Shoe definitions beginning with the letter C
Cacks
Tiny soled shoes without heels and having very soft uppers made for infants.
Category: shoe styles
CAD – Computer Aided Design
A shoe is designed on the screen of a computer. It is then saved and can be modified. Sectional patterns are produced and all differential sizing models can be completed.
Category: shoemaking
Calf Leather
The skin of very young cattle which offers fine grain, suppleness and exceptional durability. A versatile leather that can be used for virtually every type of shoe.
Calfskin
Leather made from the skin of young cattle. Soft, pliable, light and with few surface flaws. Among the highest quality of all leathers.
California Slip Lasted Construction
A method of shoemaking where uppers are stitched onto a sock which serves as an insole. The last is then forced into the sock so that an outsole can be attached.
Category: lasting, shoe parts
Cambrelle
A durable, breathable, synthetic material that helps wick away moisture and provides added warmth to footwear.
Category: materials
Canvas Boots
Boots made of canvas upper and rubber bottom in which an unvulcanised rubber sole is directly attached to the upper and then vulcanised.
Category: casual shoes, shoe styles
Canvas Shoes
Shoes made with canvas uppers and rubber bottoms in which an unvulcanised rubber sole is directly attached to the upper and then vulcanised.
Category: casual shoes, shoe styles
Cap and Counter Shoes
Cap and counter shoes incorporate an upper design that has separate toe-cap and stiffener covers, usually in contrasting colours.
Category: shoe styles, shoemaking
Cape Leather
A very soft leather often used for comfort shoes. It is also used for gloves, and is often referred to as glove leather.
Capped Toe
A Capped Toe is a shoe that has a cap at the toe that is shaped like the letter D. For example, Converse All Star (Chucks) are Capped Toe shoes.
Category: shoe parts, shoe styles
Captoe
A Captoe is a shoe that has a cap at the toe that is shaped like the letter D. For example, Converse All Star (Chucks) are Captoe shoes.
Category: shoe styles, toe caps
Carbon Rubber
Rubber which has a high carbon content. Carbon rubber outsoles provide excellent durability but generally are heavier, less flexible and less cushioned than blown rubber outsoles.
Category: materials
Carnauba
Carnauba is a hard wax coating material made from the leaves of certain Brazilian palm trees. Carnauba is an expensive material used as a component of high-grade shoe polishes and creams enabling them to produce a lasting high gloss shine on leather shoes.
Casual After Sport Shoe
A type of casual shoe that's ideal for use after athletic activity, with sporty styling and comfort, but lacking an athletic shoe's technical features.
Category: casual shoes, shoe styles
Casual After Sport Shoes
A type of casual shoe that's ideal for use after athletic activity, with sporty styling and comfort, but lacking an athletic shoe's technical features.
Category: casual shoes, shoe styles
Casual Footwear
Footwear of light construction, suitable for casual wear which is easy to slip on without any fastening device.
Category: casual shoes, shoe styles
Caulking Machine
Appliance used to depress and shape an inner sole to make it conform to the natural shape of a foot.
Category: shoemaking
CE Mark
A mark of conformity used to demonstrate compliance with a number of European Directives.
Category: jargon
Celastic Toe-Puff
A hard toe-puff made of raised cotton cloth, impregnated with cellulose. Softening the toe-puff is done by dipping it into solvent before insertion and quick lasting of the shoe is necessary after insertion.
Category: shoe parts, shoemaking, toe caps
Cellulose Board
An excellent insole material made from alpha cellulose of the highest quality with a polymeric blend.
Category: materials
Cement
A general term for adhesive solvents in the footwear industry. The application of cement on roughened portions of footwear during manufacture is known as cementing.
Category: materials
Cement Lasted Construction
A method of lasting where a shoe's forepart upper is attached to the insole with adhesive instead of tacks.
Category: lasting, shoemaking
Cemented Construction
A construction using specialised adhesives, in place of stitched welts, to bond the upper parts and soles, thus achieving lightness and flexibility. The method of construction in which the bonding of sole to the upper after securing to the insole is done by means of a glue (cement), usually heat and pressure activated.
Category: lasting, shoemaking
Channeling
The production of grooves or channels in leather in which stitching is laid to attach soles to uppers.
Category: shoemaking
Cheerleading Shoes
A type of athletic shoe meant for competitive, high-impact cheerleading activity, often with switchable color accents to match team colors, and finger notches in the soles for use in acrobatics.
Category: athletic shoes, shoe styles
Chelsea Boots
A type of boot, usually of ankle height, in a pull on style with elastic side panels. Popularized in England.
Category: boots, shoe styles
Children’s Foot Health Register
Abbreviation: CFHR
In an effort to improve the foot health of the children of the United Kingdom, the Children's Foot Health Register has been compiled, listing retailers in geographical locations who have undertaken to have shoes in stock in a choice of four width fittings in full and half sizes, and who have staff trained to measure children's feet and fit correctly at the time of sale. The minimum requirements are that footwear for children is available in the shop in whole and half sizes from infants size 3 through to girl's and boy's size 5 in four width fittings. In addition members are expected to carry a minimum stock of sandals at the start of the summer season in full and half-sizes and four width fittings. The Children's Foot Health Register is revised annually.
Category: organisation
Chiropodist
A Chiropodist is a person who practices chiropody. The remedial care for feet, especially dealing with corns, toenail disorders and toe displacements.
Category: podiatry
Chiropody
Pronounced: ky-rop-ody
Chiropody is remedial care for the foot, especially dealing with corns, toenail disorders and toe displacements.
Category: podiatry
Chopines
Chopines are women's shoes that have very high and thick soles in a wedge style.
Category: shoe styles
Chrome Tannage
A method of turning hide into leather using a chrome based tanning liquor. Use is made of mineral salts, such as Chromium Sulfate, to produce a tanning liquor. This process takes 24 hours and initially gives the leather a pale duck egg blue colour. The type of leather produced is soft and resilient. Leather produced this way is used for shoe uppers, leather, glove and soft sole leathers (for example, ladies shoes or slipper soles) to provide enhanced flexibility.
Category: leather, shoemaking
Chukka Boots
Men's low boot with cap less vamp and high cut quarters that cover the ankles. Normally with two holes for lace but not more than three eyelets are used. Also known as Jodhpur Boots.
Category: boots, shoe styles
Circles
Horseshoe shaped ovals of steel that are embedded into the heels of shoes to prevent undue wear.
Category: shoe parts
Circumference
The measurement around the shaft of a boot which is taken at the widest part near the top of the boot shaft.
Category: boots, jargon, shoe parts
Clarino
Clarino is a poromeric shoe upper material made by Kuraray Co. in Japan. Clarino has a synthetic fibre base layer, a microcellular polyurethane layer and a finish coat simulating the grain of leather.
Category: materials
Cleaning Nubuck Leather Shoes
When dirty, nubuck leather shoes should be wiped with a cloth dipped in slightly soapy warm water.
Category: shoe care
Cleaning Patent Leather
Clean patent leather shoes with a damp cloth or use a good quality proprietary patent leather spray.
Category: shoe care
Cleaning Suede Shoes
After removing all dirt when dry, brush up the nap using a rubber or stiff bristled suede brush. Stains may be carefully removed with a proprietary solvent cleaner. Bald patches can be restored with fine sand paper.
Category: shoe care
Clearance Pulls
Force applied for clearing feather edges in lining, stiffeners, toe caps, etc., prior to fastening with tacks during lasting.
Category: shoemaking
Cleats
Any traction enhancing spikes or nubs attached to the sole of an athletic shoe, often used in grass-based sports such as baseball, soccer, or golf to ensure sure footing.
Category: athletic shoes, shoe parts
Clicking
Traditional name for cutting out of the upper components of a shoe with the help of templates or clicking dies.
Category: shoemaking
ClimaCool ®
A venting and cooling system developed and used by Adidas brand footwear with flexible screened vents to keep feet cool.
Category: athletic shoes, jargon, shoe parts
Climbing Boots
Strong, warm and waterproof boots with cleats fitted at the bottom and round the edge of the sole to enhance traction in precarious terrain.
Category: boots
Clogs
A type of shoe, usually casual and comfortable, with an open or closed heel and a slip on style.
Category: casual shoes, shoe styles
Closed front
The front of an oxford shoe or other mens shoe style that has the eyelet tabs stitched under the vamp.
Category: shoe parts
Closing
When producing an upper, the point when the various upper sections are stitched together to form a single piece is called closing.
Category: shoemaking
Clothing and Footwear Institute
Abbreviation: CFI
The professional organization of the clothing and footwear industries for individuals. The CFI organizes conferences and local branch meetings, publishes a magazine and sets examinations, which if passed lead to associateship (ACFI), the professional qualification of the industry. ACFI is awarded at age 24 following 2 years in a position of responsibility, fellowship (FCFI) is awarded for a special contribution to the industry or in recognition of a thesis.
Category: organisation
Co-Respondent
A co-respondent is a men's cap and counter shoe with cap and counter in contrasting colour to the remainder of the shoe.
Category: shoe styles
Cobbler
An old word for someone who makes shoes and also a rich shine leather, which requires little polishing.
Category: leather, materials, shoemaking
Collar
A stitched-on strip of leather around the outside of the top of a boot or shoe. Sometimes the collar is padded which provides for a more secure heel fit and helps prevent debris from entering the shoe.
Category: boots, shoe parts
Colour Fastness
The Resistance of a materials colour to fading after prolonged exposure to the elements during manufacture and their subsequent use.
Column Heel
A type of women's high heel that's round and column-shaped.
Category: heels, shoe styles
Comb
The section of the last corresponding to the forepart of the foot immediately beneath the ankle. Shoe lasts are much thinner at this part than in that of the foot and the hollowness in the comb assists in enabling the shoe quarters to grip the foot properly.
Category: lasting, shoemaking
Combat Boots
A special type of boots with a low heel and eyelets up to the highest point worn now-a-days by wrestlers and army men but originally by Roman warriors.
Category: boots, shoe styles
Combi-Lasted Shoes
Combi-lasted shoes employ slip lasting in the forefoot for enhanced flexibility and an insole board in the rear-foot to control excess motion.
Category: lasting, shoe styles, shoemaking
Combination Lasted
The use of a fibrous, stabilizing board, glued into the heel when a shoe is being constructed. The combination of a slip lasted forefoot (for flexibility) with a stabilizing board in the heel gives a shoe more stability and versatility.
Category: lasting, shoemaking
Compression Molded Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
Abbreviation: CM-EVA
An artificial compound used in footwear midsoles as cushioning.
Category: materials
Computer Aided Manufacture
Abbreviation: CAM
Computer Aided Manufacture describes the use of data created using a CAD software application to control cutting tools, presses, lasers, water jets, or mechanical cutters and an increasing range of other machines. M.C. milling machines for moulds and lasts, sewing machines and roughing machines to name a few.
Category: shoemaking, tools
Confederation Europene des Chaussures
Abbreviation: CEC
The confederation of European footwear manufacturers federations. They seek to represent the views of the shoe industry to European parliament, and to promote the footwear industry in Europe.
Category: organisation
Congress Gaiter
An ankle high shoe with a leather or cloth top adjusted to the ankle by a gusset or rubber.
Category: shoe styles
Construction
The process of attaching shoes uppers to their soles. Methods include: glued, glued and nailed, or glued and stitched. Generally, approach shoes, hiking shoes and boots are made with glued construction.
Category: shoemaking
Consumables
A term applied to articles which are incidental or accessory to the manufacturer of shoes such as laces, polishes, creams, cements, waxes, buckles, heel plates, shoe brushes, insoles etc. Also called findings.
Category: materials
Continental Heel
A higher heel with a slightly curved back and flat front.
Category: heels, shoe parts
Contoured Footbed
An insole that molds to the shape of the foot on the top and to the shape of the shoe on the bottom.
Category: shoe parts
Copper Toe
A copper boxing or lip designed to protect the toes in children's shoes.
Category: shoe parts, toe caps
Cordovan
Cordovan is a leather used for some men's high-grade shoe uppers. Cordovan is tanned from the shell of a horse butt, a kidney shaped very compact layer isolated by removing the skin layer above and the flesh layer below.
Cordwainer
The word cordwainer is derived from the name of the very first shoemakers trade guild established in the year 1087. It used to refer to a shoe-maker who hand-made shoes in Cordovan leather but now can be used to refer to any shoemaker.
Category: shoemaking
Corfam
Corfam is a synthetic upper material which reproduces most of the properties of leather.
Category: materials
Corn
A small, hard formation usually found on the toe. A corn is usually the result of continuous friction of pressure in one place.
Category: podiatry
Corporate Casual Shoes
A shoe that is clearly casual, but suitable for most "casual Friday" dress codes or relaxed corporate styles.
Category: casual shoes, shoe styles
Corrected Grain Leather
Leather from which the outer surface of grain has been removed more or less by lightly sanding it with an emery wheel and upon which a new surface has been built up by various finishes.
Corrective Footwear
Specially made footwear designed to correct abnormalities in foot shape, direction or leg length in order to allow a normal gait and stride.
Category: podiatry, shoe styles
Counter
A stiff piece of material placed at the heel of a shoe between the lining and upper is order to retain the shape of the shoe.
Category: shoe parts
Counter Lining
The counter lining in a shoe is the portion of lining covering the counter. This is usually made of a rough surfaced material to inhibit heel slippage.
Category: shoe parts
Counter Point
A point on the back line of the last at a distance of one-fifth of the standard last length from the bottom edge of the last. It may also be lowered according to changes in fashion.
Category: lasting, shoemaking
Court Shoes
Classic closed-toe shoes with a medium to high heel. May be pointed or round toed.
Category: shoe styles
Cowboy Boots
Long boots with high tops and medium heels worn by western cowboys.
Category: boots, shoe styles
Crepe Rubber
Natural rubber soling material made by drying latex from the rubber tree. Very hard wearing and flexible, but slips on wet surfaces. Small pieces are used during finishing to remove marks on upper leather.
Crimping
The process of making folds or pleats in the whole cut uppers to facilitate lasting in shoes like moccasin type slippers.
Category: shoemaking
Croc Embossed Leather
Leather that has been embossed or stamped in a pattern simulating crocodile skin.
Crock
Particles which can be removed from suede leather by dry rubbing are known as crock.
Crocodile Skin
Leather made from a crocodile's skin. Often times embossed leather is designed to look like crocodile skin.
Cross Trainers
Refers to shoes designed to perform in a variety of functions to meet the needs of multi-sport challenges. Cross Training refers to the activities of an athlete that trains or exercises in a variety of sports.
Category: athletic shoes, shoe styles
Cross Training Shoes
Athletic shoes suitable for cross training activities, from running to aerobics to weight training.
Category: athletic shoes, shoe styles
Cuban Heel
A type of heel 4-10 mm high with a straight breast, little or no curvature to back and sides, tapering very slightly to a fairly broad top-piece. Also known as a Latin heel.
Category: heels, shoe styles
Curing
The application of chemicals to animal hides in preparation for the tanning process.
Category: leather
Curried Leather
Curried leather is leather that is finished by impregnating it with oil or grease to render it waterproof. Curried leather is used for agricultural footwear and other heavy footwear worn in very wet conditions.
Cushioning
Padding on the insole or outsole of a shoe for added comfort and stabilization.
Category: shoe parts, shoemaking
Cushioning Running Shoes
Running shoes characterized by a high degree of cushioning in the insole and midsole, designed for runners in need of maximum shock absorption.
Category: athletic shoes, running, shoe styles
