Ankle Strap
Fastens above the ankle bone.
Ballet Slipper
A flat, often satin, slipper. Sometimes made with ribbons that can be criss-crossed around the ankle, or with a thread that can be pulled to create gathers around the toe area.
Evening
A pump, slipper, or sandal worn with evening apparel. Made of luxe fabrics such as satin or shantung and sometimes embellished with beading.
Flat
A shoe with a heel less than one-half inch high.
Louis Heel
A fluted heel, of any height, that flares at the base and is named for King Louis IV.
Low Heel
A heel between one-half and one inches in height.
Maryjane
A round-toe shoe, in a variety of heights, with a single strap across the instep.
Mule
A casual or semi-formal slip-on shoe characterized by its lack of backstrap or Achilles support. May be open- or closed-toe.
Open-toe
An opening at the front of the shoe that exposes the toe.
Platform
A raised or stacked shoe sole. Platform may continue from the toe to the heel of a shoe via wedge, or have a separate heel.
Pump
A slip-on shoe characterized by full enclosure of the foot and a medium-height heel. Best worn with semi-formal or formal attire.
Rounded toe
A round shape on a closed-toe shoe.
Sabrina heel
A V-shaped heel that narrows from top to bottom.
Sandal
An open-toed style with straps across the toes and/or top of the foot.
Slingback
A shoe with a strap that fastens behind the Achilles heel.
Slipper
A soft, cloth slip-on shoe. May have an elastic or cloth strap at the instep, or ribbons that wind around the ankles. Sometimes called "ballet slipper."
Square toe
A squared-off shape at the front of a closed toe shoe.
Stacked heel
A straight, thick heel of uniform width from top to bottom.
Stiletto heel
A heel height of more than three inches.
Wedge
A solid, wedge-shaped heel that extends from the front to the back of the shoe, raising the heel above the toe.
