Shoe Rack Diversity! 10 Types of Footwear for Ladies You Should Own
The average woman owns 19 pairs of shoes. And, 15 percent of women own over 30 pairs of shoes.
To some, 19 pairs of shoes may seem like a ton. Whereas to others, 19 pairs of shoes may seem like nothing.
But, whether you’re a shoe fanatic or not, there are certain types of shoes that every woman should have in her closet.
Check out this guide to learn about the top types of footwear for ladies.
Stilettos
Stilleto literally means “needle heel” in French, and if you’ve ever worn a pair of sky-high stilettos for more than a few hours, then you can relate to the idea that these shoes make you feel like you’re balancing on two fine needles.
Interestingly though, stilettos weren’t actually created for women. These shoes were originally created for aristocrats and military men back in the old days. The shoes were meant to increase both agility and running speed on the battleground, and many soldiers used them to better stabilize themselves when horseback riding.
It was not until the reign of King Louis XIV that red heels were introduced to women in the courtroom, and it was at this time that heels were simultaneously banned for men.
Since this time, stilettos have evolved into many different styles, colors, and patterns and can be worn with any outfit that needs a little elevation.
For your first pair of stilettos, we suggest buying a neutral color, such as black, tan, or white.
Kitten Heels
Sometimes, you want the class and sophistication of heels but without all the pain.
Enter: kitten heels. These shoes have smaller heel lengths so you don’t have to put too much pressure on your feet.
These shoes can be worn with pretty much anything, just so as long as your ankles are visible so that your heels can still make a statement.
Ballerina Flats
Every woman needs a solid pair of ballerina flats in her closet for when she’s feeling that unique combination of dressy yet casual and comfy.
You can invest in a pair of dressy ballerina flats, casual ones, or even sparkly ones.
And, depending on which ones you choose, you can pair your flats with jumpsuits, dresses, jeans, or even gowns.
Sandals
Sandals are technically an umbrella term for all open-toe footwear (you can check out this guide to learn about sandals vs flip flops).
Besides flip flops, there are all different kinds of sandals out there, from Gladiator sandals to strappy sandals to sliders.
The perfect pair of sandals will get you through those long summer days and nights. If you’d like to keep your sandal collection small, we suggest investing in at least one comfy pair and one dressy pair.
For dressier sandals, we suggest choosing ones with a slight heel. For everyday sandals, we suggest choosing ones that are neutral in color.
Trainers
Every woman needs a good pair of trainers to work out in.
Which types of trainers you choose will depend on the type of workout you like to do. There are trainers specifically meant for running, those specifically meant for weight lifting, and those specifically meant for cross-training.
To find a pair of trainers that can really enhance your workout, make sure you choose ones that have good cushioning and that are made from high-quality materials.
Sneakers
When we say sneakers, we’re talking about shoes that you can wear in everyday life with casual outfits.
While the classic sneaker is white, you can now buy sneakers in all sorts of colors.
And, while there’s nothing more classic than pairing white sneakers with jeans and a t-shirt, you can also use your sneakers to dress up a flowy skirt or dress during the summer months.
Loafers
We all need a pair of shoes that we can quickly and comfortably slide into when we’re running across the street to pick up milk, running downstairs to grab a delivery order, or sitting outside on our balconies.
For these occasions, we suggest buying a comfy pair of loafers.
In addition to wearing loafers for quick errands, there are also dressier pairs that you can invest in that can be worn with dresses, jeans, or even pantsuits.
Wedges
The perfect shoe for a summer dress or maxi dress is undoubtedly the wedge.
Like heels, wedges give you some height and add a boost of sophistication to your outfit. However, wedges are typically much more comfortable than heels, as they provide your heel with a wider base.
In addition to dresses and maxis, wedges can also be pulled off with a pair of jeans.
Ankle Boots
To get you through those cold winter months in style, we suggest investing in a pair of ankle boots.
Ankle boots are exactly what they sound like- boots that go up to your ankle. They are closed-toed and typically come in neutral colors.
Ankle boots are perfect for everyday wear, however, the right pair can also be worn with date night outfits and dresses.
Brogue Shoes
Brogue shoes used to be exclusively worn women, however, men are also rocking them nowadays.
These are tie-up, formal shoes that originally get their name from their manufacturing method-broguing. This method creates perforated patterns on the shoe material and gives the shoe their signature look.
Depending on the color of brogue shoes you buy, you can pair these with jeans, dresses, shorts, or formal pants.
Types of Footwear for Ladies: Are You Ready to Go Shoe Shopping?
Now that you know about the different types of footwear for ladies, it’s time to go shoe shopping so you can stock your closet with all of the essentials.
And, if you liked this article, be sure to check back in with our blog for more fashion tips and tricks.
