Footwear and clothing glossary
Shoe styles
Mary Jane : Low-cut shoe with one strap across the instep. Even if currently this type of shoes is much more associated to girls, it used to be worn by men. In French this pair of shoes is called «Charles IX» in tribute to the eponymous king, who used to wear this type of shoes.
Derby : This is a city shoe with a low upper. Its special feature is its ‘open’ lacing: the laces are sewn into the vamp, allowing the shoe to open wider than an oxford shoe.
Oxford: This is a low-top dress shoe. What makes it special is its ‘closed’ lacing: the laces are sewn into the vamp and open to form a ‘V’.
Shoe material
Suede : When we talk about suede, we are referring to a particular finish. There are several qualities of suede leather: grain-sanded leather, tumbled leather and split suede.
Anatomy of a shoe
Heel top piece: This is a wear part, often made of rubber, placed under the heel.
Perforated toe cap : perforations on the upper of a shoe forming a pattern.
Shank: This is a steel or plastic piece located between the heel and the forefoot that stiffens the arch of the shoe.
Stiffener: prevents the upper from sagging and keeps the heel of the foot in place.
Lining : Helps maintain the shape of the foot, makes it stronger and absorbs perspiration, so improving the foot’s well-being.
Vamp: This is the part of the upper covering the forefoot, i.e. from the instep to the toe of the shoe.
Facing: Piece of leather containing the eyelets through which the laces pass.
Heel grip: This is the only part of the heel that can be replaced.
Insole: This is the part of the shoe to which the upper is attached.
Upper: This is the part of the shoe that covers the top of the foot.
Welt: a relatively thin strip of leather placed between two thicker layers of leather to sew them together, used in Goodyear welting.
Technologies
adiPRENE by Adidas: this sport technology helps provide shock-absorbing heel cushioning.
Amphibox by Geox: a special breathable and waterproof membrane is present, not only in the sole, but also around the top of the foot, keeping the foot dry. This unique technology makes Amphibiox both waterproof and breathable.
Coldback by Under Armour: this technology reflects IR & heat rays, so even dark color don’t get as hot.
Coldgear d’Under Armour: it’ s a thermo-conductive print added to the inside of everything from baselayers to outwear to keep you warmer longer.
Earthkeepers by Timberland: One or more major components contain at least 50% recycled polyethylene therephthalate (PET), the plastic used to make soda bottles.
Gore-Tex: is a waterproof and breathable fabric membrane. The Gore-Tex membrane keeps feet dry and protected, while allowing moisture vapor from sweat to pass through.
Heatgear by Under Armour: this technology keeps you cool during any workout or competition.
Hydro-Shield de Rockport: this drainage system helps keep feet dry in wet weather.
Nebula by Geox : Nebula is an evolution of the traditional concept of breathability. The special interior lining with spacers creates free space between the foot and the upper. Heat can escape upwards through this space, facilitating the natural process of body temperature regulation and providing the pleasant feeling of having dry feet.
UPF+ d’Under Armour: protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
STORM1 d’Under Armour: water-resistant technology that fights off the elements. That means in the sun, rain, or snow, you stay dry and on your game.
