Types Of Shoes For Women

  

 In today’s post, I’m going to walk you through – pun intended 😉 – the different types of shoes for women. From sneakers to ankle boots to ballerina flats, and right on over to lesser-known shoe styles such as barefoot shoes and huarache sandals, I’ve got you covered!

You’ll become familiar with all kinds of shoes and their historical origin. You’ll also learn the names of all women’s shoe styles and specialized shoe types. And don’t worry – each shoe type will have a photo or sketch, so you’ll come out of this guide with visual knowledge too!:

Just how many different types of women’s shoes are there, you ask? Let’s just say there are plenty. And by that, I mean this: as someone who’s been working with shoes for over a decade, some of these types of shoes surprised even me!

Don’t forget that every few years a new shoe style will pop up. So I’ll keep this women’s guide to shoes as current as possible. I do feel like I’m continuously discovering new kinds of shoes each day!

Lace-up Sneakers :

Lace-up sneakers are the most common sneakers you’ll find in stores and on women’s feet. As the name suggests, they come with shoelaces that keep the shoes snug on your feet. 

Sneakers – also called trainers or kicks – were first developed in the 1870s. They were known as plimsolls, as inspired by the book “The Plimsoll Sensation.”

Slip-on Sneakers :

If you find tying shoelaces time-consuming for your busy lifestyle, then slip-on sneakers are perfect for you. Low and laceless shoes (such as Dr. Scholl’s Madison, above) are easy to wear and slip on easily thanks to elastics stitched into the sides.

This women’s shoe style can be traced back to 1847 when the first slip-ons (or loafers) were created. Throughout the years, the style has branched out into different forms, included cap toe and pointed toe slip-ons. Many women stock their closets full with this comfy yet athletic equivalent. I know I do!

Running Shoes :

True to its name, classic running shoes are great for running – professionally or otherwise. Their cushioning technology can keep your feet comfy – even if you’re running quite a distance, or just walking to the grocery store.

The best thing about this women’s shoe style is that they’re lightweight! Models such as Under Armour Flow Velociti only weigh 8 ounces, so it feels like you’re not wearing anything at all.

Ballerina Flats :

When it comes to comfort and style in a simple type of women’s shoe, nothing comes close to ballerina flats. They’re known for being low-heel – and classic styles have a small ribbon in the front. 

The name is suggestive of its history, which goes back to the 16th century. These types of shoes for women – then known as pompes – were made for ballerinas. While heels overtook the ballerina flats in popularity, they’re still well worn today. Since Brigette Bardot’s love for Repetto flats, women all over the world have a pair or two in their closets.

Mary Janes :

Fun fact: Did you know that Mary Janes are named after a Buster Brown comic character? 

The Brown Shoe Company hired actors to perform this Buster Brown skit in the early 1900s. Eventually, they became synonymous with Mary Jane shoes.

Also known as doll shoes or bar shoes, they come with a characteristic t-strap across the middle of the foot. While most Mary Janes for women are made with black or patent leather, some are made with suede. One casual example is the Bella Vita Virginia flat. Grown-up Mary Janes have a twist: high heels and even an extra strap or two! Manolo Blahnik’s Campari MaryJane is a fashionista favorite, with a slick stiletto heel and pointed toe.

Slingback Shoes :

Slingback shoes – many of which are heeled – are women’s shoes with an ankle strap that crosses around the back and sides of the ankle, right above the heel of the foot.

Slingbacks are different from ankle strap shoes because the strap doesn’t wrap around the full ankle – only the back portion. Sometimes the strap has a buckle or an elastic for comfort and flexibility. The most popular fashion sling-back is the iconic Chanel 2-tone from 2015. It has been profusely replicated by other brands and designers.