RUNNING SHOES

The curiosity and uncertainty about what to wear on the feet during training and race is especially prevalent among marathoners. This
is because marathoners take more steps in their running shoes than any other athlete. The most commonly asked question by runners is
'What running shoes are the best?'. Their concern is well placed considering the fact that their feet take thousands of steps for every
kilometer of ground they cover. However, there is no simple prescription to this.

The type of your running shoe depends on your foot type, size, experience, and terrain on which you train. If you look at the shoes
made by major manufacturers, it is more difficult to find a pair of shoes than finding a good one. Check the main components when
buying a pair of running shoes.

ANATOMY OF YOUR RUNNING SHOE

*Outer sole This is the part that is visible on the bottom that makes contact with the ground. It should offer plenty of traction and be
hard enough so that it doesn't wear out, yet flexible enough to bend upon modest effort with your hands.

*Midsole This is the part of the role between the outer sole and insole, often made of foams, air or gel. It should be mace of
materials that can cushion the foot and be supportive enough to maintain the foot in proper position.

*Insole This is the bed inside the shoe on which your foot rests. It should be soft yet supportive, and should fit the contours of
your foot.

*Last This is the configuration of all three parts of the sole. Straight last is what you are looking for, unless your feet naturally curve
inward in which case, curve-lasted shoes are the preference.

*Heel Counter This is the cupped device that surrounds an 1 encases the heel. It protects the heel from impact of the foot strike,
and holds heel in place, A firm, protective heel counter should be made of hard plastic or similar rigid material. The heel counter
should yield only slightly to the, pressure of your fingers and thumb. It should not be so rigid 1 that it prevents your heel from moving
or causes pain when you run.

*Toe Box This should be roomy enough to allow your toes to wriggle around, and protect the front part of your foot from trauma
without squeezing in either on top or from the This means you need a right size model that is right shape for your foot type.

*Upper This is the entire construction of the shoe above the sole. It should be made of the material that is durable and strong
yet lightweight. Commonly, this is made of nylon, leather-composite or other synthetics. Look for double-stitching and a strong seal
between the upper and the sole.

Converse with the salesperson about the pattern by which your shoes wear out and where the 'trouble spots' occur for you. For
example, if you tend to come down heavy on your heels, get a shoe that has a lot of heel support. If you tend to roll to the inside of
your foot, i.e. overpronate, and are evidenced by excessive wear on the inside edge, then get a pair which is particularly strong anti
built-up in that area.
 Anatomy of the Shoe

Anatomy of a shoe
Terminology

The following is a list of terms used to describe parts of the shoe. Some terms refer
to parts that all shoes have such as the sole, while other terms may only apply to
certain types or style of shoe. 

Breast: The forward facing part of the heel, under the arch of the sole

Counter: A stiff piece of material at the heel of a shoe positioned between the
lining and upper that helps maintain the shape of the shoe. The counter helps
strengthen the rear of the soe. 
Feather: The part of the shoe where the upper's edge meets the sole

Heel: The heel is the part of the sole that raises the rear of the shoe in relation to
the front. The heal seat is the top of the heal that touches the upper, this is typically
shaped to match the form of the upper. The part of the the heel that comes in
contact with the ground is known as the the top piece. 

Insole: A layer of material that sits inside the shoe that creates a layer between the
sole and the wearer's foot. A la The insole adds comfort for the wearer, while
hiding the join between the upper.

Linings: Most shoes include a lining on the inside of the shoe, around the vamp
and quarter. These linings improve comfort, and can help increase the lifespan of
the shoe.

Outsole: The exposed part of the sole that is contact with the ground. As with all
parts of the shoe, outsoles are made from a variety of materials. The properties the
outsole need are: grip, durability, and water resistance

Puff: a reinforcing inside the upper which gives the toe its shape and support.
Similar in function to a toe cap.

Quarter: The rear and sides of the upper that covers the heel that are behind the
vamp. The heel section of the quarter is often strengthened with a stiffener, which
helps support the rear of the foot. Some shoe designs use a continuous piece of
leather for the vamp and quarter. 

Seat: Where the heel of the fit sits in the shoe. It normally matches the shape of the
heal for comfort and support. 

'Shank: A piece of metal inserted between the sole and the insole lying against the
arch of the foot. 

Sole: The entire part of the shoe that sites below the wearers foot. As opposed to
the upper. The upper and sole make up the whole of the shoe.

Throat: The front of the vamp next to the toe cap. For shoes were the vamp and
quarter panels are one piece the throat is at the eye-stay.
Toe cap: Shoes may have a toe cap in the front upper of the shoe. Toe caps can
take various forms, but the distinct types are: complete replacements for the front
upper of the shoe; stitched over toecaps that add an extra layer to the upper; solid
toe caps for protection, such as steel toe caps. Stitch over toe caps may be
decorative in nature. Toe caps help add stength to the upper front of the shoe, an
area that receives a lot of stress and wear from use. 

Top Piece: The part of the heel that comes in contact with the ground. Made of a
durable material that helps maintain friction with the ground.

Topline: The top edge of the upper

Upper: The entire part of the shoe that covers the foot.

Vamp: The section of upper that covers the front of the foot as far as the back as
the join ot the quarter. 

Waist: The arch and in-step of the foot.

Welt: A strip of material that joins the upper to the sole.

SHOE PARTS GLOSSARY - A GLOSSARY OF SHOE TERMS

Ever wonder what a vamp is? Or what those things on the ends of
shoelaces are called? This glossary of shoe terms will help you learn
more about various shoe parts.
Aglets
Definition: An aglet is the protective tip on the end of a shoelace.
Usually made or plastic or metal, aglets help prevent the ends of the
laces from fraying, and make shoes easier to lace.
Counter
Definition: The counter of a shoe sits behind the heel of the foot, and is
used to stiffen the back part of the shoe, and to give it structure.
Eyelet
Definition: The eyelet is the smooth circular piece that laces are thread
through. Eyelets can be made of metal or plastic, and are used to cover
the edges of holes made in shoes or clothing.

An eyelet provides a smooth, rigid surface for laces to be fed through,

and stops the fabric from fraying where the hole was made.
Footbed
Definition: The footbed is the inside part of the shoe that runs under the
bottom of the foot. A footbed is also sometimes referred to as the insole,
inner sole or innersole.
Also Known As: insole, inner sole, innersole
Goring
Definition: An elasticized piece of material that is used to join two more
pieces of a shoe upper together. Goring provides a more flexible
opening, and sometimes eliminates the need for laces. Shoes that have
goring on both sides, are said to have double goring.
Heel
Definition: The heel is the outer part of the shoe that is placed under the
heel of the foot. Shoe heels come in a wide variety of styles, shapes and
heights. In fact, even shoes that are referred to as "flats," will often have
a heel, although it's very low.

Some casual shoes, such as sneakers, do not have a separate "heel," but
instead have an outsole that runs the length of the shoe.
Heel Breast
Definition: The heel breast is the side of the heel that faces forward
when the shoe is on the foot. In women's high heeled dress shoes, the
heel breast will occasionally be a different color than the rest of the heel.
Insole
Definition: Insole: The insole is the inside part of the shoe that runs
underneath the sole (bottom) of the foot.

Insoles can usually be easily removed, and wearers will sometimes

replace the manufacture's insole with specialty insoles they've purchased
separately.

Insoles are also sometimes referred to as footbeds, inner soles or

innersoles.
Also Known As: footbed, inner sole, innersole
Lining
Definition: Part of the upper, the lining of a shoe is the inside material
that touches the sides of the foot, the top of the foot, and/or the back of
the heel. Linings can be made of a variety of materials.

The main purpose of a lining is to cover the inside seams of a shoe, but
linings made of special materials also tout comfort features such as
additional padding, or the ability to pull moisture away from the foot.
Outsole
Definition: The outsole is the bottom part of the shoe. Also referred to
as the "sole" of the shoe, this is the part that comes in direct contact with
the ground.

Soles can be made of a variety of materials, including leather and

rubber. Certain types of outsoles provide more traction than others, by
using specific materials or designs. A ballroom dancer might prefer a
shoe with a smooth leather sole, as it's easier to turn and glide in, while a
hiker needs an outsole that is thick, durable and waterproof.

The outsole of the shoe is often the part that will wear out first, but some
shoes can be resoled by a shoe repair shop.
Also Known As: sole
Quarter
Definition: The quarter is part of a shoe's upper, that covers the sides
and the back of the foot. In some shoe styles, the quarter is a separate
piece that is sewn to the vamp of a shoe.
Shank
Definition: The shank is the part of the shoe that runs between the heel
and the outsole, and sits under the arch of the foot. The shank supports
the foot and helps give a shoe its structure.
Shoe Covers
Definition: While overshoes and galoshes
are sometimes referred to as "shoe covers," more often than not, when
someone is speaking of shoe covers, they're referring to disposable,
loose-fitting baggies that fit over regular shoes and boots. 
In some cases, shoe covers can be used to protect the wearer's shoes, as
is the case with medical professionals who often wear disposable shoe
covers to protect their shoes from blood, while also preventing footwear
germs and debris from entering a sterile environment. 

Shoelaces
Definition: Shoelaces are laced through the eyelets of a shoe, and are
used to bring the sides of the shoe together. Often called "shoe laces" or
simply "laces," shoelaces give the wearer a bit of control over how
tightly the shoe will fit around the foot -- but they shouldn't be left too
loose, and they should never be pulled too tightly.

Shoelaces can be made from many different materials, and some tout
special features like extra strength to prevent breakage, or coiled ends
that need no tying.
Also Known As: laces, shoe laces
Sole
Definition: The sole is the bottom part of the shoe. Also referred to as
the "outsole" of the shoe, this is the part that comes in direct contact with
the ground.

Outsoles can be made of a variety of materials, including leather and

rubber. Certain types of soles provide more traction than others, by using
specific materials or designs. A ballroom dancer might prefer a shoe
with a smooth leather outsole, as it's easier to turn and glide in, while a
hiker needs an sole that is thick, durable and waterproof.
The sole of the shoe is often the part that will wear out first, but some
shoes can be resoled by a shoe repair shop.
Also Known As: outsole
Spats
Definition: Spats are fabric accessories that are worn over shoes. They
cover the shoe throats and are usually long enough to cover the wearer's
ankles. A spat generally has a strap that wraps beneath the shoe, and is
placed between the heel and the ball of the foot. Spats can be worn
inside of pants, or with pants tucked into them. 

Spats have often been used decoratively as a part of traditional and

military uniforms, and they're often utilized by marching bands as well. 

Throat
Definition: The throat of a shoe is the top opening that you put your foot
into.
Also Known As: opening
Toe Box
Definition: The toe box is the part of a shoe that covers and protects
your toes. Toe boxes come in a variety of shapes and styles, but they
should be wide enough and long enough to accommodate the toes
comfortably.
Alternate Spellings: toebox
Tongue
Definition: The tongue of a shoe is a strip that runs up the top-center of
the shoe and sits on the top part of the foot. Nearly always found on
shoes with laces, the purpose of a shoe tongue is to protect the top of the
foot, and to keep the laces from rubbing the foot.
Top Lift
Definition: The top lift is the bottom-most part of a shoe's heel -- the
part that comes in contact with the ground. In women's stiletto heels, the
top lift is often a separate piece that can accidentally be detached.
Fortunately, top lifts can usually be replaced by a shoe repair shop.
Upper
Definition: The term "upper" refers to the part or parts of a shoe that
cover the toes, the top of the foot, the sides of the foot, and the back of
the heel -- it is attached to the outsole of a shoe.

Depending on the style of the shoe, the upper of a shoe can be cut from a
single piece, or can be comprised of many pieces stitched together. Parts
of a shoe's upper can include the vamp, the back, the tongue, the quarter,
and the lining.

Uppers can be made from a variety of materials, with the most popular
being leather, satin, suede, and canvas.
Vamp
Definition: Part of the "upper," the vamp is a part of the shoe that can
cover anywhere on the top part of the foot between where the toes and
the legs connect to the foot.

In styles that don't offer a lot of coverage on top of the foot, the part that
covers the tops of the toes might also be referred to as the vamp.
Shoe Lasts

Wooden shoe last.

Definition: Shoe lasts are foot-shaped forms used by shoemakers to shape shoes as
they're being made.
Shoe lasts are usually made from wood or plastic, but some people have also made
their own shoe lasts using plaster.
Which shoe last a cobbler uses is determined by the size, toe box, and heel height
desired for the finished shoe. For example, one shoe last would be used for a
women's size 8 with a 3" heel and a round toe, while a different shoe last would be
used for a women's size 8 with a pointy toe and/or a 1" heel.
A person wanting custom shoes might have a shoe last made specifically for them,
or they could have a standard shoe last modified to suit their own special needs.
Also Known As: shoe form, cobbler's last, shoemaker's last

Wedges - Shoes with Wedge Heels

Definition: On most shoes, the "heel" sits under only the heel of the foot, but a
wedge heel runs under the foot, from the back of the shoe to the middle or front.
As you've probably guessed, it has a somewhat triangular, wedge shape, but not all
wedges are high heels. In fact, wedge heels range from low to high, it's the shape
and the length of the heel that classify it as a wedge. 

Many people confuse platforms and wedges. While shoes with wedge heels may
have platform soles, the two features do not always appear together. When they do,
they're considered "platform wedges."
Pumps - Shoes

Definition: Pumps are one of the most popular styles of women's shoes, and
they're also one of the most difficult to define. In their most basic form, pumps
have closed backs, and low-cut fronts that hit closer to the toes than they do the top
of the foot. A classic pump has a seamless vamp, and is without laces, buckles,
straps or ties, but it's very common to see the classic pump silhouette enhanced by
an ankle strap, t-strap, or mary jane strap. Pumps can have open toes, peep toes,
pointy toes, round toes, almond toes or square toes, and they can have heels of any
height. 

Stiletto

The shoes above are a good example of spiked or stiletto heels.

Definition: The term "stiletto" refers to a type of shoe heel that is pointy, thin and
high. Also called "spike" or "spiked" heels.
Pronunciation: still-ett-oh
Also Known As: spike; spike heels; stiletto heels
Common Misspellings: stilletto