outsoles
Footwear ground contact
Outsoles are the bottom surfaces of shoes—the part that contacts the ground.
The term distinguishes this layer from the insole (inside, under the foot) and midsole (cushioning between them).
Outsoles are typically made from rubber, leather, or synthetic materials chosen for durability and traction: The hiking boots have Vibram outsoles.
Handles or projections
- groovesNarrow carved channels
- cleatsSpiked sports shoes
- studsStructural wall timbers
- slip-resistantPrevents sliding or skidding
non-slip · grip · friction · adhesion · herringbone · waffle · multidirectional · self-cleaning
Fastened with lasting adhesion
- stitchedFastened with thread
- weltedHaving raised trim
- bondedFastened or emotionally connected
- gluedFastened with adhesive
molded · wraparound · one-piece · replaceable · resoling · foxing · sidewall
Elastic polymer from trees
- polyurethaneVersatile synthetic resin compound
- thermoplasticHeat-softenable, repeatedly reshapable polymer
- leatherTanned animal skin
- syntheticProduced artificially, not natural
EVA · continental · crepe · neoprene · cork · vulcanized
Casual athletic footwear
- cleatsSpiked sports shoes
- sandalsOpen strappy footwear
- minimalistOne favoring bare essentials
- cross-trainersVersatile workout footwear
Path through wilderness
- pavementHard road covering
- iceWater's solid form
- snowFrozen crystalline precipitation
- mudWet soil mixture
rock · indoor · court · turf · all-terrain · off-road · approach · scrambling
Unharmed by rubbing
- wear-resistantAble to withstand friction
- hard-wearingResistant to damage
- long-lastingPersisting over extended time
- robustStrong and durable
lugs
Handles or projections
slip-resistant · non-slip · grip · friction · adhesion · herringbone · waffle · multidirectional · self-cleaning
cemented
Fastened with lasting adhesion
glued · molded · wraparound · one-piece · replaceable · resoling · foxing · sidewall
rubber
Elastic polymer from trees
- polyurethaneVersatile synthetic resin compound
- thermoplasticHeat-softenable, repeatedly reshapable polymer
- leatherTanned animal skin
synthetic · EVA · continental · crepe · neoprene · cork · vulcanized
sneakers
Casual athletic footwear
- cleatsSpiked sports shoes
- sandalsOpen strappy footwear
- minimalistOne favoring bare essentials
trail
Path through wilderness
mud · rock · indoor · court · turf · all-terrain · off-road · approach · scrambling · scree
abrasion-resistant
Unharmed by rubbing
- wear-resistantAble to withstand friction
- hard-wearingResistant to damage
- long-lastingPersisting over extended time
outsolesinsoles
Removable shoe padding
footbeds · uppers · inserts · innersoles · arch supports