
Savoir-Faire
Glossary
Counter: Semi-rigid reinforcement placed at the back of the shoe, between the upper and the lining, to support the heel.
Derby: Shoes with “open” lacing, the quarters are sewn on top of the vamp.
Facing: Attached pieces with eyelets, or other means of closure.
Fit: All the characteristics of a shoe that allow it to dress the foot correctly and comfortably.
Full Grain: Leather that has retained its upper surface intact. Its properties are exceptional.
Insole: The interior sole of the shoe.
Last: Wood or plastic mold, representing the volume of the foot, used to make the shoe.
Lasting: Action consisting of perfectly positioning the upper on the last in order to assemble it.
Lining: Inner lining of the shoe, in contact with the foot.
Nubuck: Leather whose surface has been finely sanded to obtain a soft and velvety appearance.
Quarters: Parts of the upper that wrap around the heel and extend up to the lacing.
Richelieu: Shoes with “closed” lacing, the quarters are sewn under the vamp.
Skiving: Technique consisting of reducing the thickness of the leather to give it more flexibility.
Toe cap: Rigid reinforcement placed at the front of the shoe, between the upper and the lining, to protect the toes from shocks and maintain the shape.
Upper: All the pieces that form the upper part of the shoe.
Vamp: Front part of the upper, covering the instep and tip of the shoe.
Velour leather: Inner face of a leather hide, finely sanded for a soft and velvety appearance.