| Back seam |
The vertical stitched seam found in the center of the back of a shoe. |
| Ball |
The padded area of the foot between the toes and the arch of the foot. |
| Ballerina flat |
A ballet styled flat meant for everyday wear. |
| Balmoral shoe |
A shoe with a laced V-shaped panel on its upper. |
| Bellows tongue |
A shoe tongue that is connected at both the top and sides of a shoe's upper. |
| Biomechanically efficient |
A runner with a neutral gait cycle, meaning their feet do not display excessive inward or outward rolling. This type of foot does not need added stability features in a shoe for comfort or support. |
| Blow molding |
The Nike brand process in which gas is injected through an external tube resulting in the molding of the plastic into a particular shape. This process allows shoe designers to make Air-Sole units in a variety of shapes. |
| Blown rubber |
A highly cushioned yet less durable form of rubber that can be used on the outsole. It is called "blown" because it is made by the injection of air into the rubber compound. |
| Blucher |
A shoe with two pieces of material (usually leather) joined across the upper with the lacing. |
| Board Lasted |
In shoe construction, the upper is attached to the bottom of a flexible board on top of the midsole. It makes the shoe more rigid and stable and suitable for those who under or overpronate. |
| Boots |
A style of shoe that extends at least to the height of the ankle bone and above. |
| Brannock device |
A device used to measure the length and width of a foot to ensure proper fit. |
| Break |
The natural line that is created across the vamp of the shoe from the everyday use and movement of the foot. |
| BRS 1000 Outsole |
Nike brand rubber made with a high content of carbon. This rubber can be used on an outsole to provide a good level of durability and traction. |
| Burnish |
A buffing process used on a shoe to achieve an antiquing effect on the leather |
