the pieces fit
Manufacturing our shoes requires a lot more than you may expect. Visible components like the sole, the leather, the insole, and the laces must always be of the highest quality - all of these together are what make the shoe attractive to look at. There are many additional parts that are just as important but less well-known. Our Anatomy of a Shoe Guide introduces you to these separate components that we use to create a handmade Grenson shoe.
wing cap
Piece of the upper pattern that sits over the toe.
vamp
Part of the pattern that sits between the cap and quarters.
quarter pattern
Piece of the upper pattern that fits over the instep around the laces area of the shoe.
counter
Piece of the upper pattern that sits around the heel.
quarter backer
Backers are used to reinforce the upper leather where needed.
inside quarter lining
ining pieces of the shoe that sit against the foot and provide comfort and moisture wicking properties.
Outside quarter and counter lining
Lining pieces of the shoe that sit against the foot and provide comfort and moisture wicking properties.
vamp lining
Part of the pattern that sits between the cap and quarters.
Inner sock
Leather piece that sits inside the shoe, protecting your foot from the insole.
foam insert
Padding that is placed under the insock to provide comfort.
Counter stiffner
Reinforcement that is placed between the outer and the lining of the upper so that the shoe retains its shape.
Toe puff
Reinforcement that is placed between the outer and the lining of the upper so that the shoe retains its shape.
Seat lift
A structural element, placed by the heel to provide support and level out some welted styles.
welt
Long leather strip that it sewn onto the insole ribbing as the foundation of a goodyear shoe for attaching the outsole.
shank
A wooden reinforcement placed inside that supports the arch of your foot.
Insole with ribbing
The foundation of a goodyear welted shoe – the welt is attached to the leather ribbing rather than directly to the sole.
BOTTOM FILLER
Thick leather stacks that serves as the heel, with a rubber top piece for grip and durability.
outsole
Thick leather piece that serves as the sole of the shoe.
heel
Thick leather stacks that serves as the heel, with a rubber top piece for grip and durability.
seat rivet
Metal rivet to attach the heel to the rest of the shoe.
laces
Adjustable to tie the shoe onto the foot.
eyelet
Metal reinforcement for the lace holes