Names and types of women's shoes. Check if you know all of them


Knowledge about the types of women's shoes available in shoe stores makes it much easier to find the model you need and shortens the time spent searching. How to find your way in the maze of all the names and terms? Especially for you, we have prepared a complete list of types of footwear. Make sure you know them all.

Types of women's shoes - basic division

The most common classification is the division according to the season during which we wear a given type of footwear. Therefore, the terms such as summer shoes or winter shoes are not surprising. In addition, a division based on the purpose of a given model is also popular. Here we have, for example, sports shoes, Wellington boots, dancing shoes and many others.
It is worth noting, however, that this division is very incomplete, because in each of the mentioned categories you will find many types of shoes, which are further divided depending on the type of heel or the length of the upper.

To make it easier to navigate among individual categories in shoe stores, we have prepared a list specifying the most popular types of women's shoes along with their names. However, that's not all, because we will start our division by explaining the industry vocabulary, which helps not only in conversations with the seller, but above all in defining expectations regarding the dream model.

Footwear construction. What elements does a shoe consist of?

Shank - the upper part of the shoe, covering the upper part of the foot, calves and even lower legs. It is the length of the upper that mainly determines the purpose and type of footwear.

Sole - the outer part of the footwear in direct contact with the ground. Depending on the purpose of a given type of shoe, it is made of various materials, e.g. polyurethane, caoutchouc, rubber.

Heel - an element connected to the sole, which is placed in the back of the shoe. We can distinguish several types of heels, which are determined by their shape. The most common heels are: stiletto, block, duck, wedge.

Padding, shoe insert - an internal element that comes into contact with the foot. It is worth choosing models with lining made of natural, breathable materials, which additionally reduce the appearance unpleasant smell from shoes.

Tap – an element that protects the heel from abrasion. It protects the shoe heel against damage and is a replaceable element.

Types of women's shoes

One of the commonly known types of women's shoes are low shoes, characterized by a low upper covering only the foot. However, it should be emphasized that several types of footwear can be distinguished in this category.

Oxford shoes - elegant, lace-up shoes, usually made of natural leather. This model was taken from men's fashion, but quickly gained recognition among women who willingly include it in their styling.

Moccasins - flat footwear in which both the sole and the upper are made of soft materials. The prototype for moccasins was footwear worn by Indian tribes. Currently, this type of shoes is worn by both women and men and is an element combining a loose, casual style with casual elegance.

Creepers - shoes that are a combination of sneakers and oxford shoes. This type of shoes is characterized by a massive sole in the form of a platform, which perfectly cushions the foot, while protecting it from discomfort and pain caused by long walks.

Women's ankle boots

The upper of ankle boots usually reaches the ankle or mid-calf. In this group of shoes you will find several different models: insulated or uninsulated, with a flat sole, with a high heel or wedge, slip-on or lace-up.

Chelsea boots - a type of flat-heeled shoes, styled like horse riding boots, in which the upper covers the ankles and rubber inserts make it easier to put on. Chelsea boots are a real hit of the spring/autumn seasons, with which you can create eye-catching and slightly cheeky styles.

Boots - a type of heavy, lace-up shoes, reaching above the ankle. Associated with metal or punk subcultures, they are characterized by a reinforced sole, so they are perfect for edgy, rock outfits.

Rain boots - made of waterproof materials, protect against moisture and rain. You can choose from models with a shorter or longer upper, and the multitude of patterns and colors have long moved Wellington boots from the segment of utility shoes to footwear, which can successfully replace boots or ankle boots.

Timber boots - footwear resembling popular trappers, although in a slightly softer, feminine style. Most often lace-up, on a flat sole or low heel, made of natural or ecological leather. Great for colder seasons, some models are additionally equipped with warming elements and fur surrounding the upper part of the upper.

Women's pumps

A type of women's shoes with a low-cut upper, without fastening or lacing. In this category you will find, among others classic pumps on a high heel, with a closed toe, but not only that. Like other types of shoes, pumps have several subcategories.

Probably the most popular of them are heels. This name describes a very large group of shoes, among which you will find styles with open toes, with lacing around the ankle, or delicate sandals, but in general, high heels are synonymous with an elegant, feminine model with a low, low-cut upper and a thin heel of several centimeters.

We also include pumps in the category of pumps ballerinas, i.e. shoes with a flat and thin sole, stylized as typical dancing shoes.

Types of women's boots

Boots are shoes with uppers reaching to the knee or even covering the lower leg. They are associated with typically winter footwear, although models made of suede and without lining will work well as shoes for dresses or shorts. Among the boots we can distinguish: jackboots, i.e. models whose style is taken from horse riding boots. Classic boots are most often tied and their upper reaches below the knee.

In addition to boots, in the women's boots category you will find, among others musketeers, i.e. long models, covering the knee, with ties or cuffs and cowgirland – distinguished by a narrowed nose and often also numerous decorations.

Women's sports shoes

Ladies who prefer a loose, sporty style will certainly choose shoes that match their preferences and everyday activities. The most popular types of sports shoes are sneakers, i.e. light, usually fabric shoes with a flat rubber sole. Other types of sports shoes include sneakers, which differ from sneakers by a reinforced rubber toe and a thicker sole and sneakers characterized by a flat and thick sole.

Types of women's summer shoes

Typical summer footwear are invariably sandals. In this category you will find traditional flat sandals, but equally popular, especially for summer special events, are stiletto or stiletto sandals. They have become quite a popular model of shoes for several seasons Roman women, i.e. sandals with a characteristic strap binding that can reach up to the knee.

In summer, in addition to sandals, flip-flops, flip-flops or flip-flops will also work well espadrilles with woven sole.

As you can see, the name and type of shoes can vary significantly depending on the height of the upper and other parameters that determine their purpose. We are convinced that our article will improve your shopping and help you choose your dream footwear model.