What are the parts of the shoe and what purpose do they serve?

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The primary purpose of shoes is to protect your feet and prevent injury. But in order to do so, they must fit well. Poorly fitted shoes--shoes that are too narrow, too short or too large--can cause discomfort, injury and even permanent deformity.





Understanding the components of proper fit can help you make sensible shoe purchases for yourself and your family. This brochure describes the parts of a shoe and how they can affect fit. It also discusses special considerations related to children%26#039;s, men%26#039;s, women%26#039;s, work and athletic shoes, and provides recommendations on footwear selection.





Although style is often a key consideration in choosing a pair of shoes, the most important quality to look for in shoes--from a practical standpoint--is durable construction that will protect your feet and keep them comfortable. In selecting shoes, keep this basic principle of good fit in mind: Your shoes should conform to the shape of your feet; your feet should never be forced to conform to the shape of a pair of shoes. Soreness, blisters, callouses, and, with time, permanent disfigurements can be caused by habitually crowding your feet into shoes that don%26#039;t fit well.











Anatomy of a Shoe





A shoe is composed of different parts. Understanding the basics of shoe construction can help you choose intelligently from among the thousands of available styles.





The toe box is the tip of the shoe that provides space for the toes. The toe box may be rounded or pointed and will determine the amount of space provided for the toes.





The vamp is the upper middle part of the shoe where the laces are commonly placed. Sometimes Velcro is used instead of laces.





The sole consists of an insole and an outsole. The insole is inside the shoe; the outsole contacts the ground. The softer the sole, the greater the shoe%26#039;s ability to absorb shock.





The heel is the bottom part of the rear of the shoe that provides elevation. The higher the heel, the greater the pressure on the front of the foot.





The last is the part of the shoe that curves in slightly near the arch of the foot to conform to the average foot shape. This curve enables you to tell the right shoe from the left. On occasion. an orthopaedic surgeon may prescribe a child%26#039;s shoe that has a straight or reverse last.





The material from which the shoe is made can affect fit and comfort. Softer materials decrease the amount of pressure the shoe places on the foot. Stiff materials can cause blisters. A counter may be used to stiffen the material around the heel and give support to the foot.



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