Shoe definitions beginning with the letter S
Saddle Shoes
A Saddle Shoe is usually made in a lighter tone (white or tan) with a piece of leather sewn across the middle top of the shoe down to the sole that is reminiscent of the saddle on a horse. The "Saddle" part is traditionally darker than the rest of the shoe (black, brown or red).
Category: dress shoes, shoe styles
Safety Toe Caps
Protective toe caps usually made of steel that are fitted into safety footwear to prevent damage to toes from a crushing blow or heavy weight impacting the toe area.
Category: shoe parts, toe caps
Safety Work Boots
Also known as: Safety Boots
Work boots that have steel safety toe caps built into them to prevent crushing damage to the toes and that conform to specified ANSI safety standards.
Category: boots, shoe styles, toe caps
San Crispino Shoe Construction
A type of stitch-down footwear construction technique where upper material is flared outward and wrapped around and under the edge of an extended insole board. The upper is then stitched close to the last and cemented to the sole.
Category: lasting, shoemaking
Sandals
Open-toe and open-back shoes. A simple type of shoe construction in which the sole is held onto the foot by an open work upper made up of strips of material.
Category: sandals, shoe styles
Scotch Grain Leather
The embossing of leather to create a heavy, pebbled look.
Seam Sealed
The term used to describe shoes that have a polyurethane (PU) adhesive tape applied with pressure and heat along the seams to cover the stitch holes and edges for waterproofing.
Category: fastenings, shoe styles, shoemaking
Semi Chromed Leather
Also known as: Semi Chromed Leather
Leather which has been tanned with vegetable salts and then re-tanned with chromium salts.
Category: leather
Setting
A process of moistening and then heat drying by heat a lasted upper in order to permanently form the upper into the shape of the last.
Category: lasting, shoemaking
Shaft
The part of a boot between the inside seam where the instep and sole meet to the top of the boot.
Category: boots, shoe parts
Shaft Height
The measurement of the shaft of a boot. The shaft height measurement is made from the inside seam where the instep and sole meet, to the top of the boot.
Category: boots, jargon, shoe parts
Shank
A strip of steel, fibre, plastic, wood or leather, inserted between the outsole and the insole at the waist to maintain the curvature of the sole and keep the heel from going under.
Category: shoe parts, shoemaking
Shank Spring
A steel Spring or Shank which is inserted between the insole and the sole of a shoe to give the shoe support and keep the heel from wobbling. It is not spiral, rather it is flat and has a ridge in it to give it extra stability.
Category: shoe parts, shoemaking
Shearling
Lambskin or sheepskin with its wool still attached, often for warmth and decoration. Shearling is popular for coats and boots.
Sheepskin
Leather made from sheep. Sheepskin with the wool still attached is known as shearling.
Shoe Envy
Extreme jealousy at the sight of someone else in shoes that are better than yours.
Category: jargon
Shoe Horn
A curved metal or synthetic device used to aid in the process of slipping a foot into a shoe.
Shoe Laces
A length of twine like material used for fastening shoes and boots. The shoe laces are passed through opposing eyelets or eyestays and usually tied of at the top with a bow knot.
Category: shoe parts
Shoe Last
The form on which a shoe is constructed - resulting in the inside shape of the shoe. Lasts may be straight, curved or semi-curved. In construction, shoes may be board lasted, slip lasted, or combi-lasted.
Category: lasting, shoemaking, tools
Shoe Room Processing
Where all the cosmetic operations take place, such as upper cleaning and dressing, insertion of socks, final inspection and boxing.
Category: shoemaking
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 II in 1324.
Category: jargon, shoe styles
Shoe Trees
Wooden or Plastic devices inserted into shoes when they are not being worn in order to help the shoes keep their shape.
Shoe-Boot
A shoe that has the styling of a boot without the height, also called a bootie or "shootie"
Category: shoe styles
Shoes
A pair of foot-coverings made of leather, plastic, canvas etc., having a sturdy sole and worn to protect the foot during everyday activities.
Category: shoe styles
Shootie
A shoe that has the styling of a boot without the height, also called a shoe-boot or "bootie"
Category: shoe styles
Shovers
Removable pieces made of leather or other material that are temporarily attached to a last to add girth at specific points to accommodate the manufacture of shoes for customers of varying foot widths.
Category: shoemaking, tools
Siped Outsole
A type of outsole with narrow grooves or channels, often found in boat shoes.
Category: shoe parts
Skive
Also known as: Skiving
An operation in shoe manufacture where edges of leather are trimmed so that the edges are thinner than the body of the leather allowing for thinner seams when pieces are joined together.
Category: leather, shoemaking
Slides
Easy to slip on and off, slides or slide sandals are shoes with open toes and backs. Across the center-top of the shoe, a slide will have a single or multiple straps. These bands can be thin, wide, woven, braided, twisted, knotted, or configured in a multitude of ways - but in order to be a true "slide" there should be no toe or ankle straps. Slides can be flat, or have any type of heel.
Category: sandals, shoe styles
Slingbacks
Also known as: Sling-Backs
Shoes that are backless with a rear strap that goes around the upper heel, usually with a buckle or elastic panel.
Category: shoe styles
Slip Last Construction
Also known as: Slip Lasted Construction
A shoe construction method which stitches the upper of the shoe that is slipped onto a last, closing the upper with stitches down the center, under the foot, before gluing it to the midsole.
Category: lasting, shoemaking
Slip Lasted Shoes
Slip lasted shoes are constructed without an insole board. This provides the greatest flexibility and lightest weight.
Category: lasting, shoe styles, shoemaking
Slip-On Shoes
Also known as: Slip-ons
Footwear that slips onto the feet without requiring any adjustments or fastening.
Category: casual shoes, shoe styles
Slippers
Also known as: House Shoes
Slip-on shoes not designed to be worn outside. Light, loose, comfortable indoors shoes.
Category: casual shoes, shoe styles
Slouched Shoes
Shoes with a baggy, gathered design that "slouches" down, usually found in boots.
Category: boots, shoe styles
Smooth Leather
Any leather that is smooth on the surface, without pebbling, or noticeable grain.
Category: leather
Sneakers
Athletic shoes, typically made from canvas and incorporating a rubber sole.
Category: athletic shoes, shoe styles
Snip Toe
A type of shoe toe covering that is tapered, with a squared front as if "snipped".
Category: shoe styles, toe caps
Socks
Coverings of leather or synthetic material that are cemented to the insole after shoes are made in order to hide tacks or stitches and present a clean even appearance.
Category: shoe parts
Softee Leather
A general term used to describe leather that is both soft and flexible.
Sole Attaching
The process in shoemaking when a shoes upper is attached to it's sole.
Category: shoemaking
Sole Leather
Leather used for soles of boots and shoes. Sole leather is generally made from thick hides such as those of buffalo or ox. Generally sole leather is vegetable tanned.
Category: leather, shoe parts
Solvents
A general term applied to chemicals such as acetone, spirits, MEK, Industrial methylated spirit and many others.
Category: materials
Spandex/Neoprene
A combination of stretchy Spandex fabric and soft neoprene rubber, a soft and waterproof material usually used as a lining.
Spectator Shoes
Spectator refers to two contrasting tones being used in the design of the shoe. Two-tone wingtips and captoes are refered to as being Spectators. Spectator shoes were associated with Jazz musicians during the 1920's and 1930's and are used today for dressy and festive occasions in Latino and African American communities and by dancers and musicians reviving the classic styles of the Jazz and Swing eras.
Category: dress shoes, shoe styles
Spike Heel
A high heel that narrows to a point. Also known as a stiletto.
Category: dress shoes, heels, shoe styles
Split Leather
When thick cattle hides are machine split to obtain two layers of leather, the bottom layer is referred to as the split layer. Generally thinner & lighter in weight, split leather is used to make lower-priced shoes or linings.
Sprue
Also known as: Flash
Sprues occur in moulded or vulcanised shoes where excess PVC or rubber is extruded where mould parts join. Sprues are generally trimmed off before footwear is boxed.
Category: jargon, shoemaking
Stability Running Shoes
Running shoes characterized by a high degree of stabilizing elements, designed for runners in need of gait control.
Category: athletic shoes, running, shoe styles
Stability Web
A lighweight plastic web made of thermoplastic urethane (TPU) and positioned under the arch. Stability Web allows for torsion and flexion control in the arch while maintaining flexibility in the forefoot.
Category: running, shoe parts
Stacked Heel
A heel that has horizontal lines, indicating that it is made up of stacked layers of leather, or a heel with that appearance.
Category: heels, leather, shoe styles
Stiffener
Also known as: Stiffening
A material usually made of leather board or fibreboard that is placed between the lining and upper material at the back of the shoe to improve shape retention of the quarters.
Category: materials, shoe parts
Stilettos
Shoes incorporating a high, tapered, narrow heel, also called a "spike" heel, named for a type of slim knife.
Category: dress shoes, heels, shoe styles
Stitchdown Shoe Construction
Describes a shoemaking style where the bottom edge of a shoe upper is folded outward and stitched onto the shoe sole or insole.
Category: shoe parts
Straight Lasted
A type of last used to create a very straight shoe that helps to prevent severe pronation.
Category: lasting, shoemaking
Straights
Shoes that are designed without a distinction being made between right and left so that each can be used on either foot.
Category: shoe styles
Stretching Shoes
Shoes can be stretched by a cobbler who inserts a shoe stretcher into the shoe, moistens the upper and turns a screw which opens the stretcher to widen the shoe. It is stretched for a period between a few minutes to overnight.
Category: shoe care
Strobel Lasted Shoes
Strobel Lasted shoes are constructed with a thin material acting like a sock liner stitched along its perimeter. This construction provides an excellent blend of stability and flexibility.
Category: lasting, shoe styles, shoemaking
Strobel Slip Last Construction
Shoe construction method which stitches a sole shaped fabric board to the upper of the shoe that is slipped onto a last, closing the upper with stitches around the perimeter of the sole. The board may be varied from thin flexible materials, thicker stable to materials, or a combination of the two stitched together, to improve stability or flexibility.
Category: shoemaking
Studio-Aerobic Shoes
Athletic shoes ideally meant for aerobics and other studio fitness activities.
Category: athletic shoes, shoe styles
Suede Leather
Leather that has been sanded or roughed to produce a surface with a soft texture or "nap". Leathers in which the fibres on the flesh side are cut very short by means of buffing wheels so as to prevent a velvety appearance.
Sueded Fabric
Fabric that has been given a soft nap to simulate the feel of suede leather.
Category: materials
Supination
The rolling of the foot outward to the side while running or walking which can lead to serious injury.
Category: running
Supportive Cushioning Running Shoes
Running shoes with a combination of cushioning and stabilized support, designed for runners needing both.
Category: athletic shoes, running, shoe styles
Synthetic
Relating to, involving, or of the nature of Synthesis. Synthesis is the combining of separate elements or substances to form a coherent whole.
Synthetic Leather
Materials other than genuine leather, which are designed to look or function like leather.
