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Back Seam

A back seam, as related to the shoe industry, refers to the stitching in the center of the heel's material on a shoe. The back seam is usually a vertical stitch made with thread to match the color of the shoe, so that the seam is virtually undetectable. The back seam is necessary because it is what holds the material on the upper together. Without the back seam the shoe would fall apart. The back seam is not typically found on sandals, slip ons or other types of open back footwear in which the heel is not covered. The back seam is found on:

• Athletic shoes
• Flats
• High heels

The heel area of a shoe cups the foot's heel, providing stability and also serving to ensure that the shoe is comfortable. The back seam is where the upper of the shoe is joined together. The back seam is sometimes covered with an additional strip of material, typically in the same material as the upper. Back seams are found on shoes for all ages and for men and women.