[Skip to main content](https://www.nike.com#skip-to-content)[Accessibility at Nike](https://www.nike.com/accessibility#introduction) - [](https://www.nike.com/jordan) - [](https://www.nike.com/w/converse-akmjx) - [Find a Store](https://www.nike.com/retail) - [Help](https://www.nike.com/help) [Help](https://www.nike.com/help) - [Order Status](https://www.nike.com/orders/details/) - [Shipping & Delivery](https://www.nike.com/help/a/shipping-delivery) - [Returns](https://www.nike.com/help/a/returns-policy) - [Order Cancellation](https://www.nike.com/help/a/change-cancel-order) - [Size Charts](https://www.nike.com/help/a/size-charts) - [Contact Us](https://www.nike.com/help/#contact) - [Membership](https://www.nike.com/membership) - [Promotions & Discounts](https://www.nike.com/promo-code) - [Product Advice](https://www.nike.com/product-advice) - [Send Us Feedback](https://www.nike.com#site-feedback) - [Join Us](https://www.nike.com/membership) - [Sign In](https://www.nike.com/register) [](https://www.nike.com) - [Men](https://www.nike.com/men) - [New & Featured](https://www.nike.com/w/new-mens-3n82yznik1) - [New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/w/new-mens-3n82yznik1) - [Best Sellers](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-best-76m50znik1) - [Latest Drops](https://www.nike.com/w/new-upcoming-drops-k0gk) - [Nike Sportswear](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-lifestyle-13jrmznik1) - [SNKRS Launch Calendar](https://www.nike.com/launch) - [Shop All Sale](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-sale-3yaepznik1) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-shoes-nik1zy7ok) - [All Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-shoes-nik1zy7ok) - [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-basketball-shoes-3glsmznik1zy7ok) - [Jordan](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jordan-shoes-37eefznik1zy7ok) - [Running](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-running-shoes-37v7jznik1zy7ok) - [Sportswear](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-lifestyle-shoes-13jrmznik1zy7ok) - [Training & Gym](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-training-gym-shoes-58jtoznik1zy7ok) - [Custom Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-nike-by-you-shoes-6ealhznik1zy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-clothing-6ymx6znik1) - [All Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-clothing-6ymx6znik1) - [Fleece](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-fleece-4xh6qznik1) - [Hoodies & Sweatshirts](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-hoodies-and-pullovers-6riveznik1) - [Jackets & Vests](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jackets-vests-50r7yznik1) - [Pants](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-pants-and-tights-2kq19znik1) - [Shorts](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-shorts-38fphznik1) - [Tops & Graphic Tees](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-tops-t-shirts-9om13znik1) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-accessories-equipment-awwpwznik1) - [All Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-accessories-equipment-awwpwznik1) - [Bags & Backpacks](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-bags-and-backpacks-9xy71znik1) - [Hats & Headwear](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-hats-visors-and-headbands-52r49znik1) - [Socks](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-socks-7ny3qznik1) - [Sunglasses](https://www.nike.com/w/sunglasses-arlyp) - [Women](https://www.nike.com/women) - [New & Featured](https://www.nike.com/w/new-womens-3n82yz5e1x6) - [New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/w/new-womens-3n82yz5e1x6) - [Best Sellers](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-best-5e1x6z76m50) - [Nike Sportswear](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-lifestyle-13jrmz5e1x6) - [SNKRS Launch Calendar](https://www.nike.com/launch) - [Shop All Sale](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-sale-3yaepz5e1x6) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-shoes-5e1x6zy7ok) - [All Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-shoes-5e1x6zy7ok) - [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-basketball-shoes-3glsmz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Jordan](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jordan-shoes-37eefz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Running](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-running-shoes-37v7jz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Sportswear](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-lifestyle-shoes-13jrmz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Training & Gym](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-training-gym-shoes-58jtoz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Custom Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-nike-by-you-shoes-5e1x6z6ealhzy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-clothing-5e1x6z6ymx6) - [All Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-clothing-5e1x6z6ymx6) - [Bras](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-sports-bras-40qgmz5e1x6) - [Fleece](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-fleece-4xh6qz5e1x6) - [Hoodies & Sweatshirts](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-hoodies-and-pullovers-5e1x6z6rive) - [Jackets & Vests](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jackets-vests-50r7yz5e1x6) - [Leggings](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-tights-leggings-29sh2z5e1x6) - [Matching Sets](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-matching-sets-clothing-2lukpz5e1x6z6ymx6) - [Pants](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-pants-and-tights-2kq19z5e1x6) - [Shorts](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-shorts-38fphz5e1x6) - [Tops & Graphics Tees](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-tops-t-shirts-5e1x6z9om13) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-accessories-equipment-5e1x6zawwpw) - [All Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-accessories-equipment-5e1x6zawwpw) - [Bags & Backpacks](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-bags-and-backpacks-5e1x6z9xy71) - [Hats & Headwear](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-hats-visors-and-headbands-52r49z5e1x6) - [Socks](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-socks-5e1x6z7ny3q) - [Sunglasses](https://www.nike.com/w/sunglasses-arlyp) - [Shop by Color](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-matching-sets-clothing-2lukpz5e1x6z6ymx6) - [Dark Neutrals](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-color-shop-brown-4elb3z5e1x6) - [Purple Pulse](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-color-shop-purple-5e1x6z9g6re) - [Spruce Greens](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-color-shop-green-5e1x6z9cm3q) - [Very Berry](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-color-shop-navy-5e1x6z9cd0e) - [Warm Neutrals](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-color-shop-new-neutrals-5e1x6z98ed2) - [Kids](https://www.nike.com/kids) - [New & Featured](https://www.nike.com/w/new-kids-3n82yzv4dh) - [New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/w/new-kids-3n82yzv4dh) - [Best Sellers](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-best-76m50zv4dh) - [Nike Sportswear](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-lifestyle-13jrmzv4dh) - [Nike x LEGO®](https://www.nike.com/w/nike-lego-collection-58jr) - [Teens Collection](https://www.nike.com/teens) - [Shop All Sale](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-sale-3yaepzv4dh) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-shoes-v4dhzy7ok) - [All Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-shoes-v4dhzy7ok) - [Big Kids (7-12 yrs)](https://www.nike.com/w/big-kids-shoes-agibjzv4dhzy7ok) - [Little Kids (3-7 yrs)](https://www.nike.com/w/little-kids-shoes-6dacezv4dhzy7ok) - [Baby & Toddler (0-3 yrs)](https://www.nike.com/w/baby-toddler-kids-shoes-2j488zv4dhzy7ok) - [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-basketball-shoes-3glsmzv4dhzy7ok) - [Jordan](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jordan-shoes-37eefzv4dhzy7ok) - [Running](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-running-shoes-37v7jzv4dhzy7ok) - [Sportswear](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-lifestyle-shoes-13jrmzv4dhzy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-clothing-6ymx6zv4dh) - [All Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-clothing-6ymx6zv4dh) - [Big Kids (7-12 yrs)](https://www.nike.com/w/big-kids-clothing-6ymx6zagibjzv4dh) - [Little Kids (3-7 yrs)](https://www.nike.com/w/little-kids-clothing-6dacez6ymx6zv4dh) - [Baby & Toddler (0-3 yrs)](https://www.nike.com/w/baby-toddler-kids-clothing-2j488z6ymx6zv4dh) - [Bras & Tights](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-bras-tights-88mejzv4dh) - [Fleece](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-fleece-4xh6qzv4dh) - [Hoodies & Sweatshirts](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-hoodies-and-pullovers-6rivezv4dh) - [Jackets & Vests](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jackets-vests-50r7yzv4dh) - [Pants](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-pants-and-tights-2kq19zv4dh) - [Shorts](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-shorts-38fphzv4dh) - [Tops & Graphics Tees](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-tops-t-shirts-9om13zv4dh) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-accessories-equipment-awwpwzv4dh) - [All Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-accessories-equipment-awwpwzv4dh) - [Bags & Backpacks](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-bags-and-backpacks-9xy71zv4dh) - [Hats & Headwear](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-hats-visors-and-headbands-52r49zv4dh) - [Socks](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-socks-7ny3qzv4dh) - Shop By Sport - [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-basketball-3glsmzv4dh) - [Gymnastics](https://www.nike.com/w/gymnastics-dance-inspired-2obuy) - [Fan Gear](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-fan-gear-b170ozv4dh) - [Football](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-football-3hj8mzv4dh) - [Running](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-running-37v7jzv4dh) - [Soccer](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-soccer-1gdj0zv4dh) - [Jordan](https://www.nike.com/jordan) - [New & Featured](https://www.nike.com/w/new-jordan-37eefz3n82y) - [New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/w/new-jordan-37eefz3n82y) - [Best Sellers](https://www.nike.com/w/best-jordan-37eefz76m50) - [Heat Check](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-heat-check-1n7xt) - [Jordan Brand x Space Jam](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-brand-x-space-jam-collection-9b8qk) - [Shop All Sale](https://www.nike.com/w/sale-jordan-37eefz3yaep) - [Men](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jordan-37eefznik1) - [Shop All](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jordan-37eefznik1) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jordan-shoes-37eefznik1zy7ok) - [AJ1](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jordan-1-shoes-4fokyznik1zy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jordan-clothing-37eefz6ymx6znik1) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-accessories-equipment-37eefzawwpw) - [Women](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jordan-37eefz5e1x6) - [Shop All](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jordan-37eefz5e1x6) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jordan-shoes-37eefz5e1x6zy7ok) - [AJ1](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jordan-1-shoes-4fokyz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jordan-clothing-37eefz5e1x6z6ymx6) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-accessories-equipment-37eefzawwpw) - [Kids](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jordan-37eefzv4dh) - [Shop All](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jordan-37eefzv4dh) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jordan-shoes-37eefzv4dhzy7ok) - [AJ1](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-1-shoes-1onraz3aqegz4fokyzy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jordan-clothing-37eefz6ymx6zv4dh) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jordan-accessories-equipment-37eefzawwpwzv4dh) - Sport - [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-basketball-37eefz3glsm) - [Golf](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-golf-23q9wz37eef) - [Cleats](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-cleats-spikes-37eefz5ufbh) - [NikeSKIMS](https://www.nike.com/nikeskims) - [All Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-shoes-b2asdzy7ok) - [NikeSKIMS Rift](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-shoes-b2asdzy7ok) - [All Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-b2asd) - [Bras](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-sports-bras-40qgmzb2asd) - [Jackets](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-jackets-vests-50r7yzb2asd) - [Leggings](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-tights-leggings-29sh2zb2asd) - [Shorts](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-shorts-38fphzb2asd) - [Tops and Tanks](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-tops-t-shirts-9om13zb2asd) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-accessories-equipment-awwpwzb2asd) - [Shop by Color](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-b2asd) - [Carob Brown](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-brown-557pqzb2asd) - [Ivory](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-white-4g797zb2asd) - [Obsidian](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-black-90poyzb2asd) - [University Red](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-red-3abn9zb2asd) - [Shop by Material](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-b2asd) - [Airy](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-airy-5c1qqzb2asd) - [Matte](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-matte-5s3enzb2asd) - [Performance Cotton Blend](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-performance-cotton-blend-93ehs) - [Satin Shine](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-satin-shine-97fc5zb2asd) - [Seamless](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-seamless-6lh4szb2asd) - [Stretch Knit 2.0](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-stretch-knit-21jwlzb2asd) - [Stretch Nylon](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-stretch-nylon-7sut9) - [Studio Stretch](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-studio-stretch-admbq) - [Weightless Layers](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-weightless-4csx8zb2asd) - [NikeSKIMS Guides](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-b2asd) - [NikeSKIMS Lookbook](https://www.nike.com/nikeskims-lookbook) - [NikeSKIMS Bra Guide](https://www.nike.com/nikeskims-bra-guide) - [NikeSKIMS Fabric Guide](https://www.nike.com/nikeskims-collection-guide) - [Sport](https://www.nike.com/gear-up) - [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/basketball) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/basketball-shoes-3glsmzy7ok) - [Apparel](https://www.nike.com/w/basketball-clothing-3glsmz6ymx6) - [Equipment](https://www.nike.com/w/basketball-accessories-equipment-3glsmzawwpw) - [Kobe](https://www.nike.com/kobe) - [Jordan](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-basketball-37eefz3glsm) - [Court](https://www.nike.com/court) - [Tennis](https://www.nike.com/w/tennis-ed1q) - [Pickleball](https://www.nike.com/w/pickleball-273vc) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/tennis-shoes-ed1qzy7ok) - [Apparel](https://www.nike.com/w/tennis-clothing-6ymx6zed1q) - [Equipment](https://www.nike.com/w/soccer-accessories-equipment-1gdj0zawwpw) - [Soccer](https://www.nike.com/soccer) - [Cleats](https://www.nike.com/w/soccer-shoes-1gdj0zy7ok) - [Indoor Footwear](https://www.nike.com/w/indoor-court-soccer-shoes-1gdj0z8yh10zy7ok) - [Apparel](https://www.nike.com/w/soccer-clothing-1gdj0z6ymx6) - [Equipment](https://www.nike.com/w/soccer-accessories-equipment-1gdj0zawwpw) - [Training](https://www.nike.com/training) - [Prime](https://www.nike.com/w/prime-7frqv) - [Train](https://www.nike.com/w/training-gym-58jto) - [Hybrid](https://www.nike.com/w/hybrid-training-8wvhh) - [Strength](https://www.nike.com/w/strength-training-45gbi) - [Studio](https://www.nike.com/w/yoga-pilates-59fco) - [Recover](https://www.nike.com/w/recover-5vfyy) - [Running](https://www.nike.com/running) - [Road](https://www.nike.com/w/road-running-3qxw3) - [Race](https://www.nike.com/w/road-racing-9gdhk) - [Trail](https://www.nike.com/w/acg-trail-running-75jcnz93bsd) - [Track & Field](https://www.nike.com/w/track-field-7nem3) - [Apparel](https://www.nike.com/w/running-clothing-37v7jz6ymx6) - [Running Shoe Finder](https://www.nike.com/running-shoe-finder) - [Golf](https://www.nike.com/golf) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/golf-shoes-23q9wzy7ok) - [Apparel](https://www.nike.com/w/golf-clothing-23q9wz6ymx6) - [Equipment](https://www.nike.com/w/golf-accessories-equipment-23q9wzawwpw) - More Sports - [Baseball](https://www.nike.com/baseball) - [Cheer](https://www.nike.com/w/cheerleading-1cyjk) - [Football](https://www.nike.com/us-football) - [Gymnastics](https://www.nike.com/w/gymnastics-dance-inspired-2obuy) - [Lacrosse](https://www.nike.com/w/lacrosse-4nvmr) - [Skateboarding](https://www.nike.com/w/skateboarding-8mfrf) - [Softball](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-softball-2dlpvz5e1x6) - [Sportswear](https://www.nike.com/sportswear) - [Swimming](https://www.nike.com/w/surf-swimming-3c2dj) - [Volleyball](https://www.nike.com/w/volleyball-tc2u) - [Wrestling](https://www.nike.com/w/wrestling-52dy6) - [Locker Room](https://www.nike.com/LockerRoom) - [NBA Gear](https://www.nike.com/w/nba-1vofi) - [NFL Gear](https://www.nike.com/w/nfl-9bklc) - [MLB Gear](https://www.nike.com/w/mlb-b0g9x) - [WNBA Gear](https://www.nike.com/w/wnba-6ef6n) - [NCAA Gear](https://www.nike.com/w/college-teams-2wq2g) - [NWSL Gear](https://www.nike.com/w/national-womens-soccer-league-5yy3b) - [Soccer Club Gear](https://www.nike.com/w/soccer-clubs-6fu9q) - [Federations Gear](https://www.nike.com/w/national-team-soccer-1gdj0zav9de) - [All Conditions Gear](https://www.nike.com/acg) - [Trail Run](https://www.nike.com/w/acg-trail-running-75jcnz93bsd) - [Hike](https://www.nike.com/w/acg-hiking-90dwjz93bsd) - [Explore](https://www.nike.com/w/acg-explore-1v964z93bsd) - [Sportswear](https://www.nike.com/sportswear) Cancel Cancel Ask NikeAI Popular Search Terms [moon shoe](https://www.nike.com/w?q=moon%20shoe&vst=moon%20shoe)[nike united](https://www.nike.com/w?q=nike%20united&vst=nike%20united)[basketball shoes](https://www.nike.com/w?q=basketball%20shoes&vst=basketball%20shoes)[jordan](https://www.nike.com/w?q=jordan&vst=jordan)[shoes](https://www.nike.com/w?q=shoes&vst=shoes)[socks](https://www.nike.com/w?q=socks&vst=socks)[air force 1](https://www.nike.com/w?q=air%20force%201&vst=air%20force%201)[soccer cleats](https://www.nike.com/w?q=soccer%20cleats&vst=soccer%20cleats) [](https://www.nike.com/favorites "Favorites")[](https://www.nike.com/cart "Bag Items: 0") [Shop New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/w/new-3n82y) [Send a Gift Card](https://www.nike.com/t/gift-card-mailed-in-a-mini-nike-shoebox-B9Mv2K/GIFTCARD-7492) [Members: Free Shipping on Orders $50+](https://www.nike.com/register) # What Are the Parts of a Shoe? ##### Buying Guide From heel to toe, here are all the parts that make your shoes move, including the vamp, eyestay, collar, tongue, heel counter, midsole, outsole and strobel. Last updated: October 20, 2026 8 min read  You may not have thought about all the parts of a shoe before, but understanding how they are designed can help you [select the right sneaker](https://www.nike.com/a/buy-right-running-shoes) for your needs. A shoe is built from roughly two dozen individual parts, and each has a name. Shoe parts group into three zones: the upper, which wraps the top and sides of your foot; the heel, which locks your foot in place; and the sole unit underneath, which handles cushioning and traction. Knowing what each part is called makes it far easier to figure out why one pair fits and another rubs, which shoe suits your sport and which part is worn out when a favorite pair stops feeling right. Below you will find every part named and defined, a labeled diagram of each zone, what each part actually does for fit and performance and which parts wear out first. ## Quick Takeaways: - The parts of a shoe divide into three zones: the upper, the heel and collar, and the sole unit. - The upper includes the vamp, tip, quarter, eyestay, eyelets, laces and tongue. - The heel includes the collar, collar foam, collar lining, heel lining, heel counter and foxing. - The sole unit includes the outsole, midsole and strobel, the fabric layer stitched to the bottom of the upper. - Sneakers share the same anatomy as other shoes, with added performance elements like foam midsoles, engineered mesh uppers and molded heel counters. ## Shop Nike Running Shoes [View All](https://www.nike.com/w/running-shoes-37v7jzy7ok) - [ \ Nike Alphafly 4 \ Men's Road Racing Shoes \ __$280__](https://www.nike.com/t/alphafly-4-mens-road-racing-shoes-EC33rkiZ/IU4686-002) - [ \ Nike Alphafly 4 \ Women's Road Racing Shoes \ __$280__](https://www.nike.com/t/alphafly-4-womens-road-racing-shoes-K64ZJOk4/IZ9609-002) - [ \ Nike Alphafly 4 \ Men's Road Racing Shoes \ __$280__](https://www.nike.com/t/alphafly-4-mens-road-racing-shoes-nDI0qqhc/IM5546-800) - [ \ Nike Alphafly 4 \ Women's Road Racing Shoes \ __$280__](https://www.nike.com/t/alphafly-4-womens-road-racing-shoes-4XwmgSWm/IM5547-600) - [ \ Nike Pegasus Plus 2 \ Men's Road Running Shoes \ __$170__](https://www.nike.com/t/pegasus-plus-2-mens-road-running-shoes-p9ePl101/IM2541-400) - [ \ Nike Pegasus Plus 2 \ Women's Road Running Shoes \ __$170__](https://www.nike.com/t/pegasus-plus-2-womens-road-running-shoes-IApQlsjO/IM2543-005) - [ \ Nike Vomero Plus \ Men's Road Running Shoes \ __$180__](https://www.nike.com/t/vomero-plus-mens-road-running-shoes-5npsVBwT/HV8150-402) - [ \ Nike Vomero Plus \ Women's Road Running Shoes \ __$180__](https://www.nike.com/t/vomero-plus-womens-road-running-shoes-8AH6updi/HV8154-013) - [ \ Nike Pegasus 42 \ Men's Road Running Shoes \ __$145__](https://www.nike.com/t/pegasus-42-mens-road-running-shoes-S1bYkOza/IB1873-402) - [ \ Nike Pegasus 42 \ Women's Road Running Shoes \ __$145__](https://www.nike.com/t/pegasus-42-womens-road-running-shoes-VCB6baKU/IB1881-601) ## What Are the Parts of a Shoe? A shoe is built from about two dozen individual parts. Most of us can point to the heel, the tongue and the laces, but the full breakdown is more detailed than that — and every part has a job. The parts of a shoe are the vamp, tip, quarter, eyestay, eyelets, laces and tongue on the upper; the collar, collar foam, heel lining, heel counter and foxing at the heel; and the strobel, midsole, and outsole underneath. The upper is everything above the sole that wraps your foot. The sole unit is everything below it. The strobel closes the bottom of the upper, the midsole supplies cushioning, and the outsole meets the ground. Together, these parts control how a shoe fits, how it cushions, how it grips and how long it lasts.  __Collar__ — The opening you put your foot into, at the top of the shoe around your ankle. __Collar foam__ — The padding inside the collar that cushions your heel and ankle. __Collar lining__ — The fabric layer inside the collar that sits against your skin. __Eyelets__ — The holes the laces pass through. __Eyestay__ — The reinforced strip along each side of the opening where the eyelets sit. __Eyestay reinforcement__ — The backing material that keeps the eyestay from stretching or tearing when you pull the laces tight. __Foxing__ — The material wrapped around the heel on the outside of the shoe, adding durability and structure. __Heel counter__ — The stiffest piece of material in the back of the shoe. It cups your heel and stops it from sliding side to side. __Heel lining__ — The material lining the inside of the heel, where friction and blisters are most likely. __Laces__ — The cords that pull the two sides of the upper together and set the fit across your midfoot. __Logo__ — Nike Swoosh. __Midsole__ — The foam layer between the strobel and the outsole. This is where cushioning, energy return and [stability](https://www.nike.com/a/trail-running-shoes-stability) live. __Outsole__ — The bottom layer that contacts the ground. Its rubber compound and tread pattern determine traction and how long the shoe lasts. __Quarter__ — The panel that covers the sides and back of your foot, from the vamp to the heel. __Quarter overlay__ — A layer applied over the quarter that adds structure and holds your midfoot in place. __Strobel__ — The fabric layer stitched across the bottom of the upper, directly beneath your foot. Everything below it is the sole unit. __Tip__ — The section of the upper that covers your toes at the very front of the shoe. __Tip reinforcement__ — An extra layer bonded over the tip to resist scuffing and abrasion where the shoe hits the ground first. __Tongue__ — The flap under the laces. It protects the top of your foot and keeps the laces from rubbing. __Tongue top, tongue front, tongue foam and tongue lining__ — The four layers that make up the tongue: the outer top panel, the front facing, the padding in between and the fabric against your foot. __Vamp__ — The panel that covers the top of your foot, running from the toe area back to the lacing. ## The Upper, the Sole, and What's Inside The upper is the whole top half of the shoe — every part above the sole that wraps your foot. It includes the vamp, tip, quarter, eyestay, eyelets, laces, tongue and collar. On performance shoes, the upper is often a single piece of engineered mesh or knit, so the parts blend into each other instead of being stitched panels. The sole unit is everything underneath. It starts at the strobel, the fabric layer your foot rests on, then the midsole foam, then the outsole rubber that meets the ground. The insole, also called the sockliner, is the removable foam footbed that sits on top of the strobel and directly under your foot. It is the part most people mean when they say the inside of the shoe, and on most Nike shoes you can lift it out and replace it. The toe box is the space at the front of the shoe where your toes sit. It is not a separate piece of material — it is the volume created by the tip, the vamp and the sole. A [roomier toe box](https://www.nike.com/a/best-shoes-for-wide-feet) gives your toes space to splay, which matters most on long runs and in wide widths. ## What Each Part Does for Fit and Performance Each part of a shoe serves a particular function, and understanding those specifics can help when you're comparing one shoe to another, or if you're looking at how a shoe should fit. - __Heel counter:__ Determines heel hold. If your heel lifts [when you walk](https://www.nike.com/a/best-shoes-for-walking) or slips on climbs, the counter is either too soft or the wrong shape for your foot. - __Eyestay and laces:__ Provide midfoot lockdown. Lacing tension pulls the two sides of the upper together, so the same shoe can feel loose or locked depending on how you lace it. - __Vamp and tip:__ Controls toe room. If your toes feel pinched or your longest toe presses the front, you need more length or a wider fit, not a tighter lace. - __Collar foam:__ Provides comfort at your ankle. More padding feels plusher; less padding feels lighter and faster. - __Midsole:__ Determines cushioning and ride. Softer, taller foam absorbs more impact over long distances. The Vomero is Nike's maximum cushion pick, with the deepest, softest foam underfoot. A firmer platform with structured foam gives you stability if your foot rolls inward — that is the Structure, Nike's supportive cushion shoe. - __Outsole:__ Provides grip and durability. Flatter rubber patterns roll smoothly on pavement; deeper lugs bite into dirt and loose ground. ## Which Parts of a Shoe Wear Out First? Although [shoe wear](https://www.nike.com/a/how-often-to-replace-running-shoes) depends on factors like your stride — for example, if you overpronate, the inner edge of the sole will wear out more quickly because your ankle rolls inward — in general, the midsole usually goes first. Wear in the midsole is also the hardest to see. Foam compresses with every step, and after a few hundred miles the shoe stops rebounding the way it did when it was new. The shoe still looks fine; it just feels flat and your legs feel more beat up afterward. That is the signal to replace it. The outsole shows wear where you land hardest, usually in the outer heel and the ball of the foot. Once the tread pattern is worn smooth in those spots, traction drops and the rubber underneath wears fast. The heel lining wears through from friction, especially if your heel is slipping. A hole there is a fit problem, not just a durability problem. The eyestay and laces take the most repeated stress on the upper. Frayed laces are an easy fix; a torn eyestay usually is not easy to correct because, when that's damaged, it can rip more when you tighten the laces. ## What Are the Parts of a Sneaker? A sneaker has the same anatomy as any other shoe — upper, heel, sole unit — with a few parts that are specific to sneakers and related to performance. The midsole is the biggest difference. Dress shoes use a stitched leather sole; sneakers use molded foam, which is what makes cushioning technology possible. The upper is usually engineered mesh or knit rather than cut-and-stitched leather panels, so it flexes with your foot and breathes. The heel counter is often molded plastic bonded inside the heel instead of stiffened leather, and the outsole is rubber with a purpose-built tread pattern — flat and smooth for court sports, with extra traction for trail running or hiking, [segmented for road running](https://www.nike.com/a/types-of-running-shoes). Everything else carries over: the vamp, tip, quarter, eyestay, eyelets, laces, tongue, collar, foxing, and strobel all mean the same thing on a sneaker as they do on a dress shoe. Overall, whether you’re running around the track, [pacing yourself through a marathon](https://www.nike.com/a/best-running-shoes-marathon) or easing into your favorite sneakers for a [walk around the neighborhood](https://www.nike.com/a/best-shoes-for-walking), the different types of shoes and their various parts are working in different ways to support you and your feet. ## FAQ What is the difference between an insole and a sockliner? A sockliner is a thin piece of foam or fabric that covers internal seams and is usually glued in place. It offers no arch support or heel stabilization. The insole is a contoured insert with a molded arch shape for support, a heel cup for stability and materials like foam that help with load distribution during high-impact activities. What is the vamp of a shoe? The vamp is the upper front part of a shoe that covers your toes and the top of your foot. It affects how well the shoe holds your foot, while still offering bendability as you walk. What is a strobel in a shoe? The strobel is a fabric layer stitched across the bottom of the upper, directly beneath your foot. Everything below it is the sole unit. The strobel provides flexibility, and because it utilizes minimal materials, it reduces overall weight. What is the difference between the midsole and the outsole? The midsole sits between the insole and the outsole, as a [cushioning](https://www.nike.com/a/best-cushioned-shoes) layer that absorbs shock and offers support. The outsole is the bottom layer that touches the ground and provides traction. What does the heel counter do? A heel counter stabilizes the heel to keep the foot from slipping side to side as you walk, run or do other activities. ## Shop Nike Sneakers and Shoes [View All](https://www.nike.com/w/shoes-y7ok) - [ \ Air Jordan 14 Retro "Forest Green" \ Men's Shoes \ __$215__](https://www.nike.com/t/air-jordan-14-retro-forest-green-mens-shoes-T4qFPi4l/487471-300) - [ \ Air Jordan 12 Retro "Fireside" \ Men's Shoes \ __$215__](https://www.nike.com/t/air-jordan-12-retro-fireside-mens-shoes-pz28oX9z/CT8013-105) - [ \ Air Jordan 5 Retro "Halloween" \ Men's Shoes \ __$215__](https://www.nike.com/t/air-jordan-5-retro-halloween-mens-shoes-6R2lWr5e/HQ7978-001) - [ \ Air Jordan 5 Retro "Halloween" \ Big Kids' Shoes \ __$155__](https://www.nike.com/t/air-jordan-5-retro-halloween-big-kids-shoes-6R2lWr5e/HQ7980-001) - [ \ Nike Pegasus Plus 2 \ Men's Road Running Shoes \ __$170__](https://www.nike.com/t/pegasus-plus-2-mens-road-running-shoes-p9ePl101/IM2541-400) - [ \ Nike Pegasus Plus 2 \ Women's Road Running Shoes \ __$170__](https://www.nike.com/t/pegasus-plus-2-womens-road-running-shoes-IApQlsjO/IM2543-004) - [ \ Nike Air Force 1 '07 \ Men's Shoes \ __$115__](https://www.nike.com/t/air-force-1-07-mens-shoes-DZejrQoC/CW2288-111) - [ \ Nike Air Force 1 '07 \ Women's Shoes \ __$115__](https://www.nike.com/t/air-force-1-07-womens-shoes-C7h9KAcy/DD8959-100) - [ \ Nike Air Force 1 LE \ Big Kids' Shoes \ __$90__](https://www.nike.com/t/air-force-1-le-big-kids-shoes-3JNSvS/DH2920-111) - [ \ Nike Force 1 Low \ Little Kids' Shoes \ __$70__](https://www.nike.com/t/force-1-low-little-kids-shoes-3JNSvS/IF1673-100) Originally published: November 22, 2021 ## Related Stories -  [](https://www.nike.com/a/recycle-old-shoes) # Product Care # How to Get Rid of Old Shoes Sustainably -  [](https://www.nike.com/a/gifts-for-soccer-players) # Kickstart your search with these soccer player gift ideas. # The Best Nike Gifts for Soccer Players: Jerseys, Training Gear, Cleats, and More -  [](https://www.nike.com/a/best-soccer-cleats) # Buying Guide # The Best Nike Soccer Cleats: Mercurial, Phantom, and Tiempo,  Compared by Playing Style and Surface -  [](https://www.nike.com/a/nike-air-works-release-info) # Product News # Nike Air Works: 3D-Printed Air Max Shoes from Eight Global Cities -  [](https://www.nike.com/a/gifts-for-soccer-fans) # Buying Guide # The Best Nike Gifts for Soccer Fans: Jerseys, Hoodies, Balls, and More Resources [Gift Cards](https://www.nike.com/gift-cards) [Corporate Sales](https://www.nike.com/corporate-sales) [Find a Store](https://www.nike.com/retail) [Membership](https://www.nike.com/membership) [Product News](https://www.nike.com/product-news) [Magazine](https://about.nike.com/en/magazine) [Site Feedback](https://www.nike.com#site-feedback) Help [Get Help](https://www.nike.com/help) [Order Status](https://www.nike.com/orders/details/) [Shipping and Delivery](https://www.nike.com/help/a/shipping-delivery) [Returns](https://www.nike.com/help/a/returns-policy) [Order Cancellation](https://www.nike.com/help/a/change-cancel-order) [Payment Options](https://www.nike.com/help/a/payment-options) [Gift Card Balance](https://www.nike.com/orders/gift-card-lookup) [Contact Us](https://www.nike.com/help/#contact) Company [About Nike](https://about.nike.com/en) [News](http://news.nike.com/) [Careers](https://jobs.nike.com/) [Investors](http://investors.nike.com/) [Purpose](https://purpose.nike.com/) [Sustainability](https://www.nike.com/sustainability) [Accessibility](https://www.nike.com/us/en/accessibility/#introduction) Promotions & Discounts [Student](https://www.nike.com/help/a/student-discount) [Military](https://www.nike.com/help/a/military-discount) [Teacher](https://www.nike.com/help/a/teacher-discount) [First Responders & Medical Professionals](https://www.nike.com/help/a/first-responder-discount) [Birthday](https://www.nike.com/help/a/birthday-terms-promo) [Resources](https://www.nike.com/help) [Gift Cards](https://www.nike.com/gift-cards) [Corporate Sales](https://www.nike.com/corporate-sales) [Find a Store](https://www.nike.com/retail) [Membership](https://www.nike.com/membership) [Product News](https://www.nike.com/product-news) [Magazine](https://about.nike.com/en/magazine) [Site Feedback](https://www.nike.com#site-feedback) [Help](https://www.nike.com/help) [Get Help](https://www.nike.com/help) [Order Status](https://www.nike.com/orders/details/) [Shipping and Delivery](https://www.nike.com/help/a/shipping-delivery) [Returns](https://www.nike.com/help/a/returns-policy) [Order Cancellation](https://www.nike.com/help/a/change-cancel-order) [Payment Options](https://www.nike.com/help/a/payment-options) [Gift Card Balance](https://www.nike.com/orders/gift-card-lookup) [Contact Us](https://www.nike.com/help/#contact) [Company](https://about.nike.com/en) [About Nike](https://about.nike.com/en) [News](http://news.nike.com/) [Careers](https://jobs.nike.com/) [Investors](http://investors.nike.com/) [Purpose](https://purpose.nike.com/) [Sustainability](https://www.nike.com/sustainability) [Accessibility](https://www.nike.com/us/en/accessibility/#introduction) [Promotions & Discounts](https://www.nike.com/promo-code) [Student](https://www.nike.com/help/a/student-discount) [Military](https://www.nike.com/help/a/military-discount) [Teacher](https://www.nike.com/help/a/teacher-discount) [First Responders & Medical Professionals](https://www.nike.com/help/a/first-responder-discount) [Birthday](https://www.nike.com/help/a/birthday-terms-promo) United States - © 2026 Nike, Inc. All Rights Reserved. - Guides - [Nike Air](https://www.nike.com/air) - [Nike Air Force 1](https://www.nike.com/air-force-1) - [Nike Air Max](https://www.nike.com/air-max) - [Nike FlyEase](https://www.nike.com/flyease) - [Nike Flyknit](https://www.nike.com/flyknit) - [Nike Free](https://www.nike.com/free) - [Nike React](https://www.nike.com/react) - [Nike Vaporfly](https://www.nike.com/running/vaporfly) - [Nike ZoomX](https://www.nike.com/zoomx) - [Space Hippie](https://www.nike.com/space-hippie) - [Terms of Sale](https://agreementservice.svs.nike.com/us/en_us/rest/agreement?agreementType=termsOfSale&uxId=com.nike.commerce.nikedotcom.web&country=US&language=en&requestType=redirect) - [Terms of Use](https://agreementservice.svs.nike.com/us/en_us/rest/agreement?agreementType=termsOfUse&uxId=com.nike.commerce.nikedotcom.web&country=US&language=en&requestType=redirect) - [Nike Privacy Policy](https://agreementservice.svs.nike.com/rest/agreement?agreementType=privacyPolicy&uxId=com.nike.commerce.nikedotcom.web&requestType=redirect) - [ \ Your Privacy Choices](https://www.nike.com/guest/settings/do-not-share-my-data) - [CA Supply Chains Act](https://about.nike.com/en/impact-resources/statement-on-forced-labor) ## Africa - [__Egypt__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/eg/) - [__Morocco__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/ma/en/) - [__Maroc__ \ Français](https://www.nike.com/ma/) - [__South Africa__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/za/) ## Americas - [__Argentina__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com.ar) - [__Brasil__ \ Português](https://www.nike.com.br) - [__Canada__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/ca/) - [__Canada__ \ Français](https://www.nike.com/ca/fr/) - [__Chile__ \ Español](https://www.nike.cl) - [__Colombia__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com.co) - [__México__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com/mx/) - [__Peru__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com.pe) - [__Puerto Rico__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com/pr/) - [__United States__ \ English](https://www.nike.com) - [__Estados Unidos__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com/us/es/) - [__Uruguay__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com.uy) - [__Latin America__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com/xl/) ## Asia Pacific - [__Australia__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/au/) - [__中国大陆__ \ 简体中文](https://www.nike.com.cn/) - [__Hong Kong__ \ English](https://www.nike.com.hk/) - [__香港__ \ 繁體中文](https://www.nike.com.hk/) - [__India__ \ English](https://www.nike.in/) - [__Indonesia__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/id/) - [__Japan__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/jp/en/) - [__日本__ \ 日本語](https://www.nike.com/jp/) - [__대한민국__ \ 한국어](https://www.nike.com/kr/) - [__Malaysia__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/my/) - [__New Zealand__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/nz/) - [__Philippines__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/ph/) - [__Singapore__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/sg/) - [__台灣__ \ 繁體中文](https://www.nike.com/tw/) - [__ไทย__ \ ภาษาไทย](https://www.nike.com/th/) - [__Vietnam__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/vn/) ## Europe - [__Österreich__ \ Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/at/) - [__Austria__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/at/en/) - [__Belgien__ \ Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/be/de/) - [__Belgium__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/be/en/) - [__Belgique__ \ Français](https://www.nike.com/be/fr/) - [__België__ \ Nederlands](https://www.nike.com/be/) - [__Bulgaria__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/bg/) - [__Croatia__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/hr/) - [__Česká republika__ \ Čeština](https://www.nike.com/cz/) - [__Czech Republic__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/cz/en/) - [__Danmark__ \ Dansk](https://www.nike.com/dk/) - [__Denmark__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/dk/en/) - [__Finland__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/fi/) - [__France__ \ Français](https://www.nike.com/fr/) - [__Deutschland__ \ Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/de/) - [__Ελλάδα__ \ ελληνικά](https://www.nike.com/gr/) - [__Hungary__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/hu/en/) - [__Magyarország__ \ Magyar](https://www.nike.com/hu/) - [__Ireland__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/ie/) - [__Israel__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/il/) - [__Italia__ \ Italiano](https://www.nike.com/it/) - [__Luxemburg__ \ Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/lu/de/) - [__Luxembourg__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/lu/en/) - [__Luxembourg__ \ Français](https://www.nike.com/lu/) - [__Netherlands__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/nl/en/) - [__Nederland__ \ Nederlands](https://www.nike.com/nl/) - [__Norway__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/no/en/) - [__Norge__ \ Norsk](https://www.nike.com/no/) - [__Polska__ \ Polski](https://www.nike.com/pl/) - [__Portugal__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/pt/en/) - [__Portugal__ \ Português](https://www.nike.com/pt/) - [__Romania__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/ro/) - [__Россия__ \ Русский](https://www.nike.com/ru/) - [__Slovakia__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/sk/) - [__Slovenia__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/si/) - [__Espanya__ \ Català](https://www.nike.com/es/ca/) - [__España__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com/es/) - [__Sweden__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/se/en/) - [__Sverige__ \ Svenska](https://www.nike.com/se/) - [__Schweiz__ \ Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/ch/) - [__Switzerland__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/ch/en/) - [__Suisse__ \ Français](https://www.nike.com/ch/fr/) - [__Svizzera__ \ Italiano](https://www.nike.com/ch/it/) - [__Türkiye__ \ Türkçe](https://www.nike.com/tr/) - [__United Kingdom__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/gb/) ## Middle East - [__Saudi Arabia__ \ English](https://www.nike.sa/en/home) - [__المملكة العربية السعودية__ \ العربية](https://www.nike.sa/ar/home) - [__United Arab Emirates__ \ English](https://www.nike.ae/en/home) - [__الإمارات العربية المتحدة__ \ العربية](https://www.nike.ae/ar/home) - [__Qatar__ \ English](https://www.nike.qa/en/home) - [__دولة قطر__ \ العربية](https://www.nike.qa/ar/home) - [__Kuwait__ \ English](https://www.nike.com.kw/en/home) - [__الكويت__ \ العربية](https://www.nike.com.kw/ar/home)