PUBLISHED 10/31/2006
Collar: The inside back portion of the shoe that provides comfort around the ankle
Dual-Density Midsole: A mechanism, most often a firmer wedge of foam on the medial (inner) side of the shoe, used to correct excessive pronation
Eyelets: The holes that the shoe laces run through
Eyestay Material used to anchor the eyelets to the sides of the shoe
Heel Counter: An internal support feature in the rear of the shoe that conforms to the shape of your heel
Heel Tab: The part of the shoe that surrounds the Achilles tendon and helps lock the shoe around the heel; also called Achilles tendon protector or Achilles tendon notch
Midsole: The material (usually EVA or Polyurethane foam) that sits below the upper and above the outsole, providing protection from impact forces and oftentimes encasing nonfoam technologies, such as GEL or Air, to increase durability and protection
Outsole: The durable part of the shoe that makes contact with the ground, providing traction
Overlays Reinforcing strips at key stress points that help give the shoe structure
Quarter Panel: The material that makes up the sides of the shoe
Sockliner: A removable insert that sits just below the foot and helps the shoe better fit the foot
Tongue Soft elongated flap that fits over the top of the foot to protect the tendons and blood vessels from pressure caused by the laces
Upper: The part of the shoe that encases the foot
