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outsole

American  
[aut-sohl] / ˈaʊtˌsoʊl /

noun

  1. the outer sole of a shoe.


outsole British  
/ ˈaʊtˌsəʊl /

noun

  1. the outermost sole of a shoe

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of outsole

First recorded in 1880–85; out- + sole 2


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“It has trail-specific innovations that help runners feel confident stepping off the pavement,” says Brenden McAleese, director of ACG Footwear, of the sticky rubber outsole and quick-draining mesh upper.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 30, 2026

"It's the thinnest and lightest outsole we've ever created," Adidas' senior global product manager, Charlotte Heidmann, told Runner's World.

From DOGO News ● Oct. 3, 2023

The outsole will be made of Vibram, which is made in the United States from recycled materials.

From New York Times ● Mar. 25, 2023

It acts as both the midsole and outsole, which shaves 2–3 ounces off the shoe’s overall weight.

From The Verge ● Feb. 24, 2022

With Pharrell, Adidas went chunkier as well adding the trail outsole to their Human Races and extending a trio collaboration with Chanel, BBC and N.E.R.D.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 18, 2017

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