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outsole

American  
[out-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

The “Flow” foam acts as both midsole and outsole to reduce the shoe’s weight Under Armour isn’t the first company to make this kind of product.

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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