What exactly is Shoepedia? Shoepedia is a handy guide of technical shoe terms and definitions of work terms and technical specifications.
- COLLAR The part of the upper that encircles the ankle, not including the tongue. Often is padded and cut specifically for comfortable ankle movement.
- FOOTBED The part of the shoe where the sole of the foot rests, often used with sandals and open toe shoes. Usually is not removable.
- GOOD YEAR WELT In this method stitching is used to connect the outsoles to insole and welt together.
- INSOLE The part of the shoe where the sole of the foot rests, often used with closed toe shoes. Can be removable, usually is padded and contoured for support.
- LAST The form used to create and manufacture a shoe, usually used when referring to a particular shoe's design and fit. Often several different designs of shoe can use the same last, for better consistency of fit.
- LINING The interior of the shoe upper, the lining can be fabric, leather or other materials.
- MIDSOLE The part of the shoe located under the insole but over the outsole. Often padded, flexible and shock absorbing.
- OLLIE A nickname for the part of the shoe directly behind the toe on each side, often reinforced in skate shoes due to high wear.
- OUTSOLE The part of the shoe that directly contacts the ground. Can be made of rubber, leather or PU, often traction patterned for better grip.
- QUARTER Also called a side panel, the area of the shoe on each side.
- SHANK A stabilizing element, sometimes made of steel or fiberglass, typically part of the midsole.
- SOCK When used as part of the shoe, refers to the lining of the shoe.
- TOE The part of the upper located at the front of the shoe. Also referred to as the "toebox."
- TONGUE The part of the vamp that extends over the instep of the foot, often detached or semi detached and padded.
- UPPER The entirety of the shoe that covers the top of the foot, so called as it is the "upper" part of the item.
- VAMP The front center panel of a shoe, usually encompassing the toe portion of the upper.
- WELT A flat narrow strip of leather sandwiched between the insole and the outsole around the outer edge.
- COLD WEATHER (INSULATED) BOOT A boot with insulated lining, ideally suited for colder temperatures.
- COMPOSITE TOE BOOT A work boot with a composite ceramic material internal safety toe cap designed to protect the toes from impact and crushing.
- EH (ELECTRICAL HAZARD) SAFE BOOT A work boot designed to protect the foot from Electrical Hazards. Has insulating properties designed to protect the foot from electricity and no metal parts touching the ground surface.
- ENGINEER BOOT A boot with straps at the top and ankle areas, usually slip on, favored by motorcycle riders.
- LACE UP BOOT Any boot with a lace up design, often in the front panel but sometimes on the side or rear of the shaft.
- STEEL TOE BOOT A work boot with an internal steel toe cap designed to protect the toes from impact and crushing.
- NON-STEEL TOE BOOT A work boot that does not have an internal toe cap and does not protect toes from impact.
- SLIP ON BOOT (WELLINGTON) Any boot that can be slipped or pulled on, often utilizing stretch materials for easier access.
- SLIP RESISTANT BOOT A work boot designed with a high traction outsole designed to help prevent slipping injuries.
- UNIFORM BOOT Any boot designed for wear with work and service uniforms, often in plain black to comply with uniform standards.
- WORK BOOT A boot intended for wear in work settings. Many workplaces require specific protective footwear to protect from accidents and injuries, so work boots are tested and rated for specific types of protection.
- ZIPPER BOOT Any boot with a zipper closure, usually located on the inside panel.