13 Jul Glossary of footwear concepts (2)

Second entry corresponding to the series of posts in which we are compiling different terms in a glossary of footwear concepts (2). Within our field, there are numerous terms that refer to important elements in the manufacture and design of shoes.

We continue with other concepts from the world of footwear arranged in alphabetical order.

Auxiliaries

They are a very wide range of products that help finishing, modifying certain types of properties, such as the touch, appearance, gloss and absorption.

Band
Also called fender, the Band is the piece of the shoe that is placed in the front part, going through the union with the sole.

Glossary of footwear concepts

Toe-wing
It refers to the piece on the heel that is sewn to a shoe. For example, classic sneakers have a toe-wing.

Bevel (to)
The beveled edge of the last is the corner where the upper and sole (or last) meet. The last can have a smooth, rounded edge, or a 90˚ break. For example, running shoes that have a rounded outline and molded midsoles are made with beveled lasts. For its part, a rigid work shoe boot is assembled with a last that has a straight edge and a flat last base.

Blake

It is a type of shoe mounting where the upper is glued inwards.

Block

It is a large piece that is part of the sole, made with the same materials, which give it contrast by colour or texture. On other occasions, the block is the entire sole, since it has several elements incorporated in the same piece. Amongst them, we can mention the heel, the frames, the welts and the sole itself. In these cases, it has built-in holes on the inside called savings, whose function is to take weight off them.

Photo credit: Eli 1957