximize cushioning and minimize rearfoot motion.

Dri-Lex®
Knit moisture management system designed to move moisture away from the foot, allowing for speedy evaporation and a dry, comfortable surface against the foot.

Drylete®
This moisture management material designed by HIND® carries moisture away from the body.

Dual Density Midsole
A midsole with two degrees of firmness. The firmness of the two materials is located on the inner side to help control pronation.

Dual Density Outsole
An outsole that features two materials of different densities. The result is greater traction and long-lasting wear.

Durahide
A synthetic material that is similar to leather. It is soft and durable.

DuraStrike
A unique EVA compound found in the midsole. It offers increased durability.

Durometer
Scale of 1 to 100 that measures the firmness of a midsole.

Dyertech®
This type of fabric is designed to help you stay comfortable in a variety of activities and weather conditions through moisture management, heat retention and / or wind protection.

Dynamic Cradle
1/2-in of material that surrounds the midsole perimeter. The foot rests in softer material and is supported by hard material for motion control.

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E

E.V.A. (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate)
A soft, cellular foam material known for its lightweight, flexible and cushioning properties.

ERGOsole
Pro Staff® ERGOsole footbed creates a unique blend of support and cushioning.

ES Midsole
ES (Enhanced stability) midsole profile offers a slightly wider base for more support and efficient acceleration.

Ethyl Vinyl Acetate
A soft, cellular foam material known for its lightweight, flexible and cushioning properties.

Evatech
A thermoplastic lasting board that is more durable and lighter than traditional cardboard. The thermoplastic material does not absorb water, enhancing the durability and stability of the shoe.

Evergrip
A rubber compound that ensures the shoe's grip even on wet surfaces.

EverLite
A durable lightweight outsole technology that incorporates a fabric base with injected TPU rubber pieces for traction.

Everride
A blown rubber compound that provides additional cushioning through the outsole and reduces the weight of the shoe.

EverTrack
A rubber compound with higher than average abrasive wear characteristics.

Expanded Rubber
Also known as blown rubber, it is thick, soft rubber used on outsoles of shoes.

External Heel Counter
Molded collar which supports the base of the heel counter for increased motion control. It is located on the outside of the shoe surrounding the heel area.

External Heel Stabilizer
Molded TPU device designed to cradle the heel and provides medial and lateral stability, keeping the foot centered at impact.

Eyelet Lacing
A traditional shoe lacing that consists of eyelets set in the throat, above the edges of the shoe's tongue, held closed with a type of string lacing.

Eyestay
Reinforcement around the lace holes of a shoe.

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F

Fabric Wrap
A re-enforcement to the thin midsole sidewall that offers additional medial support against over-pronating.

Fiberboard
Flat, rigid piece of material that can be found in some uppers for support and stability.

Flare
Refers to the width of the heel at the bottom of the outersole in relation to the width of the heel at the top of the midsole.

Flex Grooves
Usually found in the midsole or forefoot for increased flexibility.

Flex Notches
Cutouts in the forefoot midsole that provide added flexibility to a shoe.

Footbed
A molded and contoured removable insole placed directly under the foot.

Forefoot
Area of the foot that extends from the middle of the metatarsals to the ends of the toe.

Forefoot Bruise Plate
High-density compound engineered into the forefoot to provide support and protection while still providing flexibility.

Forefoot Flex Grooves
Anatomically-placed grooves in the midsole and outsole. They insure proper forefoot flexibility without hindering the natural flex of the foot.

Forefoot Stable Air
A flexible air chamber embedded in the midsole provides optimum forefoot cushioning.

Foxing
Reinforcement on a shoe that provides medial and lateral support to the foot in a wrap-around way. It surrounds the entire toe area.

Full Slip Lasting
Moccasin construction technique where upper material is drawn around the last and the two edges are sewn together on the bottom of the form, providing maximum flexibility.

Full-grain leather
Top layer of cowhide. It is the strongest and most durable part of hide.

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G

Gait Cycle
Mechanical process your body goes through while running or walking.

Gaiter
For hiking boots or trail running shoes, seals the boundary between your paint leg and the boots.

Garment Leather
Soft, pliable and comfortable leather.

Ghillie Lacing
A system of webbing loops or rings to secure the lacing of the upper, used in place of eyelets.

Gore-Tex®
Gore-Tex® fabric is created by laminating the Gore-Tex® membrane between a durable liner and a protective fabric. The membrane is waterproof, yet allows sweat vapor to pass through it for breathability.

Gore-Tex® Bootie
This patented bootie is an all encompassing waterproof and breathable barrier that completely surrounds your foot. Water cannot penetrate, yet perspiration vapor can escape.

Griptex
An ankle lining material which provides the optimum contact between the foot and shoe, eliminating any movement in the heel during play.

Ground Control System
This lightweight, flexible barrier between the midsole and outsole protects the foot against stone bruising on rough terrain.

Guidance Control
The concept that stability can be created through various approaches within the shoe design.

Gum Rubber
Outsole rubber compound containing a high percentage of natural rubber.

Gusset Tongue
Added padding to the tongue. It can be "v-shaped" or cut at an angle for mobility and flexibility.

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H

Hammerhead Oxford(TM)
Extra heavy polyester yarns are woven in a basket weave pattern that creates a durable, abrasion-resistant construction.

Heel Counter
Rigid piece of leather or synthetic material that surrounds the heel for stability and rearfoot control.

Herringbone Sole
Tread pattern in court shoes that is made up of parallel lines which, in any two adjacent rows, slope in opposite directions.

High Rebound Compound
A blend of polymer that eases the heel strike at the initial point of contact and reduces pronation.

Hobnail
Outersole design with many small circles.

Hook and Loop Closure
This type of closure provides a secure, easy closing system.

HRC
A blend of polymer that eases the heel strike at the initial point of contact and reduces pronation.

Hytrel®
A high performance plastic elastomer used in Saucony's GRID® Cassette and Instep Support Device™.

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I

Injected-molded EVA
A process that injects EVA foam into molds to make it uniform and durable.

Innersole
An insert that is sometime removable. It aids in cushioning and support.

Instep
The prominent area above the arch and the highest point on the foot.

Integrated Lacing
A variation on Ghilly lacing which utilizes logo stripes in the lacing system to improve lateral stability.

Integrated Lace Cover
Conforms to national and international wrestling regulations.

Internal Fit System
An internal elastic "sock" that conforms to the foot's exact shape. It provides stability and support from the forefoot to the heel.

Internal Support Saddle
Internal arch wrap provides added upper support through the midfoot for a glove-like fit.

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J

K

Kanebo
A breathable synthetic material that is soft, supple, durable and easy-to-clean.

Kangaroo leather
Thin, lightweight leather that fits like second skin yet has a high capability of stretch.

Kevlar®
Manufactured by DuPont®, Kevlar® is a highly abrasion-resistant compound used to reinforce high-impact wear areas.

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L

Last
The 3-Dimensional foot form around which the upper of the shoe is built. The last determines the size and dimensions of the shoe. A shoe's last is commonly described in relation to its construction and / or shape.

Lasting
Procedure in which the upper of the shoe is joined to the midsole.

Lateral
Referring to the outer side of the shoe or foot.

Latex Crash Pad
Latex pad in the heel provides lightweight cushioning from impact.

Latex Seam Sealed
Rubber-based adhesive sealant is applied to the inside seams of boots and shoes.

Leather Upper
Leather upper provides natural comfort and durability.

LightStrike EVA
EVA compound that provides added lightweight cushioning, 15% lighter and 10% more durable than traditional EVA.

Lorica®
A material made from a combination of fine microfibers. After being treated with special resins, the woven fibers take on a micro-porous structure which makes the material strong, soft, lightweight and breathable.

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M

MCD
This device is a heel wrap located in the heel at the joining of the upper and midsole. It is designed to minimize rearfoot lateral movement and guide the runner into a proper gait cycle.

Medial
Referring to the inner side of the shoe or foot.

Medial Midsole Post
A stabilizing device made of denser EVA foam or plastic that is located on the medial side of the rearfoot area to limit excessive pronation.

Memory Foam
A high density foam which maintains the shape of whatever it comes in contact with. It provides custom fit capabilities to collar and tongue linings.

Mesh
Material in the upper that allows breathability.

Metatarsal
The five long bones of the foot that form the instep.

Microfibre
A breathable synthetic material that is soft, supple, durable and easy-to-clean.

Micromove(TM)
This fabric is a lightweight, breathable and soft. It offers you comfort with every move because it's designed to mirror the movement of your body. It's quick-drying for easy care.

Midfoot
Middle of the foot between the heel bone and the metatarsal heads.

Midfoot Moderator
An insert in the midfoot combining a soft material on the medial side and a harder material on the lateral side to provide increased lateral stability.

Midfoot Shank
Reinforcement on the midsole for additional torsional stability.

Midfoot Support Bridge
A rigid material built into the shank area of the midsole which maintains torsional rigidity and helps keep the foot in a neutral position throughout the gait cycle.

Midsole
The portion of the shoe between the upper and the outersole that provides cushioning.

Midsole Post
A stabilizing device made from a more dense or rigid material found on the medial side of a shoe. It controls the maximum angle of pronation.

Mocassin Lasted
A method of construction where the upper is sewn together along the middle of the base and then attached to the sole. It provides comfort and flexibility.

Moisture Management Sockliner
This lightweight, polyurethane foam insole material is used to wick moisture away.

Molded EVA sockliner
Molded EVA sockliner cushions the foot and enhances the fit.

Molded Midfoot Stabilizer
A molded cup that gives lateral and medial support.

Motion Control Device
A stabilizing device made from more dense material which acts to control pronation and guide the runner into a proper gait cycle.

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N

Neoprene
A polychloroprene elastomer developed as a thin layer of closed cell foam.

Nylon Spike Plate
Used in track shoes, a nylon spike plate provides durable traction on all surfaces.

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O

Offset Spike Configuration
This configuration is used on High Jump shoes to provide extra medial and lateral support during foot-plant.

Orthotic
A corrective device made primarily of leather, cork or plastic which is placed inside a shoe to help correct biomechanical problems.

Outsole
The bottom layer of the shoe that consists of one or more rubber compounds. The outsole design is usually configured to enhance traction.

Overlay
Material over the base of the base material.

Overpronation
Excessive pronation or over rotation of the foot.

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P

PE
Synthetic material used to make some midsoles and innersoles.

Pebax Cage
An external cage surrounding the upper. It offers superior support and allows the foot to breathe through a mesh shell.

Poliyou®
Constructed of open cell high-polymer PU foam which allows air to circulate freely, this breathable foam air insole is known for its superior technical performance.

Polyethylene
Synthetic material used to make some midsoles and innersoles.

Polymer Outsole
A blend of outsole materials bonded to a lightweight carrier which combine superior traction with durability and responsiveness.

Polyurethane
A cushioning foam used for extra cushioning, it is heavier then EVA.

Poron®
A lightweight cellular urethane that can be used in sockliners for added cushion and comfort.

POS
A blend of outsole materials bonded to a lightweight carrier which combine superior traction with durability and responsiveness.

Pronation
The natural inward rotation of the foot as it relates to the gait-cycle. A normal foot lands on the outside heel and pronates slightly to help absorb shock.

Propex(TM)
A polypropylene-based fabric with high abrasion, tear and puncture resistance.

Protective Toecap
An additional layer added to the toe area of a shoe or boot.

PU
A liquid polyester compound that can be manipulated into soft rubber-like midsole materials or a hardened elastomer material for harder soled shoes.

PVC Reinforcing Strips
Strips of high tensile strength plastic compound that reinforce the upper of a shoe.

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Q

Quilted mesh
Sandwiching two layers of mesh fabric with a stitched pattern to increase fabric strength.

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R

Rand
Strip of leather or rubber composition cemented to the margin of the sole, with bold stitching to simulate a welted construction.

Resiliency
A measure of the ability of a material to return energy or rebound.

Road Lugs
A lug style designed to increase durability and traction.

Rubber Reinforcement
Increases sole durability and surface area traction.

Running Performance Last
A last that provides greater lateral (outside) support while allowing quick heel-to-toe transition. This last is suitable for runners who are bio-mechanically efficient.

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S

Scotchguard®
Specially treated water-repellent nylon material that keeps the foot dry and the shoe light, even in wet conditions.

Scotchlite® Reflective
3M's reflective material for visibility during low light.

Sculpted Heel Cup
A contoured device that aids in power and leverage during push off.

Semi Curved Last
Shoe last whose shape falls between a straight lasted shoe and a curve lasted shoe.

Shank
Reinforcement that strengthens the region of the waist in the gap joined by the welt and insole. It stiffens the shoe in this area.

Shock Dispersion
Ability of a shoe to absorb or distribute the shock of a shoe strike which is caused when the body lands with each foot strike.

Slanted Midsole
Designed specifically for the movements associated with the high jump, a slanted midsole acts as a support wedge for the foot-plant and push-off phase of a jump.

Slip Lasted
Shoe construction with the upper of the shoe being attached to the midsole without the use of a fiberboard. It offers increased flexibility.

Sockliner
Pre-formed liner on the inside sole of the shoe to reduce internal friction and offer cushioning.

Solid Lugged Outsole
Provides long-wearing durability and traction.

Solid Rubber Outsole
Consistent durability throughout the gait cycle.

Stability
Degree of support and motion control a shoe gives to the foot during the gait cycle.

Stability Last
A last that adds medial (inside) stability. It is often used in shoes designed to prevent excessive pronation and provide motion control.

Standard Last
A semi-curved last that is wide in the forefoot and narrow in the heel. Accommodates the average foot type.

Steel Shank
This is a reinforcing piece of steel which runs from the center of the heel to the front of the arch, laminated within the lasting board, providing support.

Stitched Toe
Rubber material at the front of the shoe is stitched, as well as glued for increased durability.

Straight Last
Little or no curve from heel to toe. It provides excellent support on the inner portion of the foot.

Stretch Upper Materials
Molds to the foot to enhance fit and performance.

Strobel Lasted
Constructed with a thin material acting like a sockliner stretched along its perimeter, providing an excellent blend of stability and flexibility.

Stytherm Heel Counter
An extremely durable counter material which forms the heel and helps control rearfoot motion.

Super Action Leather
An extremely durable PU coated split grain leather, giving the leather the appearance of a full grain leather.

Supination
Foot strike where the runner puts most of their weight to the outer side of the shoe.

Synthetic Leather
A strong, light polyurethane-based leather substitute that allows for easy maintenance.

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T

Tendon and Shank Suspension Midsole
This is an integrated support structure and shank made of a rugged polymer material (Nylon 6) which provides cushioning, torsional stability and will not breakdown with wear, or fluctuate with temperature extremes.

Terreno Duro
An abrasion-resistant carbon rubber compound used in Soccer outsoles for playing on hard surfaces.

Texon
This is a slimmer and lighter insole board.

Thermoplastic medial post
The thermoplastic stability post aids in controlling the foot through the gait cycle and prevents over pronation.

Thinsulate®
This thermal insulation is lightweight, warm, moisture resistant and breathable, and made by 3M®.

Titanium Midfoot Stabilizer
A device in the midfoot area of the sole that provides support and stability. Titanium adds strength to this area while keeping the shoe lightweight.

Toe Box
The frontal portion of the upper that surrounds the toes.

Toe Bumper
Rubber tip of the outsole that wraps up and on to the front of the toe box.

Toe Cap
Protective section added to the exterior of the big toe area of the shoe for durability.

Tongue
Flap that starts at the vamp of the shoe and goes the length of the top of the shoe. It is padded to offer cushioning from the laces.

Torsion Rigidity Bar
This bar is a lightweight midfoot support device designed to provide torsional rigidity through the midfoot phase of the gait cycle for runners with a rigid foot type.

Toughtec
An upper material that is highly durable.

TPR
Thermo plastic rubber is often used to provide durability and stability.

TPU
Thermoplastic urethane used in devices to prevent overpronation.

TPU Guidance Control Shank
A thermoplastic urethane device located in the midfoot of the shoe that assures torsional rigidity and heel-to-toe stability.

Trail Lugs
Trail lugs provide traction on varied terrain.

TRB
This bar is a lightweight midfoot support device designed to provide torsional rigidity through the midfoot phase of the gait cycle for runners with a rigid foot type.

Trinomic
Integrated in the midsole, a structural array of hexagonal cells increases shock absorption, as well as, enhancing stability.

Triple Density Midsole
A dual density midsole combined with a third density of EVA that is located at peak pronation for maximum stability and control.

Tri-rate sockliner
High performance sockliner with three layers of materials working together.

Tumbling
Process of softening leather for added comfort.

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U

Underpronation
Less than average degree of pronation or under rotation.

Unitec
The midsole and outsole are molded together in one process which benefits increased flexibility, reduced waste and creates and overall significant weight reduction to the shoe.

Uphill/Downhill Lugs
Outsole configured to aid in propulsion uphill and braking on downhill terrain.

Upper
Top part of the shoe above the midsole and outersole that encase the foot.

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V

Vamp
Front part of the upper that covers the base of the instep and toes.

Variable Width Lacing
A system of lacing where the lace holes alternate in an off-set pattern along the eyestay. Variable lacing allows for a custom fit on a variety of foot types.

Versatech®
This light fabric is a superfine microfiber yarn designed for the balance of breathability and water resistance.

Vibram®
Special rubber compound which insures high abrasion resistance and optimized grip.

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W

Waffle Sole
Rubber sole is formed with lugs on the bottom that provide traction and shock dispersion.

Wear Plug
Extra dense materials placed in the heel or ball of some running shoes to provide heel and ball durability.

Welding
A process of directly fusing material onto mesh or synthetic uppers without the use of seams or stitching, making for a seamless construction.

X

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