YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE: UNDERSTANDING SNEAKER ANATOMY FOR CUSTOM PROJECTS

Welcome to the exciting world of custom sneakers! To help you articulate your vision with precision and confidence, we have prepared this straightforward guide to the various parts of a sneaker. Understanding these terms will enable you to communicate effectively with our talented creators, ensuring your custom project comes to life exactly as you envision it.

NOTE: While some terms can be interchangeable, or vary slightly by shoe model or individual studio, these are the definitions we use and recommend for clear communication within our marketplace.

Exterior Components: The Visible Canvas

These are the parts of the sneaker that are most often subject to artistic customisation and material changes.

• Shoe Laces: The essential elements that fasten and secure your foot within the shoe. Custom laces are a popular way to add unique flair.

• Aglets: These are the small plastic or metal tips found at the end of shoelaces. They prevent fraying and make lacing easier. Upgrading to metal or custom -coloured aglets is a subtle yet impactful customisation.

• Dubraes (also known as Lace Tags or Deubrés): These are decorative tags or plates, typically made of metal or plastic, that are threaded onto the laces, usually at the bottom. They are perfect for adding personalised branding, initials, or small design elements.

• Tongue: This padded flap protects the top of your foot and prevents discomfort from the laces. It often features a brand or custom tag.

• Toe Box (also known as Vamp): This front section covers and protects your toes. It frequently includes perforations for breathability, making it a prime area for painting or material swaps.

• Toe Cap (also known as Mud Guard): This reinforces the upper front of the shoe, adding strength and protection to the tips of your toes. Customisers often use this area for accent colours or material layering.

• Quarters (Medial / Lateral): These side panels help secure your foot inside the shoe. The medial quarter is the inner side, and the lateral quarter is the outer side. These are expansive areas perfect for detailed artwork.

• Outer Heel Counter: This exterior piece provides stability and protection to the heel. It is an important structural element that can also be customised.

• Collar: This padded opening connects to the eyelet row and conforms to the shape of your foot around the ankle, providing a snug and comfortable fit. It is a key area for color accents or unique materials.

• Eyelet Row (also known as Eyestay): This is the section through which your laces are threaded, allowing you to adjust the shoe's fit. Eyelets themselves can be changed or customised.

• Heel Tab: This panel covers the seam where the medial and lateral heel counters meet at the back of the shoe. It is a common spot for branding, personalised text, or unique patterns.

• Swooshes: The iconic branded component (on Nike models), which also skillfully conceals the seam connecting the collar to the heel counter. This is one of the most popular areas for colour changes, material swaps, or unique patterns.

• Heel Collar (also known as "Mustache"): This specific part of the collar further helps to secure your foot in place, working with the rest of the collar for an optimal fit. It is a smaller detail often used for subtle customisation.

• Midsole: This crucial layer sits between the upper and the outsole, providing essential cushioning and shock absorption. It is frequently dyed, painted, or patterned to match custom designs.

• Outsole: This is the bottom-most part of the sole that makes contact with the ground, featuring tread patterns for traction. While less frequently customised, it can still be dyed or painted by skilled artists.

Interior Components: The Hidden Comfort and Structure

While not typically seen, these internal parts are vital to the shoe's comfort, structure, and durability. Understanding them can be useful for advanced customisation requests, especially for "Deconstruction-Reconstruction" projects.

• Lining: This material covers the inside seams of the shoe, enhancing comfort and moisture management. Our studio often uses soft mesh with open-cell foam for cushioning.

• Collar Foam: Situated within the collar, this foam provides essential comfort and padding around your ankle.

• Heel Counter (Interior): This internal, rigid thermoplastic material moulds to the heel of the shoe, offering critical protection and support.

• Toe Puff: A thin, thermoplastic material that provides structure to the front of the shoe, preventing collapse and ensuring adequate toe space.

• Strobel Board: This flat piece of fabric is used to close the shoe's upper, effectively creating a "sock" or "booty" that is then attached to the sole unit. It forms the base of the shoe's interior.

• Insole: A removable or fixed soft foam material placed inside the shoe that provides additional comfort and cushioning directly underfoot. Insoles are a fantastic canvas for personalised branding or artwork.

By referencing this guide, you will be well-equipped to discuss your ideas with our creators, ensuring a smooth and successful custom sneaker commissioning process. We look forward to helping you create your perfect pair!