Shoes Buying Guide

Select the Perfect Shoe Style for You

The type of shoes desired depends on the particular needs of the shoe shopper. It is not always as simple as picking between flats and heels, classy or sporty: the variety of shoe styles is large and not everyone is familiar with all of them. Learning about the many types of shoes will help to differentiate among several types and styles, so that picking the right one will be simpler and quicker. Below is a brief overview of the most commonly sold shoes, with a short description of their identifying characteristic.

Athletic shoes

Designed for sport activities, athletic shoes have become popular for everyday use as people live more casual lifestyles. In general, athletic shoes refers to shoes used for the purposes of sports and exercise, though nowadays they are becoming more common as part of a casual ensemble. Athletic shoes can range between high-, mid-, and low-top styles, depending on the wearers needs. Most athletic shoes are designed with a flexible but dense rubber sole with the appropriate tread, depending on the wearers needs. Additionally, athletic shoes are often made using a breathable fabric to allow airflow to dry the feet and shoes during a sweaty workout. Athletic shoes might not be worn to the office, but they are great to step out in for any number of other occasions.

Athletic-inspired shoes

Athletic-inspired shoes, sometimes called sneakers, borrow their style from athletic shoes, but with trend, rather than functionality in mind. These colorful, sport-inspired designs have a strong vintage allure, and are a great option to match style with comfort.

Boots

When designed for protection, boots-such as cowboy boots, work boots, hiking boots, motorcycle boots, and snow boots-may be made of a closely stitched material to prevent leakage. When it comes to women’s fashion, ladies can find platform, knee high, pointed or round-toe boots. For men, boots have moved from purely practical to highly stylish, with designers such as Lucchese creating ruggedly handsome, trendy yet masculine designs.

Clogs

Clogs have a rigid, sometimes wooden, sole. Once worn by factory workers for protection, today’s clogs are a modern interpretation, typically trading wooden soles for cork, rubber, or plastic soles. A longtime favorite in Scandinavian countries, leather-upper clogs are now well known all over the world, and they come in an open-back style (also known as mules), sling-back style, or in a closed-back version.

Mules

Mules, such as those from Born and Taryn Rose, are closed-toe shoes that have an open back, and are available with heels of varying heights. Mules come in many types, ranging from casual and sporty to embellished and elegant. Mules typically look best when worn with pants or long skirts.

Flats

Flats usually have a low, broad heel, or no heel at all. They are primarily designed for street wear, although they can also be worn, especially when made with rich materials, as an alternative to heels with evening wear. Flats such as Espadrilles and open-toed slip-ons go beautifully with loose, soft pants like palazzo and harem-style pants that have a billowy or flowy style, as well as with shorts and mini-skirts.

Heels and pumps

Heels can feature an open or closed toe, and they range from sexy stilettos to vintage inspired peep toes. Pumps are a classic low-cut shoe without ties or straps, with heels of varying heights, and a closed back.

Loafers and Oxfords

Loafers, or oxfords, are a classic shoe shape for both men and women. First made by Native Americans, they are a moccasin-type slip-on, made of soft leather, often with a rubber sole, or crafted off of a single piece of material enclosing the foot. Oxfords, on the other hand, have a distinctive lace-up front. Loafers and oxfords are a true all-purpose shoe, perfect for both casual and business settings. Match them with pants or long skirts for a stylish finish.

Platform Shoes and Wedges

Created and made popular in the 1940s and again in the 70s, platform heels and wedges are a comfortable way to add a few inches to one’s frame. Wedges are characterized by their chunky, blocky soles, whereas platform shoes have a solid, external or internal (that can be either seen or not) wedge under the front part of the shoe only. Platform shoes and wedges come in a dazzling array of materials, colors, and heel heights to wear to the mall, the office, or, indeed, out on the dance floor.

Sandals

Popular with both men and women, sandals are famous for their open-air style and give an exotic flair to dresses and casual outfits. Sandals can be made of rope, rubber, leather, or wood. They typically feature one or more straps that tie to the sole and wrap around or between the toes and/or heel. Sandals come in a variety of styles and can be quite versatile: depending on their functionality, they can be worn with any lightweight clothing, for the beach or even for sports. Many women select strappy sandals for formal occasions.

Choose the Right Shoe for Your Needs

As discussed, it is important when buying shoes not only to follow one’s personal taste but also to be aware of why the shoes are needed and in what context they will most likely be worn. Whereas choosing a pair of flats or loafers is very much a matter of taste and budget, when it comes to heels, sneakers and boots, one needs to be more careful to take a few things into consideration prior to purchasing. The shoes below provide a more in depth look at what kind of trainers, heels, and boots are more suitable for specific needs, dependent upon their shape and making.