By now you'd think the shoe encyclopedia would be running out of words and phrases. Worry not, my shoe-savvy friends. There are still plenty more shoe terms to fill up your shoe-thirsty mind. In the last lesson, you learned about static dissipating footwear, a moisture-control compound called Dri-Lex, vegetarian shoes and Jodhpur boots that were made for equestrian activities. This lesson will teach you about the lift you get when wearing your favorite skimmers. It will also teach you about a special process in creating shoe soles, a type of leather derived from horses and a thin lining created for warmth.

Lift
When creating a heel for lifting a shoe, there are several layers of leather or leather-board used. A lift is one of those various layers. A lift can be used in many types of shoes, including skimmers, wedge boots, cowboy boots, and many more styles and types. A lift can be contained in both men's and women's shoe styles.

Injection Molded Construction
This term sounds like it may have something to do with building a house. However, the facts are quite the contrary. This type of construction is instead related to shoes. Injection molded construction is one process for making shoe soles. In this process, melted PVC (or another similar compound) is injected into the sole mold. This method is most often used during mass shoe production.

Cordovan
No, this is not some new type of gas-saving van everyone will soon be taking over the roads with. Although, inventing one of those may not be such a bad idea. Back to the shoes, cordovan is actually leather derived from the rear side of horses. When this type of leather goes through tannage, it turns into a black cherry color. Cordovan is used both to describe this type of leather, as well as to describe the color.

Minktex
Minktex is a type of lining. The lining is lightweight, but allows for comfort and warmth, due to an open cell foam rubber that it backs. Minktex can be featured in boots or other footwear and can be part of a removable lining.

You feel the fire in your gut and the chill around your face as your adrenaline rises preparing for snowboarding season. Several pairs of the coolest snowboarding boots on the planet are part of your personal gear including Burton, Vans, DC, Lesportiva and Forum Constant Snow Board Boots. And chances are your wardrobe includes the coolest outer gear including Full Stone Fire Beanies and the coolest jackets and vests to create layers of warmth. But what's under those snow boots?

Snowboarders are passionate about their sport, their gear and definitely their skills. So why take chances when it comes to foot comfort?foot comfort? One of the best ways to insure comfort is with the perfect socks. To the passionate snowboarder the right socks definitely make a difference. Why worry about what's under those snow boots? The perfect sport socks to wear with snow boots is the Eurosock Board Camo. Available in winter, brown, green or gray camo, in addition to being one of the most comfortably fitting socks, the Eurosock Board Camo collection is stylish.

There are a couple of features that make the Eurosock Board Camo the perfect sock for the snowboarder. Eurosocks come with comfortably fitted, finished tops, and a choice of either rolled, welted tops or ribbed cups designed to keep the sock up. Another top quality sock is the Eurosock Board Camo, which has the absence of the seam that causes friction.

Designed as the perfect socks for snowboarding, Eurosock Board Camo socks are made from Spandex with mechanical knits and technical fibers, which create the feel and performance of a "second skin." Other key features of the Eurosock Board Camo socks include the "elasticized ankle brace" and the "ankle flex zone," which provides support for the Achilles tendon and keeps the sock fitting perfectly around the ankle by eliminating wrinkles. The toe-pocket area has a similar design to ensure wrinkling is avoided. Finally Eurosocks have ergonomically shaped, anatomical padding to absorb impact. Wearing Eurosocks for snowboarding ensures you won't worry about what's under those boots.

Ready for lesson number nine from the shoe encyclopedia? With such a thirst for knowledge on shoes, you could have a head start on some great careers in the field of shoes. This week you will learn about some kicks that will help you get control of that static, help control the moisture levels inside those boots and sneakers, learn about shoes with a vegetarian habit and a specific type of equestrian boots. Whether you have been keeping up with the shoe encyclopedia or not, you can always start somewhere. Past lessons can be caught up with and don't forget to come back for the next lesson in the shoe encyclopedia.

Static Dissipating
Too much static got your hair standing on end? Regular shoes and boots are made so that the static charge is reduced, but some professions require that people handle a great deal of static electricity, such as manufacturing computer parts. Static dissipating footwear reduces the risk of static shock to the person wearing these shoes, as well as to the products they may be manufacturing.

Dri-Lex
Dri-Lex is used in moisture control. It is composed from two different types of moisture-resistant fibers that are knitted together for maximum protection. The fibers are called hydrophilic nylon fiber and hydrophobic polyester. It is commonly used as an anti-microbial treatment on the insoles of a variety of boots and shoes, such as sneakers, casuals and hiking boots.

Vegetarian Shoes
Can shoes really be vegetarian? It appears that they can be. While vegetarian shoes are not meat-eaters, they aren't exactly vegetable eaters. Let's hope they aren't eating anything. Vegetarian shoes are made from synthetic materials without the use of leather. Vegetarian shoes come in casuals, dress shoes, boots, slippers and more.

Jodhpur Boots
Jodhpur boots are generally used for horseback riding and other equestrian-related tasks. These are low-cut and can come in laced or twin gore styles. Jodhpur boots are generally lightweight. Some are waterproof or have other special features. They can be made from a variety of materials.

The shape and design of the foot is genetic. That being said, a lot of foot pain is associated with the shape of one's foot, the arch and a variety of other attributes. Other foot pain however may be a result of lifestyle activities such as one's choice of sports. Trying to find ways to cope with conditions, such as plantar fasciitis and other issues particular to athletes is challenging. Short of going to the podiatrist and constantly performing the necessary exercises, there are other alternatives that can be added to the routine to help avoid the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

Foot problems can attack a person of any age. Realizing that help is available is important. For athletes that regularly participate in high-impact sports, heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis is quite common. One readily available alternative solution is the use of Superfeet Insoles.

Superfeet Insoles were originally created by the sports division of a podiatric laboratory. Today, Superfeet Premium Insoles offer a variety of insole products based on the type of feet, as well as providing the proper support for the foot, based on the specific sport and activity. Superfeet Premium Insoles are designed to provide, not only comfort and support, but also shock absorption to those who participate in high-impact activities.

Superfeet Premium Insoles are color coordinated to shoe type and the athlete's sports. Case in point: the Superfeet Premium Yellow Insoles are designed for the individual requiring a narrow heel and wide forefoot. Ideal for ice skaters, hockey players and road cyclists, Superfeet Premium Yellow Insoles offer a bacterial control system, a stabilizer system for support, and high-density foam for comfort in addition to other features.

Superfeet Premium Wintergreen Insoles are designed for the individual who is an active snowboarder, skier, or one whose activity or job requires the use of snow boots and removable insoles. These insoles are designed to prevent heel pain, align the bones of the foot and provide metatarsal support. The moderately priced Superfeet Premium Insoles, which average $45 a pair, can put one on track to foot health.

By now you'd think the shoe encyclopedia would be running out of words and phrases. Worry not, my shoe-savvy friends. There are still plenty more shoe terms to fill up your shoe-thirsty mind. In the last lesson, you learned about static dissipating footwear, a moisture-control compound called Dri-Lex, vegetarian shoes and Jodhpur boots that were made for equestrian activities. This lesson will teach you about the lift you get when wearing your favorite skimmers. It will also teach you about a special process in creating shoe soles, a type of leather derived from horses and a thin lining created for warmth.

Lift

When creating a heel for lifting a shoe, there are several layers of leather or leather-board used. A lift is one of those various layers. A lift can be used in many types of shoes, including skimmers, wedge boots, cowboy boots, and many more styles and types. A lift can be contained in both men's and women's shoe styles.

Injection Molded Construction

This term sounds like it may have something to do with building a house. However, the facts are quite the contrary. This type of construction is instead related to shoes. Injection molded construction is one process for making shoe soles. In this process, melted PVC (or another similar compound) is injected into the sole mold. This method is most often used during mass shoe production.

Cordovan

No, this is not some new type of gas-saving van everyone will soon be taking over the roads with. Although, inventing one of those may not be such a bad idea. Back to the shoes, cordovan is actually leather derived from the rear side of horses. When this type of leather goes through tannage, it turns into a black cherry color. Cordovan is used both to describe this type of leather, as well as to describe the color.

Minktex

Minktex is a type of lining. The lining is lightweight, but allows for
comfort and warmth, due to an open cell foam rubber that it backs.
Minktex can be featured in boots or other footwear and can be part of a removable lining.Minktex is a type of lining. The lining is lightweight, but allows for comfort and warmth, due to an open cell foam rubber that it backs. Minktex can be featured in boots or other footwear and can be part of a removable lining.

What better way to eliminate stress than to get involved in dance classes? Whether stress is caused by a job, personal situation, high school, college midterms or just the speed bumps of life, learning to dance is a great way to get in shape and eliminate stress while having fun. They key is that you want to get geared up properly with professional dance shoes.

With all of the dance shows on primetime such as "Dance War," "So You Think You Can Dance," and "Dancing with the Stars," more and more youths enter competitions to eagerly pursue their dreams of learning to dance or perfecting dance skills with the goal of becoming professionals.

Okay, so you think you can dance? Then get geared up with professional dance shoes beginning with practice shoes. Bloch makes one of the top practice shoes, which are available in either black or tan and sizes 5 to 12. Features of the Bloch practice shoes include breathable perforated leather, a wide 1 ¼ Cuban heel, V-shape stretch sides, adjustable laces, V elastic inserts, cushioned insoles and suede outsoles. The retail price is $68 for a pair of Bloch practice shoes.

Another of the professional dance shoes to add to one's gear is Leo's Full Sole Jazz Tap Shoe. Definitely one of the top pieces of professional dance gear to keep stashed in one's dance bag, Leo's Full Sole Jazz Tap Shoe includes features such as a one-inch heel, full grain leather upper, Leo's Dura Tap system, Scored Eva half-inch sole behind taps designed for flexibility, a cotton lining for comfort and perfect balance and weighting. This versatile design for men and women retails for approximately $68.

When the time comes for a sexy dance such as the Paso Doble, there is only one type of shoe that can possibly be worn, and that of course is a pair of Franco Sarto dance shoes in black patent leather. The gloriously sexy shoe has crisscross instep straps, a lightly padded footbed, manmade soles and a three-inch stacked heel. The sexy Franco Sarto dance shoe retails for approximately $85.

So you're still tracking the shoe lingo, huh? Hey, you never know when you might need to speak the language of shoe. Now you can impress your friends with your knowledge while shopping at Zappos. If you've been following along with the shoe encyclopedia faithfully, at this point in the game, you've learned about a wide variety of shoe terms. If you've missed any of the past shoe encyclopedia installments, feel free to go back and check up. You won't regret the extra knowledge gained. Every little bit helps, right? In the last shoe lesson, we covered ground on The Office, motion-control, napa leather and piping.

Pebbled Grain
Isn't this the stuff used on playgrounds? Nope, not this time. When it comes to shoes, a pebbled grain actually is a form of leather. Its texture resembles that of a pebbled surface. Pebbled grain can be featured on a variety of shoe styles for both men and women including sandals. Generally, pebbled grain is used for dress shoes.

Pinking
Pinking is a zig zag strip of fabric used to decorate shoes or other items. Pinking generally occurs on women's and little girl's shoes. Usually it is done on dress shoes or shoes that are fancier in nature. Pinking shears, or special scissors with shaped edges, are used to create the designs.

Contoured Footbed
A contoured footbed is a special comfort feature available in a variety of shoes. When a shoe has a contoured footbed, this means the footbed, or insole, molds to fit the foot's shape. Shoes made for every day comfort, as well as other styles and designs may feature a contoured footbed. These are generally featured in shoes aimed at comfort and protection.

Lizard
Yes, you actually can get yourself some shoes made from lizard skin if you feel so inclined. The lizard skin is processed much in the same way as leather. In fact, lizard is considered to be a type of leather. Lizard leather comes in various shoe and boot styles and can be found in sizes for both men and women.

Still coming back for more of the shoe encyclopedia, huh? You must really be outsmarting your fellow so-called shoe savvy friends by now. Some past shoe encyclopedia lessons have included types and styles of shoes, such as the mule toe or sling back. Others have included shoe terms that relate to parts of the shoe, such as the cap toe or the lug sole. Also included have been medical and fashion terms. In this seventh shoe encyclopedia lesson, you'll be learning about piping, The Office, Napa Leather, and motion control.

Piping
Piping is a thin strip of fabric, which is generally used for the decoration of shoes, handbags and clothing. In shoes with piping, leather is often, but not always, the fabric of choice. Piping can be found in a variety of shoe styles, such as boots, dress shoes and even slippers.

The Office
No, I'm not referring to the popular TV sitcom. Although, those characters may enjoy this version of The Office. Trying to finish off that special business ensemble that you can make all your own? The one that will impress the right people? Choosing the right shoes can help. The Office is an exclusive Zappos spot for business execs to pick up some great office shoes. Both men's and women's styles are available.

Napa Leather
Looking for a softer version of leather? Try Napa Leather, which is a soft version of sheepskin. Napa leather can be used in the whole shoe upper like in the Vaneli Wassilla, or just in the design, as with the Tony Lama 1249-L boots that can be found on Zappos.

Motion Control
If your athletic shoes have motion control, this means they have special devices to help control the occurrence of inward rolling of the foot, or pronation. Most of the time, motion-control shoes are meant for athletes who have little to no arch. They can also be used as extra support for those who are heavy runners.

Cinderella may have been in love with her glass slippers, but they definitely do not compare with the perfect slippers. There is something about slippers that tones down one's mood and influences feelings of comfort and relaxation. No matter what task may be at hand at home, whether it is a home repair, hanging out with friends watching football or just chilling, wearing the perfect slippers evokes feelings of down time and rejuvenation.

Just ask a teen who has absolutely no problem wearing Ugg Slippers outdoors or to run an errand. Today's slippers for teens are as cool as their shoes, even for the guys. Chances are, if you haven't seen a teenager in the Ugg Slippers for guys, you soon will, especially with the holidays coming up. These gifts are sure hits. So bypass the gift cards that never get used and don't try to pick out clothes. Instead move towards the comfort items and pick up the coolest perfect slippers available.

Case in point, the Ugg Slippers for guys are called Sampson and are available in a black, dark brown and western brown with a genuine sheepskin lining. The slip-on style slipper is made of a rich leather upper and a rubber sole, in other words, they last much longer than the average slipper. They are a great gift and definitely an excellent comfort item that retails for approximately $100.

Of course guys can't outdo the girls. One of the coolest perfect slippers for girls is the Ugg Cluggette, which is a slip on with a closed toe. The Ugg Cluggette is made of genuine sheepskin. Available in lilac, orchid, sand, chocolate, muslin and several camo prints, the Ugg Cluggette retails for approximately $84.

Ugg Slippers have a style for everyone, which is another excellent reason they are the perfect slipper. Ugg Slippers start at infant size, and styles are created for infants through adults for a slipper that is long-lasting and definitely considered the perfect slipper. Goodbye glass slippers.

So you've come back for another lesson in shoe talk, eh? You must be getting good at shoe lingo by now. You may even be able to stump the shoe salesman with your shoe encyclopedia knowledge. Aw, c'mon, you know you are eager to try it out at least once -- or twice. Shoe parts, shoe-making processes, specialty collections and more have been discussed. In this week's lesson, you will be following that trend with a medical foot condition, a type of shoe measurement, a synthetic material and a style of shoe with safety in mind.

Safety Shoe
Safety first, right? The safety shoe is one designed specifically with the consumer's safety in mind. Most safety shoes have steel toes. Safety shoes can also include other safety features, such as waterproofing and oil-resistant fabrics and materials. Designed for the professional, the Timberland Pro collection of work boots and shoes is an example of safety coupled with comfort and style. The Timberland brand is well known among the pros for its safety and durability.

Polyurethane (PU)
Polyurethane, or simply PU, is a chemical-based synthetic material. It is commonly used to create faux leather. Hey now, when I said "PU," that was not a reference to a foul odor. Although, if you've got an odor problem, you may wish try some odor-fighting polyurethane shoes.

Shaft Height
The shaft height is the inside measurement of the boot's shaft from bottom to top, starting at the arch. If you were at thinking of a mine shaft instead, you may want to pick up a set of climbing shoes before you head off to explore.

Neuroma
Neuroma is a foot condition that a person could be born with due to a defect. It can also be caused by wearing shoes too narrow for the foot, wearing high-heeled shoes or injuries. If you have neuroma, this means that the two metatarsals on your feet have pinched the nerve located between them. The pinching action causes a tissue mass to form on this nerve. That mass is known as a neuroma.

Today fashion luxury shoe lines are very much in style. Popularized by television shows like Sex and the City and movie stars, fashion luxury shoes are now just as much of a fashion statement as a person's clothing. This is a great time to be alive if you love exotic shoe designs that are crafted for luxury, elegance and intrigue. Three of the top fashion and luxury shoe designers in the world today are Elise Ferare, Guiseppe Zanotti and Claudio Merazzi.

Elise Ferare - Fashion/Casual/Contemporary/Luxury Shoe Designer

Elise Ferare is a contemporary shoe designer whose original shoe designs are very much a study in contrasts. Her designs routinely pair textural and style elements that play off each other, such as rough and smooth, edgy and traditional, and dark and light. Ferare likes to keep her shoe designs fresh and innovative and avoids subscribing to shoe fashion trends when at all possible. One of the things that make Ferare shoes unique, is their comfort, as Ferare believes that you "shouldn't have to suffer for fashion."

Guiseppe Zanotti - Fashion/Contemporary/Luxury/Dress/Evening Shoe Designer

Guiseppe Zanotti is an Italian fashion shoe designer that has continued the traditional of superior Italian shoe craftsmanship. Zanotti gained his footwear expertise by working with top Italian luxury shoe companies before starting his own line of designer shoes in 1994. Creative and artistic are the words that can be used to describe Zanotti's shoes. He draws his inspiration from the arts, music and cinema, where he says shoe evolution is charted. This is a shoe designer that is favored by celebrities.

Claudio Merazzi - Fashion/Luxury/Contemporary Shoe Designer

Claudio Merazzi is one of the most influential fashion luxury shoe designers in the world. Not only has he been the creative director for his own shoe line CLAUDIO MERAZZI, but he has also served as the creative director for Cesare Pariotti, Gruppo Esade and Oscar de la Renta. Merazzi gained his shoe design experience working with shoe designer legends like Casadel and Bruno Mogli. His shoe designs are known for their modern edge, unique shapes and innovative construction.

Comfort boots actually exist. For all the women who think they have to give up style for comfort, it just is not so. There are a wide variety of brands that offer boots specifically categorized as comfort boots including Clark's, Hush Puppies, LaCanadienne, Easy Spirit, Aerosoles, Born Biddy, Gabriella Rocha and Lucchese, to name a few. If you are vertically challenged, heel height doesn't have to be sacrificed, and if you are tall, heel height is accommodated. Most importantly, comfort and style definitely do not have to be sacrificed.

So what is different about comfort boots as opposed to other boots? There are a few features that enhance comfort boots, providing not only a well fitting boot, but a comfortable boot. If you're looking to purchase comfort boots from an online retailer, all of the features should be provided prior to purchasing. Several of the top features to look for include: cushioned insoles designed to absorb shock, which reduce foot fatigue and pressure; rubber outsoles with tread detailing designed to provide a lasting grip while walking; OrthoLite foam shock absorbing foot bed, which is designed to reduce shock; an EVA Midsole, which is also designed to absorb shock and create an ease in walking; and rubber outsoles with ABS heels which help to reduce the weight of the shoe.

The price for comfort boots ranges just like any other boots based on the brand and quality of boot. A classic example is a pair of black patent leather Aerosoles Patrol Car comfort boots, which retails for $89 and has a 2 ¾-inch heel. If looking for a higher heeled comfort boot, a great example is the Gabriella Rocha Studio Scarlet comfort boot in gray with lace up front eyelets and a 3-inch heel retailing for $99. Lucchese, on the other hand, actually offers comfort boots in the form of cowboy boots. Lucchese boots are known as the best fitting cowboy boot made. Lucchese comfort boots generally range from $500 and upward, are made to last a lifetime and are worth every penny.