Some Shoe Basics

1. The INSOLE LINING maintains rigidity in the shoe. The vamp and quarters are attached to the insole which is in turn, attached to the welt. A sock is usually inserted over the insole for comfort and aesthetic purposes.
2. The TOP LINE is the top edge of the shoe around the opening for the foot and is especially important for court shoes as the only means of securing the shoe on the foot. For a heeled shoe, the top line is proportional to the heel height.
3. The VAMP covers the toes and the forepart/front of the shoe. For peep toe shoes and sandals the vamp may consist of only one or more straps.
4. The TOE BOX encompasses aspects of both style and construction of the shoe. For example toe shapes may be, peep, chisel or winkle.
5. The SOLE is the outer layer of material covering the bottom of the shoe. It can be made from leather, rubber, plastic etc.
6. The WELT, normally made of leather, is a thin strip sewn around the edge of the shoe between the insole and the sole.
7. The SHANK curve covers the area that includes the ball and instep of the foot. This is where the body weight falls so this measurement is vital to the fit of the shoe.
8. The height of the QUARTER determines whether the shoe will grip the foot correctly. Too low and the shoe may not hold the foot, but too high and it may rub the tendons.
9. A COUNTER may be added to stiffen and maintain rigidity at the back of the shoe.
10. The HEEL is the under part of the shoe which supports the heel of the foot. There are a number of distinct heel shapes such as cuban, wedge and stilleto. The position of the sole in relation to the heel determines how the heel is classified.
11. The HEEL BREAST is the inside of the heel. It can be stacked, for example, cuban, or covered by either the extended sole or a piece of leather.
12. The TOP PIECE is usually made from rubber or leather and protects the heel. This piece wears down but can be repaired.