By Michaela Longstaff, Mikko Men’s founder

What makes a shoe? What are the different parts and why does it matter?

These are questions you may not have considered before, in this article we explain the shoe anatomy basics, highlighting the thoughtful design and engineering that goes into crafting your shoes that support you through each step you take.

UPPER

The upper is the part of the shoe which covers the foot, it is made up of several smaller components which have been stitched together.  

Tongue: The tongue is a soft, flexible and often cushioned piece of material, positioned on top of the foot and most often found underneath laces. The tongue acts as a buffer, allowing for foot to remain comfortable as the laces are tensioned.

Toe/Toe-Cap: The toe or toe-cap is the part of the upper which covers the toes and front of the foot, often reinforced for structure and protection. Broader feet may benefit from square or round toe designs. It is important to consider not only style but also your foot and toe shape to achieve optimal comfort.

Vamp: The vamp covers the top and width of the foot—where it naturally creases when walking. If the vamp fit isn’t right, you may find the shoe tight or too loose and not providing enough support.  Stitching across the vamp provides structure, ideal for narrow or standard fits, but sometimes restrictive for those requiring a wider fit.

Quarter: The quarter is the part that holds your foot and specifically the heel in right place for ideal walking comfort. The quarter includes the sides of the shoe from the vamp through to the heel, including the lacing section.

Counter: The counter is the reinforced back section which protects the heel.  The heel counter helps to reduce excess movement within the shoe as excess movement can cause heel and foot discomfort.

INNER

Lining: The lining is the material inside the shoe that covers internal seams. Some shoes are unlined for greater flexibility and breathability.

Collar Padding: Padding on the inner edges of the shoe entry are for comfort under your ankle as soon as you slip the shoe on.

SOLE

The sole of the shoe is the part that is underfoot and makes contact with the ground with each step you take. The sole has two functions, to protect the foot and provide comfort.  The shoes overall suitability for the function you require, depends largely on the sole.

Insole: This is the cushioned part inside the shoe that your foot rests on. Some insoles are fixed in place, but many insoles at Mikko Men’s from brands such as Ara, Ecco, Florsheim are thoughtfully designed and are removable, allowing for the shoes to be orthotic friendly.

Shank: The shank is the backbone of the shoe, it sits underneath the arch of the foot and can often be made from carbon fibre.  The shank provides support and structural integrity to the shoe which contributes to your overall comfort.

Outsole: The outsole is very bottom of the shoe where it meets the ground. The thickness of the outsole will vary depending on the material, but its primary purpose is to protect your feet, which is why this part of the shoe is usually very durable and often waterproof. Outsoles can be made from; leather, rubber, latex, polyurethane, EVA or crafted with a hybrid of materials depending on the intended use.

With all of these different components, and any more technical details to consider, it's easy to understand and appreciate the thought and attention to detail that goes into designing and crafting each style and pair of shoes our brands offer. 

Michaela and team
Mikko Men's founder

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Featured styles: Keel by Loake, Shaun by Rockport and Avondale by Ara. 

Mikko Men’s is for the contemporary man who values quality, sophistication, and long-wearing comfort. Prioritising authentic craftsmanship, superior design, and the latest innovation, all of our footwear styles are hand-picked from artisan brands that we consider the best in the world.

The team at Mikko are professionally trained in fitting and styling, ready to help you find your next pair of men’s shoes that deliver on comfort. We have footwear that is orthotic and wide feet friendly. Mikko is a New Zealand, family-owned business.

Like our Facebook and Instagram page to see new arrivals and latest news. Visit our Mikko Men’s stores at 134 Victoria St, Christchurch, 13 Hunter Street, Wellington Central or 351 Remuera Rd, Auckland or shop online. 

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