Outsole - This outermost portion of sole, hence name, that makes contact with ground and is treaded for traction.

Upper - Top part of shoe where laces reside, fancy designs and bright colors that keep shoe intact and keeps it wrapped around your foot during your athletic activity.

Midsole - Is usually only real padded region that lies between insole and outsole and provides your foot with comfort, cushioning and shock absorption.

Counter - This region is located around heel of shoe and is rigid that provides stability of athletic shoe and keeps heel of foot in its proper place.

Toe box - Located at tip of shoe that gives toes wiggle room.

Heel tab - Notched area of ankle collar that reduces stress on Achilles tendon.

Ankle collar - The region that is around ankle and is padded for fit and of course comfort.

So, with this information you are now armed with some basics that should make your search at athletic shoes stores to be more productive.

Remember, comfort in your designer athletic shoes should be priority number 1. With this in mind it should be such a mystery as to what athletic shoe for women is right for you.

Stay tuned to part number 2, where we will go into further detail and tie it all together as to what shoes are right for what athletic activity.

With internet fast becoming a powerful resource, online shoe stores are coming online at a rapid rate. With convenience of browsing through hundreds of colors, styles, available sizes and comparing prices this is a dream come true for women.

Walking from store to store comparing womens shoes is truly a thing of past. Don't let hunt in mall discourage you from looking for perfect pair of casual shoes, get online and make your purchase.