24 Posts are tagged with: shoe_encyclopedia 1 2 Previous Next

Shoe Encyclopedia: Stabilty Web, Bespoke, AdiFit and Heel ProGrid

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Mar 3, 2009 by Momie T.

So you made it to class for another lesson from the shoe encyclopedia! Before we begin, let's review what was learned in the last lesson. Last time, we covered the rearfoot, the graphite rollbar, the Visible Air Sole Unit in Nike footwear and what it means to be biomechanically efficient. Remember that if you missed the last lesson (or any before it), all of them can be found on Zappos. Now, back to today's lesson. This time we'll discuss a stability web, bespoke footwear, adiFit from Adidas and Heel ProGrid from Saucony.

Stability Web
Don't worry. We're not talking spiders here. In New Balance footwear, a stability web is used to describe a special stability system installed under the arch. It is designed to create support in the mid-foot region, while giving flexibility to the forefoot.

Bespoke
Bespoke is a term used to describe footwear that has been custom made, more than likely by hand. Footwear considered bespoke cannot be remade for anyone but the original customer. Many shoemakers will keep the measurements on their customers' footwear, in case the customer decides to order another pair of the same shoes in the future. This way, it will be easy to replicate the footwear exactly.

adiFit
Adidas brand footwear uses the term adiFit to describe a special removable insole in children's footwear. This device helps to measure children's feet to properly determine their shoe size. It is designed especially for Adidas brand children's footwear. Such a tool can be very convenient and useful to parents since children's feet grow quite rapidly. You might hear some claim that their kids grow overnight.

Heel ProGrid
Heel ProGrid is a special layer inserted into the heel section of a shoe. It's designed to give the foot more stability by dispersing the shock and absorbing the impact. Heel ProGrid is designed especially for Saucony brand shoes. It is a very useful feature in running shoes. In running, the feet are impacting the ground at a higher force than during walking or regular activities. The extra support can help reduce the impact on the foot.

Sources:
http://www.dancestore.com/z-shoeterms.asp
http://www.kohlscorporation.com/ecom/valueadded/ProductGuides/Shoes_Terms.htm

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Shoe Encyclopedia: Pebax, Maxum-Lite, Predator and Electrical Hazard

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Feb 17, 2009 by Momie T.

Hey there, Shoe Encyclopedia class! Time to go over some new shoe terms. But first, let's take a quick look at last session's lessons, some of which got a little fishy and sticky. OK, almost sticky and fishy, but not quite. Last time we went over jellies, which sound sticky and maybe even yummy, but we learned that they actually are just slip-on shoes woven from plastic. We also covered fisherman sandals, Opanka construction and what ANSI stands for. If you missed the last session or any prior sessions, don't forget that they can all be found on Zappos. In the meantime, pull up your chairs to learn the meaning of the terms Pebax, Maxum-Lite, predator and electrical hazard in reference to shoes.

Pebax
Pebax is a type of thermos plastic used in the outsole to create support for the balls of the feet. It is lightweight, making it a perfect medium for athletic footwear. Nikehas used Pebax as a top plate in its Nike Shox columns to create even distribution of pressure and strengthen support in the medial arch and midfoot.

Maxum-Lite
Maxum-Lite is a polyurethane outsole that is designed for ultimate protection. Features of Maxum-Lite include slip resistance, oil resistance and abrasion resistance. Maxum-Lite is great for shock absorbency. These types of shoes often are used in industries where floors may be slippery, such as restaurants and manufacturing plants.

Predator
This is not the type of predatoryou'll be running from. However, they might instead help you in running. Shoes with the predator feature are commonly used in soccer. They are designed to help increase the power of kicks. The rubber strips added to the upper can add spin and power to kicks of the soccer ball.

Electrical Hazard
These shoes are just as they sound. Footwear with the electrical hazard feature is designed especially for situations in which electric shock may occur. This type of footwear can withstand high voltage application as outlined by specific ANSI and ASTM standards.

Sources:
http://www.shoebacca.com/resources/definitions/pebax.html
http://www.shoebacca.com/resources/definitions/maxum-lite.html
http://www.shoebacca.com/resources/definitions/predator.html
http://www.shoebacca.com/resources/definitions/electrical-hazard-shoes.html

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Shoe Encyclopedia: Opanka Construction, Jellies, ANSI and Fisherman Sandals

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Feb 10, 2009 by Momie T.

Hi there, students of the shoe encyclopedia class. It looks like you're here and eager to learn again. Let's begin with a quick review of what we learned in the last shoe encyclopedia lesson. We covered the stability web in New Balance shoes, bespoke shoes, a special feature in children's footwear called adiFit and a shoe feature called Heel ProGrid. Today, we'll discuss opanka construction, the jellies some of you may remember from the 80's, the ANSI and fisherman sandals.

Opanka
Shoes designed with opanka construction are made to be very durable. The heavy threads allow for durable attachment of the shoe's upper and lower. While durable, opanka construction also ensures the shoe also is flexible. Opanka construction can be seen in sandals, boots, moccasins and more. Opanka construction generally is seen in casual footwear with a purpose.

Jellies
Jellies, also called jelly shoes are not as sticky as they may sound. Jellies were ultra-popular in the 80's and seem to be making a comeback. Jelly shoes are made mostly or totally of PVC plastic. They generally have a web-like woven design. Some jellies now are made with a little added support or extra features, but many are not. These are casual shoes and are popular in children, due to the shiny look, as well as ease of use. Jelly shoes have no laces. They are slip-ons.

ANSI
ANSI is an abbreviation for the American National Standards Institute. This organization exists to assist various aspects surrounding educational guidelines for many different types of businesses. It actually oversees all marketplace aspects including the creation and use of guidelines followed directly by businesses in the United States. ANSI also accredits programs used for these purposes.

Fisherman Sandals
A fisherman sandal is a shoe with vertical and horizontal straps which are woven together. Though this is an open design, the toe is generally closed. However, the toe also can be open. The shoes are secured to the foot, usually with a strap that comes around the heel and attaches like a belt buckle or with Velcro. Fisherman sandals generally are made of leather or imitation leather.

Source:
http://www.ansi.org/about_ansi/overview/overview.aspx?menuid=1

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Shoe Encyclopedia: Rearfoot, Graphite Rollbar, Visible Air-Sole Unit and Biomechanically Efficient

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Feb 3, 2009 by Momie T.

Hello, shoe students. If you've been following along with the shoe encyclopedia, you have learned a great deal and come a long way. Nevertheless, the shoe terms are aplenty in the shoe encyclopedia. So sit back, relax and read up on four more interesting shoe related words. The last lesson from the shoe encyclopedia was about the throat of the shoe, the shoetree, TS2 and Cambrelle. This time around, look forward to learning about the rearfoot, the Visible Air-Sole Unit, being biomechanically efficient and the graphite rollbar.

Rearfoot
The rearfoot is the area behind the arch. Think about cars for just a moment to understand what the rearfoot is. In cars, the shocks absorb some of the force of impact and make that gentler on the car and riders. For a foot, the same holds true with the rearfoot. The rearfoot is there to absorb much of the impact each time the foot lands on the ground.

Graphite Rollbar
Existing in some New Balance shoes, the graphite rollbar is designed to stop the rearfoot from moving. To create this design, a piece of graphite is molded into the desired shape and then positioned properly in the midsole of the shoe. The purpose of installing the graphite rollbar in shoes is to create better stability in the rearfoot. This is why it must stop the rearfoot from moving.

Visible Air-Sole Unit
This is a unit inside of a Nike shoe that is visible from the side or the inside. The clear, see-through design allows consumers to see this pocket of air. The Air Sole was designed with comfort in mind. Wearers of this shoe may feel as though they are "walking on air." In fact, they are, in a sense.

Biomechanically Efficient
A person who is naturally biomechanically efficient has a gait cycle that is neutral. This means that person's feet do not need extra stability support in their shoes. The reason is because the feet already are naturally designed with an even dispersion, creating natural stability. For those not biomechanically efficient, there are a wide variety of shoes that offer stability and comfort through design.

Sources:
http://www.shoebacca.com/resources/glossary/shoe-terms-p-q-r.html
http://www.shoebacca.com/resources/glossary/shoe-terms-b.html

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Shoe Encyclopedia: Quarter, Shank, Crampon and Top Lift

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Jan 27, 2009 by Momie T.

Gather round, shoe terminology students. It is once again time for another lesson from the shoe encyclopedia. From the last lesson, you learned about the Louis heel (named after a famous king), the kitten heel, the plug of the moccasin and the heavy brogan. If you missed last week's lesson (or any others), don't forget to go back through and learn them. This shoe encyclopedia lesson focuses on the quarter, the shank, the crampon and the top lift

Quarter
When it comes to shoes, the quarter is not a coin. The quarter actually is the part of the shoe that covers the sides and back of the foot. Sometimes it consists of one whole piece of material, and other times, it is split into sections that are sewn together or held together by zippers or glue. The quarter is located on virtually every shoe. Therefore, styles and variety can vary significantly.

Shank
Sometimes the term shank can refer to a portion of ham but, luckily, not when referring to shoes. In a shoe, the shank is the portion that extends from the heel to the outsole. It gives structure to the shoe, as well as providing support to the arch of the foot. A shank can come in many different styles. All shoes have a shank.

Crampon
The crampon is often used in mountain and glacier climbing sports. These heavy-duty climbing devices clamp onto mountain boots and are used to trek through thick ice and snow. The metal spikes offer a strong grip. One type is made for trekking through snow and ice located on mountains and glaciers. The other type is made for ice climbing up steep vertical ice (or ice covered) structures.

Top Lift
The top lift, contrary to what it first sounds like, is actually located on the bottom of the shoe. It is the bottom portion of the shoe heel. The top lift supports and balances the shoe. The top lift can be thick, like in a platform shoe, but can also be very thin, like in a stiletto heel. Sizes can vary, depending on the shoe.

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Shoe Encyclopedia: Shoes Have Throats!

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Jan 13, 2009 by Momie T.

How are all the shoe encyclopedia students doing? Well, I assume, since you came to class. Our last shoe encyclopedia session involved some interesting wordplay. First, we learned about a quarter that couldn't be spent. Then came the shank that was not a ham portion. Next, we learned of the crampon, not a cramp on the shoe. Finally, we discussed the top lift, which is on the bottom of the shoe. This week's terms include the throat, Cambrelle, shoetree and TS2. Remember that past lessons are always available on Zappos blogs if you've miss any.

Throat
No, this is not something from a science fiction fantasy. Shoes do indeed have throats. However, they hopefully won't be using them for talking, singing or swallowing anytime soon. If they do, you might want to pinch yourself and awaken from your nightmares. A throat in shoes is the opening that the foot goes into when sliding on the shoe. Some shoes have wide throats, while others have more narrow ones.

Cambrelle
A lightweight fabric lining, Cambrelle is found in varied shoe styles. It is designed to absorb high amounts of moisture during intense activities. Its design also allows for cooling of the feet during high heat and heating of the feet during colder temperatures. This way, no matter what the person wearing Cambrelle-lined footwear is doing, sweaty or freezing feet are less likely to distract them.

Shoetree
A shoetree is not an ideal addition to your landscaping. A more welcoming spot to plant that shoetree is inside of your favorite pair of stompers. A shoetree will help maintain the shape of your shoes for longer wear. Shoetrees can be made from wood, plastic or metal. Shoetrees made from cedar will help pull the moisture away from the shoes, leaving them fresher. Typically, shoetrees are made for dress shoes, but some people like to use them for casual footwear as well.

TS2
Unlike the PS2, the TS2 is not a popular video game. In New Balance footwear, TS2 is a specially designed insole. This heel-to-toe transitional post is designed to create more stability. Stability is of great importance when it comes to trainer shoes or other athletic footwear.

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Shoe Encyclopedia: heels, plugs and brogans

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Dec 30, 2008 by Momie T.

Hello again, students of the shoe encyclopedia class. Already those of you who have been keeping up have learned so much. For those of you new to the shoe encyclopedia (or a touch behind), don't forget to go back and study the previous lessons to get up to speed. In case your memory on the encyclopedia of shoes needs some jogging, the last lesson included information on RadianTex, waterproofing silicone, thermoplastic rubber and thermoplastic urethane. This time around, the shoe encyclopedia will teach you about two types of heels (the Louis heel and the kitten heel). It also will school you on the plug, as well as the brogan.

Louis Heel
The Louis heel is a high-heeled shoe that features fancy curves on the back and sides of the heel. The curve looks similar to an hourglass shape. The original Louis heel was worn by Louis XV, the inspiration for the name and style. However, today Louis heels are more commonly worn by women.

Kitten Heel
A heel that is low to the ground and tapers off into a narrow base is known as a kitten heel. These are featured in women's heels. A kitten heel can be found in both casual shoes and dressy styles. Shoes that feature a kitten heel could be sandals, strappy shoes, slide-ons, open-toed or closed. A variety of styles can feature a kitten heel.

Plug
Plug? Are we talking plumbing, like sinks and tubs? Nope, we're still on shoes. In shoe terms, a plug is not related to stopping a drain, thank goodness. Although, that certainly would make for an interesting pair of shoes. I just can't figure out what the plug would hold in - hopefully not water. No, in shoe terms, a plug refers to the center of the upper area in a moccasin.

Brogan
Also known as the brogue or the clodhopper, a brogan is a heavy shoe that is very thick. Brogan shoes can come in a wide variety of styles, ranging from tennis shoes to heels and even boots. Many heavier shoes are considered to be brogan shoes.

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Shoe Encyclopedia: Weird Science in Shoes

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Dec 23, 2008 by Momie T.

Hello once more, shoe encyclopedia scholars. It is shoe time again. So grab a seat and focus your brain. The last shoe encyclopedia lesson involved information about pitch (not baseball, mind you), the athleisure shoe, a medical condition called flat foot and the practice of podiatry. This week's lesson includes RadianTex, thermoplastic rubber (T.P.R.), thermoplastic urethane (T.P.U.) and silicone. Don't forget that if you've missed any past shoe encyclopedia lessons, it is simple enough to go back and catch up at your leisure.

RadianTex
RadianTex is a type of thermal insole, which means it's great for warming the feet. In a RadianTex insole, the thermal reflection causes the warmth. This thickly padded insole is great for comfort as well as warmth. RadianTex is generally found in a variety of winter boots that are suited for colder weather and climates.

Thermoplastic Rubber (T.P.R.)
Thermoplastic rubber, or T.P.R, is one material that is very often used during the process of injection molding. It's a type of plastic that is relatively common in the construction process of shoes. If you've been following the shoe encyclopedia, you may recall a previous lesson that included information on injection molding.

Thermoplastic Urethane (T.P.U.)
Like thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic urethane (T.P.U.) is used in the shoe manufacturing process. A common use is as a support in various running shoes. The thermoplastic urethane is generally located in the mid-foot area of the shoe. These can be running shoes in styles for both men and women. Good support is needed in running shoes, since the feet will be bearing down harder during running than they would in normal, everyday walking.

Silicone
Some might not think of shoes when hearing the term silicone. Hearing the term silicone may cause a person to think of plastic surgery. However, it is also used in the world of shoes. In fact, it's more common in shoes than one might think. Silicone is used in the waterproofing process of shoes. It's a clear, slippery polymeric substance. Many different types of shoes and boots can be treated with silicone for the purpose of waterproofing their surfaces.

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Shoe Encyclopedia: For the Enthusiasts

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Dec 16, 2008 by Momie T.

Hey there again, shoe encyclopedia enthusiasts. You've learned quite a bit about footwear and related terms at this point. But, fortunately, for your curious mind, the shoe encyclopedia still contains plenty more knowledge to be gained. The last lesson was about scotch grain (that doesn't involve alcohol), split leather, the monk strap and chukka boots. This time around the shoe encyclopedia lesson will be about pitch, the athleisure shoe, a medical condition called flat foot and podiatry.

Pitch
We're not talking fine tuning musical skills or throwing a fast one to the batter here. This is shoe talk, not music class or baseball. On a shoe, the pitch is the angle at which the back of the heel comes in contact with the sole, in contrast with where the front part of the heel and comes into contact with the sole. That angle, or pitch, is how stability in the shoe is determined.

Athleisure Shoe
An athleisure shoe is one that has a stylish, athletic look, but is actually for leisurely, relaxed wear. While athleisure shoes may look like those worn during athletics, these are instead for casual occasions, such as hanging out with your favorite group of friends. These come in styles for both men and women. This is currently a popular style of shoe.

Flat Foot
Flat foot is a medical condition. In this state, the arch sits flat in line with the rest of the foot. This condition occurs in many children, due to natural baby fat, but can also occur in adults. Flat foot in children (mostly babies) is usually normal and is eventually grown out of as the children get older. Adults who get flat foot do not usually grow out of it. It is generally not painful, but can be in more serious cases.

Podiatry
Podiatry is the licensed medical practice of treating and preventing foot diseases, ailments and conditions. In podiatry, medical professionals (commonly known as podiatrists) can diagnose, treat and advise on the prevention of conditions such as flat foot and bunions. If shoe and foot knowledge interest you a great deal, this is a profession to consider.

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Shoe Encyclopedia: Plenty More to Learn

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Dec 2, 2008 by Momie T.

Hungry for more shoe knowledge? It's a good thing, because there is plenty more to learn. If you've been keeping up with these lessons from the shoe encyclopedia, you'll know that we've discussed over 50 shoe-related terms already. In the last lesson from the shoe encyclopedia, we covered shoe anatomy, vibram, break and foxing. This week, we'll discuss scotch grain, split leather, the monk strap and the chukka boot. Remember, if you've missed any previous lessons, they are always easy to find on Zappos.com.

Scotch Grain
Not to be confused with the ingredients of an alcoholic beverage, this type of scotch grain is not made for the consumption of responsible adults (or anyone else, for that matter). It actually is an upper section (or grain) of leather affected by a certain embossing process. A leather grain that is embossed with a heavily pebbled look is referred to as scotch grain leather. The resulting leather product can be used to make a wide variety of shoes and other footwear.

Split Leather
Unlike the scotch grain above, split leather is just about what it sounds like. It is leather that is taken from the hide's lower layers, which have been separated (or split) from the upper layers (or grain). Split leather can be used to make a variety of products, including shoes and other footwear.

Monk Strap
A monk-strap shoe is one that has a closed design, meaning it is without laces, zippers or other fastening devices along the toe area. To be considered a monk-strap shoe, in addition to the closed toe, the shoe would also need to have a strap that goes over the instep. It is generally a buckle style strap that will fasten at one side. Monk-strap shoes are usually those with a blucher pattern.

Chukka Boot
A Chukka Boot is one that has laces and is made to fit at the wearer's ankle. Chukka Boots generally have a plain toe. They can be worn by men, women and children alike. They can come in suede, leather, nu buck and other materials.

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Shoe Encyclopedia: More to Know

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Nov 25, 2008 by Momie T.

No matter how much wisdom a person gains, there's always more to know. The same holds true in the world of shoes. Just when you think you know your terminology, there are new words to challenge you. The shoe encyclopedia has been filling your head with a good amount of knowledge. Are you ready for some more? Last time we discussed the burnish process, sipes, the metatarsal bones in the foot, as well as bunions. This week we will learn the shoe encyclopedia terms shoe anatomy, break, vibram and foxing.

Shoe Anatomy
A shoe anatomy is a diagram that details each part of the construction of a shoe. Just like an anatomy chart can be made for the human body, the same is true for the parts of a shoe. In past lessons of the shoe encyclopedia, we have discussed some of the parts of the shoe that would be depicted on such a diagram. Some of those include the vamp, heel and sole.

Break
We're not talking recess time at the playground here. When talking in shoe terms, a break refers to the crease that sometimes ends up going across the front of the shoe from normal, everyday use. Of course, if you always buy shoes with steel toes, you should be able to prevent this annoyance. However, that strategy could present a problem when looking for some strappy heels to go with that cute evening gown. Steel toe shoes don't exactly come in that style.

Vibram
You'll most often find vibrams on hiking boots. They are an outsole designed to be non-slip and durable. Both of those features are necessary when hiking in the mountains, especially during certain weather conditions. The trails can get slippery or even rough at times. Strength and traction are ultra important in these situations.

Foxing
Foxing is a rubber strip that joins together the upper portion of a shoe with the sole. Canvas shoes are a good example of those that use foxing. Foxing can be found in other styles as well, but canvas shoes are those that most commonly use foxing.

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Shoe Encyclopedia: For The Full-Time Shoe Students

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Nov 18, 2008 by Momie T.

Welcome back to class, shoe students. It's time for another fun lesson from the shoe encyclopedia. Don't forget that if you've missed any previous lessons, you can always go back and review them on Zappos.com. Last time, we discussed the tap of the shoe, painful heel spurs and the welt of the shoe as well as shoes called slides. If you didn't catch that last lesson (or any previous ones), be sure to go back through and check. Today's four terms from the shoe encyclopedia will be burnish, sipes, metatarsal bones and bunions.

Burnish
To burnish a shoe is to create an antiquing effect in the leather of that shoe. Once burnished, the leather will have an antique or worn look. Burnished leather footwear can be seen in a variety of boot and shoe styles and sizes. Burnished shoes may be seen in footwear created for men, women or children.

Sipes
Deck shoes need to be created in a way that prevents slippage. That is where the sipes come in. Sipes is the pattern carved in a specific shape in the outsoles of deck shoes. That shape helps to distribute the water evenly and prevent slipping. Deck shoes with sipes can come in varied styles and sizes for men, women and children.

Metatarsal Bones
The metatarsal bones are those in the foot that aid the body in forward movements during walking or running. They are the five bones that make up the top part of the foot that goes from the instep to the toes. Without the metatarsals, the foot would not move or balance in the same way.

Bunions
The name may sound like a tasty dinner bread formed between buns and onions, but these are far from tasty and are not desirable at all, in fact. Bunions are painful swollen areas that occur on the bottom of the foot. These can often lead to permanent damage in the toe joint. There are special shoes for both men and women that can be worn to help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with bunions.

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Shoe Encyclopedia: Four More Fun Terms

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Nov 4, 2008 by Momie T.

Hello again, fellow shoe lovers. Shoe talk is getting exciting, isn't it? In the last lesson, you learned about the shoe lift, injection-molded construction, cordovan leather and Minktex lining. Today, the shoe encyclopedia offers four more interesting terms. You'll learn about crepe rubber, the Brannock device, the shoe counter, as well as shoe dressing. For a little extra fun, try guessing what the terms mean before continuing on with the lesson. Test your guessing skills against the meanings to see how close you were.

Crepe Rubber
Sorry to ruin your taste buds, but this is not the type of crepe you'll be seeing at the breakfast table. I don't recommend tasting this one at all, but wearing it is perfectly fine. Crepe rubber is a type of rubber used in shoe soles. It has a crinkled texture and is a crude, natural rubber. Many different shoe styles for both women and men can contain soles made from crepe rubber.

Brannock Device
In order to ensure accurate sizing and fit of shoes, it is a good idea to measure each foot properly. The Brannock device can help with that. It measures both the length and width of the foot to determine appropriate sizing. The Brannock device can be found in the fitting area of many shoe stores.

Counter
In order for the heel to retain its shape, it must have all the right layers. One of those layers is the counter. It is a stiff material located between the lining and the upper inside of the heel. Due to its stiffness, the counter can play an important role in retaining the shape of the heel in a shoe.

Dressing
Ranch or Italian? Well, actually, neither. When talking shoes, dressing is the process of applying gloss or finish to the outside of the shoe. Without gloss or finish, shoes can wear out more rapidly. A protective coating or dressing is a good feature for a pair of shoes. Many shoes have some type of dressing on them. Women's and men's boots, dress shoes, casuals and more can all have dressing, including children's styles.

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Shoe Encyclopedia: Now you Know More than Most!

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Oct 31, 2008 by Momie T.

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.

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Shoe Encyclopedia: Quench Your Shoe Knowledge

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Oct 28, 2008 by Momie T.

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.

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