Glossary of terms
a - e
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Fitflop's ultra-flexible, superlight, cushioned and contoured footbed increases foot-to-midsole contact for maximum comfort. Flex lines cut across the bottom to let your foot move more freely.
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Fitflop's Anatomiflex™ midsoles feature ultra-lightweight flexibility for all-day comfort and cushioning.
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Arch support is an important feature to treat existing foot conditions and prevent future problems. Overpronation, supination, plantar fasciitis and joint pain or injuries are commonly associated with wearing shoes that do not support the natural contours of the foot.
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A condition affecting the joints of the body. Symptoms vary but joint pain, swelling and tenderness are common. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Appropriate footwear can reduce or eliminate foot pain for people with arthritis, especially styles with a roomy toe box, supportive arches and cushioning.
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Bamboo is a natural material that thrives ecologically and is 100% biodegradable.
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Birko-Flor® is a durable and easy to clean synthetic material, made to sit comfortably against the skin; and used exclusively by Birkenstock.
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A common foot condition where a bony lump forms at the main joint between the big toe and the foot. The bunion develops when the big toe is misaligned towards the smaller toes. People with bunions or those who want to avoid developing them are encouraged to wear comfortable, softer, wider shoes that allow enough space for toes to spread out.
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Cork is a natural and sustainable material featuring high elasticity and excellent cushioning - the perfect material from which to create the contoured Birkenstock footbed. Cork is derived from a layer of bark that can be stripped from the tree while not damaging the tree’s ecosystem. The tree continues to grow and the bark regenerates, and the cork outsole biodegrades when disposed of.
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Croslite™ is a closed-cell foam resin with a near-perfect mix of softness, rebound and cushion. It gives each pair the lightness and one-of-a-kind feeling that made Crocs famous.
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Whether you have narrow, wide or in-between feet, FRANKiE4’s Patented Custom Fit Pack will help you get your footwear feeling just right. Included in every pair of the 'Custom Fit' styles, the Fit Pack comes with full-length footbeds, half-length footbeds and forefoot cushions.
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The deep heel cup in the Birkenstock Footbed supports the foot tissue and holds the heel bone firmly in its natural position, so your foot and general alignment is stable, supported and balanced.
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The highest quality sheepskin used for sheepskin footwear. Both faces of the skin are visible so the leather side must also be as defect-free as possible.
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FitFlop's DuocomFF™ technology features two layers of anatomically contoured midsole cushioning help increase foot-to-midsole contact and enhance all-day comfort.
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BOGS odor reduction technology, DuraFresh, is a 100% natural organic biotechnology. It fights odors over the life of the boot.
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Fitflop's Dynamicush™ technology features lightweight high rebound EVA cushioning concealed in a sleek silhouette.
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Ara Dynergy soles feature overlapping 3D waves configured specifically for superior shock absorption. The double cushioning distributes and reduces impact, transferring the energy of impact back into momentum with every step.
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The ECCO Comfort Fibre System (ECFS) is the bottom layer of ECCO's removable insoles. Inlay soles from ECCO feature advanced design for greater comfort. Breathable materials help ensure good foot health and comfort.
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EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a high-quality, very light, elastic material with very good cushioning. As a result, it smooths out slight irregularities in the floor and ensures that every step is softly cushioned.
F - L
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Ecco's FLUIDFORM™ process follows the 360-degree curves of the foot in a liquid state, solidifying into a soft and flexible anatomical replica of the foot.
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The Birkenstock footbed is drawn up especially high at the front. As a result, the high footbed edge protects the toes during the rolling motion of the foot.
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The multizone HiFlex knitted uppers of the Fusion 4 collection feature flexible zones that allow the shoe, and your foot, to flex at all the right spots, including at the ball of your foot and various pressure points.
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Gore-Tex® enabled shoes offer optimum heat transfer and outstanding moisture management, ensuring the perfect foot climate. Gore-Tex® membranes are waterproof, breathable and highly durable.
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An abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe which makes it point downward in a hammer shape. It is often caused by wearing narrow shoes with little to no arch support. Hammer toe can be prevented and potentially treated by wearing proper footwear with a low heel, adequate space in the toe area, adjustability and arch support.
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The heel mould on the Birkenstock footbed cradles your heel to help activate the calf muscles, stabilise the back of the foot and improve gait, balance and coordination.
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A bony growth on the underside of the heel bone caused by a build up of calcium. This can happen as a result of muscles and ligaments strain or the plantar fascia being stretched. Treatment for heel spurs may include wearing correctly fitting footwear that provides adequate support, or wearing custom orthotics to align your foot correctly.
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An extremely strong, light and flexible method of shoe making used by Ara that starts with Strobel Stitching the uppers to the insoles. Air cushioned rubber soles are then affixed via direct injection. The result is a seamless bond between all components of the shoe for added strength, cushioning and flexibility.
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Fitflop's iQushion™ midsole feaures ergonomic contoured arches and impact pillows made from micro-bubble foam to provide lightweight all-day cushioning.
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Jute is a renewable resource which provides additional stabilization to the cork and latex core of the original Birkenstock footbed. The annual plant is generally grown in perpetually humid tropical regions. The bushes grow to 15 to 20 centimetres before they are harvested after about four months.
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A primary binding agent in the production of the Birkenstock footbed. Natural latex is a renewable resource obtained from the resin of rubber trees, and it has many beneficial natural properties, such as a high elasticity-point and superior breathability.
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The interior and exterior longitudinal arch supports run along the sides of the Birkenstock footbed to surround and support the tarsal bones, giving stability with every step.
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Exclusive to the Arcopedico brand, Lytech is a nature and animal friendly product made of technological flexible biomembrane material. Arcopedico Lytech has undergone extensive laborative testing at the Portuguese Footwear Technological Centre to ensure against tearing, detachment and absence or harmful chemicals. Arcopedico’s Lytech uppers are breathable and allow for volumetric stretching across the upper for the perfect fit!
M - S
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BOGS material which moves sweat away from your foot to keep you dry.
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Australian Merino Wool, used in many EMU styles, is grown year-round by Merino sheep throughout farms across Australia, boasting the world's softest and finest wool and produced through sustainable farming practises. Its unique fibre is prized for its softness, breathability and low maintenance.
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A durable material which promotes air circulation and has excellent moisture-wicking properties.
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Fitflop's triple-density Microwobbleboard midsole was engineered by two pioneering British biomechanists. Delivering extraordinary comfort, it not only helps absorb shock but can also diffuse underfoot pressure, by instantly increasing the contact area of the foot to the midsole.
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A painful condition where a benign (non-cancerous) growth of nerve tissue develops in the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Comfortable footwear can aid in the treatment of Morton's neuroma. Recommended footwear include cushioned forefoot and arch supports, as well as wearing broad-toed shoes, to reduce friction and accommodate for the toes to spread out.
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Birkenstock footwear comes in two different widths. Most styles come in Narrow and Regular. The Narrow fits Narrow feet. The Regular fits Regular to Wider width feet. About 80% of the population are suited to the Regular fit. If you already own a pair of Birkenstocks or are trying them on in store - check out the little foot symbol on the footbed of the shoe (between the arch and heel) or on the shoe box. If the foot is coloured in, it is a Narrow (N). If it is just an outline of a foot, it is a Regular (R).
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A soft, lightweight and durable synthetic rubber with thick padded fabric which is water-resistant and machine washable.
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A thick, top-grain leather with a softly brushed outer surface.
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Birkenstock’s oiled leather is obtained from tanneries. Depending on the desired effect, either an oily or waxy grease-containing surface coating is applied to the leather. Oiled leather will show texturing and marks that develop over time, but these can be buffed out with Beeswax Dressing and a clean cloth.
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OrthoLite is a leading manufacturer of insole technologies for footwear brands all over the globe. They provide custom insole formulations and are featured in many Camper shoes.
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Shoes with removable footbeds allow you to take the footbed out of the shoe for washing, replacing once it's worn out or to put your own custom orthotics in the shoe. Not all shoes that have removable footbeds are orthotic friendly.
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Excessive inward rolling of the foot toward the arch which can cause various injuries due to straining of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A person with overpronation needs adequate support and stability in footwear, particularly for activities such as running or walking.
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This specially finished smooth leather combines natural leather with a film coating and is used in especially modern designs.
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A painful condition where the plantar fascia - the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes - becomes inflamed. Symptoms may include a dull or sharp pain under the heel, an aching or burning under the sole, and a swollen heel. Among other treatments, your doctor or podiatrist usually recommend wearing shoes with good support and cushioning, or wearing custom orthotics.
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Lightweight and durable, polyester refers to any textile made of synthetic polymers.
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An extremely resilient material that is water-resistant, dirt-repellent, oil-and grease-resistant, washable to 80° Celsius and can be efficiently disinfected. This makes it an ideal material for footwear used in kitchens, medical environments and the food industry.
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PrimaLoft® is made from recycled plastic bottles to provide a water-resistant synthetic fibre that offers excellent comfort and warmth. Super soft PrimaLoft® delivers superior breathability, cushioning and insulation.
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Ecco's Receptor® technology mirrors human motion and enhances stability, this helps to cushion and support the wearer whilst walking. Receptor® technology is available in a wide range of performance shoes and is designed to reduce muscle fatigue. Rather than restricting your foots movement, Ecco's shoe moves with your foot and offers wearers with more flexibility.
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As of this year, all of the iconic Teva straps are constructed with REPREVE® recycled plastic yarn. Over 9 million plastic bottles are used for the Teva straps rather than ending up in landfill.
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Birkenstock footwear comes in two different widths. Most styles come in Narrow and Regular. The Narrow fits Narrow feet. The Regular fits Regular to Wider width feet. About 80% of the population are suited to the Regular fit. If you already own a pair of Birkenstocks or are trying them on in store - check out the little foot symbol on the footbed of the shoe (between the arch and heel) or on the shoe box. If the foot is coloured in, it is a Narrow (N). If it is just an outline of a foot, it is a Regular (R).
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Shoes with removable footbeds allow you to take the footbed out of the shoe for washing, replacing once it's worn out or to put your own custom orthotics in the shoe. Not all shoes that have removable footbeds are orthotic friendly.
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Shoes with shock absorbing soles are designed to protect feet and knees from impact when walking by providing cushioning and support.
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The Birkenstock Semi-Exquisite footbed delivers all the features you love in the Classic Footbed (raised footbed edge, toe grip bar, arch support, heel mould, deep heel cup, and plenty of toe room) with a premium leather footbed lining that has been colour matched to the leather upper.
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Birkenstock Soft Footbed styles feature a contoured cork footbed that conforms to the shape of your foot and features an extra layer of super soft foam cushioning, a deep heel cup and roomy toe box; lined with suede
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Spider Rubber® is Teva's versatile and non-marking rubber made for high friction and durability. Many of Teva's styles are constructed with Spider Rubber® outsoles because of its superior performance on wet or dry terrain.
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Suede is a leather made from the underside of the animal. The breathable outer surface has a velvety finish and perfectly combines a soft, comfortable feel with a robust design.
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Fitflop's SupercomFF™ midsole technology features pressure-diffusing dual-density EVA for lightweight and ergonomic comfort.
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The Birkenstock Supergrip sole consists of a cushioned EVA midsole and non-slip, oil and grease rubber tread, making it ideal for use in medical or hospitality settings. The Supergrip sole is available in select Birkenstock styles including the Kay, Tokio, Boston models with 'supergrip' in their title or description.
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Excessive outward rolling of the foot which puts a strain on the ankle and can make it more prone to injury. Shoes that are too rigid or tight, as well as shoes that are worn out or have no arch support, can contribute to supination and other foot problems. Supportive footwear, among other treatments, can prevent or correct supination.
T - Z
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Our natural feet are designed to move uncumbumbered, with our toes free to wriggle, relax and flex as we walk. The anatomically shaped toe box of the Birkenstock footbed follows the shape of the natural foot so your toes can spread out for better balance, alignment and muscle movement.
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The raised toe bar on the Birkenstock Footbed supports the natural rolling motion of your foot. Your toes can spread out in their natural position so that your muscles, ligaments and bone structures are aligned and unencumbered from the toes up.
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Dr Kong's 'Total Contact' Smart Footbed features arch support, a heel cradle, toe crest, metatarsal pad and soft padding.
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The transverse arch support runs through the middle of the Birkenstock footbed to stabalise the metatarsal bone and help the foot take on a naturally straight and solid position that is balanced, strong and supported.
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Shoes that are classified as Vegan contain no animal-derived products in their materials, including glues. While very few brands offer exclusively vegan products, many brands offer a range of 100% vegan shoes within their product line.
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Vibram rubber soles offer superior abrasion resistance, traction and grip in all weather conditions.
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Shoes that are 100% waterproof are designed to protect the feet against rain and snow, and can therefore be submerged in water without damaging the shoes or wetting the feet.
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Shoes that are water resistant are not designed for submerging in water or keeping the feet 100% dry, rather they are able to be splashed with water without damaging or staining the material of the shoe.
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Wool is well known for its durability and thermal insulating properties, along with being biodegradable due to its natural origins.
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Wool felt is among the oldest textiles in the world and is often the the go-to for creating warm slipper uppers. Combining a cosy wool upper with a Birkenstock footbed - the perfect combo for slippery comfort you can get away with at home or on the streets.
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Ara’s patented XL Extralight® sole technology is super light while providing superior flexibility, shock absorption, thermal insulation, and durability. In fact, XL Extralight® is three times more abrasive resistant than other equivalent compounds – durability in spades.