Footwear Terms:

Arch: On a foot, the part that doesn't touch the ground. On footwear, the part that supports that part of the foot.

Bootie: A style that extends slightly higher than the ankle; usually made with a flexible material.

Clog: Traditionally, a boot or shoe with a wooden sole; today's styles often have plastic or synthetic soles.

Eyelet: A hole used for lacing or a fashion detail.

Grain leather: Leather with a grain that is distinct enough to be a fashion detail.

Insole: A light sole that forms the foundation of a shoe.

Instep: The upper surface of the foot; a consideration when selecting a shoe style.

Loafer: A casual and lightweight slip-on shoe, usually with a small tongue.

Moccasin: A shoe featuring an upper and sole constructed as one piece, usually made from a flexible material.

Mule: A slipper or shoe without a back part; held on the foot by the forepart alone.

Nubuck: Leather hide buffed on the grain side to create a velvety, buttery feel.

Patent leather: Leather treated to have a shiny finish.

Platform: An element—plastic, cork, wood, etc.—inserted between the insole and outsold to add height or fashion design.

Pump: A light, low-heeled dress shoe.

Riding boot: Knee-high boot that is pulled on and features a low heel.

Sandal: Comprised of a sole held on by strips of material over the top of the foot.

Slide: Generic term for a shoe that is slipped on and not fastened to the foot.

Sling back: A shoe with a strap that goes from the forepart, around the hollow part of the ankle; usually it's secured by a buckle.

Stiletto heel: A very narrow fashion heel measuring one centimeter or less across.

Tie shoe: Generic name for a shoe fastened to the foot with lacing.

Tongue: A piece of material that covers the instep and fills the gap between the sides of the shoes; protects the instep from the tension of the laces.

Upper: The part of the shoe that covers the upper surface of the foot; often made from leather, but plastic and cloth are common as well.

Wedge heel: A heel formed as an extension of the shoe, where the heel and shoe forefront are in contact with the ground throughout the entire length.

About the Collection
Bueno footwear combines beautiful colors with a delicate balance of style and comfort. This balance is achieved with hand-worked buttery leathers, soft supple linings and artistic silhouettes. Handmade in Turkey, Bueno is sold in over 30 countries including Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia.

About the Expert
Kevin Flanagan brings 20 years of apparel and footwear experience to Bueno Footwear at ShopHQ. The current Vice President of Phoenix Footwear, Kevin also has been a Vice President of Marketing, Trade Show Director, and Executive for brands throughout the world. He was also captain of the Arizona Wildcats during their 1994 Final Four season.