Shoe Glossary
Brief yet thorough definitions of important footwear terminology.
R
Rear Strap
A strap stitched onto the heel seam that extends from the upper edge of the shaft to the bottom edge of the shaft. The rear strap conceals and reinforces the heel seam and provides additional reinforcement for the rear portion of the shaft.
Reinforced Toe Puff
A roughly 4-centimetre-wide strip of leather attached to the shaft between the upper and leather lining. The reinforced toe puff is made from the same leather as the upper and is placed between the toe cap and counter. It keeps the upper from stretching out and prevents the shape of the shoe from warping on either side. At the same time, the reinforced toe puff creates a smooth transition between the toe cap and counter. The edges of the reinforced toe puff are largely concealed beneath the upper.
Rubber Ridge
The rubber ridge is a roughly 2-4-millimetre-thick wedge of synthetic material that is attached to the underside of the outsole once the rest of the shoe has been assembled. On Goodyear-welted men's shoes, the rubber ridge is where the shaft and welt are stitched together. Hand-stitched shoes, on the other hand, do not have a rubber ridge. On these kinds of shoes, the ridge is carved out from the insole, which is made of a durable material.
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