Footwear 101: Complete Glossary of Shoe Shapes

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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
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Category: Boot

Footwear that covers the entirety of the foot and extends at least to the ankle.

Desert

Desert

Also called a "chukka boot," this lightweight, ankle-length style has two or three pairs of eyelets for lacing.

Stella McCartney Canvas Desert Boots ($459)

Chelsea

Chelsea

A short boot with a vertical elastic gore on each side of the ankle.

ASOS Arizona Woven Chelsea Boots ($50, originally $67)

Ankle

Ankle

A boot that extends to the ankle and has a 3- to 8-inch high shaft.

Suede Ankle Boots ($940)

Motorcycle

Motorcycle

Also called a "biker boot," this is a weighty boot with a low heel, made from protective elements like heavy leather and metal.

Rag & Bone Moto Textured-Leather Boots ($797)

Cowboy

Cowboy

A midcalf boot with a moderate, slanted heel, decorative stitching, and typically a pointed toe.

Laredo Kadi Boots ($100)

Equestrian

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

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

Wellington

A tall, waterproof boot made from rubber or PVC.

Hunter Tall Wellington Boots ($100)

Category: Sandal
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Category: Sandal

Exposed footwear that includes an open toe and back.

Slide

Slide

A backless sandal that is held on the foot by a large strap that runs across the instep.

Topshop Hi Pool Slide Sandals ($35)

Gladiator

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.

Christian Louboutin Neronna Flat Gladiator Sandals ($845)

Flip-Flop

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.

House of Harlow Colton Flip-Flops ($60)

Water Shoe

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 quick­drying mesh.

Teva Original Sandals ($40)

Category: Flat
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Category: Flat

Footwear with no heel height.

D'orsay

D'orsay

Named for the dandy Count d'Orsay, a shoe with a closed heel and toe but with cut-down sides.

Loeffler Randall Prue D'Orsay Flats ($195)

Ballet

Ballet

Inspired by ballet dancers' slippers, this is a soft, closed-toe shoe.

Miu Miu Printed Leather Ballet Flats ($490)

Moccasin

Moccasin

A slip-on with stitching around the toe box to create a gathered effect.

Minnetonka thunderbird moccasins ($40)

Driving Shoe

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

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.

Woman by Commons project leather penny loafers ($329)

Boat Shoe

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

Slip-On

A shoe that can be put on or removed without a lace or strap.

Givenchy Black Floral Print Slip-On Shoes ($630)

Sneaker

Sneaker

A casual, rubber-soled shoe made of soft materials. Variations include tennis shoes, skater shoes, wedge sneakers, and high-tops.

New Balance For J.Crew 998 Sneakers ($160)

Saddle Shoe

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

Wingtip

An oxford with w-shaped material stitched to its vamp.

Barbara Bui Mesh Wingtip Brogue Oxfords ($590)

Spectator

Spectator

A style marked by a distinctive contrasting color on its cap, this shoe is traditionally — though not exclusively — an oxford.

Prada Patent Leather Tooled Wingtip Flats ($520)

Brogue

Brogue

A shoe with holes punched around the edge of the vamp.

Pertini Contrast Sole Suede Brogues ($130)

Espadrille

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.

Soludos Gatsby espadrille ($48)

Category: Heel
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Category: Heel

Footwear that raises the wearer's heel height higher than the toes.

Mary Jane

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

T-Strap

A shoe with a strap running vertically up the foot.

SJP Carrie T-Strap Pumps ($355)

Ankle Strap

Ankle Strap

A shoe with a single or multiple straps that pass around the ankle.

Mango Suede Peep-Toe Ankle Boots ($130)

Slingback

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

Cap-Toe

A shoe with a cap or reinforced leather on the toe.

Pierre Hardy Laser-Cut Cap-Toe Pumps ($559, originally $925)

Mule

Mule

A backless shoe or slipper with a vamp that can be open- or closed-toed.

Tibi Bee Heels ($385)

Clog

Clog

A closed-toe shoe with an open back and a platform sole, which is traditionally wood.

Isabel Marant Towson Leather and Wooden Clogs ($308)

Pump

Pump

A shoe with a low-cut front that chiefly grips the foot at the toe and the heel and typically has no fastenings.

Gianvito Rossi Mesh-Paneled Suede Pumps ($770)

Kitten Heel

Kitten Heel

A shoe with a low heel that is usually 1 to 2 inches.

J.Crew Slingback Kitten Heels ($278)

French

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

Stiletto

A shoe with a thin, tapering heel with a medium to tall height.

Jimmy Choo Agnes pumps ($875)

Wedge

Wedge

A shoe with a heel that extends from the ball to the back.

Stuart Weitzman Jean Wedges ($385)