Pebax®, (polyether block amide) is a high-performance plastic belonging to the family of thermoplastic elastomers. Its remarkable mechanical, physical and chemical properties offer great flexibility and make it a key component in the comfort and performance of a large number of sports and leisure items. Pebax® is a registered trademark of Arkema. Information provided by the marketing department of Arkema Group. For more information, please see Pebaxpowered.com.
Round, curved, square or diamond-shaped holes punched in the upper leather of a shoe for ornamental purposes.
Lightweight midsole/outsole blend (Nike).
Lightweight CM-EVA (Nike).
A serrated decorative edging applied to the vamp, toecap or quarter of the shoe.
Articulated forefoot design that allows free forefoot movement and flexion. Brooks shoes include: HyperPod, MC-Pod, StablePod, CushPod, and TerraPod.
Also known as PU.
PolyUrethane Foam.
Also called high heels. Heeled shoes with low cut fronts and usually no fastening.
The part of a shoe upper above the vamp line. It may also be split into several component parts, such as foxing, etc.
The upper lining at the back part of the shoe extending forward to the vamp line.
Outersole rubber that is recycled from previous running and athletic shoes (Nike).
Dense EVA for medial stability (The North Face).
Graphite device to prevent overpronation (New Balance).
Originally a attached to the foot by thongs. Today any open shoe who's upper consists of any decorative or functional arrangement of straps. A sandal can be foot low to knee high, or with any heel height, designed for simple utility or casual wear or as a fashion shoe.
That part of the sole between the heel and the ball. It is usually reinforced with material of sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the wearer.
Urethane pillars that compress between TPU plates to cushion the ride of the shoe (Nike).
Semi-straight last which is snug from heel through forefoot to fit narrower foot types (New Balance).
ISemi-straight last which is snug in the heel with a wider taller toebox for wider feet and to allow for the curved shape of higher-arched feet (New Balance).
Shoe construction method stitches the upper of the shoe that is slipped onto a last, closing the upper with stitches down the center, under the foot, before gluing it to the midsole.
The innersole of the shoe, which is usually removable.
High-rebound compound foam in heel. Reconfigured softer strand GRID Cassette (Saucony).
This is the most common outsole material used in shoes, especially Nike shoes. This blend of synthetic rubber and natural rubber that will not mark a floor or court surface. It also offers excellent traction and durability on all indoor surfaces, but is not as durable as DRC on rough, outdoor surfaces. Solid rubber is mainly used in basketball and cross training shoes.
Special ethylene vinyl acetate foam with polymers in the microcellular spaces to improve elasticity (ASICS).
Device in midfoot that causes the shoe to return to a stable base, after allowing the foot to twist in its natural movement during the gait cycle (New Balance).
Air-filled pads that absorb and deflect the shock of impact (Etonic).
Ambient air-filled, two-chambered bladder that transfers air from front to rear and back. Positioned under the Strobel board, it creates a noticeable cushioning effect. (Reebok - also see DMX Lite).
Shoe construction method stitches a sole-shaped fabric board to the upper of the shoe that is slipped onto a last, closing the upper with stitches around the perimeter of the sole. The board may be varied from thin flexible materials to thicker stable materials, or a combination of the two stitched together, to improve stability or flexibility.
Leather with a soft napped surface.
