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Knowing the anatomy of heels will help you walk in them better!Â
You: “How so?”
Me: “Because if a part of your shoe breaks, you’ll know how to identify issues and resolve them better.”
Like naming vegetables, you should know how to name the parts of your heels.Â
After all, if you’re going to put your ankles at risk you should at least know your heels better!Â
Given that there are so many different types of heels, having a general idea of the different sections that comprise the shoe offers educational comfort.Â
In this post, I’m going to show you the anatomy of heels!
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The Fascinating Anatomy Of Heels!
Table of Contents
1. Toe Box
The Toe Box rests in the front of your high heels and stores your toes!
Oftentimes, the Toe Box won’t have any padding to prevent toe friction, this is why having shoes inserts is essential for all-day comfort.Â
If your high heels have a pointed front, your Toe Box will be narrower.Â
2. Vamp
The Vamp is the material on-top of the toe meat and helps secure your feet while walking.Â
Think of a Vamp like Toe Box’s first cousin, they both are connected and essential for the shoe’s design.Â
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3. Counter
You’ll find the counter on the back of your heels.Â
These are the cupping parts that cover the ankle portion, helping you feel more in place.Â
Counters also form a V-like shape towards the back of the shoe.Â
4. Heel
My favorite part of high heels are the heel themselves because they have many different heights and styles.Â
From stiletto thin to chunky, heels support your height and leg appeal.Â
5. Sole
This is the part of the heel that supports your overall foot shape.Â
When you’re standing, the sole keeps you from falling because it’s the foundation of your shoe.Â
Soles are found at the bottom of heels are may be a different color(like tan) than the rest of the shoe.Â
The sole is a universal term in the shoe industry and isn’t heel-specific.Â
6. Insole
Insoles keep you comfortable while walking and standing in heels.Â
This part is connected to the sole but is the cushioned side your feet come in contact with(located in the shoe’s inner base).Â
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7. Top Line
Just above the Vamp is the top line.Â
This is classified as the part of your high-heel shoe that lines where toes are inserted.Â
8. Top Piece
If you know me, I’m always raving about Quick Tip Heel caps because they replace broken Top Pieces!Â
The Top Piece is the small black cap at the tip of your heel(at the bottom end that touches the ground).Â
Without a properly installed Top Piece on your high heels, they will make loud noise and eventually wear down lower.Â
9. Platform
Not every heel has a platform, but some are too high not too have one!Â
Platforms are typically made of cork or some other material.Â
You’ll find platform heels for all heights, but are more common among 6-inch and up varieties.Â
Because platform heels make you practically airborne, practicing balance in them is essential for perfecting seductive walks.Â
10. Shank
This part is found under the arch and of the shoe.Â
The shank is a crucial part of high heel craftsmanship.Â
Now that you know the anatomy of heels, you can walk in them confidently!Â
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