Shoe Lingo You Should Know

When you’re a little unfamiliar with outdoor gear, the myriad of terms and concepts thrown at you via catalogues, websites, and sales associates can become overwhelming and confusing. I encourage everyone to always ask for clarification if something is unclear to you, especially when it involves the outdoor: doing so may change your life. Hiking boots and shoes are one example of outdoor gear that seem to come with a lot of different words, which is why today I’ve provided you with a short glossary of hiking boot and shoe terms that should help familiarize you with the various components of boots.

Heel-Drop

This refers to the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot of a boot or shoe. Smaller heel-drops are ideal for runners because it makes landing on their mid or forefoot easier when running. A large heel-drop promotes a heel-to-toe stride.

Insole

A removable liner that creates support and cushioning.

Notch (Achilles Notch)

A cutout in the rear of the ankle that helps ease pressure on your Achilles tendon during hikes.

Foam (EVA and Polyurethane)

EVA is a foam rubber material used in midsoles to provide cushion. Polyurethane is denser than EVA and provides more durability and protection, as well.

Rocker

This is the heel-to-toe curve of the sole that promotes an easy, natural stride.

Shank

A stiff piece of nylon or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) that runs lengthwise and protects your foot from flexing too much, which can cause fatigue.

Rand

The rand is a band of protective rubber or leather that wraps around the lower portion of a boot to create further protection and resistance to abrasion.

Last

Appropriately saved for last, this is the foot-shaped foundation of a shoe or boot. The last will determine the way a shoe fits and each manufacturer has its own unique shape and design.  

Boots and shoes are one of the most important pieces of gear in any outdoor experience, and I hope the list above helps if you find yourself in the market for a new pair of shoes or boots. I know it can feel like each piece of gear we use on the trail comes with a Pandora’s Box of associated terms and special lingo, and in a way, this is true. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to become familiar with such terms, though, and taking a bit of time to learn more about outdoor gear can be a huge help—both when buying and when using it. 

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