Tennis Shoe Anatomy (Scroll down for video)

Insole: The innermost portion of the sole, what contacts the foot, these can be interchanged for orthotics/supplemental inserts

Midsole: The shock absorbing mid-layer of the shoe’s sole, it is stitched to the outsole and upper effectively binding them together

Outsole: Outermost layer of the sole, creates the shoes tread, thicker outsoles provide more shock absorption but potentially increased weight

Upper: The envelope of the shoe creates the tongue and is stitched to the outsole via the midsole, provides stability to the foot.

Tongue: Provides eyelets for the upper, pads the forefoot, connects the shoe from medial to lateral.

Heel Counter: Provides rotational stability to the rearfoot and keeps the heel stable.

Lateral Flange: Outcropping of the outside for foot for lateral stability/ prevention of spraining when moving side to side on the baseline

Forefoot: From the toes to the middle of the foot (beginning of the arch)

Midfoot: The middle of the shoe, in the area of the arch

Rearfoot: From the posterior (back) of the arch to the ankle, heel.

Foxing/Stitching: synthetic, stitched, glued elements in the outer that provide stability to the outsole as well as design elements.

Shank: Stabilizes the midfoot, often can span the entire length of the midfoot, gives durability to the shoe.

#tennis #tennisshoe #tennismedicine #tennisinjury #sportsmedicine #orthopedics #biomechanics