• Toe Box- the front part of the shoe, designed for enclosing the toes.  It should properly house the phalanges (toes), but should not create neurovascular compression.
• Vamp-  this is where the laces are placed and houses the mid-foot including the metatarsals (top part of foot).
• Heel Counter-  this part acts to stabilize the rear-foot and can lend additional support to the mid-foot if extended along the inside (medially) of the shoe.  A heel counter should capture the heel and conform to it and function in conjunction with the mid-sole in foot stability or cushioning.
• Insole-  usually a removable liner, which separates the foot from the mid-foot and gives a unique opportunity of conformity when molded to the individual's foot.  Typically, if you you use orthotics, the insole is removed and replaced with the custom orthotics.

In general, the upper may:  extend above the malleolus (ankle bone) and are known as high-tops, be level with the malleolus and are called 3/4 tops, be below the malleolus (standard), or backless (clogs). 

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