Shoes Key Terms

Key terminology can help you run your shoe business

Everyone wears shoes, and there are shoes available for every occasion. To help you operate your shoe business effectively, be sure you know the meaning of the basic types of shoes and the terms associated with the different parts of shoes. To be able to help your customers and boost sales, learn the meaning of boots, the shank of a shoe, sneaker, air mesh, sole and insole.

 

Boots

Boots are shoes that cover the entire foot up to the ankle; some cover as high up the leg as the knees or thighs. Boots can be worn by anyone for work, dressy occasions or to protect the feet against the elements.
Try: Shoe-Design provides an excellent glossary of shoe terms, including a definition of boots. 

Shank

The shank of a shoe is the portion of the sole that is between the heel and the ball of the foot. This is the part of the shoe that supports the weight of the person wearing the shoe.
Try: SHOEBACCA has a great glossary of shoe terms. Look at its definition of a shank.

Sneaker

A sneaker, also called a gym shoe or a tennis shoe, is a shoe with a flexible, rubber sole that makes it comfortable for various physical activities such as walking, running, playing a sport or various leisure activities.
Try: Apparel Search Company has a detailed definition of the term sneaker.

Air mesh

Air mesh is the lightweight mesh material on gym shoes that allow air to get in, making the shoe more comfortable.
Try: Fog Dog Sports has the definition of air mesh for shoes.

Sole

The sole is the part of the shoe that makes contact with the ground as a person walks. It can be made out of different materials, such as rubber. Another name for the sole is the outsole.
Try: Running With Heels gives a definition of a sole in its glossary of shoe terms.

Insole

An insole lays inside the shoe on top of the sole. This is the part that your foot rests on and is usually padded for added comfort.
Try: Shoe Glossary explains what an insole is in its extensive shoe glossary.

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