Your fashion guide to the Shoe Vocabulary

*Slingbacks – These are backless shoes characterized by a strap that crosses behind the heel or ankle. A slingback is distinguishable from an ankle-strap shoe in that the latter has a strap that completely encircles the ankle.

*Dr. Martens – The footwear is distinguished by its air-cushioned sole (dubbed Bouncing Soles), upper shape, welted construction and yellow stitching.

*SandalsThey are an open type of outdoor footwear, consisting of a sole held to the wearer’s foot by straps passing over the instep and sometimes, around the ankle. They can be heeled or flat.

*Flip-flops Also called thongs are a type of open-toed sandal typically worn in casual situations, such as outside or at the beach. They consist of a flat sole held loosely on the foot by a Y-shaped strap that passes between the first and second toes and around either side of the foot. The name “flip-flop” originated because of the sound that is made by slapping between the sole of the foot and the floor when walking.

*Ballet flats – Also known as Dolly shoes are derived from a woman’s soft ballet slipper, with a very thin heel or the appearance of no heel at all. The style sometimes features a ribbon-like binding around the low tops of the slipper and may have a slight gathering at the top-front of the vamp (toe box) and a tiny, decorative string tie.

*Ugg boots – Also known as Uggs are sheepskin boots made of twin-faced sheepskin with fleece on the inside and with a tanned outer surface, often with a synthetic sole. They were initially worn as utilitarian footwear worn for warmth and comfort. In Australia they are worn predominantly as slippers.

*Mules – A style of shoe that is backless and often closed-toed. Mules can be any heel height – from flat to high. The style is predominantly (but not exclusively) worn by women.

*EspadrillesThey are normally casual flat, but sometimes high heeled shoes.They usually have a canvas or cotton fabric upper and a flexible sole made of rope or rubber material moulded to look like rope. The jute rope sole is the defining characteristic of an espadrille.

 

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