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Heel counter

A heel counter is a rigid plastic cup found encased in the heel area of a shoe between the lining and upper fabric. The counter is meant to provide a better shoe fit and stabilize the heel area, thus controlling the excessive movement in the rearfoot within the shoe itself. The counter also maintains the shape of the shoe and strengthens the rear of the shoe. The counter should be virtually undetectable by the foot except in the fact that the back of the shoe is not easily bendable.