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Glossary of Shoe Terms - Mary Janes - Oxford

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.
Oversupination 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.