English

Top pieces

Noun

top piece ‎(plural top pieces)

1. (shoemaking) The part of the heel on a shoe or boot that comes into contact with the ground.
   • 1834, O'Sullivan, John, The Art and Mystery of the Gentle Craft, page 50:

     Then pare the top piece to the size and form you intend it to be; but that you should always do before the heel is sewed, for now you are confined to the channel.

   • 2010, Frowen, Paul; O'Donnell, Maureen; Lorimer, Donald; Burrow, Gordon, Neale's Disorders of the Foot, Elsevier Health Sciences, ISBN 9780702044281, page 457:

     On the outermost part of the heel, which is in direct contact with the ground when the shoe is worn, a top piece is applied.