Sole vs. Heel — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 24, 2024
The sole is the entire underside of a shoe or foot that makes contact with the ground, whereas the heel specifically refers to the rear part of the sole that elevates the back of the foot.
Difference Between Sole and Heel
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Key Differences
The sole of a shoe or foot is designed to provide protection and stability when walking on various surfaces, covering the entire bottom area. Whereas, the heel is a specific section of the sole located at the back, often elevated to enhance posture or absorb impact.
The sole is usually made from materials like rubber, leather, or synthetic compounds to offer durability and traction. On the other hand, heels can vary significantly in material and shape, influenced by fashion trends or orthopedic needs.
In terms of function, the sole is critical for overall foot support and mobility, adapting to the contours of the ground. The heel, however, specifically aids in distributing body weight more evenly and can alter walking mechanics.
For footwear design, the sole can come in various thicknesses and degrees of flexibility to accommodate different activities or preferences. Whereas heels are designed with varying heights and shapes like block, stiletto, or wedge, to suit style preferences or functional requirements.
While the sole is a uniform component found in all types of footwear, the design and presence of a heel can vary dramatically—from flat shoes without any perceptible heel to high-heeled shoes that significantly elevate the heel above the toe.
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Comparison Chart
Location
Entire underside of the foot/shoe
Rear part of the sole
Material
Rubber, leather, synthetic
Varied, including wood, plastic, metal
Function
Provides traction, absorbs shocks
Elevates the back of the foot, aids in posture
Variability in Design
Mostly flat, flexible or rigid
Can be flat, elevated, or absent
Influence on Motion
Affects overall mobility
Affects weight distribution, walking mechanics
Compare with Definitions
Sole
The bottom part of a shoe or boot.
The sole of his new boots was designed for rugged terrain.
Heel
The back part of the foot below the ankle.
She bruised her heel during her morning run.
Sole
The right of ownership to a property.
She has the sole ownership of the house after her parents' passing.
Heel
To follow closely.
The puppy would heel beside its owner during walks.
Sole
Being the only one.
He is the sole survivor of the accident.
Heel
A contemptible person.
They considered him a heel after he cheated in the game.
Sole
The under surface of a foot.
Walking barefoot on the hot sand, she could feel the heat on the sole of her feet.
Heel
To tilt or lean, especially of a ship.
The boat heeled sharply to the left as the wind picked up.
Sole
A flatfish found in European waters.
For dinner, he ordered sole, served with a side of buttered vegetables.
Heel
The back part of a shoe's sole.
The heel of her shoe broke off at the party.
Sole
A shipping forecast area in the north-eastern Atlantic, covering the western approaches to the English Channel.
Heel
The heel is the prominence at the posterior end of the foot. It is based on the projection of one bone, the calcaneus or heel bone, behind the articulation of the bones of the lower leg.
Sole
Put a new sole on to (a shoe)
He wanted several pairs of boots to be soled and heeled
Heel
The rounded posterior portion of the human foot under and behind the ankle.
Sole
One and only
My sole aim was to contribute to the national team
Heel
The corresponding part of the hind foot of other vertebrates.
Sole
(especially of a woman) unmarried.
Heel
A similar anatomical part, such as the fleshy rounded base of the human palm or the hind toe of a bird.
Sole
The underside of the foot.
Heel
The part, as of a sock, shoe, or stocking, that covers the heel.
Sole
The underside of a shoe or boot, often excluding the heel.
Heel
The built-up portion of a shoe or boot, supporting the heel.
Sole
The bottom surface of a plow.
Heel
One of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread.
Sole
The bottom surface of the head of a golf club.
Heel
The part of the head of a golf club where it joins the shaft.
Sole
Any of various chiefly marine flatfishes of the family Soleidae, having both eyes on the right side of the body, and including food fishes such as the Dover sole of the Atlantic Ocean.
Heel
The end of a violin bow where the handle is located.
Sole
Any of various other flatfishes, especially certain flounders.
Heel
The lower end of a mast.
Sole
To furnish (a shoe or boot) with a sole.
Heel
The after end of a ship's keel.
Sole
To put the sole of (a golf club) on the ground, as in preparing to make a stroke.
Heel
(Botany) The basal end of a plant cutting or tuber used in propagation.
Sole
Being the only one
The sole survivor of the crash.
Heel
Oppression; tyranny
Under the heel of Stalinism.
The heel of an autocrat.
Sole
Of or relating to only one individual or group; exclusive
She took sole command of the ship.
Heel
(Informal) A dishonorable or unscrupulous person.
Sole
Only.
Heel
A tilt, as of a boat, to one side.
Sole
(legal) Unmarried (especially of a woman); widowed.
Heel
To furnish with a heel or heels.
Sole
Unique; unsurpassed.
The sole brilliance of this gem.
Heel
To repair or replace the heels, as for shoes.
Sole
With independent power; unfettered.
A sole authority.
Heel
(Slang) To furnish, especially with money.
Sole
(anatomy) The bottom or plantar surface of the foot.
Heel
To arm (a gamecock) with gaffs.
Sole
(footwear) The bottom of a shoe or boot.
Heel
To press or strike with the heel
Heel a horse.
Sole
(obsolete) The foot itself.
Heel
To follow at one's heels
The dog won't heel.
Sole
(fish) Solea solea, a flatfish of the family Soleidae.
Heel
To tilt or cause to tilt to one side.
Sole
The bottom or lower part of anything, or that on which anything rests in standing.
Heel
To cover the roots of (a plant) with soil temporarily, as while preparing for a more permanent planting. Often with in
Heeled in the apple saplings until the orchard had been laid out.
Sole
The bottom of the body of a plough; the slade.
Heel
(anatomy) The rear part of the foot, where it joins the leg.
Sole
The bottom of a furrow.
Heel
The part of a shoe's sole which supports the foot's heel.
Sole
The end section of the chanter of a set of bagpipes.
Heel
The rear part of a sock or similar covering for the foot.
Sole
The horny substance under a horse's foot, which protects the more tender parts.
Heel
The part of the palm of a hand closest to the wrist.
He drove the heel of his hand into the man's nose.
Sole
(military) The bottom of an embrasure.
Heel
A woman's high-heeled shoe.
Sole
(nautical) A piece of timber attached to the lower part of the rudder, to make it even with the false keel.
Heel
(firearms) The back, upper part of the stock.
Sole
(nautical) The floor inside the cabin of a yacht or boat
Heel
The last or lowest part of anything.
The heel of a mast
The heel of a vessel
Sole
(mining) The seat or bottom of a mine; applied to horizontal veins or lodes.
Heel
A crust end-piece of a loaf of bread.
Sole
A wooden band or yoke put around the neck of an ox or cow in the stall.
Heel
(US) The base of a bun sliced in half lengthwise.
Sole
A pond or pool; a dirty pond of standing water.
Heel
(informal) A contemptible, unscrupulous, inconsiderate or thoughtless person.
Sole
(transitive) to put a sole on (a shoe or boot)
Heel
A headlining wrestler regarded as a "bad guy," whose ring persona embodies villainous or reprehensible traits and demonstrates characteristics of a braggart and a bully.
Sole
To pull by the ears; to pull about; haul; lug.
Heel
(card games) The cards set aside for later use in a patience or solitaire game.
Sole
Any one of several species of flatfishes of the genus Solea and allied genera of the family Soleidæ, especially the common European species (Solea vulgaris), which is a valuable food fish.
Heel
Anything resembling a human heel in shape; a protuberance; a knob.
Sole
The bottom of the foot; hence, also, rarely, the foot itself.
The dove found no rest for the sole of her foot.
Hast wandered through the world now long a day,Yet ceasest not thy weary soles to lead.
Heel
(architecture) The lower end of a timber in a frame, as a post or rafter.
Sole
The bottom of a shoe or boot, or the piece of leather which constitutes the bottom.
The "caliga" was a military shoe, with a very thick sole, tied above the instep.
Heel
The obtuse angle of the lower end of a rafter set sloping.
Sole
The bottom or lower part of anything, or that on which anything rests in standing.
Heel
A cyma reversa.
Sole
To furnish with a sole; as, to sole a shoe.
Heel
(carpentry) The short side of an angled cut.
Sole
Being or acting without another; single; individual; only.
He, be sure . . . first and last will reignSole king.
Heel
(golf) The part of a club head's face nearest the shaft.
Sole
Single; unmarried; as, a feme sole.
Heel
The lower end of the bit (cutting edge) of an axehead; as opposed to the toe (upper end).
Sole
The underside of footwear or a golfclub
Heel
In a carding machine, the part of a flat nearest the cylinder.
Sole
Lean flesh of any of several flatfish
Heel
(nautical) The junction between the keel and the stempost of a vessel; an angular wooden join connecting the two.
Sole
The underside of the foot
Heel
(nautical) The act of inclining or canting from a vertical position; a cant.
Sole
Right-eyed flatfish; many are valued as food; most common in warm seas especially European
Heel
To follow at somebody's heels; to chase closely.
She called to her dog to heel.
Sole
Put a new sole on;
Sole the shoes
Heel
To add a heel to, or increase the size of the heel of (a shoe or boot).
Sole
Not divided or shared with others;
They have exclusive use of the machine
Sole rights of publication
Heel
To kick with the heel.
Sole
Being the only one; single and isolated from others;
The lone doctor in the entire county
A lonesome pine
An only child
The sole heir
The sole example
A solitary instance of cowardice
A solitary speck in the sky
Heel
(transitive) To perform by the use of the heels, as in dancing, running, etc.
Heel
(transitive) To arm with a gaff, as a cock for fighting.
Heel
To hit (the ball) with the heel of the club.
Heel
To make (a fair catch) standing with one foot forward, the heel on the ground and the toe up.
Heel
To incline to one side; to tilt.
Heel
To lean or tip to one side, as a ship; as, the ship heels aport; the boat heeled over when the squall struck it.
Heel
To perform by the use of the heels, as in dancing, running, and the like.
I cannot sing,Nor heel the high lavolt.
Heel
To add a heel to; as, to heel a shoe.
Heel
To arm with a gaff, as a cock for fighting.
Heel
To hit (the ball) with the heel of the club.
Heel
To make (a fair catch) standing with one foot advanced, the heel on the ground and the toe up.
Heel
The hinder part of the foot; sometimes, the whole foot; - in man or quadrupeds.
He [the stag] calls to mind his strength and then his speed,His winged heels and then his armed head.
Heel
The hinder part of any covering for the foot, as of a shoe, sock, etc.; specif., a solid part projecting downward from the hinder part of the sole of a boot or shoe.
Heel
The latter or remaining part of anything; the closing or concluding part.
Heel
Anything regarded as like a human heel in shape; a protuberance; a knob.
Heel
The part of a thing corresponding in position to the human heel; the lower part, or part on which a thing rests
Heel
Management by the heel, especially the spurred heel; as, the horse understands the heel well.
Heel
The lower end of a timber in a frame, as a post or rafter. In the United States, specif., the obtuse angle of the lower end of a rafter set sloping.
Heel
The part of the face of the club head nearest the shaft.
Heel
In a carding machine, the part of a flat nearest the cylinder.
Heel
The bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground
Heel
The back part of the human foot
Heel
Someone who is morally reprehensible;
You dirty dog
Heel
One of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread
Heel
The lower end of a ship's mast
Heel
(golf) the part of the clubhead where it joins the shaft
Heel
The piece of leather that fits the heel
Heel
Tilt to one side;
The balloon heeled over
The wind made the vessel heel
The ship listed to starboard
Heel
Follow at the heels of a person
Heel
Perform with the heels;
Heel that dance
Heel
Strike with the heel of the club;
Heel a golf ball
Heel
Put a new heel on;
Heel shoes
Common Curiosities
Is it possible for shoes to have no heels?
Yes, many flat shoes, such as loafers and ballet flats, have minimal to no perceptible heels.
How does the heel impact footwear design?
The heel can influence the style, comfort, and function of footwear, often designed to enhance appearance or improve alignment.
Can the sole of a shoe affect athletic performance?
Yes, the design and material of the sole can significantly impact athletic performance by affecting traction and cushioning.
What types of heels are commonly found in shoes?
Common types of heels include stiletto, block, wedge, and kitten heels.
What is the role of heels in orthopedic footwear?
In orthopedic footwear, heels are designed to correct posture and alleviate pain from foot abnormalities.
What is the primary function of a sole?
The sole provides stability, traction, and protection to the foot.
Are all shoe soles made the same?
No, shoe soles vary widely in material, design, and thickness based on the intended use and style of the shoe.
How can the sole of a shoe influence foot health?
A well-designed sole can prevent injuries by providing adequate support and cushioning.
How do soles adapt to different environments?
Soles are designed with specific patterns and materials to handle various terrains, such as rugged, slippery, or hard surfaces.
Why might someone choose a shoe with a higher heel?
Higher heels can be chosen for fashion, to create the illusion of longer legs.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
