running terminology

CMEVA (Compression molded EVA): The compressed and molded form of sheet EVA, wherein the structure and shape of the material may be contoured for improved fit and function. CMEVA is perhaps the most commonly used material in good quality running shoes.
Curved last: This refers to the shape or curvature on the base of each last. A curved last will reflect a bent-line or curvature from center heel to toe. A curved or semi-curved last is designed to work with curvature of the human foot to promote natural foot strike.
Cushioning: The ability of a shoe to absorb shock. This term has become synonymous with the overall comfort provided by the midsole.
Dual Density EVA: A firmer density of EVA, usually positioned on the medial aspect of the shoe to help control pronation and reduce the premature breakdown of the midsole. The dual density midsole portion, often referred to as a Post, is usually grey in color.
Dura-Ryd: AVIA's foam material used in the heel and the forefoot to aid overall cushioning and midsole durability.
Dura-Stryk It is the name of the outsole material that provides added durability in the heel of the shoe.
EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate): A soft, cellular foam material known for its lightweight, flexibility and cushioning properties.
Eyestay: The material reinforcement around the lace holes.
Flex Grooves Typically found in the forefoot of the midsole, these cut-away areas create a thinner, more flexible sole for better transition off the toe.
FoM: Mimics the way your foot compresses shock and is located in key impact areas, much the same as the fat pads in your foot. Made of extremely soft, yet dense material, fom conforms to your foot on impact for excellent cushioning and comfort, then bounces back to its original shape after each impact
Heel Cleft: A split or cleft in the midsole and outsole of a shoe that allows the midsole to compress easily creating a smoother transition from heel strike forward. Athletic shoe manufacturers often use a beveled heel with two clefts to create a 'crash zone' or 'decoupled' heel.
Injection EVA: Injection molded EVA utilizes a fixed cavity mold, wherein the raw EVA material is injected into the mold. The consistency and feel of injected EVA is often different from CMEVA.
Last: The 3-Dimensional foot form around which the upper of the shoe is built. The last determines the size, shape and dimensions of the shoe. A shoes' last is commonly described in relation to its construction and / or shape.
Lateral: Referring to the outer side or 'pinkie-toe' side of a shoe.
Medial Referring: to the inner side or 'big-toe' of a shoe.
Midfoot Shank: A plastic reinforcement typically grafted to the midsole that reduces midfoot flexion and provides torsional stability.
Midsole: The portion of the shoe between the upper and the outersole that provides cushioning. Many midsole's contain special cushioning systems such as Air bags; GEL pads and other embedded devices designed to absorb shock.
Motion Control: The property (or feature) of a shoe that limits excessive pronation and helps to counteract structural imbalances by providing a stronger base of support.
Orthotic: A corrective device, usually prescribed by a podiatrist, made primarily of plastic, cork or leather which is placed inside a shoe to correct biomechanical problems.
Outsole: The bottommost part of the shoe, the outsole consists of one or more rubber compounds. The outsole design is usually configured to enhance traction.
Overpronation: Excessive pronation or over rotation of the foot. Overpronation is commonly thought to be responsible for many overuse and overstress injuries associated with long distance running.
Polyurethane: A liquid polyester compound that can be manipulated into soft rubber- like midsole materials or a hardened elastomer material for harder soled shoes. Nicknamed 'PU', polyurethane is a heavier and more durable midsole material than EVA.
Prontation: Pronation The natural inward rotation of the foot as it relates to the gait-cycle. A normal foot lands on the outside heel and pronates slightly to help absorb shock.
Responsive: This term describes the sense of reactiveness or agility of the midsole/ outsole unit in a shoe.
Ride: This term is used to describe the sense of flow or smoothness of the midsole / outsole unit in a shoe. A shoe with a good RIDE is thought to have good transition from heel strike to toe-off.
Slip-last: A construction technique wherein the upper is slipped onto the last and then stitched together by fabric before adhering it to the midsole.
Sockliner: A pre-formed liner used on the inside sole of the shoe to reduce internal friction and provide cushioning. Today most sockliners are pre-molded and can be removed easily for use with orthotic's.
Stability: A property (or feature) of a shoe that helps to stabilize the foot during the gait cycle. The 'stability' of a shoe recognizes it's inherent ability to bring balance to the body and resist breakdown caused by structural imbalances.
Straight: last This refers to the relative lack of curvature in the base of the last. A straight lasted shoe is often cut wider through the base of the arch creating a wider platform from which to support the foot.
Supination: The natural outward rotation of the foot as it relates to the gait cycle. A normal foot lands in a supinated position and pronates inward to absorb shock. Very, very few individuals have a completely supinated foot strike.
Torsional Stability: The ability of a mechanism or part of the shoe to resist the twisting which most often occur in the midpart of the foot.
Underpronation: A less than average degree of pronation or under rotation. Underpronation is commonly found in rigid foot types.