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

Ballet shoe: A light, heelless or flat-heeled shoe held on the foot by ribbons, featuring a soft upper.

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

Built heel: A heel built with layers (or lifts); sometimes used for visual interest.

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

Construction: Refers to the way a shoe was made; generally the way the sole is attached to the upper.

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.

Lift: A layer that composes the heel of a shoe; many shoes have multiple lifts.

Lining: The surface of the upper on the inside of the shoe.

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.

Monk shoe: A shoe with a broad strap that fastens at the instep and features a buckle on the outer side.

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.

Quarters: The two pieces of fabric on a shoe that cover the back part of the foot; usually they meet at a back seam and are reinforced.

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.

Seat: The part of the shoe that the heel rests on.

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.

Spanish heel: A high and narrow tapered heel.

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
Kick up your heels in style with Musse & Cloud Footwear - a free-spirited footwear collection designed in Valencia, Spain.

Inspired by art, travel and adventure, this exceptional and creative footwear collection is designed for free, adventurous and romantic spirits. Musse & Cloud offers a wide array of styles from cut-out ankle boots and trendy loafers to fringe sandals. Attention to detail is key with this line, which includes a number of fashion elements like embroidery, fringe, crochet and suede. Made for those who determine their own destinies, Musse & Cloud keeps footwear casual and relaxed while staying on the cutting edge of fashion.

About the Guest
Maia Powell’s signature style has been honed over the years thanks to a robust career in fashion marketing in front of and behind the camera. Her passion for fashion is evident in everything does, but most especially when she’s championing brands she believes in.