Shaft
The shaft is the long tube that makes cowboy boots so recognizable. It starts at the heel and wraps up the leg. Shafts come in a variety of styles and heights, and designs vary greatly based on inlays, overlays, stitching, and shaft length.
Vamp
The vamp is the part of the boot that covers the instep. It is the most visible part of the leather when you wear your pants over the shaft. So if your pant leg covers the shaft (which is how most men and many women wear their boots), make sure you like the look of the vamp before you buy.
Heel
The heel is the lower back part of the boot where your heel rests. Boots have a heel counter, which is an insert that helps reinforce the heel cup for added support.
Instep
The instep is the part of the boot that is inside the top of the foot. This is an important part to consider for a boot because it plays a big role in the shape and comfort of the boot. If the vamp is too loose, your foot will slide around too much. If it is too tight, it will be uncomfortable and difficult to get the boot on and off.
Last
The last is the foot-shaped plastic mold used to make the boot. It determines the structure of the upper and therefore largely determines the fit of the boot. Lasts also come in various sizes, specific to the width and size of the boot. You'll see a letter indicating the width and a typical number indicating the size.
Piping
Piping, also known as the side seam, is the stitching that runs down the side of the boot shaft and holds it together.
Toe cap
The toe cap covers the toes at the tip of the boot. It is a hard piece of material that sits between the outer leather and the inner lining of the boot and helps to keep the boot's shape while also adding durability.
Drawstring
The drawstring is located at the top of the boot shaft and helps you put on the boot easily. It is useful when you need to put on the boot in a hurry, such as when you are late for an appointment. Or bail out.
Heel
The heel is the defining part of a cowboy boot. It is usually made of leather and attached to the back of the sole. The heel comes in a variety of heights and designs.
Outsole
The outsole is the very bottom of the sole and is where the boot meets the ground - it's what most people are talking about when they mention the sole of a boot. Much like a dress shoe. The outsole is the part of the boot that is most susceptible to wear and tear. With our sharp Goodyear welts, you can replace soles that have worn out over the years. This makes your Alvies boots a pair of boots you can own forever.
Insoles
The insoles are the material inside the boot that sits between the midsole and your foot. Insoles can be made from a variety of materials, but the best boots use leather. Leather insoles will mold to your foot and over time, will make your boot more comfortable than a padded insole.
Midsole
The middle piece of leather in the sole that sits between the insole and the outsole. The midsole material is shock absorbing. Most traditional boot manufacturers use leather because it has good cushioning, is abrasion resistant, and conforms to the shape of the foot. Although this is also where cheaper boot manufacturers tend to cut corners and use other materials.
Welt
The welt is how the sole is attached to the boot. There are three common types of welting, but Goodyear is the only one worth mentioning. Boots all use this material because it is stronger, more durable, more supportive, more waterproof, and the easiest (and cheapest) to resol.