{"id":10761,"date":"2023-05-04T07:28:18","date_gmt":"2023-05-04T14:28:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/?p=10761"},"modified":"2023-05-09T17:01:42","modified_gmt":"2023-05-10T00:01:42","slug":"parts-of-a-sneaker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/parts-of-a-sneaker\/","title":{"rendered":"Breaking Down the Parts of Sneakers"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/a><\/p>\n

In 2008, archaeologists working in caves in Armenia made a stunning discovery when they uncovered a hand stitched, lace-up shoe. At 5,500 years old, it\u2019s considered the oldest leather shoe in existence.1<\/sup><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve come a long way since that first humble effort, which consists of just one piece of cowhide. These days, modern sneakers often consist of 20 to 30 individual pieces, all of which work together to form a product that is comfortable, durable, and supportive.<\/p>\n

Understanding the different parts of the shoe isn\u2019t just trivia for sneakerheads. The importance of a midsole, for instance, or learning how to spot a heel collar that\u2019s likely to chafe can save your feet from troublesome aches and pains.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why we\u2019ve put together this guide to the different parts of a sneaker and included helpful tips on choosing a shoe that\u2019s right for you.<\/p>\n

Shoe Anatomy 101: A Guide to Your Sneaker\u2019s Parts<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While the exact number of pieces can vary, broadly speaking, there are two main parts: the sole and the upper. Let\u2019s take a closer look at each and dive into their individual components.<\/p>\n

The Sole: The Soul of the Shoe<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A shoe does not exist without its sole, the layers of rubber, leather, PVC compounds, or other materials that protect your foot from the ground and provide cushioning and support. Most athletic shoe soles consist of three sections:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n