Glossary

At CharlesKeith.com, we have prepared a Glossary Guide as a reference for you to learn more about our shoes, handbags, accessories and our industry. We hope this guide is useful to you in providing more insights about the features that our products provide.

  • Ankle Boot

    A boot that extends up to the ankle but not much beyond.

  • Alligator Skin

    A reptile hide featuring a wide, boxed print.

  • Faux Alligator Skin

    A synthetic material made to look like leather reptile hide featuring a wide, boxed print.

  • Ankle Strap

    A strap attached at the rear of the shoe that encircles the ankle. Usually features an adjustable buckle or elastic.

  • Arch

    The high, curved part of the sole of the foot, located between the ball of the foot and the heel. This term can also refer to the raised area of the insole of the shoe, which is meant to pad and provide support for the arch of the foot.

  • Back Seam

    The vertical seam at the center of the back of a shoe or boot.

  • Ballerina Flat

    A ballet-style flat meant for everyday wear.

  • Boot

    A style of footwear extending to the height of the anklebone and above. May extend as high as the thigh.

  • Bootie

    A shoe that resembles a boot in style but is not as high.

  • Box Handbag

    A box-shaped handbag, typically of a hard material such as plastic or wood. Features a handle at the top and normally with a closure.

  • Braid

    Material which is weaved together losing 3 or more strands.

  • Break

    The natural crease created across the vamp of the shoe from everyday wear.

  • Bucket Handbag

    A large, bucket-shaped bag of cloth or leather. Typically features a single shoulder strap.

  • Buckle

    A clasp at the end of a length of fabric or leather that joins one end of the material to the other.

  • Calf boot

    A boot that extends up to the calf but not much beyond.

  • Calfskin

    Leather created from the skins of very young cows. Calfskin is typically very supple and soft.

  • Faux Calfskin

    Synthetic material made to look like leather of very young cows.

  • Canvas

    A heavy, closely woven fabric.

  • Circumference

    The measurement around the shaft of a boot taken at the widest part near the top of the boot shaft.

  • Clog

    A footwear style featuring a closed toe, open back and a platform sole traditionally fashioned from wood.

  • Clutch Handbag

    A narrow, handheld bag with no strap.

  • Convertible Handbag

    Features a wrist or shoulder strap that may be removed or hidden.

  • Cord

    A trimming made by twisting or plying two or more strands of yarn together.

  • Cotton

    Fabric woven from cotton fibers.

  • Counter

    A stiff piece of material placed at the heel of a shoe between the lining and upper in order to retain the shape of the shoe.

  • Covered

    A style of footwear whereby no toes are exposed.

  • Crepe Rubber

    A crude natural rubber with a crinkled texture, used in shoe soles.

  • Crescent Handbag

    A half-moon shaped bag, often with a top zipper and single shoulder strap.

  • Cushioning

    Padding on the insole or outsole of a shoe for added comfort and stabilization.

  • D'Orsay

    A style of pump featuring one or both sides cut-out.

  • Denim

    A textile often made of cotton with a distinct diagonal pattern.

  • Drawstring Handbag

    Any handbag with a string or cord (rather than a zipper or latch) closure.

  • Dressing

    The application of polish or gloss to a shoe to maintain its finish and appearance.

  • Driving Moc

    A slip-on moccasin.

  • Elastic

    Fabric made of yarns containing an elastic material.

  • Embossing

    Embossing is an artistic technique which creates a pattern on a material such as paper, metal, fabric, leather, or wood. The pattern can be raised or in relief, depending on how it is embossed. Many consumers interact with embossed items on a regular basis, ranging from embossed book covers to notarized documents.

  • Embossed Leather

    A design that is imprinted onto leather and often simulated exotic skin - i.e., croco or snake. May also be a random pattern.

  • Faux Embossed Leather

    Design that is imprinted on synthetic material made to look like leather design, often simulated exotic skin - i.e., croco or snake. May also be a random pattern.

  • Envelope Handbag

    A slim, envelop shaped handbag. May be a clutch or have a handle or strap.

  • Espadrille

    A shoe or sandal style that has a woven rope or similar material covering the wedge or sole.

  • Fabric

    Cloth of any kind that is woven or knit from fibers, whether vegetable, animal, or synthetic.

  • Felt

    Material made of matted fibres of wool, or wool and fur, fulled or wrought into a compact substance by rolling and pressure, with lees or size, without spinning or weaving.

  • Finish

    The process by which the final appearance of a shoe is created. The finish can include the application of polish to create a high-gloss finish, or a contrasting polish to create a rub-off finish like "antiquing".

  • Flats

    Shoes in which the foot remains in a flat profile.

  • Flat Foot

    A condition in which the arch of the foot is collapsed and the entire foot rests on the ground.

  • Footbed

    Another term for insole.

  • Forefoot

    The area of foot between the ball and the toes.

  • Faux Fur

    Synthetic material made to look like fur.

  • Gladiator

    Women’s sandals which resemble shoes from the Roman era.

  • Grain Leather

    Leather that has a naturally textured surface.

  • Faux Grain Leather

    Naturally textured surface designed imprinted on Synthetic material made to look like leather.

  • Galoshes

    Waterproof (typically rubber) overshoes or boots meant to protect the foot and footwear from inclement weather.

  • Girth

    The circumference of a shoe last measured around the ball of the foot.

  • Goatskin

    Leather made from the hide of a goat.

  • Faux Goatskin

    Synthetic material made to look like leather made from the hide of a goat.

  • Gore

    An elastic panel stitched into either side of a shoe's vamp in order to make it more comfortable and easier to put on and take off.

  • Grain

    The inherent surface pattern of leather or intimidated leather, differentiated by the animal or pattern from which it came.

  • Heels

    Refers to shoe which utilise a separate piece from the sole to elevate the heel of the foot.

  • Heel

    "Heel" can refer to both the rear, padded area of the underside of the foot, as well as the solid part of a shoe that supports the heel cup.

  • Heel Height

    Heel height is measured on a vertical line at the breast of the heel, and goes from the bottom surface of the sole (where it meets the heel) to the floor.

  • Heel Seat

    The part of the shoe directly below where the heel of the foot rests, and where the sole and the heel are joined together.

  • Hobo Handbag

    A roomy, unstructured, rounded bag, typically with a single top zipper and shoulder strap.

  • Imitation Leather

    Any synthetic material made to look like leather.

  • Insole

    A lining that runs the full length of the inside of the shoe.

  • Instep

    The upper, center section of the foot, between the toes and ankle.

  • Instep Strap

    A strap that extends straight across the instep of the foot.

  • Kiltie

    A decorative, fringed tongue over the vamp of a shoe.

  • Knee Boot

    A boot that extends up to the knee but not much beyond.

  • Lambskin

    Leather created from the skin of young sheep.

  • Faux Lambskin

    Synthetic material made to look like leather created from the skin of young sheep.

  • Leather

    The skin of an animal, typically with the hair removed and tanned for use.

  • Faux Leather

    Any synthetic material made to look like leather.

  • Linen

    Fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant.

  • Lining

    The inside material of a shoe. May be composed of leather, fabric or synthetic material.

  • Lizard

    Leather made from the skin of a lizard, typically with a specked, grainy appearance.

  • Faux Lizard

    Synthetic material made to look like leather made from the skin of a lizard, typically with a specked, grainy appearance.

  • Loafer

    A slip-on shoe, completely without fasteners.

  • Mary Jane

    The style of low heeled shoe with a strap across the instep. The strap can be attached with elastic or a buckle, making it easy to slip on and off.

  • Mesh

    Open fabric of string or rope or wire woven together at regular intervals.

  • Moccasin

    A shoe in which the bottom is a single piece of leather, stitched around a last. The vamp is usually attached by whip stitching to the bottom of the shoe so it encloses the foot. Also known as Tru-Moc construction.

  • Muff Handbag

    A fur-lined handbag meant to be worn over the hands in order to keep them warm.

  • Mule

    Backless, closed-toe slippers or shoes.

  • Napa

    A supple version of sheepskin leather.

  • Faux Napa

    Synthetic material made to look like sheepskin leather.

  • Nubuck

    A type of leather that had been sanded for a smooth texture.

  • Faux Nubuck

    Synthetic material made to look like a type of leather that had been sanded for a smooth texture.

  • Open Toe

    A style of footwear whereby a large portion of toes are exposed.

  • Outsole

    The bottom outer sole of a shoe.

  • Patent Leather

    A glossy leather that has a shiny appearance. Patent leather is typically created from cattle hide.

  • Faux Patent Leather

    Synthetic material made to look like a glossy leather that has a shiny appearance.

  • Peep Toe

    A style of footwear whereby a small portion of the toes are exposed.

  • Pebbled Grain

    An embossed-leather grain finish that resembles a pebble surface.

  • Faux Pebbled Grain

    Synthetic material made to look like an embossed leather grain that resembles a pebble surface.

  • Perforation

    A pattern of small holes punched or bored into the trim of a shoe, for the purpose of decoration or ventilation.

  • Pigskin Leather

    Leather made from the skin of pigs.

  • Piping

    A decorative, narrow strip of leather that typically follows the seam of a shoe.

  • Platform Shoe

    A style of shoe featuring a thicker sole at the front; the heel is typically high to accommodate the higher height of the sole.

  • Polyurethane (PU)

    A synthetic material frequently used as an alternative to leather in the manufacturing of footwear. PU is light, flexible and durable.

  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

    A semi-rigid plastic material, often used in heel counters and outsoles for added support.

  • Pony Hair

    A soft but strong hair frequently found in inexpensive watercolor brushes.

  • Faux Pony Hair

    Man made material to resemble pony hair.

  • Pouch Handbag

    A general term referring to a handbag with a framed closure. May come in a variety of sizes with a variety of straps.

  • Pump

    A low-cut women's shoe, typically moderate in heel height.

  • Rim

    The part of the shoe where the foot enters. Another term for collar or top line.

  • Sandal

    A form of footwear, with an open toe and open back, that is held to the foot by strips of leather or fabric.

  • Satchel Handbag

    A structured handbag with double handles, locking hardware and a wide, flat bottom. May be large or small.

  • Satin

    A smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back.

  • Sequin

    Adornment consisting of a small piece of shiny material used for decoration.

  • Shaft Height

    Shaft height of boots are measured from middle of the arch up the inside of the boot to the top of the boot shaft.

  • Shantung

    A heavy fabric that is often made with either silk fibers or some form of synthetic fibers that are meant to be substitutes for cotton filaments. Sometimes referred to as spun wild silk, the texture of shantung is somewhat rough but not unpleasant to the touch.

  • Signature Label / Collection

    Charles & Keith Signature Label shoes are made from genuine leather for the modern woman of discerning taste.

  • Sheepskin

    Skin from sheep, either with or without the wool attached.

  • Faux Sheepskin

    Synthetic material made to look like skin from sheep, either with or without the wool attached.

  • Slide

    A shoe featuring an open toe and open back with a band across the toe. Can be flat, mid-heel or high-heeled.

  • Sling-back

    A shoe held on the foot with a strap at the back of heel. The strap is typically elasticized or buckled for adjustment.

  • Slip-On

    A style of footwear which is simply slipped on to the foot with no further adjustment.

  • Slipper

    A flat shoe that is easily slipped on, usually meant for indoor wear and lined for comfort and warmth.

  • Snakeskin

    Leather made from the skin of snakes, with a rough, scaly texture.

  • Faux Snakeskin

    Synthetic material made to look like leather made from the skin of snakes with a rough, scaly texture.

  • Sneaker

    An athletic shoe, typically made of canvas with a rubber sole. Ther term "sneaker" comes from the wearer's ability to walk in the shoe without making noise.

  • Sole

    The bottom part of the shoe, not including the heel.

  • Stacked Heel

    A heel made of leather or leawood covering that gives the appearance of wood.

  • Stiletto

    A very high, slim and tapered heel.

  • Strappy

    Shoes with several steps which wrap around the foot.

  • Straw

    Material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds.

  • Suede

    Leather with a soft napped surface.

  • Faux Suede

    Synthetic material made to look like suede.

  • Synthetic Materials

    Materials other than genuine leather, but which are designed to look or function like leather. Also known as man-made materials.

  • T-Bar

    A shoe which resembles a slipper with an ankle star

  • Tannage

    The process of converting raw hides or skins into finished leather.

  • Tap

    The attachment of a leather or metal partial sole over the existing sole of a shoe.

  • Tassel

    A rope and knot ornament typically found on the vamp of a loafer or moccasin.

  • Thigh high boot

    A boot that extends up to the thigh but not much beyond.

  • Thong

    A sandal featuring a v-strap that connects to the sole of the shoe between the big toe and second toe and at the sides of the foot.

  • Throat

    The main opening of a shoe extending from the vamp to the ankle.

  • Tip

    An additional piece of leather covering the toe of a shoe. May be in several different shapes or patterns. Also known as a Cap.

  • Toe Box

    A stiff piece of material placed inside the vamp to retain the dome-like shape over the toes. It can take many shapes - flat, high, wide, etc.

  • Toe Ring

    A type of sandal which straps form a ring around the big toe.

  • Tongue

    A strip of leather or other material sewn into the vamp of a laced shoe and extending to the throat of the shoe.

  • Topline

    The shape of the opening of the shoe that is close to the toe box.

  • Tread

    May refer to the design of a shoe's sole or the way in which a shoe's sole is worn.

  • Tru-Moc

    A shoe in which the bottom is a single piece of leather stitched around a last. The vamp is usually attatched by whip stitching to the bottom of the shoe so it encloses the foot. Also known as moccasin.

  • Tweed

    A rough, coarse, unfinished woolen fabric, of a soft, open, flexible texture.

  • Unit Bottom

    A single shoe bottom made from a mold of rubber or plastic. It includes the sole, platform heel or wedge.

  • Upper

    The upper part of the shoe, not including the sole. May be made from leather, fabric or synthetics.

  • Upper Leather

    Any leather used for making shoe uppers. The principal leathers used for shoe uppers are calf, kid, horsehide, goat, sheep and leathers made from the skin of reptiles. All of these may be made in a wide variety of finishes, such as smooth, suede, patent, embossed and glossy.

  • Vamp

    The front part of a shoe upper that covers the toes and part of the foot.

  • Velvet

    A silky densely piled fabric with a plain back.

  • Vinyl (PVC)

    Short for polyvinyl chloride (P.V.C.), vinyl is a shiny plastic often used for coating shoes.

  • Waterproof Leather

    Shoes that have been specifically treated to prevent the entry of water.

  • Webbing

    A strong fabric woven as a flat strip or tube of varying width and fibers often used in place of rope.

  • Wedge

    Refers to shoes which heels are elevated using a piece of material but the sole remains in one piece with the heel.