Shoe Glossary
Brief yet thorough definitions of important footwear terminology.
P
Pelt
Tanned and cleaned dermis.
Pickling
Part of the tanning process, whereby protein is extracted from the pelt to ensure a soft and supple end product. Primarily used for leather shoe uppers. The leather used for the bottom parts of shoes is barely pickled, if at all.
Piping
A 2-centimetre-wide and 3-millimetre-thick strip of leather that is nailed to the insole and outsole to form a base for the heel. Piping makes the edge of the sole look thicker and more proportional to the bottom of the shoe. On Goodyear-welted shoes, the piping is affixed with wooden nails, whereas on double-stitched shoes the piping is stitched into place.
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