Footwear 101: Complete Glossary of Shoe Shapes
You wear them on your feet every day — that is unless you're Shailene Woodley — and whether they're classic or sexy, flat or sky-high, the shoes you choose say a lot about you. But what can you say for them?
Sure, you know you're wearing a lace-up menswear shoe, but would you be able to say if that shoe was a brogue, wingtip, or oxford? Trick question — it could be all three. Don't get stumped on the street the next time you're complimented on your footwear. Because much like the world of handbags, there's plenty to learn about these beloved accessories.
And while certain facts are hard-and-fast (we defy you to find a flat stiletto!) other rules are a bit trickier — ie: don't be alarmed if your Mary Jane's a flat rather than a heel; this pretty lady can be both! So, grab a pencil: you're about to get schooled on shoe shapes with our handy glossary.
Category: Boot
Footwear that covers the entirety of the foot and extends at least to the ankle.
Desert
Also called a "chukka boot," this lightweight, ankle-length style has two or three pairs of eyelets for lacing.
Chelsea
A short boot with a vertical elastic gore on each side of the ankle.
ASOS Arizona Woven Chelsea Boots ($50, originally $67)
Bootie
A boot without a shaft.
Barneys New York Cutout Peep-Toe Booties ($269, originally $450)
Ankle
A boot that extends to the ankle and has a 3- to 8-inch high shaft.
Suede Ankle Boots ($940)
Motorcycle
Also called a "biker boot," this is a weighty boot with a low heel, made from protective elements like heavy leather and metal.
Combat
A lace-Âup boot originally designed for military use.
Cowboy
A midcalf boot with a moderate, slanted heel, decorative stitching, and typically a pointed toe.
Laredo Kadi Boots ($100)
Equestrian
Also called a "riding boot," this sleek style includes a low heel and knee-high shaft.
Sage Calf Suede Riding Boots ($399, originally $995)
Galoshes
Traditionally, a boot or shoe designed to be worn over and protect other footwear (though today the term encompasses all rain boots).
Bogs Carson Boots ($120)
Wellington
A tall, waterproof boot made from rubber or PVC.
Hunter Tall Wellington Boots ($100)
Category: Sandal
Exposed footwear that includes an open toe and back.
Slide
A backless sandal that is held on the foot by a large strap that runs across the instep.
Gladiator
Inspired by the shape of Roman fighters' shoes, this sandal is marked by a single strap that runs down the foot and has several horizontal straps that run across it.
Flip-Flop
Also called a "thong," this flat sandal is held in place by a strap that passes between the big toe and the second toe with a v-strap.
Water Shoe
A sandal constructed of rubber or fabric and is designed to protect feet from shells and rocks. An enclosed version can be made of quickÂdrying mesh.
Teva Original Sandals ($40)
Category: Flat
Footwear with no heel height.
D'orsay
Named for the dandy Count d'Orsay, a shoe with a closed heel and toe but with cut-down sides.
Ballet
Inspired by ballet dancers' slippers, this is a soft, closed-toe shoe.
Slipper
An indoor, flat slip-on.
Smoking Slipper
A slipper with a raised vamp (front part of the shoe) that has notches where it meets the side of the shoe.
Moccasin
A slip-on with stitching around the toe box to create a gathered effect.
Driving Shoe
Designed to give drivers a better grip on the pedals, this is a moccasin with a thin sole that wraps around the entire shoe.
Gommino Suede Driving Shoes ($425)
Loafer
A moccasin-style slip-on with a slotted strap stitched to the vamp of the shoe, with an optional tassel or chain, and referred to as a penny loafer when a coin is inserted in the slot.
Boat Shoe
A moccasin-style shoe with an antislip rubber sole designed to be worn on a boat deck.
Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original Woven Boat Shoes ($63, originally $125)
Slip-On
A shoe that can be put on or removed without a lace or strap.
Sneaker
A casual, rubber-soled shoe made of soft materials. Variations include tennis shoes, skater shoes, wedge sneakers, and high-tops.
Oxford
A low, leather shoe that is fastened with shoelace eyelets above its vamp.
Miu Miu leather oxfords ($359)
Saddle Shoe
An oxford with a band (which is typically a contrasting color or texture) that runs from the lacing down to the sole.
Robert Clergerie Flash Saddle Shoes ($298, originally $595)
Wingtip
An oxford with w-shaped material stitched to its vamp.
Spectator
A style marked by a distinctive contrasting color on its cap, this shoe is traditionally — though not exclusively — an oxford.
Brogue
A shoe with holes punched around the edge of the vamp.
Espadrille
A shoe with a canvas upper and rope sole, which is typically flat but can have a wedge. Originally a slip-on when created in Spain, current varieties include sandals and lace-ups.
Flatform
A flat shoe with a level platform.
Sophia Webster Suki Woven Flatform Sandals ($293, originally $420)
Creeper
A flat shoe with a thick, crepe rubber sole.
T.U.K. Floral Creepers ($75)
Category: Heel
Footwear that raises the wearer's heel height higher than the toes.
Mary Jane
A shoe with an elastic, Velcro, or buckle strap across the instep.
Alexander Wang Manuel Mary Jane Pump ($556, originally $795)
T-Strap
A shoe with a strap running vertically up the foot.
SJP Carrie T-Strap Pumps ($355)
Ankle Strap
A shoe with a single or multiple straps that pass around the ankle.
Slingback
A shoe with an elastic or buckled strap around the back of the foot.
Oscar de la Renta Plaid Slingbacks ($348, originally $695)
Cap-Toe
A shoe with a cap or reinforced leather on the toe.
Pierre Hardy Laser-Cut Cap-Toe Pumps ($559, originally $925)
Peep-Toe
A shoe with an opening in front that exposes the toes.
Zara Peep-Toe Stilettos ($36)
Mule
A backless shoe or slipper with a vamp that can be open- or closed-toed.
Tibi Bee Heels ($385)
Clog
A closed-toe shoe with an open back and a platform sole, which is traditionally wood.
Pump
A shoe with a low-cut front that chiefly grips the foot at the toe and the heel and typically has no fastenings.
Kitten Heel
A shoe with a low heel that is usually 1 to 2 inches.
French
First worn by King Louis XIV of France to add height to his 5'3" stature, this shoe has a curved, medium-high heel.
L'autre Choes Suede Sandals ($225, originally $375)
Stiletto
A shoe with a thin, tapering heel with a medium to tall height.
Jimmy Choo Agnes pumps ($875)
Platform
A high-heel shoe with a thick sole under the front of the foot.
Wedge
A shoe with a heel that extends from the ball to the back.
Stuart Weitzman Jean Wedges ($385)