A heel notch is a deliberate cutout in the inner side of the heel stack on some leather-soled shoes, designed to prevent the edge of the heel from catching and damaging trousers. It's often referred to as a "gentleman's notch."
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Purpose: The primary function of a heel notch is to protect the fine fabric of trousers from wear and tear. The sharp edge of a traditional, un-notched leather heel can rub against and fray the inside of the trouser leg as you walk.
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Location: The notch is typically located on the inside edge of the heel, where the heel comes into closest contact with the trouser leg.
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Design: It's a small, often semi-circular or V-shaped cutout. The notch smooths the edge of the heel, creating a softer, less abrasive surface.
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Common Term: The term "gentleman's notch" suggests that this feature is more commonly found on higher-quality, dress shoes intended to be worn with tailored trousers.
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Benefit: Prevents premature fraying and damage to the trousers, extending their lifespan and maintaining a neater appearance.
In summary, a heel notch is a small but important design feature on some leather-soled shoes that serves to protect trousers from damage by smoothing the heel's inner edge.
