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Zappos.com - Glossary Terms

In addition to offering a wide variety of shoes, handbags and accessories, we strive to provide you with the best service in the industry. We feel it is our duty to not only provide you with great service, but we would also like to provide a reference guide for you to learn more about us and our industry. We are giving you the inside scoop to our company glossary so you can learn about shoes, handbags and accessories just like us. We hope this guide is useful to you and will make you feel more confident about the features that our products provide. Enjoy!

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After Hours
As the name suggests, the footwear in this category was made to lounge around in. Comfortable and casual slippers and shoes. Whether sitting on the couch, by the fire at the lodge, or running outside to get the morning paper, you will find all that you need to keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable. View the After Hours Collection
Aglet
The plastic sheath at the end of a shoelace which makes the lace easier to thread through the eyelet holes of the shoe.
Alligator Skin
A reptile hide featuring a wide, boxed print.
analog movement
representation of time by position on a dial on a clock or watch.
Analog Watch
This type of watch possesses a dial and hands.
Ankle Strap
A strap attached at the rear of the shoe that encircles the ankle.  Usually features an adjustable buckle or elastic.
Ankle Strap
Antiquing
A type of leather finish that creates a contrasting, rubbed-off appearance.
APMA
The APMA stands for the American Podiatric Medical Association.  It is comprised of America's Premier Foot & Ankle Physicians.  The seal was created to inform both physicians and consumers about products whose quality, safety and effectiveness allow for normal foot function and promote good health.
Approach Shoe
A grip-soled athletic shoe meant to aid rock climbers on the path to and from the climbing area.
Arch
The high, curved part of the sole of the foot, located between the ball of the foot and the heel.  This term can also refer to the raised area of the insole of the shoe, which is meant to pad and provide support for the arch of the foot.
Athleisure Shoe
Athletic-inspired, trendy footwear meant for casual, urban wear.
Athletic Bag
A cloth (typically canvas or nylon) duffel-style bag used for carrying athletic gear.
Athletic Shoe
Athletic footwear meant for performance of a specific sport.  Basketball, crosstraining, golf, hiking, running, tennis and walking are some examples.
ATM
(Atmosphere) Unit of pressure used in watch making to indicate water resistance.
A water-resistance of 3 ATM is equivalent to 30 meters or 100 feet, 5 ATM= 50 meters or 165 feet, and so on.
Atmosphere (ATM)
This is a measurement of pressure to determine water resistance of watches. Each ATM is equal to 10 meters of water pressure.
Automatic
also known as self-winding movement. A mechanically powered watch that is wound by motion of the wearer's arm rather than through turning the winding system. Most automatic watches have up to 36 hours of power reserve. If the automatic watch is not worn for a day or two, it will wind down and need to be wound by hand to get it started again.
Automatic Movement
Automatic watches do not require batteries or manual winding.  A weight withing these watches turns with the natural movement of the wearer's arm, thus keeping the watch wound.

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