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.
