Glossary
Ball: The padded part of the foot, just behind the toes.
Brannock Device: A foot measuring device used in many footwear and retail locations. It measures foot size, arch length, and foot width.
Cordovan: A high quality leather that is traditionally a dark burgundy color. Also a generic term for the color burgundy.
Counter/Heel Counter: Area on shoe upper covering the back of the heel. By surrounding the heel, it helps keep the foot centered and stable. A proper fitting heel counter will prevent slippage. It also prevents the heel of the shoe from sagging.
EVA: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate. A chemically formulated foam used in the midsole area for shock absorption, motion control, and cushioning. EVA comes in varying degrees of hardness.
Last: The plastic, metal, or wood foot-shaped form over which a shoe is made and which determines its shape, shoe size, and fit.
Lug Sole: A cleated surface covering the sole of the shoe which provides traction.
Midsole: A layer of soft cushioning material above the outsole that controls excess foot motion and cushions the foot. An added buffer to absorb shock.
Molded Construction: Vulcanization is a high heat curing process that molds the outsole to the upper. Injection molding is when a hot soling compound is injected into a mold to form the outsole with the upper placed in the mold.
Outsole: The outside sole or bottom of the shoe. Resilient outsoles (i.e., made of rubber or crepe) provide durability and absorb shock. On average, a foot is exposed to some 7,500 impacts daily. The outsole can provide traction, durability, and cushioning.
PU/Polyurethane: Poured high density compound used for midsole cushioning, comfort, and durability.
Shank: Part of sole found between heel and ball. Adds stability, support, and protection. Also: a steel strip placed between the insole board and midsole for support and sha
Toe Box: A reinforcement lining the inside toe of the shoe. Maintains the shoe shape. Some use this term to describe the forefront of the shoe. A broad or high toe box will provide ample room for toe spread and therefore be more comfortable.
Upper: Part of the shoe covering the top of the foot that provides foot protection, support, and style.
Vulcanization: A process whereby crude rubber is formed and attached to the upper in form of a mold by a high heat curing process. After vulcanization, the rubber becomes stronger, more elastic, and less soluble. A pre-assembled upper is then bonded to the rubber outsole by means of heat and pressure.