ONE OF the first things fashion-conscious women need to know is that a “shoe” is not just a “shoe”. It is always a mule, slide, wedge, pump or some other description. While for some there are only ‘going-out-shoes’, ‘working shoes’ and ‘casual shoes’, it is helpful to know what is considered a ‘going-out-shoe’ and so on.
Ever heard the one about the fellow who overheard his wife telling a friend about buying “a cute pair of mules”? Well, he rushed in a panic to look in the yard. You may want to have at least a passing acquaintance with shoe-related terminology.

Flats: As the name suggests, these are shoes with no heel. They are widely associated with casual wear, but nowadays are creeping over into the formal side, and into the workforce with lush and glitzy designs and professional looks.

Heels: These come in many different heights and styles, but the most common types are pumps, chunky heels and stilettos. Others are wedges, kitten heels, platforms and stacked heels.

Pumps are simple dress shoes with a low-cut vamp (front part of the shoe), a mid-height (2-to-3 inches high) tapered heel, and either a rounded or pointed toe.

Chunky heels have a thick heel that does not taper much, and are more comfortable to wear than narrow heels. They come in every height, and usually have a rounded or square toe.

Stilettos have very high (four inches high or more), extremely narrow heels, often with a metal support inside to stabilize it. They are regarded by most as the sexiest style of shoe. They often have a pointed or a very pointed toe.

Kitten Heels are tapered like the stiletto, but as the heel is only 1″-2″ high, the effect is more cute than sexy.

Platforms refer to a built-up sole. Platforms can either be shoes with a small, built-up sole at the ball of the foot, accompanied by a high heel, or one large platform from toe to heel.

Wedges have  a type of sole that starts out low under the front of the foot and rises, ramp-like, towards the heel, thereby elevating the wearer on a wedge shape rather than on a distinct heel. Traditional wedges are flat at the ball of the foot, but there are also platform wedges.

Sandals: Women’s sandals come in casual and dressy styles. Casual sandals usually have a flat heel and can be utilitarian, or fashionable, like strappy gladiator sandals. Dressy sandals have a high heel and satin or narrow leather straps. They are usually worn for an evening out or with formal wear.

Mules are backless shoes and are usually low-heeled or mid-heeled. Mules look good with skirts and pants. Slides are a type of mule that also have an open toe. They go well with sundresses. Slides are open toed mules.

Boots: Fashion boots come in a range of heel heights and can reach just to the anklebone or all the way up to the thigh.

Thongs and Flip Flops: Technically, “thongs” refer to any kind of shoes with a thong connecting the sole to the upper and some of them are way too nice to be called “flip-flops”, but you get the picture.

Sling-backs are open-backed shoes with a strap that runs back along the heel, rather than around the ankle. Can have a high or low heel.

Mary Janes are  flat or low-heeled round-toed shoes with a strap across the bridge of the foot. Traditionally made in black patent leather, these are the shoes we wore in primary school.