The little cap or trim at the end of a pair of laces. It keeps the lace threads from fraying and makes lacing up smooth. Usually plastic, but we prefer to add more value by using metal trims. It's a small detail, but we cannot overlook the finer things.

A term used to define the toe shape of a shoe. A timeless toe shape - softly rounded, gently tapered. Almond toe shapes can be used on flats, boots, and heels.

A modern icon. Sitting right at the ankle, this boot works across seasons and moods. Flat, wedged, or heeled—it’s versatile, effortless, and a wardrobe staple. Shop our women's ankle boots here.

A simple strap across the ankle that keeps everything in place. Mostly seen on sandals and wedges, sometimes on flats. Functional, but always adds a touch of style.

A strip of fabric or leather that winds its way around the ankle. Sometimes climbing higher up the leg. Think summer sandals, espadrilles, and that easy European street-café vibe.

The curve between the heel and the ball of the foot. Often padded for comfort, always crucial for support. The hidden hero of a good shoe.

Where sports meets style. Athleisure shoes borrow the look of performance sneakers but are built for everyday life, not the gym. Easy to wear. Effortless to style.

A soft, slipper-like flat with a closed toe and no heel. Inspired by dancers, reimagined for everyday. Effortless, versatile, and timeless.

Low-profile sneakers that slip on easily and lace up clean. Minimal, modern, and built for comfort. Everyday fashion sneakers with a subtle nod to ballet’s streamlined shape.

Heavy-duty boots with roots in motorcycle culture. Typically mid-calf, with buckles, straps, and a rugged sole built for grip. Designed for protection, adopted for attitude. Biker boots carry a rebellious edge that never really goes out of style.

A sturdy, squared-off heel. Found on boots, sandals, and pumps in all heights and finishes. Known for comfort, loved for its balance of practicality and style.

A lace-up shoe where the quarters (the side panels with the eyelets) are sewn on top of the vamp. Similar to a Derby, but usually cleaner and more minimal in construction. Originally designed for military wear, now a straightforward, versatile classic.

Casual lace-up shoes, traditionally made for grip on wet boat decks. Leather or canvas uppers, rubber soles, and a history rooted in the coast. We love a great boat shoe!

Footwear that covers the foot and extends past the ankle. From ankle boots to knee-highs, they’re a seasonal staple that balances function and style.

Shoes with signature perforated detailing across the leather. A heritage style that works casually in tan or dressed up in black.

A fastening device for straps - usually metal, sometimes decorative. Common on sandals, boots, and flats. Functional detail that often doubles as design.

A heavy woven fabric—cotton, hemp, or linen—that’s durable and breathable. Often used in sneakers or as shoe lining.

An extra layer of material stitched across the toe of a closed shoe. Originally added for strength, now often a subtle design detail.

What we specialise in at Urge. Footwear designed with the purpose of casual wear.

A pull-on ankle boot with elastic gussets on both sides. Streamlined, versatile, and one of the most enduring boot silhouettes.

Thick, block-like heels that add stability and edge. Seen on boots, sandals, and statement shoes.

A measurement often listed in size guides. Refers to the distance around the top opening of a boot. Good to check this detail out when shopping for long boots.

A closed-toe, open-back shoe often built on a wood platform. Casual, functional, and forever associated with effortless off-duty style.

Lace-up ankle boots originally designed for the military. A style that moves in and out of fashion, equally at home styled tough or refined.

Harvested bark tissue used in footwear for insoles, midsoles, and heel wraps. Lightweight, shock-absorbing, and sustainable.

Western-inspired boots with pointed toes, slanted heels, and decorative stitching. Mid-calf in height, built for denim, festivals, or the street.

A natural rubber sole with a distinctive crinkled texture. Durable but sensitive to heat. Recognisable for its creamy yellow tone.

An open-knit textile made by looping yarn with a hooked needle. In footwear, crochet details often appear on uppers, panels, or trims, bringing a handcrafted, vintage feel. Lightweight, breathable, and always a nod to summer ease.

A leather or faux-leather finish pressed to resemble crocodile skin. Texture without the cruelty.

Also known as boat shoes. Originally designed with slip-resistant rubber soles for sailing, they’re low-cut lace-ups, usually in leather or canvas. Easygoing, coastal, and classic.

A classic lace-up with open lacing—where the eyelet tabs are stitched on top of the vamp. Known for its relaxed fit and versatile style, the Derby moves easily between casual and dress.

A mid-ankle boot with a pared-back silhouette, often in suede with a crepe sole. Born as a military staple, later embraced by 60s mods and beyond. Lightweight, versatile, and timeless.

Moccasin-inspired loafers with rubber pebble soles for grip behind the wheel. Born for driving, but equally at home off-road. Often seen in soft suedes and bright colour pops.

A classic summer shoe with soles wrapped in braided jute rope. Whether flat or wedge, espadrilles bring effortless European holiday energy.

Often used on Chelsea Boots, it's a material that stretches allowing the opening of a boot to expand for easy entry.

Short for ethylene vinyl acetate. A lightweight, shock-absorbing foam often used in soles for extra comfort and flexibility.

The small reinforced holes for laces. Sometimes metal, sometimes fabric. Always the anchor point for a good lace-up.

Any woven textile used in footwear—from canvas to twill. Adds softness, breathability, or texture depending on the material.

A man-made alternative to animal leather. Durable, versatile, and often used as a vegan-friendly option.

A sandal with interlaced straps across the foot and ankle. Originally built for practicality, ventilation, grip, and coverage... now an enduring casual classic.

Shoes with no heel height. From sandals to loafers, flats are the definition of easy wear. We cannot live without our flats!

The ultimate casual sandal - flat soles with a Y-shaped strap that sits between the toes. Known in Australia simply as “thongs.” A beach-to-street essential.

The insole of a shoe. The part that your foot rests on. Often cushioned, sometimes contoured, always key to comfort. We take pride in how comfy our footbed sandals are.

Material cut into strips that moves with each step. Often seen in suede loafers and moccasins - often adds texture and playfulness.

Sandals inspired by ancient Roman footwear. Strappy, secure, and designed to cover the foot while keeping it cool.

Tiny reflective particles applied as a finish to shoes. Adds shine, play, and a statement factor—whether on straps, heels, or full uppers.

Metal or plastic rings that reinforce eyelets in lace-up shoes. Functional strength with an industrial edge.

Casual sneakers or trainers built for gym use. Lightweight, supportive, and easy to slip on post-workout.

The measurement from the base of the heel to the ground. A detail listed in shoe specs. Pay attention in the description when buying shoes online as this is a key feature of a shoe or boot.

The protective cap on the bottom of a heel, usually made from rubber or plastic. A quiet but important detail that keeps your heels lasting longer.

A woven fabric pattern with V-shaped zigzags, often in twill. A subtle, textured detail found in some shoe uppers and linings.

A concealed wedge inside a shoe or boot, creating extra height without showing it. Sleek on the outside, elevated on the inside.

A bold, broken-check fabric pattern—most often in black and white. Graphic, heritage, and instantly recognisable.

A woven leather slip-on sandal, traditionally made in Mexico and India. Known for breathability, flexibility, and artisanal craftsmanship.

The layer inside a shoe that your foot rests on. Sometimes cushioned, sometimes removable. Often called the footbed or sock.

The arched top of your foot, between the toes and the ankle. Everyone's instep is different and can effect the fit of the shoes considerably.

Shoes fastened with laces threaded through eyelets. The original secure fit.

Animal hide that’s been tanned and treated. Durable, flexible, and the foundation of shoemaking for centuries. We take pride in working closely with our suppliers to ensure the leather we use on Urge Shoes is top notch.

The material inside a shoe—adds comfort, structure, or breathability. Can be leather, canvas, faux leather, or synthetics.

A slip-on flat with no laces or straps. Casual or dressed-up, loafers are timeless and easy.

A chunky rubber outsole with deep indentations for grip. Rugged, heavy-duty, and often makes for the perfect winter boot outsole.

Shoes inspired by classic men’s dress styles, like Oxfords. Polished, versatile, and always a little androgynous.

Synthetic materials used instead of animal leather. Often labelled vegan.

A flat with a strap across the instep, usually fastened by buckle or elastic. A school shoe classic reimagined for adults.

Shoes designed for men to wear - shop our Urge Men's shoe collection here.

A breathable, open-knit fabric often used in sneakers and performance footwear.

A synthetic fabric that looks and feels like suede, made from fine polyester fibers. Often used on linings too.

The layer between the insole and outsole, often cushioned for shock absorption.

Sturdy lace-up ankle boots, originally built for soldiers. Now a style reference in fashion, often in black leather.

A rounded toe style with a stitched seam around the front, inspired by moccasins.

Often a slip-on shoe with distinctive stitching around the toe. Traditionally flat and soft, often worn as casual or slipper styles.

A dress shoe fastened with one or more buckled straps instead of laces. Sleek, distinctive, and heritage-inspired.

Heavy boots with a thick sole and low heel, built for riders but adopted as a symbol of rebellion and style.

Backless shoes or sandals. Can be flat or heeled. Effortless and always on-trend.

Synthetic materials crafted to look like leather. Often used in vegan footwear.

Top-grain leather that’s sanded for a soft, velvety finish. Durable yet refined.

A pale beige or skin-toned shade used across many shoe styles.

The very bottom of the shoe. The part that meets the ground. Often known as the sole.

Boots designed with shafts that extend above the knee. Flat or heeled, always statement-making

Extra pieces of material stitched or bonded to a shoe’s upper for design or reinforcement.

A lace-up shoe defined by closed lacing—where the eyelet tabs are stitched under the vamp for a sleek, streamlined finish. Traditionally formal, but with variations that move from boardroom to street with ease.

A high-gloss finish applied to leather (or faux leather). Sleek, polished, and eye-catching.

A textured leather surface with a raised, bumpy finish. Adds character and durability.

Shoes with a small front opening that reveals the toes. Can be flat, heeled, or wedge.

A lightweight canvas shoe with a flat rubber sole. Originally designed as gym or school shoes in the 1800s, now worn casually much like sneakers. Simple, breathable, and timeless.

Closed-toe shoes with a tapered, pointed front. A dress classic.

Fabric stitched with padding in a grid or diamond pattern. Adds softness, texture, and warmth.

A natural fiber from palm leaves, often woven into summer shoes and accessories. Lightweight and relaxed. Currently having it's moment in fashion right now.

Style inspired by the past. Vintage energy reimagined. We love the 90's!

A tall boot originally made for horse riding. Low heel, knee-high shaft. Now a fashion staple.

Fabric gathered into folds or pleats for texture and movement.

Open shoes held on by straps. Flat, heeled, casual, or dressy—an essential warm-weather style that we live in during the summer while chasing the sun.

A heel shaped with cut-outs, curves, or unusual silhouettes. Adds edge to classic designs.

The part of a boot that extends above the foot and up the leg.

The vertical measurement of a boot’s shaft, from the arch to the top edge. Pay attention to this detail in the description of the product.

Material with suede on one side and clipped wool on the other. Can be natural or synthetic—warm, soft, and winter-ready.

Heeled shoes with a thin sole and no platform. Sleek and minimal.

An easy slip-on sandal with one or more straps across the top of the foot. Our go-to sandal in the summer.

Shoes or sandals with a strap around the back of the heel, often elastic or buckled. Found on flats and heels.

Shoes that slide on without laces or straps. Simple, quick, and casual.

Flat, easy slip-ons. Traditionally for indoors, but reinterpreted in modern fashion.

A boot shaft that folds or collapses down for a relaxed look.

The term used to describe a trim often used on a loafer.

Material pressed to resemble snakeskin. Adds texture and edge—without using real skins.

Casual shoes with rubber soles. Performance-driven or purely lifestyle, sneakers are the modern uniform.

A western-inspired toe shape that tapers and finishes flat at the tip.

The thin layer of fabric that covers the insole—what your foot touches inside the shoe.

The very bottom of the shoe, made from rubber, resin, leather, or synthetics.

The toe shape of the a shoe, sandal, boot or heel - that has a straight outline like the shape of a square.

A heel made from stacked layers of leather for a wood-grain effect. Sometimes imitated with paint, but authentic versions use the real layers.

Reinforced boots with a steel cap over the toes. Designed for protection, but also influential in fashion.

A very thin, high heel that tapers to a fine point. Striking, sleek, and daring.

An open shoe defined by multiple thin straps across the foot. Minimal, sexy, and timeless.

Metal embellishments fixed to the upper of a shoe or boot. Functional in heritage boots, decorative in modern styles.

Leather with a soft, napper finish. Used widely in footwear for its texture and richness.

Man-made alternatives to leather and natural fibers. Widely used for durability and vegan options.

A decorative knot of threads or leather, often used on loafers. Classic detail with playful movement.

A soft-soled lace-up shoe originally designed for tennis, now a casual everyday staple.

A sandal that has a post between the toes. Commonly designed for flat sandals but can also be used on wedges and heels.

A very Aussie way of describing a sandal with a Y-shaped strap between the toes. Classic beachwear, also trending in heeled variations.

The strip of material under a shoe’s laces. Provides comfort and structure. Often where the sizing and brand can be found printed on the shoe.

Is a type of outsole material. TPR stands for
Thermoplastic rubber. A flexible, durable material often used in soles.

Another term used for sneakers. Performance of lifestyle, trainers are definitely having their moment right now.

A strap design that runs vertically from the toe to the ankle strap, forming a “T.”

A durable fabric with a diagonal weave, often used in casual boots and linings.

A layer of material placed beneath the shoe’s upper. Often used to add strength, structure, or subtle contrast in design. Sometimes hidden, sometimes a quiet detail that shapes the look and feel of the shoe.

Often the first part of the shoe that is considered when designing a new style. The entire part of the shoe above the sole. The material that wraps your foot.

The front part of the shoe’s upper, covering the top of the foot.

Shoes made without animal products. Synthetic leathers, textiles, and alternative materials.

A plush, rich fabric with a soft pile, often used for dress shoes.

A method of interlacing threads, fibers, or strips of material to create fabric or texture. In footwear, weaving adds strength, breathability, and a crafted, artisanal look.

A type of heel that runs the full length of the sole, creating a triangular profile. Having their moment right now, wedges provide a more comfortable and stable wear.

Short for Wellington boots. Waterproof rubber boots originally built for wet and muddy conditions. Functional at heart, but now also a playful, fashion-forward staple.

The strip of material stitched between the upper and the sole, often visible in boots.

Also known as Cowboy Boots, they're boots inspired by the American West. Typically mid-calf with pointed or snip toes, angled heels, and decorative stitching across the shaft. Once built for riding, now worn for attitude—rugged, bold, and timeless.

Boots designed for warmth and wet conditions, often with insulation and grip-heavy soles.

Functional boots built for protection, often with steel toes and rugged soles. Also a fashion reference for sturdy casual boots.

Boots designed for women, ranging from ankle to thigh-high. Versatile enough to move from winter streets to summer festivals. Always a balance of function and fashion.

Shoes without heel height—easy to wear, effortless to style. From loafers to ballet flats, they’re understated staples for everyday life.

Open shoes secured by straps, with or without a heel. The summer essential, worn everywhere from city streets to coastal boardwalks.

A broad category covering every style designed for women. From heels to sneakers, boots to flats. Built for movement, crafted for style.

Strips of leather hand-woven together to form the shoe’s upper. Lightweight, breathable, and full of texture. A technique often linked to traditional craftsmanship and relaxed summer styling.