Figure 1 - Parts of a shoe | Upper | Insert | Midsole | Outsole |

Shoe Design 101 The major components of a shoe can be broken down as illustrated in figure 1. Each part, in turn, can be broken down into smaller sub-components. For example, the upper might be "dissected" into the heel tab, heel counter, tongue, and lacing system. For the sake of brevity we will concentrate mostly on the major parts and, where appropriate, point out how a sub-component might be important to its overall performance. It's also important to note that, even though the shoe can be broken down into these four major components, and one can apply science to help improve the design of each, all of these parts operate in an integrated fashion. For example, when talking about motion control and stability, a scientist and designer might focus their efforts on the upper and a new heel counter, or lateral support strap, but the overall ability of the shoe to provide the desired stability will be dependent on the complex formed by the upper and the midsole. What follows then is an overview of these main components, their key sub-components, and the properties sports researchers study relative to their performance. Also included are some current ideas relative to design that might be incorporated into the part to improve performance. Lastly, where appropriate, a brief introduction to the history behind the evolution of the components design is provided. The major parts of a shoe. Upper Insert Midsole Outsole