| A3 |
The adidas shoe technology meant to enhance performance at every stage of the foot strike. Each element cushions, guides and drives the direction of the foot for maximum energy use. |
| Abzorb |
The New Balance brand cushioning technology that absorbs shock upon the foot's impact with its surface and displaces energy. |
| Abzorb EX |
The New Balance Abzorb cushioning is designed to provide comfort and stability. The construction is visible in the soles due to it being contained in a thermoplastic capsule. |
| Abzorb FL |
A full-length midsole that contains the elements of the New Balance Absorb cushioning technology. |
| Abzorb SBS |
A shoe cushioning device made for the performance athlete by New Balance. It features a cored design which will absorb shock immediately upon the foot strike. |
| ACTEVA Lite Midsole |
A lightweight midsole foam made with New Balance's Dupont Engage and Elvaloy meant to provide the optimum compression set resistance within the New Balance shoe. |
| ACTEVA Midsole |
The exceptionally durable New Balance brand lightweight midsole foam that increases resistance to compression set. |
| ACTEVA Ultra Lite Midsole |
An exceptionally lightweight midsole foam made with New Balance's Dupont Engage and Elvaloy which provides the optimal compression set. |
| adiPRENE |
The adidas heel cushioning material which reduces the repetitive harmful effects on the heel after continuous impact. |
| adiPRENE+ |
An adidas shoe that has elastic material under the forefoot which is meant to provide the wearer with a greater momentum during toe-off. |
| adiWEAR |
A higher density rubber compound that when used on adidas shoes resists wear and tear better than common carbon rubber. |
| adiTUFF |
An additional piece of leather or synthetic material added to the upper of an adidas shoe to provide extra durability. |
| Aeroflo |
Fila's midfoot ventilation system which allows the foot to rapidly cool after the heat generated on impact. |
| AeroGrip |
A new outsole pattern produced by Vibram for Carolina that is in line with the international standards for slip resistant footwear. |
| Aerotrek |
An outsole design resistant to being clogged with debris. It is in line with the Carolina brand slip resistant footwear. |
| After hour |
Shoes meant for lounging in casual situations indoors. They typically provide maximum cushioning, insulation and comfort to their wearer. |
| AG7 Footbed |
A polyurethane comfort system within the Carolina brand which provides enhanced arch support and manages the unnecessary accumulation of moisture. |
| Aglet |
The plastic sheaths found on the tips of laces making it easier for them to slide into the eyelets on either sides of the shoe. |
| AHAR |
Asics's high abrasion resistance rubber used on the outsole of the shoe where heavy contact is anticipated. |
| AHAR Plus |
The second level of high abrasion resistance rubber found on the heavy contact areas of the outsole meant to increase durability on the Asics shoe. |
| Air Max |
The Nike brand shoe that incorporates maximum air volume within the sole of the shoe. |
| Aluminum Toe |
The Carolina brand footwear that meets or exceeds the ASTM standards for compression and impact testing rating of I-75/C-75. |
| Ankle Strap |
A strap attached at the rear of the shoe which extends and fastens around the ankle. The ankle strap is needed to keep the shoe on one's foot and can feature some sort of adjustable buckle or elastic band. |
| Anti-Gravel Tongue |
An Asics shoe tongue that is wide enough to prevent foreign objects from entering the actual shoe while moving. |
| Antiquing |
A leather finish process which creates a contrasting, rubbed-off appearance. |
| Arch |
The curved part of the sole between the ball and heel. The arch can also refer to the curved part of the insole of a shoe which provides support for the arch. |
| Archtech |
A shank device located in the midfoot which encourages Puma brand shoes to rotate to a stable base after the foot's natural movement in the gait cycle. |
| Asics Gel |
Asics silicone midsole gel units that absorb shock enabling specific foot functions and positions. |
| Athleisure shoe |
Athletic-inspired footwear meant for casual, everyday urban wear. While they can be worn for light athletic activity they are not constructed specifically for that. |
| Athletes foot |
Athlete's foot is a parasitic fungal infection that infects the skin of the human foot. |
| Athletic shoes |
Shoes specifically constructed and designed for participation in sports and athletic activities such as running, tennis, basketball and walking. |
| A-Symmetric Heel |
An asymmetric heel reduces the risk of overpronation by enabling the foot to make a smoother transition from impact to toe off. |
