Parts of a Shoe

There are several different parts to a shoe. The part that contacts the ground is the outer sole and heel. Shoes can be done up in a variety of ways other than laces. They can have buckles across the top or at the side; there may be leather thongs to wind around and tie or there could be buttons. No mater what they are made of or how they fasten, shoes have become an integral part of our lives.

These may be in one piece or separate depending on the type of shoe. The heel may be short and flat or high and spiky or anywhere in between. The part of the shoe that contacts the bottom of your foot is the inner sole. In between that and the outer sole is the middle sole that is usually made of some kind of padding for shock absorption.

The part of the shoe that is on top of your foot is called the upper. It may be anything from a few thin straps to totally enclosing the foot. Men's work boots may have a steel toecap inserted. The upper is in many cases split down the centre to allow ease of fit. Laces are mostly used to close this split. Under the laces is a tongue that protects the foot being rubbed by the laces. Some sports shoes have Velcro fastenings. If there is no split there may be elastic inserts in each side.

Shoes can be done up in a variety of ways other than laces. The part of the shoe that is on top of your foot is called the upper. It may be anything from a few thin straps to totally enclosing the foot. Men's work boots may have a steel toecap inserted.

The upper is in many cases split down the centre to allow ease of fit. Laces are mostly used to close this split. Under the laces is a tongue that protects the foot being rubbed by the laces. Some sports shoes have Velcro fastenings. If there is no split there may be elastic inserts in each side.  They can have buckles across the top or at the side; there may be leather thongs to wind around and tie or there could be buttons. No mater what they are made of or how they fasten, shoes have become an integral part of our lives.