Footwear for senior citizens and baby boomers should support our arches. For many of us, our feet become wider and flatter with age, making support for the arch of the foot more important.

We should realize we are candidates for corrective insoles if we wake up with pain in the arches of our feet, or in our heels. It may seem strange to have foot pain after six to eight hours of bed rest, rather than during or after activities, but this is how the prolonged effect takes place. Another symptom is if you find that your heels are rolling inward.

The specific part of the foot that is protesting is known as the plantar fascia, which in layman's terms is the padding of fibrous tissue. If we don't support our arches within our footwear, the plantar fascia becomes stretched and irritated and spurs may develop.

For just one example, the basketball star Larry Bird was forced to retire in his prime years, during the early 1990s, because he developed painful bone spurs on his feet, and Larry Bird was only in his mid 30s when he made his swan song on the 1992 U.S. Olympic Dream Team. We are never too young to look out for our feet.

Because we ask our feet to do so much work for us, we need to make sure that as much of the foot as possible shares the brunt of the impact for each step we take. Those of us with high arches require insoles that apply pressure and support up into those arches, or otherwise we are requiring the heel and the sides of the arches to do extra work. Those of us with flat feet need insoles that create a sort of artificial arch. The arches often are supported by lifting the heels slightly higher.

Our feet won't just feel better. So will our knees and our lower back areas. Our mental outlooks also will remain strong, because we'll be able to spend more time on our feet.

SOURCES
http://www.walkfit.com/arch-pain/
http://www.doctorfoot.com/index.html
http://www.footsmart.com/healthcondition.aspx?ailmentId=64

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.