Glossary of Terms

Glossário

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Alligator Skin

Alligator skin has long been the most prestigious type of exotic leather. Known for its range of size and clean scales, alligator skin can be used for anything from small leather objects to furniture and is most commonly found on shoes, belts, handbags and watchstraps.

Alligator Skin

Anaconda Skins

Anaconda skin started to be commercialized when the State of California banned python skin products. Over time, the fuller body and the larger scale pattern of the anaconda skin, gave rise to its own trade. Anaconda skin is now commonly used on handbags, men's belts and small leather goods.

Anaconda Skins

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Ball

The padded area of the foot, between the big toe and the arch of the foot.

Ball

Balmorals

Also Known as Oxfords Balmorals (or 'Bals') are typically ankle-high, front-laced shoes, wherein the bottom of the shoe's lacing is sewn to the front of the shoes throat, creating a closed 'V' shape at the bottom of the lacing. When tied, the Balmoral's tongue is completely concealed, except for its tip. It is said that this style received this name and popularity after Prince Albert was seen wearing such a shoe during an extended holiday at the Scottish Balmoral Castle.

Balmorals

Bicycle Toe

Characterized by straight seams on both the right and left sides, so named because of their similarity to professional bicycling shoe.

Bicycle Toe

Blucher

A shoe with quarters which are laced together over the tongue and allows adjustment for the instep. Also known as Derby or Gibson.

Blucher

Boot

A shoe that extends over the ankle. Boots can be formal or casual. They usually have an utilitarian design, associated to certain trades or leisure activities - such as steel-toe construction boots or motorcycle boots.

Boot

Brogue

Similar to the Balmoral or Oxford shoe style with tiny perforations that create an elegant zig-zag detailing and acentuate the aspect of the seams.

Brogue

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Cushioning

Padding on the insole or outsole of a shoe that provides extra comfort and stabilization.

Cushioning

Cap toe

A structural detail often found on many different dress shoes, part of the upper covering the toe, that adds visual appeal and elegance.

Cap toe

Circumference

The measure around the shaft of a boot, taken at the widest part, near the top of the boot shaft.

Circumference

Croc embossed

Leather that has been embossed or stamped in a pattern that simulates crocodile skin.

Croc embossed

Covered Heel

A heel covered with the same material as the upper structure.

Covered Heel

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Finishing

The final process of production that refines the appearance of a shoe. It may include polish, to create a high-gloss finish or a contrasting polish, to create an aspect of antique.

Finish

Faux Leather

Synthetic material, usually made of polyurethane, used to simulate real leather.

Faux Leather

Fisherman Sandal

Type of sandal with woven or stitched, vertical and horizontal straps. Usually with a closed toe.

Fisherman Sandal

Foxing

A rubber strip that joins the upper and sole of a shoe. Typically found on canvas sneakers.

Foxing

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Gibson

A shoe with two side quarters which are laced together over the tongue and allows adjustment on the instep. Also known as Derby or Blucher.

Gibson

Gore

A piece of elastic fabric, used to connect the sides of a slip-on shoe, in order to make it more comfortable, enhancing the fit.

Gore

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Huarache

A flat sandal or shoe with a leather upper.

Huarache

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Lasting

The process of forming and molding a shoe.

Lasting

Loafers

Also called Moccasins, they are slip-on shoes known for their comfort. The shoe's structure tends to be simple and wide. Completely constructed without fasteners.

Loafers

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Medallion

Ornamental perforations details, on the toes of dress shoes in varied but always symmetrical designs.

Medallion

Moc Toe

A type of shoe that has seam and stitching details around the forefront of the vamp, originally found on moccasins.

Moc Toe

Motorcycle Boot

Ideal boots for riding a motorcycle, often with thick and durable soles.

Motorcycle Boot

Mule

A closed toe shoe with no heelcap.

Mule

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Nubuck

A type of leather lightly brushed on its surface to create a thin velvet appearance layer.

Nubuck

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Patent Leather

A type of leather specially treated with polyurethane to create an incredibly  glossy finish, usually found on dress shoes, suitable for evening wear.

Patent Leather

Penny

A "slip on" style of shoe with a slit over the instep.

Penny

Piping

A decorative, narrow strip of leather that typically follows the seam of a shoe.

Piping

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Shoe horn

A curved metal or synthetic device used to aid slipping the foot into a shoe.

Shoe horn

Slip on

A footwear style meant to slip on the foot and covers the whole instep, without laces or adjustments.

Slip on

Slipper

A flat open shoe that is easily slipped on, usually meant for indoor wear and lined for comfort and warmth.

Slipper

Sole

The very bottom of the shoe that contacts the floor.

Sole

Sole Leather

Heavy and thick leather (usually cattle-hide), used for the soles of shoes.

Sole Leather

Spectator

A low-heeled Oxford style, semi or full brogue, produced from two contrasting colors.

Spectator

Split-Toe

A style that features two pieces of leather joined together at the vamp and welt of the shoe.

Split-Toe

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Textured Bumper

Padded shoe texture for impact absorbing.

Textured Bumper

Thong Sandal

Any sandal that has material that fits between the toes.

Thong Sandal

Tip

An additional piece of leather, part of the upper covering the toe. Also known as a Cap.

 

Tip

Toe-box

A stiff material placed inside the vamp to maintain the dome-like shape over the toes. It can take many shapes: flat, high, wide, etc

Toe-box

Top Lift

The part of the heel that touches the ground. Often made of rubber or a combination of leather and rubber.

Top Lift

Tread

May refer to the design of a shoe's sole or the way in which it is worn.

Tread

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Upper

Various assembled parts of shoe tops including foxing, quarters, vamp, toe cap, backstay, tongue and saddle.

Upper

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Vachetta Leather

A type of soft cow leather

Vachetta Leather

Vamp

The portion that covers the instep of the shoe and sometimes extending over the toe.

Vamp

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Wholecut

Variant of the Oxford style in which the upper is one single piece of leather.

Wholecut

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