Ever shop the women’s shoe department or an online shoe store like Pinup and wonder, “What the heck do all these shoe descriptions mean?” There are platform wedges, peep toe stilettos, espadrilles sandals, kitten heel pumps, Mary Jane flats…the list could go on forever!
Well, we are here to help clear the confusion! Take a look at some of the most common women shoe descriptions below and become an expert for your next footwear purchase…
High Heel- These are any form of women’s shoes where the toe region sits lower than the heel of the foot.
Flat- These are any form of women’s shoes that do not have a heel or height to them. They typically expose a majority of the top portion of the foot.
Pump- These are the classic, most popular, high heel. Traditional styles have a lower cut front that hits closer to the toes than the ankle.
Stiletto- This is a type of heel that is pointy, thin, and high.
Wedge- This is a type of heel that runs on an angle from the back of the shoe to the middle or front of the shoe. It is a triangle shape, either low or high in height.
Chunky- This is a heel type that is thicker and wider than a stiletto. It can be high or low and offers more sturdy support.
Kitten Heel- This is a type of heel defined by its feminine shape and placement. The heel is typically low and always sits in from the back of the shoe- usually falling in the direct middle of the heel of the foot.
Platform- These are a type of shoe with a thick sole under the front portion of the foot. The heel can be stiletto, wedged, or chunky.
Clog- This type of shoe has an open back and closed toe with a sturdy, platform version heel- typically the same level from front to back.
Mule- These are same as clogs except the heel is not the same level throughout. The can come in a variety of heel styles like stiletto or kitten.
Sling back-This style shoe refers to the strap that wraps around the back of the exposed foot. It connects to either side of the shoe and can come in a heeled version or a flat version.
Peep Toe- This style shoe refers to the opening in the front portion, exposing the one or more toes. It can come in a heeled version or a flat.
Mary Jane- This style shoe refers to the strap crossing the middle top of the foot. They also come in heels or flats and are named after their similar look to children’s shoes (flat version).
Sandals- This style shoe refers to the majority of the foot being exposed. The sole is held onto the foot by multiple straps in various designs. Flip-flops and gladiators are common flat sandals but they can also come in heels, wedges, platforms, and more.
Espadrilles- This is a shoe style from Spanish decent that describes the material used to make the shoe. It is typically a wedge or chunky heel. The top portion is made of a woven fabric like canvas and the sole is made of woven rope or grass.
Clearing Up the Shoe Confusion
Brand Spotlight: Pleaser USA
Pleaser USA is the leading manufacturer of specialty footwear. Since starting in 1993, they have been catering to various alternative lifestyles worldwide. Pleaser’s home base in California is constantly searching for extraordinary and unconventional footwear. With every product made, they guarantee to incorporate quality, innovation, and diversity, keeping them a step above the rest.
Pleaser USA fills the needs of their unconventional clientele with six different lines of shoes…
Pleaser- Innovative designs make this line sensual, sexy, and wild. The boots, heels, and platforms have been seen on many celebrities, gracing the cover of famous magazines, movie productions, and television programs. 
Demonia- This line defines the alternative underground culture. The nonconforming, cutting edge shoes are designed for both males and females, including sandals, sneakers, maryjanes, creepers, goth, and platform boots. 
Devious- If you have a fetish or enjoy taking part in S&M and bondage, then these shoes are designed for you. The line is exclusively made to “play” with. Need I say more?
Bordello- Think of the glamour associated with old time burlesque performers and you will easily see where this lines’ concept came from. Intrigue, Desire, and passion shine through in the line’s glittery and lacy heels, platforms, and boots. 
Funtasma- Having fun is in the name of this line so you can imagine the basis behind it. The playful and sexy shoes cater to the costume world with themes for women, men, and teens. Think- Halloween, Mardi Gras, and Carnival festivals. 
Lucious- Only the most luxurious materials and daring designs go into making this line. The glamorous heels and platforms are crafted with the best workmanship of the company.
Bridal Tips
With wedding season in full swing, we thought it would be beneficial to discuss a few of the valuable bridal tips that we have come across lately…
Tip 1: If you color you hair, have it touched up a week before the big day. This is when it is in the best condition. It still looks fresh and shiny but it also has a small amount of growth at the roots to add depth.
Tip 2: Do not shampoo your hair the day of your wedding. This tip has been debated back and forth but if you ask, most hair stylist will confirm, your hair is easier to work with and the texture holds better if it has some of your natural oils. To be sure you have the right amount of oil without that “greasy” look going on, shampoo the night before your wedding.
Tip 3: Prep your skin a few days before by doing a clean detox. Also remember to hydrate yourself by drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily. The detox will remove any puffiness and proper hydration will add a healthy glow to your skin.
Tip 4: Make sure your makeup will last by adding primer. An oil free primer will hold makeup longer keeping both your foundation and eye shadow in place. A touch up might be needed for pictures but it should last throughout the reception and into the night.
Tip 5: Be sure you are comfortable in your dress and shoes. Your wedding day is meant for you to shine and if you are self conscience or uncomfortable in what you are wearing, it will show on your face. Try a variety of dress styles to figure out what fit and what material you feel best in. If you plan on wearing high heeled shoes, try going with a platform for added comfort. It creates less of a slope in your foot stance so that the pressure is spread out more evenly. Also, have a pair of cute flats to change into once you hit the dance floor.
Tip 6: Be Yourself! Avoid succumbing to the typical image of a bride in her white puffy dress with a white pearled necklace, hair tied up in a bun or French twist. Don’t be afraid to add your own unique style to what you wear. If you are the rocker type, accent with some edgy, bold jewelry or sexy platform shoes in a bright color or pattern. If you are the earthy, free spirit type, wear a simple dress and maybe put a flower or two in your wavy hair.
Spring's Hot New Colors...and the Shoes to Match!
InStyle Magazine has revealed Spring's Hot New Colors and we are loving what we see!
Here's the recap...
1. Acid Yellow- pair with heather grey heels or pumps to neutralize the brightness.
2. Blush- go with neutral shoes and accessories during the day and bright iridescent for night.
3. Scarlet- works great with a beige pump or black stiletto.
4. Silver- stick with the same tone or a slightly calmer version when choosing heels.
5. Lavender- stands out when paired with pearl colored strappy sandals.
6. Seafoam Green- great summer color worn best with nude or white platforms.
The 5 Types of High Heels that Every Girl Should Own
Take a look at your shoe selection and compare it to the selection of shoes of any man in your life. Is is valid to say that most women have a slight obsession with shoes? Let’s face it, if we had all the money in the world, our closets would be filled with shoes galore.
But, in reality, many of us have to restrain ourselves and limit our shoe purchases in order to remain on budget. This is not an easy task when women have such a variety of outfits worn throughout the year- casual skirts and dresses, fancy skirts and dresses, everyday jeans, going out jean, work suits, casual pants, dressy pants, shorts- the list could go on forever.
To ensure that you have a core shoe selection to be able to compliment any outfit, we have compiled a list of our 5 MUST HAVE high heels. These are the ones that will get the most use and still make you feel sexy after their 100th time on your feet.
#1- Standard Black Pump- Whether it is a peep toe, stiletto, or platform these heels can go with you to work, to play, and anytime in between. They are the “Little Black Dress” of footwear.
#2- Evening/Dress Sandal- These are great to have for formal affairs like weddings or celebrations and they also work great to dress up jeans or a casual dress. We recommend purchasing a basic color like black or a metallic tone like gold or silver that will match just about any outfit.
#3- High Heeled Boot- Whether it be an ankle boot, a knee high boot, or a risky thigh high version, boots work great for a night out on the town or a casual meeting with family and friends.
#4- Wedge- These will provide height and style without the normal pain from other types of heels. During the warmer months, sandal wedges are a cute option to dress up a sun dress or pair of shorts.
#5- Fun and funky high heel- Every girl needs a pair of shoes that don’t compliment the outfit, but rather are the outfit. They are the bright colored, uniquely designed, fashionably chic, or flashy pair that makes a simple black dress or a pair of jeans and a white tank top look like the hottest outfit around.
Celebrating Earth Day a Girls Way
In honor of Earth Day, Pinup Shoes thought it would be beneficial to discuss simple ways that we can promote a healthy environment through what women love most- fashion and beauty.
Check out our green friendly ideas and feel free to add to the list!
- Incorporate organic products into your beauty routine. There are a ton of new lines from earth friendly manufacturers. The organic products are not only healthier for your skin and body but they are also produced with ingredients that are less harmful to our environment. A few brands we recommend are Yes to Carrots, Aveda, and Alba.
- Make it a routine to check your closet for unworn clothing before going on a shopping trip. Donate any articles found to a local charity like Good Will or the Salvation Army. You can even make a deal with yourself that in order to purchase new clothes; you must first donate an article or two.
- Share with friends. Whether you gather once a month for an exchange or you shop each other’s closets before a night out, sharing helps save on materials. Even if you are not the same high heel shoe size or dress size as your friends, you can always borrow each other’s accessories like jewelry, handbags, and belts. Follow the phrase we were all taught in grade school- “reduce, reuse, and recycle”. Reuse jewelry for multiple events, recycle bags by handing them down to friends, and reduce the amount of clothing you purchase by sharing!
- Shop for eco-friendly brands that give back to the environment. Many clothing companies, beauty brands, and boutiques will donate a portion of their proceeds to a green friendly organization. Examples include The Body Shop, Avon, and Kiehls.
- Save water during prep time. We all know that a long hot shower is just what you need to wake yourself up in the morning or relax yourself at night. But, saving on shower time can save a ton of water. In general a four minute shower uses about 20-40 gallons of water. Imagine how much water you can save if you cut your shower time in half!
Fashion is Pain, Learn to Make it Less Painful
In the fashion world, a cocktail dress or club outfit is not complete without a high heel shoe. It doesn't matter if it is a platform, a pointy toe, or a strappy sandal, the height creates the sexy, stylish look that woman want.
Nowadays it seems like the higher the heel the sexier the look causing heel heights to increase dramatically. Woman who once strutted through clubs and hot spots in 4 inch heels are pushing the limit in 12 inch platforms!
So, what are the effects of the increased heel height? The obvious is the pain that woman go through from walking in heels all day. But, when you ask around, most women will admit the look and feel that they get from wearing high heels outweighs the risk of twisting an ankle or causing soreness to the feet. It’s like we have heard many of times before
“Fashion is pain”, right?
The good news is that there are tips and pointers to help you complete your outfit with a sexy high heel, without adding soreness and pain to your feet.
Here’s advice that we find helpful:
1. Get the right fit. If your high heels are too big, your foot will slide to the front and cause more pressure on your toes. If you buy heels that are too small, your foot will feel cramped and add pressure in unwanted areas. Your heels should fit snug so they do not slide, but also allow a bit of stretching room.
2. Invest in added cushion. There are shoe inserts on the market designed specifically for high heel pressure points. Webmd.com recommends using silicone metatarsal pads to protect the balls of your feet. Morris Morin, DPM, director of podiatric medicine at the Hackensack University Medical Center, says “They look like flattened gummy bears, but they do
a super job of shock absorption.”
3. The steeper the slope of the heel, the more painful they will be. This is why platforms have become so popular. Platforms create less of a slope but still have significant height because they add elevation in both the heel and the sole.
4. Thicker heels create more stability. A wider heel will distribute your weight allowing better balance and less pressure.
5. If you have corns or calluses, see a podiatrist about getting them removed. They will cause your feet to be misshaped in the heal creating unwanted pressure points and soreness. If the doctor can not remove the corns or calluses, opt for open toed high heels to take pressure off inflamed areas.
6. Switch up your shoe daily. If you are sporting the same high heel over and over again, they will wear in and provide less stability and more discomfort. Rotating between high heels and flats will also give your foot a break from the pressure. Trust us when we say there are plenty of cute and sexy flats that provide comfort without risking fashion!
