What exactly is a shoepedia? It's a dictionary of technical shoe terms, plus an encyclopedia of the other terms we all wish we knew about, in a handy guide. Click on the categories below to find out everything you ever wanted to know about shoes.

Categories of Footwear

Shoes 101 - Types of Footwear

Anatomy of a Shoe

• Basketball - An athletic styled shoe suitable for wear while playing basketball, usually denoted by a close fit, padded interior, cushioning for jumps and a grippy nonmarking outsole for wear on indoor courts


• Lifestyle - An athletic styled shoe that also looks great, and is suitable for more casual non-athletic wear.


• Shape-Ups - SKECHERS exercise shoe that allows the wearer to get a comprehensive workout just from walking. Provides aerobic exercise and tones muscles.


• Skate - An athletic styled shoe suitable for wear while skateboarding, usually denoted by reinforced stitching, overlays at ollie area, extra padded collar and tongue, and grippy rubber outsole for optimal board feel.


• Training - Also called Cross Training, a style of shoe that is suitable for multiple athletic activities such as light running or jogging, gym workouts, light aerobic exercise, and other regular surface sport activities.


• Walking - A style of athletic shoe that is suitable for exercise and sport walking.


• Trail - A style of athletic shoe that is suitable for light hiking and trail walking on uneven outdoor surfaces. Trail shoes are marked by their aggressive outsoles that provide increased traction.

• Ankle Boot - A boot that rises just above the ankle or slightly higher.


• Beatle Boot - Another name for a Chelsea boot or slip on ankle boot, named for the popular musical group.


• Chelsea Boot - Another name for a slip on ankle boot, often with stretch elastic panels on both sides, named for a fashionable area of London.


• Cold Weather Boot - A boot with insulated lining, ideally suited for colder temperatures.


• Composite Toe Boot - A work boot with a composite ceramic material internal safety toe cap designed to protect the toes from impact and crushing.


• EH Safe Boot - A work boot designed to protect the foot from Electrical Hazards. Has insulating properties designed to protect the foot from electricity and no metal parts touching the ground surface.


• Engineer Boot - A boot with straps at the top and ankle areas, usually slip on, favored by motorcycle riders.


• Flat Boot - A boot with a flat outsole and flat heel.


• Harness Boot - Any boot that includes a strap and ring detail at the ankle, often seen on Western and Motorcycle boots.


• Lace Up Boot - Any boot with a lace up design, often in the front panel but sometimes on the side or rear of the shaft.


• Mid Calf Boot - A boot that rises to a height in the middle of the calf.


• Riding Boot - Also called an "Equestrian" boot, the riding boot is typically a slip on tall calf or knee high boot with a smooth shaft and rounded toe. The Riding Boot look is also popular as a dress boot style.


• Rocker Boot - A boot with elements of dress and western boots, often including stitched and embossed details.


• Safety Toe Boot - A work boot with an aluminum internal safety toe cap designed to protect the toes from impact and crushing. Non-steel safety toes are nonmagnetizing and nonconductive, but just as protective as steel safety toes.


• Slip On Boot - Any boot that can be slipped or pulled on, often utilizing stretch materials for easier access.


• Slip Resistant Boot - work boot designed with a high traction outsole designed to help prevent slipping injuries.


• Steel Toe Boot - A work boot with an internal steel toe cap designed to protect the toes from impact and crushing.


• Tall Boot - A boot that typically rises to higher than mid calf height, up to and including over the knee styles.


• Uniform Boot - Any boot designed for wear with work and service uniforms, often in plain black to comply with uniform standards.


• Western Boot - Also called a "Cowboy' boot, the Western boot is typically a slip on mid calf boot designed for wear when riding horses. Often has elaborate stitching detail, pull on top straps and a stacked heel for use with stirrups.


• Work Boot - A boot intended for wear in work settings. Many workplaces require specific protective footwear to protect from accidents and injuries, so work boots are tested and rated for specific types of protection. Click here for Work Boot technical information.


• Zipper Boot - Any boot with a zipper closure, usually located on the inside panel.

• Ballet Flat - A specific type of casual or dress flat designed with elements of a ballet dancing slipper, usually including an instep bow detail and elasticized collar.


• Boat Shoe - A casual shoe, also called a deck shoe, usually including a moc seamed toe, laced side detail and a slip resistant outsole. Often worn on board a boat where its slip resistant outsole is useful.


• Business Casual - A casual shoe that is suitable for office wear, a casual that can also be worn on dress occasions.


• Clog - A slip on casual or dress shoe with a comfortable, European style, usually with a lowered back or backless design.


• Creeper - A casual shoe with a thick midsole and heavy treaded outsole. Also called a "Huxton Creeper' named after a neighborhood of London.


• Driving Moc - A casual shoe often used for driving, with a slip on design and a flexible outsole with "pedal gripping' traction.


• Espadrille - A casual, dress or sandal designed with a woven natural fiber or braided rope covered midsole and/or outsole.


• Flat - A casual or dress shoe with a flat midsole, outsole and heel.


• Loafer - Any slip on style, casual or dress, with a relaxed design and moderately flared tongue panel. Types of loafers include the penny loafer with instep strap, the Venetian loafer with a plain front design, and the tassel or tassel kiltie loafer with fringed front detailing or tassels.


• Mary Jane - A casual or dress shoe with a strap or straps across the instep area.


• Moccasin - Thought to be the first footwear, moccasins are casual slip ons with a seamed toe, often made in a rustic or rough-hewn style.


• Moc Toe - Any shoe with a prominent stitched seam at the toe. So named because moccasins traditionally feature a toe seam.


• Monk Strap - A casual or dress shoe with a single or double strap closure, usually with an adjustable buckle.


• Mules - A slip on casual or dress shoe with a lowered back or backless design.


• Nurse Shoes - A casual, comfortable shoe, usually featured in all white or neutral colors, designed to be worn by nurses or medical professionals. Usually features slip resistant outsole. Some medical professionals favor clogs such as those in SKECHERS Work "Scrub Wear" line.


• Oxford - Any lace-up casual or dress shoe.


• Scoop - A type of casual shoe, usually featuring laces or stretch straps in front, but designed to be slipped on for easier wear.


• Skimmer - A casual slip on style with a sporty or nautical design.


• Slip On - Any casual or dress shoe made to be slipped or pulled on.


• Slipper - A comfortable casual shoe typically designed for indoor wear and relaxation.


• Sport Casual - A casual shoe designed with athletic or sneaker elements.


• T-Strap - A casual or dress shoe with a T shaped strap design across the instep area.


• Uniform-Ready - A casual or dress shoe designed in neutral colors, meant to be worn as part of a work outfit or uniform. Often has a slip resistant outsole.


• Velcro® - The leading hook and loop fastener brand, also refers to casual shoes using an adjustable strap with Velcro® closure.

• Apron Toe - A men's dress shoe featuring a stitched front overlay panel.


• Bicycle Toe - A men's dress shoe featuring dual stitched front seams, named for their resemblance to professional bicycling styles.


• Blucher Toe - A men's dress shoe with a front featuring a turned front seam detail.


• Bridal - A dress shoe designed to be worn by brides, usually white or neutral color.


• Peep Toe - A women's dress shoe style featuring a partially open toe design.


• Plain Toe - A men's dress shoe featuring a plain, seam free toe design.


• Pump - A dress shoe, usually a slip on, characterized by a simple design and dress heel.


• Slingback - A dress shoe featuring a heel sling strap, usually adjustable.


• Special Occasion - A dress shoe designed to be worn on special occasions, usually designed to match specific dress colors.


• Two Piece - A women's dress shoe featuring a divided upper including a front mule and either a heel panel or ankle strap.


• Wedge - A dress or casual shoe with a solid-styled wedge heel.


• Wing Tip - A dress shoe featuring elaborate stitched and perforated seam detailing.

• All Terrain Sandal - A sandal designed with a traction outsole, often with securing straps, designed for walking or hiking.


• Closed Toe Sandal - A sandal with a closed toe design, often a fisherman style.


• Dress Sandal - A sandal designed with a dress sensibility. Suitable for warm weather dress occasions.


• Fisherman Sandal - A type of sandal with woven vertical and horizontal straps, sometimes with a closed toe and adjustable ankle strap.


• Flip Flop Sandal - Typically a thong sandal with a lightweight midsole, designed for casual or beach wear.


• Fun Flops Sandals - A SKECHERS sandal that provides an added exercise benefit while looking and feeling great.


• Gladiator Sandal - Any sandal with a strappy design that wraps around the foot and often the ankle, reminiscent of ancient Roman and Greek sandal designs.


• Slide Sandal - Any sandal with a slide-on design without toe thongs or back straps.


• Slingback Sandal - Any sandal that includes a heel sling strap, often adjustable, that secures the upper around the heel.


• Sport Sandal - An athletic inspired sandal, often designed for post-competition wear.


• Strappy Sandal - Any sandal with a multiple strap upper design. Often used for dress sandals.


• Thong Sandal - Any sandal with a strap or post that goes between the big and second toes.


• Zori Sandal - A type of thong or flip flop sandal, specifically one with a simple design and surf style.

SKECHERS shoes are made of a variety of different materials, here is a list of definitions of the most popular material types.

• Brocade - A fabric featuring an elaborate print design detailing.


• Canvas - A sturdy cotton fabric that is durable and soft, often found in athletic and casual shoes.


• Cavallino - A soft, natural fur textured leather derived from horse or pony hide.


• Corduroy - A medium weight fabric with built in "lined' design.


• Cork - A natural tree material that provides lightweight support, often used in footbeds and heels.


• Croco Emboss - Leather that has been embossed with a pattern simulating crocodile hide.


• Egg Crate - A type of footbed, usually seen on sandals, that has a textured, wavy surface, similar in appearance to a foam or paper egg container.


• Eyelet - A lace fabric with an open weave and delicate design.


• Faux Fur - A soft, warm insulating material made to simulate fur or shearling but with no animal content.


• Faux Leather - Also called "pleather,” a variety of Polyurethane or PU material that very closely simulates the look and feel of leather.


• Fleece - A soft, warm insulating material, can be made from natural wool, cotton or poly fabrics.


• Haircalf - A soft, natural fur textured leather derived from calf hide.


• Jelly - A type of soft, rubbery plastic, usually clear or translucent, that is used in casual footwear.


• Leather - Shoe leather is usually tanned cowhide, can be finished in many different ways including polished, smooth, rubbed, distressed, oiled or natural full grain.


• Mesh - A lightweight fabric designed to let air flow through it.


• Nano Lite - A type of very lightweight closed cell foam plastic that is flexible, easy to clean and durable. SKECHERS Cali Gear footwear is made of Nano Lite material.


• Nubuck - A type of leather that has been buffed to bring out a fine, short nap and softness. The middle ground between smooth leather and suede.


• Patchwork - A combination of patterned fabric sewn together for a fun effect.


• Patent Leather - A type of leather that has been treated with a lacquer like polish, has a high shine and reflective finish.


• Rhinestone - An artificial gemstone-look accent.


• Satin - A soft, polished fabric that is often featured in dress and casual shoes.


• Shearling - A soft, natural fleece material, usually made from natural wool and used as a lightweight and comfortable insulating lining.


• Suede - A type of leather, usually cow or pigskin, that has been split and treated for a natural softness and "nap” feeling.


• Snake Emboss - Leather that has been embossed with a pattern simulating snakeskin.


• Trubuck - A variety of leather with the short nap of nubuck but more durability, usually found on sport or casual shoes.


• Vegan - Shoes made with no animal products whatsoever, including animal-based adhesives. Also known as "cruelty free" or "earth friendly."


• Vegetarian - Shoes made with no leather content


• Velvet - A soft, deep textured fabric that is often featured in dress and casual shoes.


• Vulcanized - A type of rubber made more durable by applied heat, often used as a sidewall or midsole material on casual and athletic shoes.

Women's SKECHERS shoes feature many different types and heights of heels, here is a list of definitions of the most popular kinds.

• Column Heel - A tall, straight high dress heel, usually rounded.


• Cowboy Heel - A tapering stacked heel usually found on western boots.


• Cuban Heel - A tall rectangular high heel that has a significant taper.


• Donut Heel - A variety of wedge heel featuring a center cutout detail.


• Kitten Heel - A low, sharply tapered dress heel.


• Pompadour Heel - A tall high heel that features a reverse taper and a flared bottom design.


• Stacked Heel - Any heel featuring a layered leather design or look.


• Stiletto Heel - A tall, narrow high dress heel without significant tapering, named for its resemblance to a slim knife.


• Wedge Heel - A heel with a solid design featuring a whole midsole panel rising to the heel section. Also found in semi-detached styles with partial separation at the arch.

Although style and comfort are a universal language, some SKECHERS styles feature specific terms that are defined here:

• Airators - A collection of SKECHERS athletic casual kids' shoes that feature a flow-through ventilation design that keeps kids’ feet feeling cool and fresh.


• Bikers - The most popular SKECHERS collection and outsole design for women and girls, the Biker is a low profile sporty look with traction and a low ½ inch heel.


• Bunjees - Any SKECHERS shoe that feature a laced stretch cord front for easy slip on fit.


• Cali Bear - The official spokesbear for SKECHERS Cali Gear footwear and accessories. His laid-back attitude and cool shades are pure Cali comfort.


• Cali Bits - Want the coolest accessories for your SKECHERS Cali Gear shoes? Cali Bits charms are highly collectible with hundreds of fun designs including licensed characters. They're easy to use, fun to wear and made from "green friendly' PVC plastic. Sold in themed "packs,' SKECHERS Cali Bits charms are the perfect way to customize your Cali Gear look.


• Citywalk - A collection of SKECHERS footwear identified by its "cleated' traction outsole and city-cool styling.


• Cool Cats - A collection of classic SKECHERS casuals and boots denoted by their thick outsoles, cool attitude and comfort.


• D'Lites - A collection of SKECHERS athletic casual shoes with the Lites midsole that provides exceptional cushioning and energy return at a very light weight.


• Dr. Stankfoot - The nemesis of Kewl Breeze, this mad doctor seeks to make all kids' feet as stinky as his. SKECHERS Airators and the cooling powers of Kewl Breeze make sure his plans will never succeed.


• Elastika - The stretchable superhero and spokesgirl for SKECHERS Bunjees casual and athletic shoes, Elastika uses her elastic powers to perform heroic deeds and make getting dressed super easy.


• Energy - The classic SKECHERS athletic casual collection, Energy shoes showcase great comfort and sporty versatility while keeping their great signature look.


• Fun Flops Sandals - A SKECHERS sandal that provides an added exercise benefit while looking and feeling great.


• HyDee Hy-Top - The hip, cool mascot of SKECHERS Hy-Tops sneakers, and her signature collection of fun, retro high tops.
• Kewl Breeze - Official spokeshero of SKECHERS Airators casual and athletic shoes, Kewl Breeze uses his powers of ventilation and refreshing breezes to banish Dr. Stankfoot and stinky sneakers alike.


• Nano Lite - A very lightweight closed cell foam plastic material that is the primary material in all SKECHERS Cali Gear footwear. Nano Lite is durable, flexible, easy to clean, and resists odor and bacteria. Nano Lite footwear can be cleaned with soap and water, or even put through the dishwasher!


• Phoenix Collection - Just as the Phoenix is reborn, the SKECHERS Phoenix collection is the rebirth of cool, jeans-ready style for men. A collection of casuals, dress, boots and sandals that bear the mark of the Phoenix and a laid-back, easy wearing style perfect for today's man.


• Premium - When style and comfort is at a premium, the SKECHERS Premium collection of athletic casuals is the perfect choice. A classic selection of sporty style featuring a shock absorbing lightweight midsole and metallic heel accent, the Premium collection is suitable for athletic activities or just looking great.


• Shape-Ups - SKECHERS exercise shoe that allows the wearer to get a comprehensive workout just from walking. Provides aerobic exercise and tones muscles.


• S Lights - Nobody does light up shoes quite like SKECHERS! The S Lights collection of light up kids' shoes are designed for maximum fun, with bright and colorful lights that blink with a kid's every step. SKECHERS S-Lights styles are sporty, durable, easy to fit and fun to wear, with long lasting lights and kid-friendly styling.


• Urbantrack - Get on a cooler track in the SKECHERS Urbantrack collection, casuals designed for city sensibility with a flexible "cleated' outsole and smooth casual styling.


• Z-Strap - The official Spokeshero of SKECHERS Z-Strap shoes, Z-Strap is all about fast action and easy wearing fun. Z-Strap shoes replace laces with a quick elastic and Velcro® Z Strap, so you can get going quickly and save the day with Z-Strap!

SHOES 101 - TYPES OF FOOTWEAR

• Athletic - Any footwear worn for sport or recreation


• Boot - Any footwear with an upper that goes over the ankle.


• Casual - Any footwear that is worn in a less formal, more relaxed manner.


• Dress - Any footwear worn in a more formal manner.


• Sandal - Any footwear with an open or strap design, popular in warmer weather

ANATOMY OF A SHOE

Every part of a SKECHERS shoe has a name, the following are definitions of the specific parts of the typical shoe:

• Collar - The part of the upper that encircles the ankle, not including the tongue. Often is padded and cut specifically for comfortable ankle movement.


• Footbed - The part of the shoe where the sole of the foot rests, often used with sandals and open toe shoes. Usually is not removable.


• Insole - The part of the shoe where the sole of the foot rests, often used with closed toe shoes. Can be removable, usually is padded and contoured for support.


• Last - The form used to create and manufacture a shoe, usually used when referring to a particular shoe's design and fit. Often several different designs of shoe can use the same last, for better consistency of fit.


• Lining - The interior of the shoe upper, the lining can be fabric, leather or other materials.


• Midsole - The part of the shoe located under the insole but over the outsole. Often padded, flexible and shock absorbing.


• Ollie - A nickname for the part of the shoe directly behind the toe on each side, often reinforced in skate shoes due to high wear.


• Outsole - The part of the shoe that directly contacts the ground. Can be made of rubber, leather or PU, often traction patterned for better grip.


• Quarter - Also called a side panel, the area of the shoe on each side.


• Shank - A stabilizing element, sometimes made of steel or fiberglass, typically part of the midsole.


• Sock - When used as part of the shoe, refers to the lining of the shoe.


• Toe - The part of the upper located at the front of the shoe. Also referred to as the "toebox.'


• Tongue - The part of the vamp that extends over the instep of the foot, often detached or semi detached and padded.


• Upper - The entirety of the shoe that covers the top of the foot, so called as it is the "upper' part of the item.


• Vamp - The front center panel of a shoe, usually encompassing the toe portion of the upper.