Boot Care

Understanding basic boot terminology

SOLE: The inner sole is where your foot rests when wearing the boot. The outer sole is the bottom of the boot.

HEEL: Heels are usually leather, formed and glued together, fitted and shaped to the back portion of the outer sole. Heels come in different shapes, sizes, and heights, depending on the intended use of the boot.

TOE: The toe of the boot may come in many different shapes; some of the most popular are R, snip, square, and roper.

VAMP: The front lower part of the boot below the shaft, usually cut from a single piece of leather or skin. However, vamps are sometimes pieced and sewn together to give the boot a unique look.

COUNTER: The back part of the boot, just above the heel, usually matches the leather or skin used in the vamp.

SHAFT: Sometimes referred to as the top, upper part, of the boot or the boot-maker´s canvas for expression. The shaft usually has different types of stitching patterns, designs, laser cuts, inlays, or other artwork, to make the boot unique. The shaft may also include laser cut designs, with or without exotic skin, leather, or other inlays underneath.

PIPING: The side seam that runs up the side of the boot from the bottom to the top, between the front and back section, of the shaft. Piping is usually found on the inside and outside of the shaft but may be used in other areas to add unique design appearance.

PULL STRAPS: Leather tabs or straps found at the very top of the shaft on both sides, usually on the outside of the shaft. However, on some boots, the pull straps may be found on the inside of the shaft. They are used to help pull the boot on. Some pull straps called “mule ears” may go partially or all the way down the outside of the shaft.

LINING: Found on the inside of the shaft. The lining covers the seam where the front and back half of the shaft is sewn together. All Corral Boots come with a full inside lining which covers the inside seam, adding to the boot´s comfort.

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