06 Jul Glossary of footwear concepts (1)

We are going to start with a series of posts in which we are going to gather together different terms in a glossary of footwear concepts (1). Within our field, there are numerous terms that refer to important elements in the manufacture and design of shoes.

We want to start with the first concepts in the world of footwear.

Finishing

This is the final step that occurs in the process of making shoes once they have been manufactured. It consists of cleaning, application of wax, cream and polishing of the upper. In addition, it includes the sanding of edges, scraping and polishing of the heel and the edges of the sole. The edge of the sole and the heel are worked by applying pressure with various tools. It ends with a machine polishing of both parts. The top and bottom of the shoe can be finished with cream or dyed.

Accessory

Element that completes a shoe model. As examples we can cite a metallic ornament or a decorative bow.

Glossary of footwear concepts

Pads

Set of elements that cushion the pressure on a body, ensuring that the pressure is distributed over the entire surface. They are usually made of soft materials such as rubber or EVA. They are used in presses.

Heel height

It is the length measured from the base of the heel of the last to the top of the shoe at the heel. Varies depending on the series (men, women, children) and the type of footwear.

Ball Width

Refers to the measurement that goes from the lateral to the medial of the ball at the bottom of the last. When measuring the lasts, it is necessary to know the measurement of the ball, which are increased by around 6.35 mm per size.

Suede

We refer to a type of plush leather similar to split, but with much finer pile and a better appearance. It is obtained from adult goats or kids (four-month-old goat). The younger the animal, the better its fur. There is also a name for a cow suede (high-quality cow split leather) that refers to the manufacture of very high-end footwear and boots.

Photo credit: Eli 1957