Shoe Dictionary

Look for terms shoe-related terms alphabetically.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |

DCS

Double Cantilever System; opposing cantilevers which provide cushioning and stability

Diagonal Rollbar

Outersole design for stability and to prevent overpronation (Brooks)

Distance Plus

High-abrasion rubber (Ryka).

DMX

Connected air bladders exchange air from one end of the system to the other, and back, on impact (Reebok).

DMX Internal

IAmbient air-filled, non-visible, multi-chambered bladder transfers air from front to rear and back. Positioned within the EVA midsole, it creates a noticeable cushioning effect.

DMX Lite

Ambient air-filled, two-chambered bladder transfers air from front to rear and back. Positioned under the Strobel board, it creates a noticeable cushioning effect. (Reebok - also see Stim-Pac).

DMX-I Pak

Two-chambered air bladder, surrounded by EVA, exchanges air from one end of the system to the other, and back, on impact (Reebok)

Double Action 2

Visco-elastic (elastomer) polymer units which absorb shock, denser (red) unit in heel, more elastic (green) unit in forefoot (Diadora).

Double Lasted

The use of two pieces of fabric in the upper. One is sewn in the traditional way - either Strobel slip-lasted or slip-lasted, while the other is kept loose until the midsole is attached. Then it is wrapped under the midsole before the outersole is attached, thereby covering the midsole and adding support and protection to the shoe.

Doubler

An interlining placed between the toe lining and the vamp of a shoe. Its purpose is to provide additional plumpness to the forepart of the shoe and to preserve the shape of the shoe. Doublers are cemented to the upper parts with an adhesive before the lining is sewed in the shoe.

DRB Accel

Lightweight TPU device for preventing overpronation (Brooks).

DRC

Durable Rubber Compound

DuoMax

Denser CM-EVA, for pronation control (ASICS).

Durable Rubber Compound

Durable Rubber Compound. A blend of solid rubber with additives that offer extra durability for rough and abrasive surfaces. DRC is a heavy, dense and very hard material. Compared to other outsole materials, DRC is heavier, but offers increased durability. DRC is mainly used in tennis, walking and outdoor basketball shoes.

Duralon

Blown rubber for lightness, with a toughened skin for more durability.

Eclipse 5000

Closely monitored injection-molded or compression-molded EVA, for applications of durability and cushioning (Reebok).

Eclipse 6000

Closely monitored injection-molded or compression-molded EVA, for applications of durability and cushioning (Reebok).

EFR

Engineered Forefoot Ride (adidas); layer of blown rubber, for cushioning, under harder, more durable carbon rubber.

Elon

ICompression-molded compound of rubber and EVA, which is more durable and resilient than standard EVA.

EVA

EVA is soft, light and flexible. It is the least expensive midsole material and is often used in entry-level shoes. Midsoles are cut and shaped from flat sheets of EVA foam. EVA will compress and become flat over time as the air trapped within the foam is squeezed out. Once EVA is compacted, it does not return to its original shape and no longer provides cushioning. EVA compresses faster than other midsole materials.

Everdure

High-abrasion rubber (Etonic).

EverTrack

High-abrasion rubber (Puma).