Anatomy of a Shoe

A shoe is composed of different parts. The key to finding a shoe that properly fits your foot is to understand the basics of shoe construction. Once you know the basics, you can choose intelligently from among the thousands of available styles.
The toe box is the tip of the shoe that provides space for the toes. The toe box may be rounded or pointed, Do not select a shoe with too narrow of a toe box. Most high heel shoes will have a pointed, narrow toe box that crowds the toes and forces them into an unnatural triangular shape resulting in a painful foot injury.
The vamp is the upper middle part of the shoe where the laces are commonly placed.
The sole consists of an insole and an outsole, The insole is inside the shoe where the foot rests; the outsole is the bottom of the shoe that contacts the ground and helps determine traction. The softer the sole, the greater the shoe's ability to absorb shock.
The heel is the bottom part of the shoe that provides elevation. The higher the heel, the greater the pressure on the front of the foot. Women should not wear a shoe with a heel higher than 2 1/4 inches. A high heel greatly increases the chances of developing a foot problem.
The last is the part of the shoe that curves in slightly near the arch of the foot to conform to the average foot shape.
The upper is the leather or synthetic part of the shoe that encases the foot. Uppers come in many styles; it is important to choose the upper best suited to your foot type. Remember the material from which the shoe is made can affect fit and comfort. Softer materials decrease the amount of pressure the shoe places on the foot. Stiff materials can cause blisters.

A counter may be used to stiffen the material around the heel and give support to the foot.