Shoe Glossary
Brief yet thorough definitions of important footwear terminology.
O
Oak Pit Tanning
A leather processsing method. Also known as vegetable tanning and plant-based tanning.
Open Lacing
On shoes with open lacing, the two parts of the shaft that are laced together either lie on the sides of the shoe, on top of the vamp ( as with the Derby), or they are attached to the side pieces ( as with the Blucher). Open lacing is a relatively wide type of closure, which makes open-laced shoes comparatively easy to put on and take off.
Outsole
The bottommost layer of a men's shoe sole. Elegant shoes feature an outsole that is about 5 millimetres thick. The outsole comes directly into contact with the ground. Outsoles are usually made of vegetable- tanned leather treated in pits—leather made this way is highly water-repellent and resistant to abrasion. The outsoles used for inexpensive shoes are often made of rubber, synthetic material, or wood.
Oxford
The epitome of classic, elegant men's footwear. This type of shoe is known for its closed lacing and special shaft cut.
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