Shoes are essential in our day-to-day lives but what makes people fall in love with shoes is what comes with the shoe. Do you have an idea of different parts of a shoe? Well, if not, then you are not alone. Most people never care to know different parts of the shoes, all that matter to them is the comfort that the shoe brings. However, knowing the parts of a shoe may help you understand why your shoe feels comfortable, and others cause sores at times.
In this article, 7 questions answered about parts of a shoe. Some terms describe parts that shoes in general have while other terms may refer to certain styles and types of shoes. Read on for more!
1. Upper
The sole is the part that holds your shoe in place. In a more clear description, the upper is the part of a shoe covering. This part is usually made of synthetic leather, suede, or other sturdy materials for durability and toughness. At times, you can join mesh into the shoe to make sure that your feet breathe with ease. Some uppers come with reflectors for third-party visibility and safety.
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Uppers are crucial when choosing a shoe. Always check the quality of the upper since it greatly determines the shoe’s durability and attractiveness.
2. Soles
When it comes, we will look at different parts of a shoe sole.
Insole
The insole is the part that lies beneath your foot. The insoles primary purpose is to offer support and comfort to the feet. The insole is attached to the upper part of the shoe, but they are the removable and replaceable part that helps improve foot support.
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Insoles offer comfort to the foot when running or walking on the shoes.
Mid-sole
The midsole is the part of the shoe that is equally crucial as the outsole and the insole. This part of the shoe rests strategically between the outsole and the insole. Midsole usually acts as the cushion and work as a shock absorber.
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Running shoes comes with thick mid-soles to protect the soles. Other shoes that rarely overwork do not need mid-sole; they can work well even without it.
Out-sole
The outsole is usually the one that people call sole since it refers to the entire shoe sole. Specifically, the outsole is the bottom part of the shoe that comes into contact with the ground. Manufacturers usually use sturdy and durable materials such as natural rubber, leather, PVC compounds, or polyurethane for the outsole depending on how one intends to use the shoe.
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The soles are the support that your shoes need. Once the soles wear out, you will have to retire your shoe and buy new ones. However, if you don’t feel like throwing away your favorite shoe, you can have a professional fix the problem.
3. Heel
The heel is the part of the shoe that is elevated at the bottom side of the shoe. When manufacturers are making the shoe, the material used on the heel is always the same as the one on the sole. This part rests slightly below the shoe’s heel bone.
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The heel’s work is to improve balance, correct body posture, and to add a few inches to the owner’s height. Some heels are there to add class and beauty to the shoe.
4. Top piece
Once the shoe touches the ground, friction occurs. The top piece is the part fixed at the end of the heel (part of the heel that touches the ground) to keep up the friction.
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When buying a shoe that is high, always make sure that the heel comes with a top piece if you don’t want to trip and fall on your heels.
5. Shank
Finding shank between the outsole and the insole is possible. The part runs underneath your foot’s arch. The shank usually forms part of the shoe’s support construction to give your shoe a beautiful and comfortable structure.
Fiberglass, steel, plastics, and Kevlar are some of the material you can find in shoe shanks. Shank is a piece of metal lies between the soles and the insole, just against the arch of your foot. Work boots boast the sturdiest arch support.
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With a shoe containing a shank, you can be sure to get the best experience when it comes to comfort, style, and durability.
6. Welt
The welt is the leather band that runs around the upper edges of the shoes’ upper side. This part of a shoe is what holds together other parts and components. The professional makers of welts run a lock-stitch via the insole, the upper and the welt too. The procedure also involves coming up with a separate stitch that attaches to the insole.
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If you want to get the best shoe, choose the one with double stitch reinforcement since they endure and are durable than others.
7. Toe Cap
Toe caps are found on the front part of the shoe, and their main aim is to protect the toes. They come in various forms, but the most common forms are stitched over toe caps to add an extra layer, complete replacement for toe caps, and the solid toe caps to protect the toes with a good example being steel toe caps.
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Toe caps can come in various forms and styles. Other than adding beauty to the shoe, this part of the shoe adds durability and strength to the front part of the shoe since the front part is the area that gets more stress and wears when wearing the shoe.
Concluding Remarks
Whether you prefer formal, casual or even sporty shoes, you need to choose your footwear carefully. If you care about your feet health and your comfort, then you should never choose shoes based on the looks only. Instead, select the shoe that fits comfortably.
Consider all the critical parts of a shoe and choose depending on the quality of those exacting parts. Even if you wear a stunning pair that feels uncomfortable, you will never value the beauty. Buy a shoe that looks and feels comfortable and hit the road happily and comfortable!
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