Glossary of Shoe Terms

Shoe Terminology and Other Important Words

Boot closer or Boot binder: The person who stitches the pieces of the shoe together, either by hand or with the help of a sewing machine.

Bootmaker: Another name for a shoemaker, but one who specializes in boots.

Cobbler: A person who repairs shoes.

Cordwainer: A shoemaker who makes shoes with leather.

Heel: A piece of material, usually leather or wood, that lifts the back of the shoe.

Inseam: A hidden seam on a shoe attaching the welt, upper, lining and insole.

Insole: The layer of material inside the shoe that rests on top of the sole.

Lining: A material such as leather or cloth that covers the inside of the shoe to make it more comfortable.

Mercantile: A general store.

Mormon: The common name for a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a Christian religion founded in 1830.

Seam: A line where two pieces of material have been stitched or sewn together.

Shoe last: A shoe form used to build a shoe, or to hold a shoe in place for repairs. It is called a “last” because it comes from the Old English word “laest,” which means footprint.

Shoemaker: A person who makes the shoe forms, heels, and uppers. Shoemakers may also do repairs.

Sole: The part of the shoe under the foot. The upper and sole are stitched together to make the shoe.

Tacks: Small nails.

Upper: The part of the shoe that covers the top, sides, and back of the foot.

Welt: The piece of material that covers the stitched seam that connects the upper to the sole.