Shoe Anatomy

1. Ankle Height: The distance between the midsole and the topline collar where your ankle bones sit.

2. Back Height: The distance on the back of the heel between the midsole and the topline collar.

3. Back Tabs: The rear portion of the shoe where the top of the heel makes contact with the back of the ankle.

4. Eyerow: The part of the shoe where the laces connect to the upper. The eyerows should be parallel along the top of the foot.

5. Forefoot Flex: The area across the forefoot where the shoe flexes. The shoe flexes along the sole unit and the upper.

6. Forefoot: The front section of the shoe extending from the forefoot flex to the tip of the shoe.

7. Midfoot/Waist: The middle section of the shoe under the laces. This section extends from the back of the arch to the forefoot.

8. Midsole: The thick layer between the outsole and the insert. A shoe’s stability and cushioning properties are based on the construction of the midsole.

9. Outsole: The treaded layer of the shoe that makes direct contact with the ground.

10. Toebox: The volume of the forefoot that contains the toes. The height and width of the toebox can differ between shoe models.

11. Tongue: The padding under the laces that protects the top of the foot.

12. Topline Collar: The top portion of the shoe’s opening that makes contact with the ankle.

Insert: The bottom inside layer of the shoe that makes direct contact with the foot. It lays on top of the midsole and can be removed.

Sole: The portion of the shoe that includes the insert, midsole and outsole.

Upper: The portion of the shoe that encloses the foot and excludes the sole unit. It is the most aesthetic part of the shoe.