Welt

The strip of material that attaches the upper part of a shoe to the sole. Goodyear welted shoes can be resoled multiple times, making them more durable and sustainable than glued construction.

Category: Shopping & Care.

In men's style, "welt" belongs to the Shopping & Care family of terminology. For the full A–Z reference of men's fashion and grooming vocabulary, see the Men's Style Glossary.

Related terms

• Last — The foot-shaped mold around which a shoe is constructed. Different lasts produce different fits and shapes — some are rounder, others more p…
• Goodyear Welt — A shoe construction method where the upper, insole, and outsole are stitched together with a welt strip. It creates durable, water-resistant…
• Blake Stitch — A shoe construction method where the outsole is stitched directly to the insole. It produces a sleeker, more flexible shoe than Goodyear wel…
• Made-to-Measure — Garments created from a standard pattern that is adjusted to your individual measurements. It falls between off-the-rack and bespoke in cust…
• Bespoke — A garment created entirely from scratch based on an individual's unique measurements and preferences. True bespoke involves multiple fitting…
• Off-the-Rack — Ready-made clothing produced in standard sizes and sold directly from store shelves. Most affordable option, often requiring minor alteratio…