Technical Glossary — Footwear
Technical Glossary — Footwear
All technical terms related to outdoor footwear, listed alphabetically.
- Barefoot / Zero Drop
- Footwear concept imitating barefoot walking. Zero drop means there is no height difference between the heel and the forefoot, promoting a natural stride.
- Durable Leather
- Natural material offering durability and natural waterproofing. Requires regular maintenance (polishing, waterproofing).
- Flyknit
- Knitting technology for a one-piece shoe upper. Lightweight, breathable, and conforms to the foot's shape.
- Reinforced Grip / Non-slip
- Sole surface increasing grip on slippery terrain (mud, wet rock, snow).
- Quick Lacing with Reinforced Eyelets
- Lacing system optimized for quick and uniform tightening, with wear-resistant eyelets.
- Breathable Mesh
- Synthetic mesh used in the upper to promote air circulation and reduce foot perspiration.
- Proprioception
- Deep sensitivity of the foot to the terrain. Minimalist shoes promote proprioception for better balance and stability.
- Synthetic Reinforcements
- Reinforced areas on exposed parts of the shoe (toe, heel) to increase durability against abrasion.
- Removable Insole
- Extractable inner sole, replaceable or customizable with custom orthopedic insoles.
- Multi-terrain Sole
- Sole with deep lugs for grip on different types of ground (earth, rock, mud, snow).
- Mid-cut Upper
- Shoe height reaching the ankle for intermediate support. A compromise between lightness (low-cut) and protection (high-cut).
- TPU (sole)
- Thermoplastic polyurethane used for outsoles. Abrasion-resistant and flexible in cold weather.