Footwear | Footwear Mens And Women | Types Of Footwear

Common Footwear Terminology

1. Sole – This is commonly referred to as the bottom part of the shoe or boot and can be further divided into the outer sole, mid-sole, and insole depending on the type and quality of the shoe being discussed.
2. Upper – A general term that refers to the part of the shoe above the sole.
3. Brogueing – a form of ornamentation in which tiny holes are carved into the shoe’s leather.  An important point to remember is that the more decoration on a shoe the less formal it becomes.
4. Open Lacing – One of the two lacing systems used in oxford shoes, the open lacing system delineates the shoe in question to be a blucher. The shoe’s tongue and vamp (parts of the upper that cover the top of the foot) are cut in one piece with an open throat.
5. Insole – As mentioned above, a subsection of the general term sole, the inner sole is the layer of the sole upon which the foot rests.  A quality insole can mean the difference between a shoe that will last 5 years and one that will last 25.
6. Heel – The back portion of the shoe that comes into direct contact with the ground and gives elevation to the foot when the shoe is worn.  Heels are often built from 2 to 4 pieces of leather called lifts and reinforced with rubber or metal.
7. Laces – The choice is usually round or ribbon, with round having the advantage of being stronger  and more formal thanks to their core while ribbon laces come in a variety of colors and are more elastic and are thus a good choice for athletic shoes or hiking boots.

Four Footwear Rules

Men's Footwear

Men’s shoe styles can vary widely, so it’s good to have a knowledge and understanding of the different options available. Some types of men’s shoes are more suitable for certain occasions than others, so take a look at our guide to make sure you make smart footwear choices.

Men’s Shoe Styles: Casual Shoes

Casual men’s shoe styles come in so many different varieties that you never have to choose just the same type of your vacation/ outing/ brunch or whatever.

1.Sneakers

These shoes are also known as athletic shoes. These shoes are specifically designed for sports or physical exercise related activity. However, they can also be worn as casual shoes. They are available for men as well as women. Sneakers fall in the category of soft shoes, which are mostly equipped with rubber soles. A good bottom sole can be made from different types of rubbers like solid rubber and gum rubber.Sneakers Shoes

2. Slip-On Sneakers

These are basically sneakers but without laces – again simple yet fashionable. These are also perfect walking shoes for men.Slip on sneakers

3. Sandals

Sandals are one of the essential men’s shoe styles that you need, especially in the summers. Days on the beach, walk in the park or a casual stroll in the streets, sandals are the perfect companions. Sandals can be very fashionable as well if done right.

4. Boat shoes

These shoes are also known as deck shoes or topsiders. These are generally made from canvas and leather material. The main characteristic of this shoes is that the upper section of this shoe is made in such a way that repels water and also tends to be stain proof. They are hand sewn and topstitched. They came in both lace and lace-less versions. The herringbone pattern is carved into them.Boat Shoes

5. Espadrilles

These men’s summer shoes are just perfect for your casual outings. These shoes are not only comfortable but incredibly fashionable as wellespadrilles

Men’s Shoe Styles: Dress Shoes

Dress shoes may be worn formally or smart-casually. These are the kind of shoes you need to wear with tuxedos, suits, and blazers. For the sophisticated, classy, formal or polished look, choose a pair of dress shoes. The different types of dress shoes include derby, brogues, oxfords, monks, and loafers. Here’s how they are different from one another

1. Derby Shoes

Derby shoes are one of the most common men’s shoe styles which can be identified with their open lacing style. These are the shoes for you if you have big feet. These shoes are meant for the formal occasion but they can be matched with casual outfits as well. Latest men’s dress shoe styles may come and go with different textures and what not, but a classic pair or Derbys is always in vogue.Derby shoes

2. Brogues

These shoes have perforations and this is the only requirement to be categorized as a brogue. It can be even a derby shoe with perforations which is referred to as a brogue shoe. They also possess separation at the visible edges of the material. They are worn as outdoor footwear. Today they are also worn as casual shoes.Brogues shoes

3. Oxfords or Balmorals

These shoes are meant for men. They are characterized by their round toes and are usually with a cap. They have a close lacing style. These shoes are considered good options for a formal business wear. These shoes are also known as Balmorals shoes named after the Queen’s castle situated in Scotland.oxfords shoes

4. Monk Shoes

Monk shoes have no lacing and typically have a strap and a buckle. There are two varieties of monk shoes- single monk (with a single strap and buckle), double monk (with two straps and buckle) There are triple monks as well, but they are not used widely. These are one of the men’s shoe styles that are bold but timeless. These shoes can be worn both formally or casually.

a. Single Monk:

Single monk

b. Double Monk:

Double Monk

5. Loafers

Loafers are lace-less shoes that are timeless when it comes to their appeal and style. Loafers can be worn with formal clothes only, through various variants of loafers (in terms of their style and material) are worn casually as well. There are three common types of loafers:

Penny Loafers
Bit Loafers
Tassel Loafers

I personally prefer penny loafers over a bit or tassel loafers because I feel that tassel loafers are bit overrated and bit loafers feel really old school! Although, tassel loafers are currently very trendy. They even work as men street style shoes.

a. Penny Loafers:

Penny Loafers

b. Bit Loafers:

Bit loafers

c. Tassel Loafers:

Tassel Loafers

Men’s Shoe Styles: Boots

1. Brogue boots

Brogue boots are boots that have “broguing”. They’re not every man’s style, but if chosen well, they look really cool!Brougue Boots

2. Chelsea boots

Chelsea boots can never run out of style. These ankle boots can be identified with their elastic side panel. They are perfect for smart casual outings. They can significantly step up your game. These are one of my favorite types of bootsChelsea Boots

3. Chukka boots

Chukka boots are plain boots mostly made of suede or other leather materials. They have an open-lacing construction (derby construction). These boots are perfect for casual outfits like jeans, chinos etcChukka Boots

Shoes are basically divided into three categories :

1. Formal Shoes
2. Casual Shoes
3. Boots

Types Of Women Footwear

Here we're going to run through women's casual shoe styles. Casual shoes are fairly self-explanatory – these are female shoe types that you wear on a day to day basis. These are usually teamed with womens casual wear for a relaxed look. As some of us do tend to wear heels in the day time as well at the night time, there are also heels which might fall into the category of ‘casual’. Comfier heels that are not too high, or wedges, might fall into this category due to them being far easier and more comfortable to wear (for added comfort, try adding some shoe insoles). Check out the most popular casual shoe types below:

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 Ups8

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.

Gone are the days when wellies are dull and green, you can now keep your protected from the infamous British weather with boots that come in a vibrant range of patterns and colours. Wellies are best bought in a size up from the size you normally wear so you can wear thick socks underneath them without your wellies becoming too tight. We’ve answered your top questions about wellies over on the blog.

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.

Flip flops are super versatile and come in a range of patterns and colours so you can match them to any swimwear or outfit

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. Find out more about loafers in our complete guide to loafers.

Gladiator sandals

A strappy sandal, with a T-bar running down the front. For optimum Grecian glamour, wear a pair of gladiator sandalswith 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.

Heels

Heels are an obvious choice for evening or dress wear. There are a wide variety of different styles of heel, take a look at our guide to heels for more information.

Court Shoes

Court shoes are a classic style that work well for a more formal event, such as a wedding or for business attire. Court shoes generally have a low line upper, which means that the top line of the shoe sits quite low down on the foot, they have medium height heel and a pointed toe. Find out more about court shoes in our detailed blog post.

Brogues

Brogues aren’t just for the men, and in recent years have become a major fashion staple for women. Women’s brogues are as versatile as any flat shoe but have the advantage of looking more formal than ballerina flats. They add quirkiness to a summer dress by adding a masculine element to something feminine, and make a tailored office outfit look polished and traditional. Traditionally in brown or black leather, brogues can now be picked in various colours, patterns and heel heights. Read all about brogues over on the Shoe Zone blog

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are exactly that – boots that reach your ankle. Investing in a good pair of ankle boots is always a good idea, they are a classic shape that transfer well from the office to everyday life. They look great with a pair of tailored trousers or with a summer dress, they are as versatile as they are stylish. They come in different styles – Chelsea boots and Pixie boots are popular styles. Chelsea boots usually have a flat top line, with an elasticated side panel. Pixie boots have cute pointed toes, like a pixie.

Calf Boots

Calf boots offer more coverage and are better for winter and colder spells. Calf length boots are best bought in a material that will last, especially if they’re going to be worn mostly during winter. You need something that will survive the wet, cold and mud. Store these boots with supports in them to help them keep their shape and make sure they are well cleaned before they are out away for summer

Military Boots

Obviously inspired by boots worn in the military, these are chunky, sturdy boots usually with laces at the front that reach all the way up. Military boots create a definitive look that adds a toughness to an outfit.

Chelsea Boots

Chelsea boots are close fitting, flat boots with an elasticated side panel. Yes, they are named after the affluent district of London. The design apparently first appeared in the 1850’s and were Queen Victoria’s walking shoe of choice, but they were made famous in the 1960’s by the mods that hung around on Kings Road.

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