Zappos.com Glossary of Shoe and Handbag Terms

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Zappos.com Glossary

Zappos.com is committed to your complete satisfaction; it is our top priority. In addition to offering a wide variety of shoes, handbags and accessories, we strive to provide you with the best service in the industry. We feel it is our duty to not only provide you with great service, but we would also like to provide a reference guide for you to learn more about us and our industry. We are giving you the inside scoop to our company glossary so you can learn about shoes, handbags and accessories just like us. We hope this guide is useful to you and will make you feel more confident about the features that our products provide. Enjoy!

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A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K
L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W

A [ TOP ]

After Hours: As the name suggests, the footwear in this category was made to lounge around in. Comfortable and casual slippers and shoes. Whether sitting on the couch, by the fire at the lodge, or running outside to get the morning paper, you will find all that you need to keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable. View the After Hours Collection
Aglet: The plastic sheath at the end of a shoelace which makes the lace easier to thread through the eyelet holes of the shoe.
Alligator Skin: A reptile hide featuring a wide, boxed print.
Analog Watch: This type of watch possesses a dial and hands.
Ankle Strap: A strap attached at the rear of the shoe that encircles the ankle. Usually features an adjustable buckle or elastic.
Antiquing: A type of leather finish that creates a contrasting, rubbed-off appearance.
Approach Shoe: A grip-soled athletic shoe meant to aid rock climbers on the path to and from the climbing area.
Arch: The high, curved part of the sole of the foot, located between the ball of the foot and the heel. This term can also refer to the raised area of the insole of a shoe, which is meant to pad and provide support for the arch of the foot.
Athleisure Shoe: Athletic-inspired, trendy footwear meant for casual, urban wear.
Athletic Bag: A cloth (typically canvas or nylon), duffel-style bag used for carrying athletic gear. Often features an adjustable shoulder strap.
Athletic Shoe: Athletic footwear meant for performance of a specific sport. Basketball, Crosstraining, Golf, Hiking, Running, Tennis and Walking are some examples.
Atmosphere (Atm): This is a measurement of pressure to determine the water resistance of watches. Each ATM is equal to 10 meters of water pressure.
Automatic Movement: Automatic watches do not require batteries or manual winding. A weight within these watches turns with the natural movement of the wearer's arm, thus keeping the watch wound.

B [ TOP ]

Back Seam: The vertical seam at the center of the back of a shoe or boot.
Backpack: A cloth or leather bag held to the back with double shoulder straps. Originally designed for a functional purpose, the backpack has now become a fashion item as well.
Ball: The padded area of the foot between the big toe and the arch of the foot.
Ballerina Flat: A ballet-style flat meant for everyday wear.
Balmoral Shoe (Bal): A shoe construction featuring a laced "V"-shaped panel across the foot.
Bateau: Otherwise known as boat-neck, it's used to describe a wide slit neckline that follows the curve of the collarbone.
Bellows Tongue: A shoe tongue that is attached at both the top and the sides of the shoe.
Bezel: This is the outer ring which surrounds the crystal of a watch. Many watches utilize a rotating bezel which functions as part of the timing mechanism.
Blucher: A shoe construction featuring two side flaps of material that are joined across the foot with lacing.
Bolero: A short jacket that is open in front and ends above the waist.
Boot: A style of footwear extending to the height of the anklebone and above. May extend as high as the thigh.
Box Handbag: A box-shaped handbag, typically of a hard material such as plastic or wood. Features a handle at the top and latching hardware.
Brannock Device®: A device used to measure the length and width of the foot in order to ensure proper shoe fit.
Break: The natural crease created across the vamp of the shoe from everyday wear.
Brogue: A heavy, oxford-style shoe featuring pinked and perforated detailing.
Buckle: A clasp at the end of a length of fabric or leather that joins one end of the material to the other.
Bucket Handbag: A large, bucket-shaped bag of cloth or leather. Typically features a single shoulder strap.
Bunions: A painful swelling at the base of the big toe, frequently leading to permanent enlargement of the toe joint.
Burnish: The process of buffing a shoe surface to achieve an antiquing effect of the leather.

C [ TOP ]

Calfskin: Leather created from the skins of very young cows. Calfskin is typically very supple and soft.
Calluses: A firm, rough patch of skin that develops from overuse or irritation.
Cambrelle®: A durable, breathable, synthetic material that helps wick away moisture and gives added warmth.
Camera Bag: A structured rectangular or square bag with many zippered compartments for storing camera bodies, lenses, cords, etc.
Canteen Bag: A round, padded canvas or nylon bag meant for carrying a canteen. Features a single, adjustable shoulder strap.
Cap Sleeve: A short sleeve just covering the shoulder but not the underarm.
Cap Toe: An additional piece of leather covering the toe of a shoe. May be in several different shapes or patterns. Also known as a Tip.
Carpet Bag: A roomy bag featuring a single large compartment and double handles. Originally made from carpet.
Carnaby Fit: Slightly fitted loosely around the body, allowing plenty room for movement and maximum comfort.
Cemented Construction: A shoe construction in which the upper of a shoe is cemented, rather than stitched, to the sole of the shoe. Cement construction results in a lighter, more flexible shoe.
Chronograph: This is a watch that incorporates a stopwatch feature using one or more sub dials.
Chukka Boot: A boot style with laces, usually with a plain toe, and is the height of the ankle.
Circumference: The measurement around the shaft of a boot taken at the widest part near the top of the boot shaft.
Climatrac®: A durable lining that is quick-drying and extremely breathable.
Clog: A footwear style featuring a closed toe, open back and a platform sole traditionally fashioned from wood.
Clutch Handbag: A narrow, handheld bag with no strap.
Collar: A strip of material stitched to the opening of a shoe or the topline. The collar can be padded for extra comfort.
Combination Last: A footwear last in which the heel is two sizes smaller in width than the widest part of the shoe, producing a shoe with a narrow heel and a wide toebox.
Contoured Footbed: An insole that molds to the shape of the foot.
Convertible Handbag: Features a wrist or shoulder strap that may be removed or hidden.
Cordovan: Leather from a horse's posterior. When tanned it becomes a rich black cherry color; so it has evolved into common usage as a color name.
Corn: A small, hard formation usually found on the toe. A corn is usually the result of continuous friction or pressure in one place.
Counter: A stiff piece of material placed at the heel of a shoe between the lining and upper in order to retain the shape of the shoe.
Country Club: Relax and enjoy yourself in elegant style. Like a cool summer breeze, our collection of Country Club brands will help you unwind. At the beach or on a cruise, you will find what you are looking for in resort and casual wear here. View the Country Club Collection
Cowl Neck: Soft, bias-cut neckline, draped in the front or back. Similar to a loosely draped turtleneck.
Crepe Rubber: A crude natural rubber with a crinkled texture, used in shoe soles.
Crescent Handbag: A half-moon shaped bag, often with a top zipper and single shoulder strap.
Crew Neck: Round, banded neckline that fits close to the base of the neck. Commonly seen on sweaters and T-shirts.
Crown: The knob of an analog watch used to set the time.
Crystal: This is the transparent cover that protects the face of the watch. The three most popular crystal types are acrylic, mineral and sapphire.
Curing: The application of chemicals to animal hides in preparation for the tanning process.
Cushioning: Padding on the insole or outsole of a shoe for added comfort and stabilization.

D [ TOP ]

Demi Boot: A style of boot whose shaft is generally no taller than the anklebone.
Dial: The surface of the watch located under the hands usually containing the numbers and markers.
D'Orsay (pronounced "door-say"): A style of pump featuring one or both sides cut-out.
Drawstring Handbag: Any handbag with a string or cord (rather than zipper or latch) closure.
Dressing: The application of polish or gloss to a shoe to maintain its finish and appearance.
Dri-lex®: A dual layered configuration composed of a moisture absorbing hydrophilic nylon fiber and a moisture resisting hydrophobic polyester layer knitted together.
Duffel Bag: An unstructured, spacious bag featuring a top zipper and two handles. Originally designed for military use.
Duty Shoe: A health care professional or service industry shoe.

E [ TOP ]

E.V.A. (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): A synthetic compound used for outsoles. E.V.A. provides cushioning to the foot and is easily shaped by heat and pressure.
Elastane: An elastic fabric made from segmented polyurethane that adds stretch. It's stronger and more durable than rubber. Similar to spandex.
Embossed Leather: A design that is imprinted onto leather and often simulates exotic skin - i.e., croco or snake. May also be a random pattern.
Envelope Handbag: A slim, envelope shaped handbag. May be a clutch or have a handle or strap.
Espadrille: A shoe or sandal style that has a woven rope or similar material covering the wedge or sole.
Eyelet: A hole through which a lace is threaded; may be reinforced with a metal ring or grommet.

F [ TOP ]

Feed Bag: A roomy bag with a single shoulder strap and drawstring closure. Derived from the style of bag typically used to feed horses and cattle.
Fiberboard: A material made primarily of wood pulp which is used for counters, insoles and heel lifts.
Finish: The process by which the final appearance of a shoe is created. The finish can include the application of polish to create a high-gloss finish, or a contrasting polish to create a rub-off finish like "antiquing".
Finishing Room: The area of a shoe factory where the shoe is finished, including the removal of the last, insertion of the insole, completion of the outsole and final application of polish.
Flat Foot: A condition in which the arch of the foot is collapsed and the entire foot rests on the ground.
Fold Over Clasp: This type of watch clasp utilizes a hinge to fold over itself and is locked into place using a pressure tab.
Fold Over Clasp with Push Button: This type of watch clasp utilizes a hinge to fold over itself and is locked into place using a pressure tab. For added security the clasp can only be released by depressing a push button.
Fold Over Clasp with Safety: This type of watch clasp utilizes a hinge to fold over itself and is locked into place using a pressure tab. For additional security a safety flap is closed over the end of the clasp.
Footbed: Another term for insole.
Forefoot: The area of foot between the ball and the toes.
Foxing: A strip of rubber joining the upper and sole of a shoe. Typically found on canvas sneakers.

G [ TOP ]

Gait: An individual's style of walking.
Galoshes: Waterproof (typically rubber) overshoes or boots meant to protect the foot and footwear from inclement weather.
Ghillie (pronounced "gil-ee"): A style of footwear in which the laces pass through fabric or leather rings or loops attached to the front opening of the shoe, rather than eyelets.
Girth: The circumference of a shoe last measured around the ball of the foot.
Goatskin: Leather made from the hide of a goat.
Goodyear Welt: A shoe construction in which the upper and sole of the shoe are stitched together, resulting in greater durability. The resulting seam is visible and runs around the outside of the shoe, where the upper and outsole meet.
Gore: An elastic panel stitched into either side of a shoe's vamp in order to make it more comfortable and easier to put on and take off.
Grain: The inherent surface pattern of leather, differentiated by the animal from which it came.
Green-Lam: Fleurville brand bag made of environmentally friendly PVC-free polyurethane laminate which provides moisture-repellency, UV resistance and durability.
The Gym: From basketball, tennis, and running to hiking, rafting and fishing, if you are an athlete of any level, you need to make sure you equip yourself with the right footwear for your endeavor. We carry the top names in athletic brand footwear for just about every activity. View The Gym Collection.

H [ TOP ]

Hammertoe

A condition in which the toe is bent in a claw-like position, occurring most frequently in the second through fifth toes. Hammertoes are usually caused by an imbalance of muscle tissue, but can also be aggravated by arthritis and poorly-fitting shoes.

Heel

"Heel" can refer to both the rear, padded area of the underside of the foot, as well as the solid part of a shoe that supports the heel cup. The standard measure for heel heights is as follows: an 8/8 (low heel) is 1" high; a 16/8 (medium heel) is 2" high; and a 24/8 (high heel) is 3" high.
Types of shoe heels include:

Baby Louis - The same shape as a Louis heel but a 12/8 or shorter.
Built Heel - Created from layers of leather or fiber with contrasting tones.
Continental - A higher heel with a slightly curved back and flat front.
Cuban - A thick, stacked heel with little or no curvature and tapered at the bottom; usually medium in height.
Louis or French - Features a curved back and ranges in height from 16/8 to 24/8.
Stacked - Similar to the built heel but typically can be created from synthetic and leather materials. Often found on spectator shoes.
Wedge - A heel of any height that is as wide as the shoe itself and follows the shoes contour from toe to heel.

Heel Breast

The forward-facing side of the heel.

Heel Height

Heel height is measured on a vertical line at the breast of the heel, from the bottom surface of the sole where it meets the heel, to the floor. Heel height is measured in increments of 1/8th inches, so an 8/8 heel is one inch high.

Heel Seat

The part of the shoe directly below where the heel of the foot rests and where the sole and the heel are joined together.

Heel Spurs

Soft deposits of calcium that grow on the "plantar fascia", a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and are typically painful.

Hidden Gore

An elastic panel at the front of a shoe that is covered by the shoe's tongue and provides added comfort.

Hide

The skin of a large animal that is treated, tanned or finished for use in boots, shoes, handbags and clothing.

Hobo Handbag

A roomy, unstructured, rounded bag, typically with a single top zipper and shoulder strap.

Hook & Loop

A method of keeping something closed, using 2 pieces of fabric. One piece has small hooks, to attach to the other piece which has 2 loops.

Huarache

A flat sandal or shoe with a woven leather upper.

I [ TOP ]

Imitation Leather: Any synthetic material made to look like leather.
Industry Footwear: We carry top brand name shoes with OSHA and A.N.S.I. ratings. If you need industrial footwear, you will find it here. View the Industry Collection
Ingrown Nail: A nail edge or side that digs painfully into the skin. They are frequently caused by improper nail trimming, but also by shoe pressure, injury, fungus infection, heredity, and poor foot structure.
Injection Molded Construction: A type of sole unit construction created by injecting melted PVC or a similar material into the sole mold. Injection molded construction is an efficient way to mass-produce footwear.
Inseam: The hidden seam of a welted shoe holding together the welt, upper, lining and insole.
Insole: A lining that runs the full length of the inside of the shoe.
Instep: The upper, center section of the foot, between the toes and ankle.

J [ TOP ]

Jelly Shoes: Shoes made entirely of PVC.
Jewelry Clasp Closure: Typically seen on women.s watches, a jewelry clasp is a latch that snaps closed around a bar. It is released by gently lifting the clasp and unsnapping it from the latch bar.
Jodhpur Boots: A low-cut boot used primarily for equestrian activities. May be laced or a twin gore pull-on style.

K [ TOP ]

Kidskin: A soft, porous leather created from the hide of young goats.
Kipskin: Middle-grade leather created from the skins of young cattle that are larger than calves, yet not fully grown.
Kiltie: A decorative, fringed tongue over the vamp of a shoe.

L [ TOP ]

Laces: A strip of material strung through the eyelets of a shoe in order to pull the shoe closed and adjust its girth.
Last: A metal, wood or plastic form used to create the shape of a shoe.
Lambskin: Leather created from the skin of young sheep.
Lasting: The process of pulling and shaping a shoe on a last.
Leather: The skin of an animal, typically with the hair removed and tanned for use.
Lift: One of the several layers of leather or leather-board used make a heel.
Lining: The inside material of a shoe. May be composed of leather, fabric or synthetic material.
Lizard: Leather made from the skin of a lizard, typically with a specked, grainy appearance.
Loafer: A slip-on shoe, completely without fasteners.
Lug Sole: A heavy-tread, rubber sole.
Lurex®: A type of yarn fabric that has a metallic appearance. Typically it's a synthetic fiber which an aluminum layer has been vaporized.
Lycra®: A premium stretch fiber found in garments made from natural and man-made fibers.
Lyocell®: Fibers produced from wood pulp cellulose. Tencel® is Lenzing's brand name for lyocell.

M [ TOP ]

Markers: Symbols or decorations used in place of numbers on the dial of the watch.
Mary Jane: The style of low heeled shoe with a strap across the instep. The strap can be attached with elastic or a buckle, making it easy to slip on and off.
Metatarsal Bones: Five long bones in the foot that help to move the body forward when walking or running. They form the top slope of the foot, from the instep to the toes.
Microfiber: An extremely fine synthetic fiber that can be woven into textiles with the texture and drape of natural fiber cloth.
Mid-sole: The layer of material between outsole and innersole used for reinforcement or cushioning.
Minaudiere: A small, heavily ornamented evening bag.
Minktex®: A lightweight, synthetic, lining. It is backed to an open cell foam rubber to provide a trimmer fitting lining that still provides warmth to the wearer.
Moccasin: A shoe in which the bottom is a single piece of leather, stitched around a last. The vamp is usually attached by whip stitching to the bottom of the shoe so it encloses the foot. Also known as Tru-Moc construction.
Modal®: A bio-based fiber made from the cellulose of beech trees. It's dyeable, resistant to shrinking and fading.
Monk Strap: A closed shoe, usually a blucher pattern, with a wide strap across the instep that buckles at the side. Also known as a monk strap.
Mother-of-Pearl: Often used on the dial of watches, this is the material taken from the inside of a mollusk shell which simulates true pearl in appearance.
Motion-Control: Designs or devices found in athletic shoes that control the inward rolling (pronation) of the foot.
Muff Handbag: A fur-lined handbag meant to be worn over the hands in order to keep them warm.
Mule: Backless, closed-toe slippers or shoes.

N [ TOP ]

Napa Leather: A supple version of sheepskin.
Neuroma (Or Morton's Neuroma): A benign, soft tissue mass which forms on the nerve which runs between the metatarsals, in the ball of the foot. When two metatarsal bones are squeezed together, they pinch the nerve that runs between them. This squeezing together of the metatarsal bones is usually a result of narrow shoes, high heeled shoes, injury, or a biomechanical defect of the foot (such as loose ligaments, pronation, or arches which are too flat or high).
Nubuck: Lightweight, supple leather used on the upper of the shoe. Buffed to a suede-like appearance.

O [ TOP ]

The Office: In business you never have a second chance to make a first impression. And you never know when you'll make your next impression. If a professional appearance is your goal this line will help you achieve one. View The Office Collection
Orthotic: An orthopedic insole designed to cushion and stabilize the foot.
Outsole: The bottom outer sole of a shoe.
Oxford: A traditional term describing a low shoe laced or tied over the instep.

P [ TOP ]

The Park: In a single lifetime you only get one pair of feet, so make sure to take care of them. Comfort, support, quality, our Park collection includes the top names in comfort footwear. Whether you are walking, working, or just on your feet, make sure you are giving them the support they deserve. View The Park Collection
Patent Leather: A glossy leather that has a shiny appearance. Patent leather is typically created from cattle hide.
Peau de soie: A soft satin weave of silk or rayon, with a grainy and dull luster.
Pebbled Grain: An embossed-leather grain finish that resembles a pebble surface.
Penny-Loafer: A slip-on style shoe with a slit over the instep where a penny traditionally was placed for good luck.
Perforation: A pattern of small holes punched or bored into the trim of a shoe, for the purpose of decoration or ventilation.
Pigskin Leather: Leather made from the skin of pigs.
Pinking: Saw-tooth shaped edging applied to the trim of shoes for decoration.
Piping: A decorative, narrow strip of leather that typically follows the seam of a shoe.
Pitch: The angle of the back part of the heel where it meets the sole, compared to the front part of the heel where it meets the sole. On a high-heeled shoe the pitch should be at a larger angle, in order to stabilize the heel.
Platform Shoe: A style of shoe featuring a thicker sole at the front; the heel is typically high to accommodate the higher height of the sole.
Podiatry: A branch of the medical profession dealing with the prevention and remedy of foot diseases.
Polyurethane (PU): A synthetic material frequently used as an alternative to leather in the manufacturing of footwear. PU is light, flexible and durable.
Pouch Handbag: A general term referring to a handbag with a framed closure. May come in a variety of sizes with a variety of straps.
Pronation: The inward rotation of the foot as it strikes the ground, causing shoes to wear on the inner line of the outsole.
Pump: A low-cut women's shoe, typically moderate in heel height.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): A semi-rigid plastic material, often used in heel counters and outsoles for added support.

[ TOP ]

Quarter: The rear portion of a shoe, covering the heel and sides and often joined at the back seam.
Quarter Lining: The lining of the rear part of a shoe, typically made from leather or fabric.

R [ TOP ]

RadianTex®: An insole that provides thermal reflection to keep your feet warm and cozy.
Raglan: A style of sleeve that has a diagonal seam on front and back, extending from the neckline to the underarm.
Retro: Pick any time in recent footwear history, and chances are Zappos has something from that era. Find your favorite authentic and classically inspired styles in this "Retro" section. View the Retro Collection
Riding Boot: A boot designed specifically for equestrian activities. Usually knee-high, with goring and a low heel. This term can also describe boots that are designed to look like riding boots.
Rim: The part of the shoe where the foot enters. Another term for collar or topline.
Rodeo Drive: Rodeo Drive is a collection of our finest brands. These brands are consistently at the forefront of fashion and use the highest quality of materials and craftsmanship in developing their product. You will only find these collections in the better boutiques around the country and their availability is typically limited. View the Rodeo Drive Collection

S [ TOP ]

Saddle Oxford: An oxford-style shoe featuring a saddle across the vamp, often in a contrasting color.
Safety Shoe: A shoe or boot designed specifically for wear in an industrial setting. This style of shoe often includes protective features such as steel-toe reinforcement and waterproof and oil-resistant materials.
Sandal: A simple form of footwear where the shoe is held to the foot by strips of leather or fabric.
Satchel Handbag: A structured handbag with double handles, locking hardware and a wide, flat bottom. May be large or small.
Scotch Grain: The embossing of leather to create a heavy, pebbled look.
Shaft Height: Shaft height of boots are measured from middle of the arch up the inside of the boot, to the top of the boot shaft.
Shearling: Sheepskin or lambskin with the wool still attached. Used often as a lining for shoes and boots.
Sheepskin: Skin from sheep, either with or without the wool still attached.
Shift Dress: A loose-fitting dress with no waistline seam or darts, also known as a chemise.
Shoe Anatomy: A diagram depicting the parts of a shoe.
Shoe Horn: A curved metal or synthetic device used to aid in slipping the foot into a shoe.
Shoe Sizes: The variation between full sizes is one-third of an inch, while the difference between half sizes and full sizes is one-sixth of an inch. This system of sizes is based on a decree made by Edward in 1324.
Side Leather: Leather from the sides of cattle, divided by the backbone.
Silicone: A slippery polymeric material used to waterproof shoes.
Sipes: A specific, razor-cut pattern in the outsoles of deck shoes that help to disperse water and prevent slipping.
Skate Park: Zappos is committed to being the online destination for premium skate shoes. "Skate Park" features cutting edge and signature footwear styles from the leading skate brands in the industry. View the Skate Park Collection
Slide: A shoe featuring an open toe and open back, with a band across the toe. Can be flat or heeled.
Sling-back: A shoe held to the foot with a strap at the back. The strap is typically elasticized or buckled for greater comfort and adjustment.
Slip Last: A simple way to make shoes in which the last is forced into the upper and then stitched to the sole.
Slip-On: A style of footwear which is simply slipped on to the foot with no further adjustment.
Slipper: A flat shoe that is easily slipped on, usually meant for indoor wear and lined for comfort and warmth.
Smooth Leather: Any leather that is smooth on the surface, without pebbling, or noticeable grain.
Snakeskin: Leather made from the skins of snakes, with a rough, scaley texture.
Sneaker: An athletic shoe, typically made of canvas with a rubber sole. The term "sneaker" comes from the wearer's ability to walk in the shoe without making noise.
Sock-liner: A sock liner is the insole in the interior of the shoe that the foot rests on.
Soho: Fashion for the 30 something. Not the shoes your parents used to wear but not so wild you look a teenager again. From dress to casual, the shoes you will find in this collection will keep you up-to-date with the current trends in a most tasteful way. Remember, you're too old to look cheap! View the Soho Collection
Sole: The bottom part of a shoe, not including the heel.
Sole Leather: Any heavy leather (usually cattle-hide), used for the soles of shoes.
Southside: Check out the latest looks from the country's foremost leaders in urban apparel. Keep your feet looking hotter than hot and remember, most of these are only here for a short time, so don't get left behind! View the Southside Collection
Spectator: A shoe design that is characterized by 2 materials, often of different colors or materials, with an edge of the dominant color having a pinking edge exposed, and a perforated design on the toe.
Split Leather: A type of leather used in shoes that is made from the lower layers of a hide that have been split away from the upper or grain.
Static Dissipating: Boots and shoes are rated SD Type 1 to protect against the hazards of static buildup in the workplace. Static Dissipating shoes regulate the build up of electrical charge in a person's body. Static dissipative shoes are commonly used in manufacturing of computer components, solvent based paints, explosives and plastics. Static Dissipating products reduce the risk of static shock to people and to the manufactured product.
Steel Toes: Steel toes are most frequently found in industrial-style footwear that is meant to prevent injury in the workplace. Steel toes are tested by the A.N.S.I (American National Standard Institute) for their ability to maintain a minimum clearance when compressed by different weights.
Straight Lasted: A type of last used to create a very straight shoe that helps to prevent severe pronation.
The Strip: Sexy, seductive, fun and fast. Get the latest, freshest looks and always stay on the cutting edge of fashion with the shoes in the collection. Many of these products are limited edition, so don't wait, get them while you can! View The Strip Collection
Suede: Leather with a soft napped surface.
Supination: The outward rolling of the foot while walking. The opposite of overpronation.
Synthetic Materials: Materials other than genuine leather, but which are designed to look or function like leather. Also known as man-made materials.

T [ TOP ]

Tannage: The process of converting raw hides or skins into finished leather.
Tap: The attachment of a leather or metal partial sole over the existing sole of a shoe.
Tassel: A rope and knot ornament typically found on the vamp of a loafer or moccasin.
Tencel®: Tencel® is a cellulose fiber made from wood pulp that is environmentally friendly to produce. This fiber offers a comfortable soft wear and ideal moisture wicking properties.
Thong: A sandal featuring a V-strap that connects to the sole of the shoe between the big and second toe, and at the sides of the foot.
Throat: The main opening of a shoe extending from the vamp to the ankle.
Tip: An additional piece of leather covering the toe of a shoe. May be in several different shapes or patterns. Also known as a Cap.
Tongue: A strip of leather or other material, sewn into the vamp of a laced shoe and extending to the throat of the shoe.
Thermoplastic Rubber (T.P.R.): A plastic material used by many manufacturers in the injection molding process.
Thermoplastic Urethane: A plastic material that gives support through the midfoot or medial side of a running shoe.
Tread: May refer to the design of a shoe's sole, or the way in which a shoe's sole is worn.
Tru-Moc: A shoe in which the bottom is a single piece of leather, stitched around a last. The vamp is usually attached by whip stitching to the bottom of the shoe so it encloses the foot. Also known as moccasin.

U [ TOP ]

Unit Bottom: A single shoe bottom made from a mold of rubber or plastic. It includes the sole, platform heel or wedge.
Upper: The upper part of a shoe, not including the sole. May be made from leather, fabric or synthetics.
Upper Leather: Any leather used for making shoe uppers. The principal leathers used for shoe uppers are calf, kid, horsehide, goat, sheep, and leathers made from the skin of reptiles. All of these may be made in a wide variety of finishes, such as smooth, suede, patent, embossed, and glossy.

V [ TOP ]

Vamp: The front part of a shoe upper that covers the toes and part of the foot.
Vegetarian Shoes: Shoes made of non-leather or synthetic materials.
Velcro® Registered trademark of Velcro Industries BV: Brand hook-and-loop fasteners are often used as straps to provide adjustable fits for shoes.
Vibram®: A type of durable, non-slip, outsole typically found on hiking boots. Vibram® is a registered trademark of Vibram S.P.A.
Vinyl: Short for polyvinyl chloride (P.V.C.), vinyl is a shiny plastic often used for coating shoes.
Vulcanized Rubber: Rubber that has been converted from its crude state to one of durability and strength.

W [ TOP ]

Waterproof Leather: Shoes that have been specially treated to prevent the entry of water.
Wedge Heel: A heel which extends from the back of the shoe to the ball of the shoe, following its contour.
Wellington: A Style of pull-on boots with no trim, often made of rubber, for inclement weather.
Welt: A strip of leather sewn between the insole and the outsole to create greater durability.
Wide Leg: A style usually associated with jeans where the entire leg portion is extra wide.
Width: The width of a shoe is typically measured in letters (AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, E, EEE, EEEE) and refers to the width of the shoe last as measured at the ball of the foot. Widths are defined in increments of an eighth (1/8) of an inch.
Wing Tip: A wing-shaped toe cap.

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