Shoe definitions beginning with the letter A
Abrasion Resistance
The ability of a footwear component to withstand wear caused by abrasion.
Category: jargon
Abrasives
These are materials like carborundum, emery paper or cloth and red flint used for buffing and/or scouring soles, heels and other parts of footwear during the manufacturing process.
Category: materials, shoemaking
Achilles Dip
A dip behind the foot in the heel lining that flows around the Achilles tendon providing better cushioning and comfort.
Category: shoe parts
Achilles Flex Notch
A notch added directly behind the food in quarters that allows the Achilles tendon to move freely without coming into contact with the shoe thus preventing irritation.
Category: shoe parts
Achilles Tendon
The large tendon running from the heel bone to the calf muscle at the back of a leg.
Category: foot parts
Acrobatic Shoes
Shoes that have been designed specifically for use during the performance of acrobatics. They are made with extra light uppers and soles.
Category: athletic shoes, shoe styles
Acrylonitrile
Acrylonitrile is a tough rigid plastic commonly used in the manufacture of plastic shoe heels.
Category: heels, materials, shoemaking
Action Leather
Action leather is split grain leather that has been coated with Polyurethane and has the appearance of full grain leather.
Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Abbreviation: AMT
Advanced manufacturing technology is the integrated use of Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) and robotics to produce shoes & footwear more cheaply and more efficiently.
Category: jargon, shoemaking
After Hours Footwear
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. After hours shoes are designed to keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable.
Category: casual shoes, shoe styles
Aglet
An aglet is the protective tip on the end of a shoelace. The aglet makes lacing easier and it protects the lace from unraveling.
Category: fastenings, shoe parts
Airport Friendly Shoes
Shoes or footwear that contain no metal of any sort, allowing the wearer to pass through airport metal detectors without setting off the alarm.
Category: shoe styles
Albert
A men's slipper style with a tongue like extension of the upper over the instep.
Category: casual shoes, shoe styles
Alcohol
Alcohol is a term used in shoemaking to refer to a solvent used for cleaning made with an alcohol base.
Category: jargon, materials, shoe parts
Algonquin Toe Shoes
Also known as: Split Toe Shoes
Algonquin toe shoes are named for the Algonquin Indian tribe that designed them in the eighteenth century. An Algonquin toe shoe is constructed by joining two pieces of leather together at the vamp and welt of the shoe.
Category: shoe styles, toe caps
All Terrain Sandals
Any sandals that are meant for outdoor use in rough conditions such as rafting, hiking, etc. Often waterproofed and with a rough, grippy, durable outer sole.
Category: athletic shoes, sandals, shoe styles
Alligator Skin
Leather made from an alligator's skin. Often embossed leather is designed to look like alligator skin.
Almond Toe
A shoe cap shape that resembles the shape of an almond with a tapered, rounded point.
Category: toe caps
Alpargatas
Spanish or South American sandal-like shoes that have a sole made of rope and are attached to the feet by thongs.
Category: shoe styles
Ammunition Boots
These are also known as Ankle Boots and are ankle high boots with six eyelets and full tongue. Made using rivets, screws and stitched for heavy duty purposes
Category: boots, shoe styles
Anatomical Fit Shoes
Anatomical fit shoes follow the dimensions, curves, contours and shape of the human foot. Anatomical fit shoes provide a natural fit for enhanced comfort and improved performance.
Category: athletic shoes, shoe styles
Aniline Calf Uppers
Also known as: Aniline Leather
Very high quality chrome tanned calf skin is used for finished calf-upper leathers. The finish is completely transparent and shows the unique detail of the calf leather grain. Only the best blemish-free skins can be used.
Category: leather, materials, shoe parts, shoemaking
Ankle Boots
A boot with a shaft that ends at or around the height of the ankle.
Category: boots, shoe styles
Ankle Strap Sandals
Any sandals that are secured with a strap attached to the back of the shoe, around the ankle. Ankle strap sandals usually feature a buckle or elastic for an adjustable fit.
Category: sandals, shoe styles
Ankle Wrap Sandals
Any sandals that have straps that are wrapped around and then tied off around the wearers ankle for a stylish accent.
Category: sandals, shoe styles
Anti-Static Shoes
Footwear with metal plugs in the soles that ensure static electricity is safely earthed thus avoiding sparks in areas where flammable gases are present or sudden electrical discharge could possibly cause damage or injury.
Category: shoe styles
Antique Finish Shoes
Shoes in which the uppers have been finished to give an impression of old and well cared leather by applying dressing to the upper and immediately removing the same except in edges and crevices.
Category: shoe styles
Antiquing
A type of of leather finish that creates a contrasting, rubbed-off appearance.
Category: shoe styles, shoemaking
Approach Shoes
A grip-soled athletic shoe designed to aid rock climbers on the path to and from the climbing area.
Category: athletic shoes, shoe styles
Apres Ski
Shoes or other articles of apparel designed specifically to be worn after skiing.
Category: shoe styles
Apron Toe Shoes
A type of shoe incorporating a toe covering that is characterized by an overlay over the front of the toe cover area that has visible edges or stitching forming an "apron" over front of the shoe.
Category: shoe styles, toe caps
Arch
Part of foot plantar that does not touch the ground. Most commonly referring to the metatarsal 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.
Category: foot parts, podiatry, shoe parts
Arch Cookie
A foam insert placed under the insole, designed to support the arch.
Category: podiatry, shoe parts
Arch Rocker
A patented design of the AVIA footwear brand used on some walking shoe models. It provides support to the small muscles of the foot, helping to prevent foot fatigue.
Category: shoe parts
Arch Support
Stiffening effect on the area of insole built up and strengthened to support the arch of the foot, or similar support which can be inserted in the shoe separately.
Category: shoe parts
Athleisure Shoes
Athletic-inspired, trendy footwear meant for casual, urban wear.
Category: casual shoes, shoe styles
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete's foot is a parasitic fungal infection that affects the skin of the human foot.
Category: podiatry
Athletic Shoes
Athletic footwear designed for the performance of a specific sport (Basketball, Golf, Tennis, etc.).
Category: athletic shoes, shoe styles
Awl
A sharp-pointed tool with a small round handle, used by the upper leather clickers to make the prick holes for the convenience of the upper closer.
Category: shoemaking, tools
