Enjoy comfortable shoes thanks to a properly fitted upper

What exactly is an upper and what is it for?

The mysterious-sounding upper is nothing else than the part of the shoe that keeps your foot partially or completely covered.

In other words, the upper consists of all the parts of the shoe that are above the sole, covering your toes, the back of the heel and the top and sides of the foot. In the case of ankle boots, the upper also covers the ankle, and in boots - the calf and even part of the thigh.

The purpose of the shoe upper is to provide your foot with a stable connection to the sole both while walking and standing. A good quality upper can adapt to the shape of your foot enough to provide you with real comfort during use.

What are the functions of the upper?

To fully fulfill this task, the shoe upper consists of several parts that perform important functions. Get to know the most important of them.

The material covering the sides and back of the foot helps maintain the proper shape of the shoe. Additional reinforcement is often used in the heel area, which provides invaluable support for the foot and guarantees a longer service life of the shoes.

There is an element on the top of the foot that supports the foot and allows you to step forward confidently. To make this part of the upper, many manufacturers use permeable materials that ensure adequate air flow within the foot.

In some shoes you will also find a tongue that - together with the laces - allows you to individually adjust the shoe to the width of your foot. The upper of the shoe may also consist of a toe, which is intended to protect your toes.

Who should pay attention to the circumference and height of the upper?

Now that you know what the upper is and what its functions are, it is worth discussing the cases in which its circumference and height are extremely important. In professional, online shoe stores, this information will certainly be made available on the product page.

If you are struggling with high instep, pay attention to the height of the upper. This way, you can be sure that the shoes you order will not compress the upper part of your foot, and you will reach your destination comfortably.

For women with stronger calves the circumference of the upper will be valuable information, thanks to which they will avoid ordering too tight boots. In the case of these shoes, you may encounter several dimensions of the upper circumference. These are:

• ankle circumference
• circumference of the upper in the calf
• circumference of the shank in the upper part of the shoe 

Make sure all measurements fit you and enjoy the comfortable shoes you deserve.

How to measure the height and circumference of the upper?

To measure the dimensions of the upper, you only need a tape measure. We show you how to check the height and circumference of the upper.

To make sure that upper height will be suitable for you, check the length from the beginning of the sole of your foot to the desired place.

However, to check whether a particular one suits you circumference of the upper, measure the circumference of your leg around the ankle and - in the case of longer shoes - calf. If you want your boots not to squeeze your upper leg, add an inch or two to give yourself extra space.

If you want to be extra sure that the upper dimensions will be right for you, you will need a pair of your favorite, comfortable shoes. Without putting them on your feet, measure the length from the beginning of the heel to the end of the upper and the circumference at the widest point. 

By following these tips, you can be sure that the shoes will look good and you will feel comfortable in them.

What is the upper made of and how is it attached to the shoe?

Basically, a variety of materials are used to make the upper. Natural and ecological leather are the most popular, while on warmer days many people choose textile and synthetic materials, as well as various varieties of suede, such as nubuck or velvet.

Regardless of what material the upper is made of, it is connected to the sole using seams or glue. Each of these solutions has its pros and cons, which we have briefly discussed.

Sewn shoes will certainly serve you for many years, but their price may be much higher than in the case of glued shoes. It is worth remembering that due to the higher durability of this footwear, these costs will quickly pay off. 

A cheaper option is glued shoes, which unfortunately may fall apart over time. Their negative impact on the natural environment is also important.

Regardless of whether you choose sewn or glued footwear, you must remember how important the upper is, not only for visual reasons, but also because of its huge impact on the comfort of using the footwear.