16 Types of Shoes for Women

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Shoes are a woman’s best friend. They’re the finishing touch to any outfit, making or breaking the look. But with so many styles to choose from, it can be difficult to know what’s right for you, and what the difference is between them.

From stilettos to sneakers, mules to mary janes, there’s a shoe for every occasion. With the right pair of kicks, a woman can take on the world, so choose wisely and embrace your personal style.

In this article, I’ll go over 16 of the most popular types of shoes for women and look at what makes them unique. I’ll also show you examples and touch on where to get them.


Contents

16 Types of Shoes for Women

Here is a (non-exhastive) list of the most popular types of shoes for women. Note that we’re talking shoes, not boots! Let’s dive in.

1. Sneakers

Photo by Athena, Pexels

When you are talking about casual comfort, nothing beats a pair of sneakers. Sneakers can come in different styles, from a flatter more court-style shoe to running shoes, often called trainers.

They can be lace-up or slip-on. And while sneakers are flat-soled, some have a thicker or more wedged sole than others.

The upper can be made of leather, canvas, or synthetic material.

Originally designed for different types of sporting activities, sneakers today are worn just as much, if not more, for fashion as they are for playing sports.

Here are some of the more popular sneakers available:


2. Pumps

A pump is a closed-toe shoe with an open vamp (top of the shoe) that encloses the toe and wraps around the heel.

Pumps can have varying heel heights from 2 inches upward. Pumps can also have different types of heels from block, stiletto, and cone heels to spool, comma, and flare heels.

Think you know your heels? Check out our article: Different Types of Heels for Women’s Shoes – The Ultimate Guide


3. Kitten Pumps / Kitten Heels

Photo by cottonbro studio, Pexels

Kitten pumps are a pump with a heel height of less than 2 inches.

Kitten heels are basically any type of shoe with a slender heel with a height of less than 2 inches.

Greatonu Women's Cross Strap Slip On Kitten Heeled Square toe heels Sandals Brown Size 5.5
Greatonu Women's Cross Strap Slip On Kitten Heeled Square toe heels Sandals Brown Size 5.5
The kitten heel sandals heel measures approximately 2.5 inches
$38.99 Amazon Prime
Greatonu Womens Slingback Dress Pump Faux Suede Pointed Toe 2 Inches Low Kitten Heel Shoes Light Blue Size 9
Greatonu Womens Slingback Dress Pump Faux Suede Pointed Toe 2 Inches Low Kitten Heel Shoes Light Blue Size 9
Measurement : Heel height: 2.5" Platform height: 0.25"; Kitten heels: classic sexy kitten heels is best for dressy
$38.99 Amazon Prime
DREAM PAIRS Women’s Nude Clear Heels Square Toe Low Stiletto Mules Lady Slip on Wedding Dress Sandals Party Shoes DHS215-1, Size 8.5
DREAM PAIRS Women’s Nude Clear Heels Square Toe Low Stiletto Mules Lady Slip on Wedding Dress Sandals Party Shoes DHS215-1, Size 8.5
2.6-Inch Heel: The transparent heel is stylish & gives a comfortable boost of height.; Rubber Outsole: Slip-resistant outsole provides stability & traction when walking.
$36.99 Amazon Prime
Sale
DREAM PAIRS Women's Fiona Nude Nubuck Fashion Stilettos Open Toe Pump Heeled Sandals Size 5 B(M) US
DREAM PAIRS Women's Fiona Nude Nubuck Fashion Stilettos Open Toe Pump Heeled Sandals Size 5 B(M) US
Specially designed in USA--the one choice for all purposes.; Adjustable ankle strap and quality zipper provide better fitness and heel support.
$40.99 Amazon Prime

4. D’Orsay Pumps

Photo by Ray Piedra, Pexels

The characteristic feature of a d’Orsay Pump is the cut-out side which reveals the arch of your foot. One or both sides may be cut out.

D’Orsay pumps can come in a variety of heel heights.

Franco Sarto Women's Trix Pump, Melon Floral, 9
Franco Sarto Women's Trix Pump, Melon Floral, 9
Fabric upper; Eco-conscious linings with soft + sustainable comfort; Padded fototbed; 2.75 inch angular sculpted heel
Sale
LifeStride Womens Saldana Pump, Black Multi,5
LifeStride Womens Saldana Pump, Black Multi,5
Available in Medium and Wide Widths; Flexible outsole
$49.97 Amazon Prime
Sale
XYD Women D'Orsay Low & High Heels Comfortable Slip-on Suede Patent Printing Pointed Toe Sexy Pumps Casual Office Ladies Shoes Size 4 Butterfly-Patent 2.5'
XYD Women D'Orsay Low & High Heels Comfortable Slip-on Suede Patent Printing Pointed Toe Sexy Pumps Casual Office Ladies Shoes Size 4 Butterfly-Patent 2.5"
SUITABLE OCCASION: Office, party, casual, work, dress and wedding.; VEGAN MATERIALS: Synthetic leather.
$79.79
Sale
Calvin Klein Women's Gloria Pump, Black Leather 967, 8.5
Calvin Klein Women's Gloria Pump, Black Leather 967, 8.5
Poitned Toe; Slip on Closure; Imported
$59.97 Amazon Prime

5. Sandals

Photo by Ron Lach, Pexels

A sandal consists of a sole secured to the foot by straps over the instep, toes, or ankle. There are a lot of different types of sandals out there. From double strap and T-strap to straps that criss-cross across the top of the foot are among some of the variations.

Sandals can either be flat or have a heel and can be anywhere from super casual to formal, depending on the sandal.

Herstyle Monday Women's Open Toes One Band Ankle Strap Flat Sandals Tan 8.0
Herstyle Monday Women's Open Toes One Band Ankle Strap Flat Sandals Tan 8.0
Two-piece flat sandal; Slingback ankle strap with adjustable buckle closure; Lightweight and flexible outsole
$21.99 Amazon Prime
Sale
LifeStride Women's, Yaya Wedge Sandals Black 5 M
LifeStride Women's, Yaya Wedge Sandals Black 5 M
Manmade uppers; Slip on style with stretchy straps; Manmade linings; Cushioned footbed with Soft System comfort elements for added comfort
$48.99 Amazon Prime
Sale
Naturalizer Women's Vanessa2 Sandal, White, 9
Naturalizer Women's Vanessa2 Sandal, White, 9
Open Toe, multi strap sandal with slingback design.; Heat-set crystals detail.; Contour Plus.
$99.95 Amazon Prime
Sale
MixATB Women's Low Chunky Block Heel Ankle Strap Dress Sandals for Women
MixATB Women's Low Chunky Block Heel Ankle Strap Dress Sandals for Women
DRESSY & FASHION BLOCK CHUNKY MID HEELS: Heel height approximately 6.5cm/2.5 inches; A brush or toothbrush easily cleans dust and lint from the suede surface.
$39.99 Amazon Prime

6. Mules

Photo by Lexie Barnhorn on Unsplash

Mules are not only super easy to wear, but also very versatile and can be worn with a variety of outfits.

Their backless design makes them easy to slip in and out of, and give your feet a little room to breathe while still looking fashion forward.

Mules come in all sorts of styles, from flats and wedges to platforms and heels. The open-toed versions are sometimes called sliders.


7. Slingbacks

Photo by Karolina Grabowska, Pexels

Slingbacks are characterized by a strap that wraps around the back of the heel instead of a full heel covering.

Slingbacks are versatile enough to be worn for both casual and more formal occasions and will add an elegant touch to any outfit.

Amazon Essentials Women's Pointed-Toe Sling Back Flat, Tan, 5
Amazon Essentials Women's Pointed-Toe Sling Back Flat, Tan, 5
Classic and versatile sling back flat designed for daily wear and superior fit; Casual silhouette with pointed toe shape and flattering profile
Franco Sarto Women's Racer Slingback Pump, Peach, 5
Franco Sarto Women's Racer Slingback Pump, Peach, 5
Eco-conscious linings with soft + sustainable comfort; Heel sling strap with adjustable buckle closure
$62.57 Amazon Prime
Stuart Weitzman Mondrian 50 Slingback Black/Flannel 8 B
Stuart Weitzman Mondrian 50 Slingback Black/Flannel 8 B
Strappy leather upper.; Comfort leather lining and insole.; Easy slip-on style with a stretchy slingback strap for flexibility.
Sale
NINE WEST Women's HEAT3 Heeled Sandal, White, 7
NINE WEST Women's HEAT3 Heeled Sandal, White, 7
Pointed Toe; Buckle closure; Imported; Translucent detailing
$51.76 Amazon Prime

8. Ballet Flats

As you may have guessed by the name, ballet flats are inspired by the shoes worn by ballerinas. With a closed and rounded toe, ballerina flats have a thin, flexible sole.

And although they can sometimes have a smidgen of a block heel, most ballet flats have no heel at all.

Sale
Amazon Essentials Women's Pointed-Toe Ballet Flat, Navy, 8
Amazon Essentials Women's Pointed-Toe Ballet Flat, Navy, 8
Soft, faux leather upper with non-abrasive folded-edge topline; Genuine leather counter lining with "Heel-Pillow" comfort technology
$15.00 Amazon Prime
Amazon Essentials Women's Belice Ballet Flat, Black, Faux Leather, 11
Amazon Essentials Women's Belice Ballet Flat, Black, Faux Leather, 11
Classic and versatile ballet flat designed for daily wear and superior fit; Casual silhouette with round toe shape and flattering profile
$23.70 Amazon Prime
Ollio Women's Ballet Shoes Cute Casual Comfort Flats ZM1987 (6 B(M) US, Orange)
Ollio Women's Ballet Shoes Cute Casual Comfort Flats ZM1987 (6 B(M) US, Orange)
Manmade Material : Faux Suede; Comfort Shoes; Heel height: 0.3"; Origin: Made in China
$29.99 Amazon Prime

9. Mary Janes

Mary Janes, like ballet flats, have a closed rounded toe. They also have a low cut and rounded upper. But that’s where the similarities end.

Mary Janes are a much more structured shoe with a more rigid sole than ballet flats. What makes a Mary Jane a Mary Jane is the single strap that goes over the top of the foot.

What makes a Mary Jane a Mary Jane is the single strap that goes over the top of the foot.

The classic black patent Mary Janes are more suited to younger girls. There are, however more “grown up”, contemporary versions of Mary Janes that either have a little chunk to them or have a bit of a heel so they don’t look so much like they’re part of a private middle school girl uniform.


10. Gladiators

Photo by N B on Unsplash

Inspired by the ancient shoes worn by Roman and Greek gladiators during battles, gladiators are a flat sandal with several wide cross straps holding the sole to the foot, with one wide strap around the ankle.

Gladiators started out as a utilitarian shoe, being a tough sole, strapped to the foot to prevent injury. But they have evolved to include heeled versions and can range in height from the ankle to the knee.

By definition, they are a type of sandal, but Gladiators are often characterized by a central, vertical strap that goes along the top of the foot to which the side straps are fastened.

MUDAN Womens Buckle Zip Thong Gladiator Sandal (9 B(M) US, Chestnut)
MUDAN Womens Buckle Zip Thong Gladiator Sandal (9 B(M) US, Chestnut)
Man-made Material,Rubber Sole; buckle zip thong flat sandal featuring slingback strap; Cute open toe sandals for women,Lightweight and Comfortable Shoes
$31.50 Amazon Prime
Sale
Steve Madden Womens Daft Faux Leather Gladiator Sandals Tan 5.5 Medium (B,M)
Steve Madden Womens Daft Faux Leather Gladiator Sandals Tan 5.5 Medium (B,M)
Faux Leather; Studded; Ankle Strap; China; The heel height is inches and the color is Tan.
$12.59
Rockport Women's Briah Gladiator Wedge Sandal, Black Leather, 5 M US
Rockport Women's Briah Gladiator Wedge Sandal, Black Leather, 5 M US
SUPPORTIVE OUTSOLE: TPR outsole increases overall support and stability
$130.00 Amazon Prime
Allegra K Women's Cage Strappy Gladiators Chunky Heels Gold Sandals - 5 M US
Allegra K Women's Cage Strappy Gladiators Chunky Heels Gold Sandals - 5 M US
Vamp: PU; Outsole: Rubber; Heel: ABS; Roman Heels, Strappy, Chunky Heel, Back Zipper; Finished with a slightly padded insole, zipper closure for easy to wear
$33.99

11. Oxfords

Photo by Godisable Jacob, Pexels

Oxfords refer to a more formal, closed-toe dress shoe with laces, or more specifically, closed laces.

The defining feature of the Oxford is the eyelet tabs that are stitched underneath the vamp, or top of the shoe. Oxfords often include broguing, which is the decorative perforations on the leather of the shoe, along the visible edges.

Mona flying Women's Leather Perforated Lace-up Saddle Oxfords Brogue Wingtip Derby Shoes
Mona flying Women's Leather Perforated Lace-up Saddle Oxfords Brogue Wingtip Derby Shoes
Vamp: Luxurious Sheepskin Upper; Lining: Soft Breathable Leather; Leather-covered Latex Insole: Non-removable, Supporting Every Step with Comfort
$128.00 Amazon Prime
Odema Womens PU Leather Oxfords Wingtip Lace up Mid Heel Pumps Shoes Black/White
Odema Womens PU Leather Oxfords Wingtip Lace up Mid Heel Pumps Shoes Black/White
Features 2: As is known to all, women are very confident and charm with chunky high heels.
$35.99 Amazon Prime

12. Derby Shoes

Photo by Godisable Jacob, Pexels

Derby shoes are very similar to Oxford shoes, and also often include broguing, but the difference is in the lacing system.

Unlike Oxfords, Derbies feature open-lacing, or in other words, the side tabs where the shoelace eyelets are punctured, are stitched on top of the vamp, instead of underneath. Derby shoes are quite often mislabeled as Oxfords.

Both Oxfords and Derby shoes add a quirkiness to dresses and skirts by adding a little bit of a masculine element to something feminine.

Clarks Women's Raisie Bloom Oxford, Black Leather, 7 M US
Clarks Women's Raisie Bloom Oxford, Black Leather, 7 M US
Heel Height 1.1 inches; Ortholite footbed; Cushion Soft technology
$55.28 Amazon Prime
Sale
Chase & Chloe Dora-5 Two Tone Lace Up Low Heel Women's Oxford (6,Cognac/Navy Pu)
Chase & Chloe Dora-5 Two Tone Lace Up Low Heel Women's Oxford (6,Cognac/Navy Pu)
Approx. 2.75" Block Heel; Lace-Up Oxford, Closed Round Toe; Women's Heeled Oxford; Imported
$39.99

13. Loafers

Photo by Lisa Fotios, Pexels

Loafers are a slip-on shoe without laces and a low, block heel. They can either be worn with casual attire or for more dressy/professional occasions, depending on the style.

Generally, the sole of a loafer is made of leather and is separate from the rest of the shoe. Loafers are usually constructed with a wide tongue across the vamp (top of the shoe), known as a saddle.

Loafers are among the most comfortable shoes, which makes them great for almost all occasions, especially if you have to be on your feet for long periods of time.

Franco Sarto Women's L-Harper Loafer, Multi Brown, 9.5
Franco Sarto Women's L-Harper Loafer, Multi Brown, 9.5
Faux leather partially made from recycled materials; Eco-conscious linings with soft + sustainable comfort
$128.74 Amazon Prime
Sale
Franco Sarto Women's Bocca Slip-On Loafer, Sienna, 5.5 M
Franco Sarto Women's Bocca Slip-On Loafer, Sienna, 5.5 M
Leather, crinkle patent or faux leather upper made from recycled materials.; Eco-conscious linings with soft + sustainable comfort.
$58.00 Amazon Prime
Sale
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Webster Loafer, Black, 8.5 Wide US
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Webster Loafer, Black, 8.5 Wide US
Materials: faux leather with soft, feel-good linings; Fit: slip-on fit with faux leather back pull tab
$55.46 Amazon Prime

14. Clogs

Photo by Helena Jankovičová Kováčová, Pexels

The iconic footwear of the Netherlands were the shoes of choice for Dutch laborers. Because they were naturally water-resistant, clogs protected feet in the wet Dutch climate and enabled their wearer to easily move across waterlogged ground.

Clogs nowadays are rarely made solely of wood. But the versions with leather, suede, and even synthetic uppers still maintain the recognizable chunky silhouette.

Clogs are a casual shoe that can have an open or closed heel. Clogs will often feature a strip of material stitched to the opening of the shoe for extra comfort.

Sale
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Wake Up Clog Mules, Black Synthetic, 7
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Wake Up Clog Mules, Black Synthetic, 7
MATERIALS: Faux leather with soft, feel-good linings.; FIT: Slip-on fit for easy on/off.; Water Resistance Level: Not Water Resistant
$94.99 Amazon Prime
Sale
Skechers Women's Easy Going-Latte-Twin Gore Slip-On Open Back Mule, Black, 9 M US
Skechers Women's Easy Going-Latte-Twin Gore Slip-On Open Back Mule, Black, 9 M US
Relaxed Fit design for a roomy comfortable fit; Air-Cooled Memory Foam cushioned comfort insole
$41.15 Amazon Prime
Sale
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Classic Clog, Honey, 7.5
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Classic Clog, Honey, 7.5
MATERIALS: Faux leather; FIT: Slip-on fit with inside stretch gore for easy on/off; SUSTAINABLE COMFORT: Insole Technology with anatomical cushioning, comfort & support
$35.87 Amazon Prime

15. Espadrilles

Photo by Apostolos Vamvouras, Pexels

Espadrilles have a sole made of Jute or a fiber, rope-like natural material, often with a canvas upper.

Espadrilles can be flat, platform or have a wedge heel and be closed-toe or peep-toe. The sole is protected with rubber.

They provide great arch support which makes them super comfortable to wear.

Sale
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Sunray Loafer, Black, 8
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Sunray Loafer, Black, 8
SUSTAINABLY CRAFTED: Soft linings made from recycled bottles.; MATERIALS: Vegetable microfiber or canvas made with organic cotton.
$47.99 Amazon Prime
CUSHIONAIRE Women's Mandy cork espadrille wedge sandal, WHITE-6.5 W
CUSHIONAIRE Women's Mandy cork espadrille wedge sandal, WHITE-6.5 W
Soft Stretch Gore Upper; Slip-on Wear; Cushioned Comfort Insole; Rope Midsole / Traction Outsole
$39.99 Amazon Prime

16. Cutouts

Cutouts basically look like they were ankle boots or a pair of shoes that have had material cut out of them.

They tend to have a lot more material covering the foot than a normal sandal or pump and they often wrap around the ankle. Cutouts can come in a variety of styles and heel heights.


Take Away

I’ve shown you the 16 main types of women’s shoes that are most often worn. Each of the different types shown can vary in appearance, be made from different materials, and have different heels and different heel heights as well.

There are also hybrids of different types of shoes, like mule loafers or kitten-heeled gladiator sandals, for example, that combine different design aspects from different shoes.

With all of the variations and combinations, the variety is almost endless.

But you now know the basic foundation types of the most popular women’s shoes. And now that you have a better idea of the different styles, you can start experimenting with different types of women’s shoes to find the perfect pair for you.

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).