There’s a vast variety of shoe styles for women, each with their own identity and history. Female footwear styles are well known for being desirable and beautiful as well as being functional. The wide array of women’s shoe styles can sometimes leave us a little confused as to what’s what, and when certain women’s shoe types should be worn.
Wedges
A wedge heel can give an outfit a more polished look without actually having to wear excruciating heels. Wedges are far more comfortable to wear, especially a lower wedge.
Ballerinas
A pretty and practical solution to casual, everyday footwear. Ballet pumps are a flat slipper type shoe that are an essential item to have in a wardrobe. Ballerinas are such a versatile shoe that come in every print, colour and pattern imaginable, from classic nude to wild animal prints and bright quirky colours.
Lace Ups
Lace ups is a catch all term for any shoes that fastens with laces. They can be brogues, loafers, heels, ballerina pumps or any other shoe.
Lace up shoes tend to be slightly sturdier and can provide additional support for your feet, as well as providing an adjustable fastening that can be tightened or loosened to suit your feet.
Canvas Shoes
Lightweight women’s canvas shoes are slightly sportier looking than ballerina shoes, but they’re an equally great choice for casual wear. They’re comfy, practical and come in every colour and pattern so you can always find a pair that will match your outfit. They look great with jeans and a t-shirt for an easy and simple weekend outfit.
Wellington Boots
Traditionally known as Wellington Boots, a trusty pair of women’s wellies are practical and stylish. Perfect for keeping dry in the winter, or for keeping warm and dry at a festival.
Wellies typically feature a thick, rubber boot and chunky sole to enable you to walk through muddy fields, and jump in puddles without ruining your shoes
Flip Flops
The ultimate summer shoe, if you’re heading to the beach or pool this summer then these are the perfect shoes to put in your beach bag.
Women’s flip flops are generally made from a foam sole, with a plastic toe support in the middle. For a longer lasting style, opt for one made from leather. Very basic styles will have simple plastic straps, although you can get styles with pretty woven leather straps and finished with gems to add extra sparkle to your outfit.
Mules
An open backed shoe with a closed front. Ladies mules are suitable for slipping on and off and generally far more casual than closed shoes but give more support than flip flops.
Loafers
A casual shoe that generally slips on, with elasticated panels on either sides negating the need for laces or fastenings.
Ladies loafers offer a classic style that adds vintage glamour to a daytime outfit or office wear.
Gladiator sandals
A strappy sandal, with a T-bar running down the front. For optimum Grecian glamour, wear a pair of gladiator sandals with a maxi dress, there’s something about gladiator sandals that work so well on holiday. Recently, heeled gladiator sandals have made a comeback on the catwalks and high street. A strappy sandal with a heel works well with tailored trousers or with office wear.
Trainers
Women’s trainers are named so because they are designed to be used whilst training – while at the gym, or yoga, as well as for fashion wear. These are more supportive for your feet and comfier than any other shoe for exercising in, make sure you try these on before you buy them. It’s vital you protect your feet with the right support and cushioning. Your legs, hips and knees will benefit from wearing decent trainers as well.