heelplate

/ˈhilˌpleɪt/
noun
  1. A flat piece of metal, plastic, or other material attached to the heel of a shoe or boot for protection or reinforcement.
    • The heelplate on his work boots was cracked and needed replacing.
    • The hiker installed a metal heelplate on his boots for extra durability on rocky trails.
    • She had a heelplate added to her dancing shoes to prevent wear.
  2. A plate or fitting at the rear of a structure or device, such as on a ladder, door, or piece of equipment.
    • The machine's heelplate was made of thick steel to withstand impact.
    • The ladder's heelplate kept it from slipping on the smooth floor.
    • He screwed the heelplate onto the bottom of the door frame.