Glossary of Terms
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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.
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.
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Ball
The padded area of the foot, between the big toe and the arch of the foot.
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.
Bicycle Toe
Characterized by straight seams on both the right and left sides, so named because of their similarity to professional bicycling shoe.
Blucher
A shoe with quarters which are laced together over the tongue and allows adjustment for the instep. Also known as Derby or Gibson.
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.
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.
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Cushioning
Padding on the insole or outsole of a shoe that provides extra comfort and stabilization.
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.
Circumference
The measure around the shaft of a boot, taken at the widest part, near the top of the boot shaft.
Croc embossed
Leather that has been embossed or stamped in a pattern that simulates crocodile skin.
Covered Heel
A heel covered with the same material as the upper structure.
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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.
Faux Leather
Synthetic material, usually made of polyurethane, used to simulate real leather.
Fisherman Sandal
Type of sandal with woven or stitched, vertical and horizontal straps. Usually with a closed toe.
Foxing
A rubber strip that joins the upper and sole of a shoe. Typically found on canvas sneakers.
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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.
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.
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Huarache
A flat sandal or shoe with a leather upper.
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Lasting
The process of forming and molding a shoe.
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.
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Medallion
Ornamental perforations details, on the toes of dress shoes in varied but always symmetrical designs.
Moc Toe
A type of shoe that has seam and stitching details around the forefront of the vamp, originally found on moccasins.
Motorcycle Boot
Ideal boots for riding a motorcycle, often with thick and durable soles.
Mule
A closed toe shoe with no heelcap.
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Nubuck
A type of leather lightly brushed on its surface to create a thin velvet appearance layer.
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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.
Penny
A "slip on" style of shoe with a slit over the instep.
Piping
A decorative, narrow strip of leather that typically follows the seam of a shoe.
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Shoe horn
A curved metal or synthetic device used to aid slipping the foot into a shoe.
Slip on
A footwear style meant to slip on the foot and covers the whole instep, without laces or adjustments.
Slipper
A flat open shoe that is easily slipped on, usually meant for indoor wear and lined for comfort and warmth.
Sole
The very bottom of the shoe that contacts the floor.
Sole Leather
Heavy and thick leather (usually cattle-hide), used for the soles of shoes.
Spectator
A low-heeled Oxford style, semi or full brogue, produced from two contrasting colors.
Split-Toe
A style that features two pieces of leather joined together at the vamp and welt of the shoe.
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Textured Bumper
Padded shoe texture for impact absorbing.
Thong Sandal
Any sandal that has material that fits between the toes.
Tip
An additional piece of leather, part of the upper covering the toe. Also known as a Cap.
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
Top Lift
The part of the heel that touches the ground. Often made of rubber or a combination of leather and rubber.
Tread
May refer to the design of a shoe's sole or the way in which it is worn.
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Upper
Various assembled parts of shoe tops including foxing, quarters, vamp, toe cap, backstay, tongue and saddle.
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Vachetta Leather
A type of soft cow leather
Vamp
The portion that covers the instep of the shoe and sometimes extending over the toe.
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Wholecut
Variant of the Oxford style in which the upper is one single piece of leather.
