Heel Counter
Located between the upper and the lining at the rear of the shoe, the heel counter is firmly integrated at its base with the upper, insole, outsole, and heel, ensuring the shoe maintains a fixed shape at the back. It keeps the foot correctly positioned within the shoe; its upper edge is thin and flexible, allowing it to gently grip the upper part of the heel so that the shoe stays securely on the foot during wear.
Heel
The heel protects the junction where the outsole meets the upper from wear and damage. It reduces the contact area between the sole and the ground-thereby lowering thermal conductivity-and prevents ground water from seeping into the shoe at the heel and waist (arch) areas. Additionally, it absorbs the shock energy generated when the heel strikes the ground. A properly proportioned heel height allows body weight to be distributed reasonably across various parts of the foot and enhances the elasticity of the arch.