The Shoe Universe - Different Types

An overview of the most commonly found types of shoes for women.

PeepToe

PEEPTOE - This is any kind of shoe that has an opening in the front were some of the toes are visible. It may have a heel, or it may be flat.

PUMPS

PUMPS

PUMPS

Platforms

PLATFORMS

Platform shoes are ones where the heel is very thick. They are also called disco boots since they were popularized during the 70s. The heels are made of cork, plastic or wood.

WEDGE HEELS

WEDGE HEELS

Wedge Heels are any shoes or sandals where the heel is in the shape of a wedge and continues throughout to the toe (front of shoe).

ANKLE STRAP SANDALS

ANKLE STRAP SANDALS

Ankle Strap sandals are worn by adjusting the strap which is tied at the ankle.

T-STRAP SANDALS/SHOES

T-STRAP SANDALS/SHOES

These are sandals where the straps lie perpendicular to each other in a T-shape.

ESPADRILLE

ESPADRILLE

Espardille is a shoe of which the top is made of a cotton or linen fabric and the sole is made os some kind of rope. These were initially worn by peasants in Europe. They are very comfortable to wear.

MULES

MULES

Mules are a type of shoe that is closed from the front and open from the back. Like a pump, they can have any shape, size or heel length.

MOCCASINS

MOCCASINS

Moccasins are shoes that are made of very soft leather. The entire foot is covered and the shoe is flat. It was originally used to worn in the wilderness, but they have been adapted for casual use as well.

MARY JANES

MARY JANES

The hallmark of a Mary Jane shoe is the buckle across the middle of the shoe. Traditionally they were worn by schoolgirls and were flat shoes made of black leather. The modern version of this is the Mary Jane with a heel. In addition, it can come in any color.

LOAFERS

LOAFERS

These are casual slip on shoes. They are very comfortable and come in many different colors. Suede loafers recently became very popular.

BALLERINA/BALLET FLATS

BALLERINA/BALLET FLATS

These are inspired by what ballerinas and ballet dancers wear on their feet. They have no heel and are rounded at the front. They need to have a proper sole because unlike the ballerina, we have to wear them on roads.

CLOGS

CLOGS

These shoes are made mostly from wood. They were originally worn by people doing farm work, mine and factory labor, and in some traditional dance styles. They have become fashionable in the recent past.

SLINGBACKS

SLINGBACKS

These are shoes, pumps, sandals, or flats that have a strap in the back that allows for very easy putting on and taking off. They can be with or without heels and in many different styles and shapes.

BOOTS

BOOTS

RAINBOOTS

RAINBOOTS

Rainboots are made of a plastic material that is water repellant. They are great for those days when you know or anticpate rain and you don't want to ruin your good shoes.

RAINBOOTS

BOOTIES

BOOTIES

A bootie takes elements from boots and regular heels. So it has the look and feel of both. It is high like a boot, and it has a heel like a pump might.

SNEAKERS

SNEAKERS

Womens sneakers are worn for running and/or walking. These are also called trainers and gym shoes.