| Mary Janes |
A style of women's shoes with a low heel and a strap across the instep. |
| Max Air Cushioning |
The maximum amount of pressurized gas fit into Nike air sole units for maximum cushioning. The bigger the air sole unit the less amount of traditional cushioning material is needed. |
| Maxum Lite |
An oil and slip-resistant durable outsole manufactured by the Meramac Corporation for Carolina brand shoes. |
| Medial |
The inside big-toe and arch edge of a shoe. |
| Medial Post |
A firm foam and/or plastic device inserted into the rear arch side portion of the New Balance shoe's midsole to add support and control the excess movement of the rearfoot. |
| Midfoot |
The area of the shoe around the arch where plastic supports are built in for added stability. |
| Midsole |
The foam layer of the shoe located between the upper and outsole. The midsole is where the primary cushioning and stability takes place. |
| Moccasin |
A leisure wear shoe usually made of suede and associated with the Native American culture. |
| Monk strap |
A wide strap across the instep that buckles on the side. This strap is typically found on a closed toed blucher patterned shoe. |
| Motion control |
A feature of an athletic shoe that controls the inward rolling of the foot. |
| Motion Control Shoe |
A shoe with devices focused primarily on the stability of the foot while walking or running. |
| Mule |
Backless closed toed shoes or slippers that can be easily put on and taken off. |
| NB ZIP |
New Balance brand technology that provides maximum responsiveness, controlled cushioning and engineering specifically tailored to a particular sport through biomechanically designed struts. The struts are constructed to provide optimal heel and midfoot strikes and medial support. |
| N-DURANCE |
New Balance brand patented rubber outsole compound used in the heel pad for maximum durability upon heel strike. |
| N-ergy S.C. System |
A New Balance brand molded heel cartridge that delivers exceptional support and cushioning by compressing upon impact. N-ergy absorbs the heel impact providing enhanced comfort for longer runs. The stabilizing outer rim provides motion control and support, and the elliptical center provides responsive cushioning. |
| N-ergy 2.0 |
The New Balance N-ergy is an asymmetrical three-chamber design that compresses upon impact to provide a unique supportive cushioning experience. |
| Nike Air |
A Nike cushioning air unit encapsulated in urethane. The air units can be produced in various shapes, thicknesses and pressures depending on its positioning within the shoe. |
| Nike-FIT |
Nike brand apparel made out of Dri-FIT, Therma-FIT, Clima-FIT and Storm-FIT fabrics; all of which allow athletes to perform under adverse weather conditions. |
| N-LOCK |
A New Balance technology designed to provide structure in the upper midfoot and enhanced support. |
| Nubuck |
Lightweight leather typically used on the shoe's upper. The leather is buffed to exude a suede-like appearance. |
| Nvent |
A midsole ventilation system created for New Balance footwear that reduces the accumulation of heat in the shoe by providing optimal airflow. |
| Nytek |
A Carolina nylon fiber material used as an alternative to leather that is three times stronger and more resistant to abrasions. |
| Opanka Construction |
A Carolina brand patented hand crafted shoe construction method in which the upper is attached to the outsole and sock lining with a heavy waxed thread making the footwear extremely flexible. |
| Open-weave mesh |
Meshed fabric used on the upper of Nike footwear due to its breathable, lightweight construction which in turn provides a consistent, resilient fit. |
| OrthoLite |
A type of adidas insole that provides step-in comfort and enhanced durability because of its combination of special PU and rubber elements. |
| Orthotic |
An orthotic insole meant to stabilize and cushion the foot. |
| Outsole |
The outmost, typically rubber section of the shoe which comes into contact with the ground. |
| Overpronation |
The excessive inward rolling of the foot during the gait style which inhibits the natural toe-off, thus exposing one to a host of injury problems, particularly in the knee. |
| Over-supination |
An extremely rare condition in which the foot strikes on the outer edge of the foot and continues to roll outward during the running movement instead of rolling inwards. |
| Oxford |
A traditional shoe style which features a low shoe which is laced or tied over the instep. |