Types of Women’s Shoes

Women’s shoes come in many different shapes and styles. Some are made for walking long distances. Others are for special parties.

Some women’s shoes have high heels while others are flat. In this guide, we’ll learn about all the different types of women’s shoes and what makes each one special.

Everyday Flat Shoes

Flat shoes don’t have a raised heel. They keep your foot close to the ground. These shoes are usually very comfy for walking and standing.

Sneakers and Athletic Shoes

Sneakers are soft shoes made for running, walking, and playing sports. They have rubber bottoms that help you not slip. Sneakers have soft cushioning inside that makes them comfy to wear all day.

Some sneakers are made for specific sports like running or tennis. Others are just for looking cool while walking around town. Many women have several pairs of sneakers in different colors to match their clothes.

Sneakers used to be just for sports and casual days. Now many women wear fancy sneakers even with nice dresses or work clothes. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Converse make popular sneakers that many women love to wear.

Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are simple shoes with completely flat bottoms. They got their name because they look like the shoes that ballet dancers wear. Ballet flats usually cover the whole front of your foot but have a low cut around the top of your foot.

These shoes are very easy to slip on and off. They come in many colors and materials. Some have bows or sparkly decorations on the front. Ballet flats can be worn with pants, dresses, or skirts. They work for school, office jobs, or just going shopping.

Ballet flats are good shoes to keep in your bag as a backup. If your feet start hurting from other shoes, you can switch to comfy ballet flats.

Loafers

Loafers are flat shoes that you slip on without any laces or straps. They cover the top of your foot and usually have a small piece of leather across the top called a “saddle.” Sometimes they have tassels or metal decorations.

Loafers were first made for men, but now many women wear them too. They look a bit more dressy than sneakers but are still very comfortable. Loafers are good shoes for school or office jobs where you need to look nice but also stand or walk a lot.

Penny loafers are a special kind of loafer. They have a small slit on top where people used to keep a penny for emergency phone calls. Even though we don’t need pennies for phone calls anymore, the style is still popular.

Moccasins

Moccasins are soft shoes that were first made by Native Americans. They’re made from soft leather that wraps around your foot. Traditional moccasins have one piece of leather on the bottom and sides, with another piece sewn on top.

Modern moccasins often have rubber soles added for better grip. They’re very flexible and move with your foot when you walk. Moccasins are super comfortable because they’re so soft. Many women like to wear them around the house or for casual outings.

Some moccasins have fuzzy, warm linings inside. These are especially nice in cold weather. Brands like Minnetonka make popular moccasins in many colors and styles.

Sandals and Open Shoes

Sandals are shoes that leave parts of your foot uncovered. They’re great for hot weather because they let your feet stay cool.

Flip Flops

Flip flops are very simple sandals. They have a flat bottom and just a Y-shaped strap that goes between your big toe and second toe. Flip flops are easy to slip on and off. They’re perfect for the beach or pool because they can get wet.

Flip flops are usually made of rubber or plastic, so they’re inexpensive. You can find them in every color imaginable. Some have thick soles for more cushioning, while others are very thin.

While flip flops are super convenient, they don’t give your feet much support. They’re best for short walks, not all-day adventures.

Slide Sandals

Slide sandals have one or two straps across the top of your foot. There’s nothing between your toes. You just slide your foot in, which is how they got their name.

Slides can be flat or have a small heel. Some are very simple with just one plain strap. Others have fancy decorations like flowers or jewels. Brands like Birkenstock make slides with shaped footbeds that support your foot’s natural curve.

Slide sandals are easy to wear and come in styles from very casual to quite dressy. They’re a summer favorite for many women.

Gladiator Sandals

Gladiator sandals have many straps that go across your foot and sometimes up your ankle. They’re named after the sandals worn by ancient Roman gladiators. These sandals give your foot more support than simple flip flops or slides.

Some gladiator sandals have just a few straps across the front of your foot. Others have straps that go all the way up to your knee! They can be flat or have small heels.

Gladiator sandals look great with summer dresses or shorts. The strappy style makes them more secure on your foot than other sandals.

Espadrilles

Espadrilles are summer shoes with soles made from rope called jute. The tops are usually made of canvas fabric. Traditional espadrilles are flat, but modern ones can have wedge heels too.

These shoes came from Spain many years ago. Farmers used to wear them because they were cool and comfortable in hot weather. Now they’re popular all over the world as summer shoes.

Espadrilles can be slip-on styles or have ankle straps. They come in many bright colors and patterns. They’re perfect for summer outfits when you want something more dressy than regular sandals.

Heeled Shoes

Heeled shoes have raised backs that make you stand taller. They come in many different heights and styles.

Pumps

Pumps are classic heeled shoes that cover the toes and have no straps or closures. You simply slip your foot into them. Traditional pumps have a closed toe and a heel that’s 2-4 inches high.

Pumps are the most common type of dressy shoe for women. They’re worn with business clothes, fancy dresses, and even wedding gowns. Some women find them uncomfortable because they put pressure on the ball of your foot.

Many pumps have a pointed toe, but they also come with rounded or square toes. The most versatile pumps are black or nude colored, but you can find them in every color and pattern.

Kitten Heels

Kitten heels are shoes with very small heels, usually 1-2 inches high. They’re called “kitten” heels because they’re smaller and more delicate than regular high heels.

These shoes give a little bit of height without being hard to walk in. They’re good for people who want to wear heels but find taller ones uncomfortable. Kitten heels are often worn for office jobs or events where you’ll be standing for a long time.

Kitten heels come in many styles including pumps, slingbacks, and sandals. They offer a good balance between comfort and style.

Block Heels

Block heels have a thick, square-shaped heel instead of a skinny one. The wide heel gives more support and stability, making these shoes easier to walk in than stilettos.

Block heels can be any height from low to very tall. They have a vintage look that’s come back into style. Because they distribute your weight over a larger area, many women find block heels more comfortable for all-day wear.

These shoes work well with both pants and dresses. They have a fun, fashion-forward look while still being practical enough for regular wear.

Stilettos

Stilettos have very tall, thin heels. The heels are usually at least 3 inches tall and very narrow. The name “stiletto” comes from a type of thin knife, which the heel resembles.

These shoes are very glamorous but can be difficult to walk in, especially on uneven surfaces. The thin heel can get stuck in grates or between cobblestones. Stilettos put a lot of pressure on the ball of your foot, which can cause pain after a while.

Despite being uncomfortable, stilettos remain popular for special occasions because they make legs look longer and add drama to an outfit. For more comfort, some stilettos now have hidden platforms under the toe area.

Wedges

Wedge shoes have a heel that’s attached to the sole all the way from the back to the middle of the shoe. Instead of having a separate heel piece, the whole back part of the sole is raised.

Wedges give height like other heels but are much more stable because your weight is distributed over a larger area. Many women find wedges easier to walk in than other high heels. They’re especially good on soft surfaces like grass, where thin heels might sink in.

Summer wedges often have espadrille bottoms made of rope material. Winter wedges might be made of wood or cork. Wedges can be closed shoes or open sandals.

Boots for All Seasons

Boots cover more of your foot and leg than regular shoes. Some go just above the ankle while others go all the way up to the knee or thigh.

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots (sometimes called booties) stop at or just above your ankle bone. They can have flat soles or heels of any height. Some zip up the side, while others slip on or lace up the front.

These versatile boots can be worn in many seasons. Leather or suede ankle boots work well in fall and winter, while perforated or open-toe styles are good for spring and summer. Ankle boots look great with jeans, dresses, skirts, or shorts.

Ankle boots come in countless styles from very casual to highly decorated. Some have chunky, rugged soles while others are sleek and dressy.

Knee-High Boots

Knee-high boots extend up to your knee. They keep your lower legs warm in cold weather. These boots can have flat soles or heels of different heights.

Many knee-high boots are made of leather or suede, but you can also find them in materials like rubber for rainy days. Some have stretchy backs that make them easier to pull on over calves of different sizes.

Knee-high boots look good over skinny jeans or with dresses and skirts. They add a dramatic element to outfits while being practical for cold weather.

Over-the-Knee Boots

Over-the-knee boots go above your knee, sometimes reaching mid-thigh. These dramatic boots make a fashion statement while keeping your legs very warm.

These boots were once considered very daring, but now they’re a mainstream fashion item. They’re often worn with short skirts or dresses, or over skinny jeans. Flat over-the-knee boots have a casual look, while heeled versions are more dressy.

Over-the-knee boots usually have some stretch in the shaft (the part that goes up your leg) to help them stay up and fit different leg shapes.

Rain Boots

Rain boots (also called wellies or gumboots) are waterproof boots made for wet weather. They’re usually made of rubber or other waterproof materials. Traditional rain boots go up to mid-calf, but you can find shorter ankle-height versions too.

These practical boots keep your feet dry in puddles and rain. They often have grippy soles to prevent slipping on wet surfaces. While classic rain boots are plain and functional, modern ones come in bright colors and fun patterns.

Rain boots are easy to clean – just wipe them with a damp cloth. Many women keep a pair by the door for rainy or snowy days.

Winter Boots

Winter boots are made to keep your feet warm and dry in snow and cold temperatures. They often have thick insulation and waterproof materials. Good winter boots also have soles with deep treads to give you grip on ice and snow.

Many winter boots have cozy linings made of materials like fleece or shearling. Some have drawstrings or other closures at the top to keep snow from getting inside. Brands like Sorel and UGG make popular winter boots that combine warmth with style.

While primarily functional, winter boots now come in many attractive styles so you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for warmth.

Special Occasion Shoes

Some shoes are made especially for fancy events or specific activities.

Evening Shoes

Evening shoes are fancy shoes for special occasions like parties, proms, or weddings. They’re often made of luxurious materials like satin, velvet, or patent leather. Many have sparkly decorations like crystals or glitter.

These shoes can be pumps, sandals, or any other style, but they’re always more ornate than everyday shoes. They frequently have high heels, though flat evening shoes exist too for comfort.

Evening shoes are usually chosen to match a special outfit and might only be worn a few times. Common colors include metallics like silver and gold, as well as black, which goes with everything.

Bridal Shoes

Bridal shoes are special shoes worn by brides on their wedding day. Traditional bridal shoes are white or ivory to match the wedding dress, but modern brides sometimes choose other colors or even sneakers for comfort.

These shoes often have special details like pearl decorations, lace overlays, or blue soles (for the “something blue” tradition). The height of bridal shoes depends on the bride’s preference and dress length.

Comfort is important for bridal shoes since the bride will wear them for many hours of standing, walking, and dancing. Some brides change into more comfortable shoes for the reception.

Dance Shoes

Dance shoes are specifically designed for different types of dancing. Ballet slippers have thin, flexible soles. Tap shoes have metal plates on the bottom. Ballroom dance shoes have smooth soles and supportive straps.

These specialized shoes help dancers move correctly and safely. They’re usually not worn outside of dance classes or performances because street wear would damage them.

Character shoes are a type of dance shoe with a small heel, used for jazz, theater, and character dances. They have straps across the foot to keep them secure during jumps and turns.

Shoes for Health and Comfort

Some shoes are made with extra features for comfort or to help with foot problems.

Orthopedic Shoes

Orthopedic shoes are specially designed to support foot health. They have features like extra cushioning, wide toe boxes, and supportive arches. These shoes help people with foot pain, diabetes, arthritis, or other health issues.

Modern orthopedic shoes look much nicer than they used to. Brands like Vionic, Dansko, and Clarks make orthopedic shoes that are both helpful and stylish. They come in many styles including sneakers, sandals, and even some heels.

If you have foot pain, a doctor might recommend orthopedic shoes. Sometimes you can buy them in regular shoe stores, while other times they need to be specially made for your feet.

Comfort Shoes

Comfort shoes focus on feeling good on your feet, even if you wear them all day. They have features like cushioned insoles, roomy toe boxes, and flexible outsoles. These shoes are made for people who stand or walk a lot.

Brands like Clarks, Ecco, and Hush Puppies specialize in comfort shoes. Many come with removable insoles so you can insert your own orthotic supports if needed. Comfort shoes now come in many attractive styles, not just the clunky shapes of the past.

Comfort shoes are great for jobs where you’re on your feet all day, like teaching, nursing, or retail work. They’re also good for travel when you’ll be walking a lot.

Barefoot/Minimalist Shoes

Barefoot or minimalist shoes have very thin, flexible soles with no raised heels or arch support. They’re designed to mimic walking barefoot while still protecting your feet from sharp objects or rough surfaces.

These shoes let your feet move naturally and work the way they evolved to work. The thin soles allow you to feel the ground beneath you. Brands like Vivobarefoot, Xero Shoes, and Merrell make popular minimalist shoes.

Some people find that barefoot shoes help with foot pain or posture problems. Others just enjoy the natural feeling. If you try these shoes, start with short wearing times to let your feet adjust to the different feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Women’s Shoes