October 2006
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Anatomy of a shoe
Shoe anatomy
Reflective tab Provides extra safety for night walking by reflecting a car's headlights. Found on all but Rockport Astride, WT Classic, and Sandy; Spira Classic Leather; Adidas Supernova Walk LE; and Champion Epic.

Shoe

Laces Flat laces are less likely to loosen or come untied during a workout than round ones. Found on all except Rockport WT Classic.

1
Toe box Should be wide enough for toes to spread as you walk and long enough for a half-inch of space in front of your longest toe.

2
Upper Can be leather, fake leather, mesh, or some combination. The more your feet sweat, the more you’ll appreciate the breathability of mesh.

3
Midsole Supplies most of the shoe’s cushioning. Ethyl vinyl acetate is the most common material, but some manufacturers claim polyurethane lasts longer. Some midsoles also include air cells or springy metal.

A LOOK INSIDE
shoe anatomy
Grid shaped heel
1
Insole Adds some cushioning and support. Many are removable for cleaning or replacement. Not in Asics Gel-Walk Tech and Reebok Move DMX Max.
2
Outsole Typically carbon-rubber, the tread supplies traction you’ll need on slippery surfaces.
Inside grid the Saucony Grid Omni Walker has a grid-shaped support built into the heel cushioning.

 
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