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

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.

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.

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.

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.