Shoe definitions beginning with the letter H
Half Bellows
A full length tongue attached to the vamp and all the way up on both sides of the quarters.
Category: shoe parts
Half d’Orsay
A half d'Orsay is similar to a d'Orsay in which the vamp of the shoe is cut away very close to the toe box, and the sides are cut away, revealing the arch of the foot but in a half d'Orsay only the outside edge is cut out.
Category: dress shoes, shoe styles
Half Double Sole
An outsole composed of one full sole to heel with a slip sole above it.
Category: shoe parts
Half Sock
A piece of leather or suitable material that partly covers the inner sole to add comfort as well as cover stitching and grindery. A half sock covers the seat and waist and terminates at the joint.
Category: shoe parts
Half Soles
Soles of half length, extended usually about 12 mm below the joint line. Half soles are often used by shoemakers to hide repair work..
Category: shoe parts, shoemaking
Hallux Rigidus
This is condition in which the big toe joint is enlarged, and movement in it is very limited or absent. The toe itself is not deflected from its normal position, as in hallux valgus.
Category: podiatry
Hallux Valgus
Also known as: Bunion
Hallux valgus is a displacement or buckling of the bones of the first motatarso-phalangeal joint with the great toe being displaced towards the other toes and the head of the first metatarsal bone being forced inward.
Category: podiatry
Hammertoes
A condition in which toes are bent into 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.
Category: podiatry
Hand Clicking Knife
A knife having a wooden or plastic handle with a metallic sleeve which is tightened by screwing the handle holding the blade, known as an extension blade.
Category: shoemaking, tools
Handle Drop
In handbags, the length measured between the top of the bag and the center point of the handle.
Category: handbags
Harness Boots
A type of boot characterized by straps across the instep and heel, usually joined by a chromed metal ring on both sides.
Category: boots, shoe styles
Heat Setting
The process of giving an upper more permanent shape retention while it is on the last by the application of heat or steam for a short period.
Category: lasting, shoemaking
Heel Attachment
The process of joing a heel to a shoe utilising braided nails, screws or staples. It is vital that this is done correctly, particularly in the case of high heels, otherwise the heel may come off.
Category: heels, shoemaking
Heel Counters
A piece of leather forming the back of a shoe or boot. A heel counter may be used to stiffen the material around the heel and to give support to the foot.
Category: shoe parts
Heel Grip
A small suede-covered pad which can be stuck to the counter lining of a shoe to reduce it's size at the heel and prevent the foot from slipping out of the shoe.
Category: shoe parts
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 of an inch, so an 8/8 heel is one inch high.
Category: heels, shoe parts
Heel Pitch
Heel pitch is the angle between heel and base line. If heel axis is not vertical damage to the footwear may occur with use.
Category: jargon, shoe parts
Heel Seat
The part of the shoe directly below where the heel of the foot rests. Also where the sole and the heel are joined together.
Category: shoe parts
Heel Spurs
Soft deposits of calcium that grow on the 'plantar fascia', a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Heel spurs are typically painful.
Category: podiatry
Heel to Ball Measurement
The measured distance to the ball of the foot from the heel end.
Category: jargon
Helcor Leather
Helcor-Leder-Tec's brand name for a carbon or ceramic coating added to leather during the tanning process. This coating makes the leather puncture resistant, tear resistant and helps reduce abrasion scuffs.
Category: leather
Hidden Gore
An elastic panel at the front of a shoe that is covered by the shoe's tongue. A hidden gore provides added comfort.
Category: shoe parts
Horsing
The process of placing and positioning an upper onto a last for lasting.
Category: lasting, shoemaking
Hot Blasting
The process of applying heat to a leather shoe upper to smooth out any wrinkles and to tighten up the grain surface of the leather.
Category: shoemaking
Hot Melts
Thermoplastic adhesive of polyamide or polyester. Polyamide and polyester hot melts are generally used during the lasting process.
Category: materials
Hot Puffs
A type of puff made of heavy woven cotton cloth impregnated with a molten mixture of rosin and wax. It is hard in nature and requires softening after its insertion by heat.
Category: shoemaking
Houndstooth Check
A type of pattern used to make material with a diagonal "tooth" checked design.
Category: materials
House Shoes
Another name for slippers. Footwear that is designed to be worn around the house with the emphasis on comfort.
Category: casual shoes, shoe styles
Huarache
A hand braided leather sandal without a counter and with the upper laced up to the sole, originating in Mexico and Central America.
Category: casual shoes, sandals, shoe styles
Hunting Boots
Blucher style laced boots made with a bellows tongue and a waterproof sole.
Category: boots, shoe styles
Hydrophilic
Water friendly. Does not hold water in leather or any of the materials used in the shoe. Allows water to escape and the shoe to dry quickly.
Category: jargon
