Home >
Running shoe terms
A Glossary
A selection of runners’ terms focusing on running shoes and your physical aspects that may or may not pertain to them.
Cavus
Cavus foot is a condition in which the foot has a very high arch.
To pronate
When referring to the foot, to turn the sole of the foot outward forcing the inner edge of the foot to bear the weight of the body when standing.
Pronation
Pronation is the turning or rotation the foot inward and does not properly distribute the weight of your foot (feet) causing the inner edge of the sole to bear the body’s weight. The right way for the foot to land is to hit the ground heel first. Body weight is then passed along by the arch toward the outside of the foot and upward to the ball of the foot.
To supinate
When referring to the foot, to turn or rotate the foot so that the outer edge of the sole bears the body’s weight.
Supination
Supination, underpronation, is an insufficient inward roll of the foot after landing or stepping down which puts extra stress on the foot and can result in iliotibial band syndrome of the knee, Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis.
Midsole:
The middle layer of a sole, as of an athletic shoe, often designed to disperse weight or provide stability to the foot. On many shoes, the forefoot and rear foot gel cushioning systems are strategically placed to absorb shock.
Toe box:
The forward tip of the upper, or upper layer of a shoe or boot, that provides space and protection for the toes. Toe boxes are round or pointed and come in different widths and heights to provide additional headroom
Toe Raiser:
A toe raiser is a specially designed tool that stretches the toe box of your shoes. It can provide your toes with more wiggle to ease pinching and give relief for hammer toes and other sensitive foot conditions.
Heel counter
The overall fit of the shoe isn’t perfect unless the heel sits flush against this stiff backing. Tapping the foot back into the heel counter will lock it into position.
Flex groove
Flex groove is a term used by many manufacturer’s and has different shades of meanings. Basically, they are notches molded into the outsole at the forefoot of the shoe to soften compression and provide for better flexibility of the outsole. Almost all high quality running shoes use flex grooves that allow the foot to roll more naturally at toe off.
Laces
Laces are an important component of the running shoe used to stabilize the upper around the arch. Laces should be tightened evenly the length of the tongue with an even, comfortable pressure.
Outsole
The outsole is the shoe’s outer casing and is the part that makes contact with the ground. It is important to provide traction during a run and maintain the shape of the shoe.
Upper
The upper is the top part of the shoe that is attached to the outsole and encases the foot. The tongue, quarter panel, heel counter, and eyelets are included in the upper.
Quarter Panel
The quarter panel of the shoe is the portion that runs along the outside of the foot and makes up the sides of the shoe.
Collar
The shoe collar is the stitched padding that forms the rim of the shoe.
Leg length discrepancy
Also known as Leg length inequality, or Lower limb discrepancy, it is a deformity of the lower limbs, i.e.unequal leg lengths. The deformity can occur in the femur, or tibia, or both. In some conditions, the whole leg is affected, including the upper upper portion of the limbs. It is the discrepancy of the lower limbs that causes problems with ambulation.
Forefoot
The main definition of forefoot is one of the anterior feet especially of a quadruped, or a four footed animal. There are also some related nautical terms, but for our purposes forefoot is defined as the front part of the human foot. This is the medical term for humans
