At GIESSWEIN, we use different tongue constructions depending on the shoe model.
There is a simple reason for this: depending on the model, the shoe tongue has different functions.
In some shoes, it should remain particularly flexible, while in others it should move as little as possible from side to side. In certain constructions, the tongue also needs to stay in position when stepping into the shoe or form part of a more enclosed shoe construction.
That is why there is no single tongue construction that is ideal for every foot.
The individual shape of the foot – especially the instep or top of the foot – can also influence how the tongue sits and feels.
Why does the tongue of my shoe slip to the left or right?
With a more flexible tongue, it can sometimes move slightly to the left or right while walking.
How much the tongue moves can depend on factors such as:
- foot shape
- height of the instep/top of the foot
- foot position
- walking movement
- fit of the shoe
This does not automatically mean that there is something wrong with the shoe.
For this reason, the tongue is additionally secured in certain models to reduce sideways movement as much as possible.
What types of tongue fixation are there?
1. Fixation with a visible elastic band
With this construction, the tongue is connected to the shoe by an elastic band.
The main purpose is:
👉 To prevent the tongue from moving too far to the left or right while walking.
To achieve this, the elastic band needs a certain amount of tension.
What are the advantages of this construction?
- the tongue is held more firmly in position
- less sideways movement
- more stable positioning of the tongue
- particularly helpful when a flexible tongue tends to move strongly to one side while walking
Why can this feel uncomfortable with a high instep?
A stronger fixation also creates a little more tension across the top of the foot.
For people with a high or pronounced instep, this additional tension may therefore be perceived as pressure.
This explains why different customers can experience the same construction differently:
Person A:
“Finally, the tongue no longer slips to the side.”
Person B:
“The shoe puts pressure on my instep.”
Both experiences can be related to the same type of tongue fixation.
Which GIESSWEIN models use or have used this construction?
Depending on the production version, examples include:
- Wool Boom
- Merino Wave
- Wool Peak
As we continuously develop our products, construction details within a model may also change over time.
Wool Boom
Women – Art. No. 85-10-49421
https://www.giesswein.com/products/wool-boom-women
Men – Art. No. 85-10-49422
https://www.giesswein.com/products/wool-boom-men
Merino Wave
Art. No. 84-10-49385
https://www.giesswein.com/products/merino-wave-women
Wool Peak
Women – Art. No. 76-10-49319
https://www.giesswein.com/products/wool-peak-women
Men – Art. No. 76-10-49320
https://www.giesswein.com/products/wool-peak-men
2. Hidden elastic fixation in hands-free constructions
Certain hands-free or step-in constructions also use an elastic band.
However, this construction works differently from the stronger visible elastic band.
The elastic is:
- thinner
- positioned higher on the tongue
- hidden between the lining and upper material
- integrated into a type of guide or “tunnel”
What is the purpose?
The primary purpose here is not to prevent sideways movement while walking.
Instead, the construction is designed to prevent the tongue from being pushed forward or downward into the shoe when the foot slides in.
This makes it possible to put on the shoe without having to bend down afterwards to pull the tongue back up or reposition it.
The tunnel construction also helps keep the tongue positioned laterally.
Why does this construction cause less pressure?
Because the guide already provides part of the stabilization, a looser and thinner elastic band can be used.
This keeps the tongue in position without requiring as much tension over the instep.
3. Bootie construction or sidewings
Another option is a so-called bootie construction, in which the tongue is connected more closely to the shoe using side sections known as sidewings.
This integrates the tongue more firmly into the overall shoe construction.
This type of construction is particularly common in:
- winter boots
- weather-resistant shoes
- waterproof sneakers
Why is this construction used?
The main purpose is often not to prevent the tongue from slipping.
Instead, the integrated construction helps make the shoe more enclosed, weather-resistant or waterproof.
The reduced movement of the tongue is an additional effect.
Example: Merino Leather Boot
The Merino Leather Boot is designed as a waterproof winter boot.
Women – Art. No. 76-10-49334
https://www.giesswein.com/products/leather-merino-boot-women
Men – Art. No. 76-10-49335
https://www.giesswein.com/products/leather-merino-boot-men
Why aren't all shoe tongues firmly fixed?
A stronger fixation has advantages – but also possible disadvantages.
More firmly fixed tongue:
✅ less sideways movement
✅ more stable positioning
❗ may be felt more strongly on a high instep
More flexible tongue:
✅ greater freedom of movement
✅ less tension across the top of the foot
✅ can adapt more individually
❗ may move more to one side depending on the shape of the foot
For this reason, the construction is selected according to the specific shoe model and its intended use.
Tongue fixation and tongue cut are not the same thing
In addition to how firmly the tongue is fixed, there are also differences in how the tongue is cut and connected to the front of the shoe.
GIESSWEIN uses different constructions here as well.
Tongue as an extension of the toe box
With this construction, the tongue extends directly from the front section of the shoe – the toe box.
Examples include:
- Merino Curve Max
- Wool Sneaker
What is the advantage?
Because there is no fixed seam running across the ball area, the shoe can be adjusted more flexibly to the foot in this area.
This provides additional adaptability around the forefoot and ball of the foot.
Merino Curve Max
Women – Art. No. 82-10-49373
https://www.giesswein.com/products/merino-curve-max-women
Men – Art. No. 82-10-49374
https://www.giesswein.com/products/merino-curve-max-men
Wool Sneaker
Women – Art. No. 74-10-49315
https://www.giesswein.com/products/wool-sneaker-damen
Men – Art. No. 74-10-49316
https://www.giesswein.com/products/wool-sneaker-herren
Tongue starts above the ball of the foot
With another type of cut, the tongue only starts above the ball area of the foot.
Examples include:
- Retro Runner
- Wool Knit Max
The choice between the different tongue cuts depends, among other things, on the design and desired construction of the shoe.
Retro Runner
Women – Art. No. 82-10-49375
https://www.giesswein.com/products/retro-runner-women
Men – Art. No. 82-10-49376
https://www.giesswein.com/products/retro-runner-men
Wool Knit Max
Women – Art. No. 84-10-49398
https://www.giesswein.com/products/wool-knit-max-women
Men – Art. No. 84-10-49399
https://www.giesswein.com/products/wool-knit-max-men
Why does the shoe tongue put pressure on my instep?
If you feel pressure on the instep or top of the foot, this may be influenced by a combination of:
- foot shape
- instep height
- shoe width
- lacing
- tongue construction
- tongue fixation
A high instep can generally cause a shoe to be felt more strongly across the top of the foot.
What can I try if I feel pressure on my instep?
First, loosen the laces slightly and check whether this reduces the pressure.
Make sure that:
- the tongue is positioned centrally
- the laces are not too tight
- the shoe feels comfortable across the instep
- no persistent pressure point develops
A shoe should generally feel comfortable when worn and should not cause lasting pain.
My shoe tongue keeps slipping – is the shoe defective?
Not necessarily.
With more flexible tongues, a certain amount of sideways movement can occur as part of the construction.
How strongly this occurs can depend on the individual foot shape and walking movement.
However, if the tongue moves unusually far, twists or if a fixation is visibly damaged, please send us photos of the shoe together with your order number at:
We will be happy to check whether this is a warranty or complaint case.
My shoe tongue is sewn in or fixed with an elastic band – is that normal?
Yes.
Depending on the model, the shoe tongue may intentionally be:
- designed to remain more flexible
- fixed with an elastic band
- guided invisibly within the lining
- integrated laterally using a bootie/sidewing construction
These differences are part of the respective shoe construction and serve different purposes.
Why does GIESSWEIN use different shoe tongues?
Because different shoes have different requirements.
Depending on the model, a construction may be designed particularly for:
- flexibility
- adaptability
- stable positioning
- reduced sideways movement
- easier step-in
- reduced pressure
- weather resistance
- waterproofing
A more firmly fixed tongue is therefore not automatically better than a flexible tongue – and vice versa.
What matters is which construction best suits the respective shoe and the individual shape of the foot.
Why does my shoe tongue always move outward?
A flexible tongue can shift sideways depending on the shape of the foot, the instep and the movement while walking.
Why does my shoe tongue move to the left?
The individual foot shape and movement inside the shoe can play a role. More firmly fixed tongues are designed to reduce this sideways movement.
Why does my shoe tongue move to the right?
This can occur with flexible tongues and may depend on the individual foot shape and walking pattern.
Why is the tongue of my GIESSWEIN shoe attached with an elastic band?
The elastic band can help keep the tongue more firmly in position and reduce sideways movement.
Why does the elastic band put pressure on my instep?
A stronger elastic fixation requires a certain amount of tension. With a high or pronounced instep, this tension may be felt more strongly.
Why is the tongue fixed differently on another GIESSWEIN model?
The construction is selected according to the model, intended use and design. Different GIESSWEIN shoes may therefore use different tongue constructions.
Is a loose or flexible tongue worse?
No.
A more flexible tongue provides greater freedom of movement and may reduce pressure across the instep. However, it may also move sideways more easily with certain foot shapes.
Is a firmly fixed tongue better?
Not necessarily.
It can reduce movement, but it may also be felt more strongly with certain foot shapes or a high instep.
Which GIESSWEIN shoes have a fixed tongue?
GIESSWEIN uses different constructions depending on the model and production version. Examples of additional tongue fixation can be found, or have been used, on models such as Wool Boom, Merino Wave and Wool Peak.
As we continuously develop our models, construction details may change over time.
Which GIESSWEIN shoes are suitable for a high instep?
With a high instep, a suitable shoe width, sufficient space over the top of the foot and individually adjustable lacing are particularly important.
You can find further information in our Help Center under:
“Which GIESSWEIN shoes are suitable for a high instep?”