heel counter
- noun
- /hil ˈkaʊntər/
- Specialized
:
contrafuerte
- A well-designed heel counter helps prevent blisters by securely holding the heel in place.
- toe and heel counter
- molded heel counter
Examples
-
The heel counter provides crucial support and stability for your foot while walking.
-
Skora has taken out the tongue, heel counter, cushioning (most of it at least), seams, and the elevated heel of a traditional running shoe.
Blog text (25) -
Choosing shoes with a reinforced heel counter can improve overall comfort and reduce foot fatigue.
Synonyms
8
8.8
A stiff part at the back of a shoe that supports the heel
The part at the back of a shoe that supports the heel
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is a simple part-of construction: 'heel' + 'counter' denotes the counter associated with the heel (the stiff/rear part supporting it). Although somewhat technical, the meaning is directly derivable from the constituents and matches common cross-linguistic shoe-term compounds, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer the referent.
Etymology
The term heel counter comes from the simple image of a stiff piece placed behind the heel, with counter meaning a backing 'against' the heel. So, it is the part that 'supports' and keeps the heel steady.