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Break

The term "break" when used in the shoe industry refers to the line or crease that forms across the vamp of a shoe due to the natural movement of the walking cycle. The break can be annoying to some who envision a perfect upper, but the truth is, shoes are meant to be worn and with that comes the natural lines and creases that occur because of the shoe's flexibility and the foot's movement when walking.

The heel naturally rises during the gait cycle forcing the toes to bend before pushing against the ground for toe-off. This natural movement is what causes the crease in the vamp of the shoe. This break is only very visible in shoes with a leather or canvas upper because sandals and other open-toed shoes tend to bend with the foot. The break cannot be avoided unless the shoe doesn't bend with the foot, in which case you wouldn't be able to walk correctly. The break does not cause an actual tear in the material. It only causes a crease to develop in the material from the repetitive bending motion of the foot. The break is an indicator of how your foot naturally bends during your gait cycle.