Dedicated to all those who only differentiate between sneakers, heels and sandals. With this practical guide, even the laziest will learn how the most knowledgeable express themselves.
The fashion cycle continues at a dizzying pace, and when it seems that the trends are more or less under control, new style currents appear that, in most cases, include terms that sound Chinese to many. This happens in a more notable way in the case of shoes, bags and accessories in general, so it is not surprising that, from one day to the next, when entering the website of a firm, a fashion magazine or even a walk through Instagram, what is read is not understood. In order to resolve doubts, this little dictionary of winter footwear that is most popular: from ‘A’ to ‘Z’.
– Ballerinas: the favorite flat footwear of romantics. Although the original models feature a rounded toe (and usually a small bow), current designs also feature squarer toes.
– Bluchers: a curious fact about this type of footwear is that, although its style is associated with England, its origins lie in Prussia, specifically military uniforms. In addition to its versatility, it is characterized by having the most open lasts, a tongue and laces. There are them in flat format, worse also with heels or platforms.
– Cowboy (boots): these models are inspired by the looks worn by cowboys in America. They usually have a medium and high cane. At the top they usually end with a cut in the shape of a fish mouth and a fairly pronounced tip. They also usually include embroidery and other ornaments.
– Chelsea: although they are very fashionable now, their heyday began in the late sixties, when they first appeared on the streets of the famous London neighborhood, hence their name. They are short cane boots that fit the foot by means of a pair of elastics on both sides of the instep.
– Chunky: this concept includes footwear, whether they are boots or moccasins, with very thick soles and striking details such as openings or irregularities in general. Not suitable for discreet.
– Hike boots: the typical mountain boots, although in the more ‘fashionista’ area they are reinvented in bright colors where fluorine and pastels stand out.
– Kitten heels: shoes of this type are found in many formats, from slingbacks to pumps or sandals. The name alludes to the type of heel, which is low and thin (between 3 and 5cm). Its name refers to the fact that in its beginnings, they were worn by adolescents, who were not yet accustomed to wearing higher heels.
– Ballerinas: the favorite flat footwear of romantics. Although the original models feature a rounded toe (and usually a small bow), current designs also feature squarer toes.
– Bluchers: a curious fact about this type of footwear is that, although its style is associated with England, its origins lie in Prussia, specifically military uniforms. In addition to its versatility, it is characterized by having the most open lasts, a tongue and laces. There are them in flat format, worse also with heels or platforms.
– Cowboy (boots): these models are inspired by the looks worn by cowboys in America. They usually have a medium and high cane. At the top they usually end with a cut in the shape of a fish mouth and a fairly pronounced tip. They also usually include embroidery and other ornaments.
Cowboy boots are reinvented each season.
Cowboy boots are reinvented each season. ISABEL MARANT.
– Chelsea: although they are very fashionable now, their heyday began in the late sixties, when they first appeared on the streets of the famous London neighborhood, hence their name. They are short cane boots that fit the foot by means of a pair of elastics on both sides of the instep.
– Chunky: this concept includes footwear, whether they are boots or moccasins, with very thick soles and striking details such as openings or irregularities in general. Not suitable for discreet.
– Hike boots: the typical mountain boots, although in the more ‘fashionista’ area they are reinvented in bright colors where fluorine and pastels stand out.
– Kitten heels: shoes of this type are found in many formats, from slingbacks to pumps or sandals. The name alludes to the type of heel, which is low and thin (between 3 and 5cm). Its name refers to the fact that in its beginnings, they were worn by adolescents, who were not yet accustomed to wearing higher heels.
Shoe soles are reinvented in a multitude of different ways.
Shoe soles are reinvented in a multitude of different ways. THE ATTICO
– Loafers: in the beginning they were only for men, a type of moccasin that is characterized by having a wide tongue and that usually have some type of decoration on the instep. A type of shoe that reinvents itself every season.
– Mules: also called clogs. These types of shoes are closed at the front and open at the back. Starting from this base, they can be presented in many ways, with high or low heels, with a rounded toe, pointed…
– Boat shoes: their style can be reminiscent of a moccasin, although boat shoes in general are more associated with informal looks. A lace runs along the shoe’s perimeter and the sole is made of grooved rubber.
– Oxford: very similar to the Blucher with the difference that in the Blucher the flaps are open, while in the Oxford models, they are usually closed.
– Peep toes: a type of heel with a rounded toe in which the focus is on the opening in the thumb and forefinger of the foot.
– Pumps: the classic heel with a height of about 10-12 centimeters, a slightly thick sole and some platform on the front sole. The tip can be rounded or pointed.
– Rain boots: nothing could be further from the truth, the wellies of a lifetime.
– Pumps: a type of closed heel that is usually thick, similar to Pumps, although with a height of about 7cm.
– Slippers: this type of footwear is flat and slingback and is reminiscent of house slippers or slippers.
– Sneakers: one of the thousand ways to call sneakers. A shoe that many know as sports shoes, ‘zapas’, tennis shoes, t-shirts…
– Stilettos: very similar to the Pumps with the difference that the Stilettos have the thinnest heel and lack a front platform.
Stilettos are a classic that never fails.
Stilettos are a classic that never fails. INSTAGRAM: @GILDAAMBROSIO
– Track: actually this term does not refer to a specific type of shoe, but rather encompasses different types of footwear ranging from boots, ankle boots or moccasins, which are characterized by having a thick and grooved sole.
– Ugly shoes: their main characteristic is that they are not exactly ‘pretty’ at first glance, but that is precisely where their charm lies. They usually have straps, ribbons, wide soles… and in general they look quite rough. Two characteristic examples to understand this shoe concept would be, for example, the Brikenstock or the Crocs.