Shoe Glossary
Brief yet thorough definitions of important footwear terminology.
B
Bating
Part of leather production, whereby chemicals are applied to the hide to remove hair. In early days wood ash was used, hence the German term for bating, "äschern". Nowadays, calcium hydroxide and sodium sulfide are used for bating. Bating also reduces the proportion of fat left on the hide. The softness of the finished leather increases in direct proportion with the length of the bating process.
Blake Construction
This shoe production method involves using a special Langhorn sewing machine to stitch the insole directly to the outsole and bottom edge of the shoe shaft, without the use of a welt. Blake-stitched shoes do not have any fillers or additional insulating layers (as is typical for loafers). Blake-stitched shoes are assembled in fewer steps than Goodyear-welted men's shoes, and are correspondingly lower in price.
Blucher
This type of men's shoe features open lacing that runs through the side pieces of the shoe. Known internationally as the "Blucher," this shoe gets its name from the 19th-century German field marshal Blücher, who first commissioned this model for his soldiers.
Brogue
Men's shoe with decorative perforation on the shaft pieces as well as along their edges. Available in several varieties: "half-brogue" or "semi-brogue," "full brogue," and "longwing brogue".
Broguing
Also known as "Scottish perforation". Decorative patterns of perforation along the edges of the shaft pieces as well as on the toe cap.
Budapester
More robust than a full brogue shoe. Richly embellished with decorative perforation and fitted with a wing cap and counter.
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