jargon
Abrasion Resistance
The ability of a footwear component to withstand wear caused by abrasion.
Category: jargon
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
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
Break
A natural crease created across the vamp of a shoe from everyday flexing and wear.
Category: jargon, shoe parts
Bunching
A term referring to the bunching or depositing of bottom filling material at different places after shifting from its original place, forming humps and causing annoyance to the wearer.
CE Mark
A mark of conformity used to demonstrate compliance with a number of European Directives.
Category: jargon
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
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
Colour Fastness
The Resistance of a materials colour to fading after prolonged exposure to the elements during manufacture and their subsequent use.
Crock
Particles which can be removed from suede leather by dry rubbing are known as crock.
Dri-lex ®
A dual layered configuration composed of Hydrofil, a moisture absorbing nylon fiber as an underlayer, and a moisture resisting outer layer knitted together.
Eco Labeling
Labeling awarded to a product indicating that the product meets agreed standards for environmental impact during the products production, distribution, use and disposal.
Category: jargon
Elasticity
The property of a body or material by which it stretches or undergoes other deformation under stress and resumes its original form when the stress is removed.
Category: jargon
Elastomer
Refers to any material that has elastic properties. The ability to stretch or change shape and then return to its original shape and size without any damage to its atomic structure.
Energy Return
In running and athletic shoes, it is the response after the foot strikes the ground, a sort of propulsion that helps maintain an effective "gait" or stride.
Category: athletic shoes, jargon, running
Flare
The width of the heel at the bottom of the outer sole in relation to the width of the heel at the top of the outsole. Normally a moderate amount of flare, i.e., wider at the bottom, improves stability and motion control.
Flexibility
The ease with which the bottom or upper components of a shoe can be bent. This is one of the requisite properties of a shoe component in order to facilitate foot movement during walking or running.
Category: jargon
Flexwelts ™
Underfoot system with Poron® to reduce shock and odour. Leather soles with flexible, slip-resistant rubber inserts. Comfortable straight from the box.
Category: jargon, shoe parts
Gelactiv ™
Dynamic gel technology that provides a unique shock absorber for feet.
Gore-Tex®
W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. registered brand name for a waterproof-breathable membrane. The material is impermeable to water droplets but allows water vapor to pass through it. In footwear it is used between the upper material and the lining.
Grindery
The trade name for consumables such as tacks, eyelets, tapes, shanks etc., used in shoemaking.
Category: jargon, materials, shoemaking
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 to Ball Measurement
The measured distance to the ball of the foot from the heel end.
Category: jargon
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
Lucite
A type of clear hard plastic that is often used in dress shoes.
Category: dress shoes, jargon, materials
Lycra/Neoprene
A blend of stretch fabric and neoprene rubber, ideal for a waterproof and sporty soft lining.
Metamerism
Metamerism is a peculiarity of colours whereby two materials judged to be an identical colour match in one lighting condition appear markedly different in another lighting condition.
Category: jargon, shoemaking
Nap
The term used to describe a velvety surface of leather or cloth. In leather the nap is created by buffing with sandpaper.
Permiability
The ability of a material to allow water or water vapour through its thickness.
Category: jargon
Pronation
The inward rolling of the foot during running or walking, potentially a source of injury.
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
Shoe Envy
Extreme jealousy at the sight of someone else in shoes that are better than yours.
Category: jargon
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
Softee Leather
A general term used to describe leather that is both soft and flexible.
Spandex/Neoprene
A combination of stretchy Spandex fabric and soft neoprene rubber, a soft and waterproof material usually used as a lining.
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
Synthetic
Relating to, involving, or of the nature of Synthesis. Synthesis is the combining of separate elements or substances to form a coherent whole.
Texon ®
A cellulose-based insole material that is more resistant to aging and dampness than leather insoles.
Toe Spring
The upward curvature of a sole at the forepart relative to ground level when shoes are on a level surface. Toe spring is related to the stiffness of the sole and heel height. The more rigid the sole, the greater the toe spring that has to be provided.
Category: jargon, shoe parts
Traction
The amount of grip a shoe provides on the surface for which it was designed.
Category: jargon
Vibram®
A type of durable, non-slip, outsole typically found on hiking boots. Vibram is a registered trademark of Vibram S.P.A
