Shoe Glossary
Brief yet thorough definitions of important footwear terminology.
L
Lace-Up Shoe
A popular type of classic men's shoe. There are three main types of lace-up shoes, which differ in terms of their lacing: the Oxford, the Derby, and the Blucher.
Lacing
A type of closure. Lacing facilitates putting shoes on and taking shoes off, and consists either of eyelets or a hook-and-eye structure. There are two different kinds of lacing: open lacing (as found on the Derby) and closed lacing (as found on the Oxford).
Last
A mould made of wood, synthetic material or metal. The last is shaped like a human foot and serves as a substitute for the foot during shoe production—the entire shoe is built around it. The last determines the size, width, fit, wearing comfort, heel height, proportions, and appearance of the shoe.
Lining
The abbreviated term for "shoe lining". The lining covers the inside of the shoe, and can be made of leather, textiles, synthetic material, or a combination thereof. Lining provides a secure grip on the foot while protecting it from the cold. Since lining can come into direct contact with the skin of the foot, it should always be vegetable-tanned and undyed. This prevents possible allergic reactions.
Lining Leather
Leather used to line shoes. Since lining leather should be highly breathable, it is often made of calfskin or kidskin. Lining leather is vegetable-tanned.
Liming
Unhairing prepares the raw animal hides for the tanning process. A highly alkaline lime solution is applied to the hides to remove all hair.
Longwing Brogue
The North American take on the full brogue. Features a wing cap extending from the front of the shoe, over the sides, and to the heel seam.
Lyra Perforation
The standard pattern of perforation used in broguing. Consists of two small holes on top of one another, adjacent to a single larger hole.
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