Can’t tell a sandal from a slingback, or a Blahnik from a Choo? That’s exactly why we’ve put together this handy list of must-know terms and names. Now when you’re shopping for your perfect wedding shoes, you can talk the talk and walk the walk. Literally.
Ankle Strap
A thin strip of leather that buckles just above the ankle bone.
Ballet Slipper
Usually made from satin or leather, this is a flat shoe with a round toe often decorated by a small bow.
Blahnik, Manolo
This Spanish shoe designer, who began his career in the 1970s, became a household name thanks to Carrie Bradshaw and the other lovely ladies of Sex and the City.
Choo, Jimmy
Luxury British shoe company run by former U.K. Vogue accessories editor Tamara Mellon.
D’Orsay
A shoe with a closed toe, a cut-out middle and a closed heel.
Espadrille
A canvas shoe with a plaited fibre sole. Frequently tied with a ribbon that extends up the leg.
Flat
A style of shoe with a heel that is less than a half inch high.
Flip-flop
A light sandal usually made of rubber or plastic, with a thong between the big and second toe.
Kitten Heel
A small, dainty heel between half an inch and an inch high.
Louboutin, Christian
French shoe designer loved by celebs and renowned for his iconic red soles reportedly inspired by a similar shade of Chanel nail polish.
Mary Jane
A shoe with a round toe and a strap across the instep.
Mule
A slip-on, backless shoe. May be open or closed toe, high heel or flat.
Peep-toe
A shoe that has the tip cut away revealing the big toe.
Platform
A raised or stacked sole made from cork, plastic, rubber or wood.
Pump
A slip-on shoe that covers the entire foot. Typically low-cut at the front with a medium-height heel. Otherwise referred to as a court shoe (British).
Round Toe
A rounded shape on a closed-toe shoe.
Sandal
An open-toe shoe decorated by straps that cross the toes and top of the foot.
Slingback
A shoe held in place by a strap that crosses behind the heel.
Square Toe
A squared-off shape on a closed-toe shoe.
Stiletto Heel
A thin, tapered heel that is higher than three inches.
Wedge
A solid, flat sole that increases in thickness as it reaches the heel; thus, creating a wedge shape.
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