October
2008
Visual Guide: Shoe Styles part 1
For those of us not in the know with the technical aspects in the world of shoes, I’m writing this style guide to keep us in the light. Now because there are so many styles (I never knew there were so many!), plus each style has it’s own subtypes, I’m going to be dividing this blogpost into several parts. I’m sticking to the basics first. I’ll also be providing tidbits of information regarding the style whenever possible.
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Athletic shoes
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Boots
A boot is a type of shoe that covers at least the foot and the ankle and sometimes extends up to the knee or even the hip. Most have a heel that is clearly distinguishable from the rest of the sole, even if the two are made of one piece. Traditionally made of leather or rubber, modern boots are made from a variety of materials.
Bridal and Wedding Shoes
Catherine de Medici, one of the first brides in history to walk down the aisle in high heels, inspired a fashion trend that continues today. Anglo-Saxon brides tossed shoes rather than bouquets to bridesmaids who hoped to be the next to marry. Brides in merry old England followed the directive that they wear “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue — and a sixpence in her shoe” by tucking coins into their wedding slippers.
Queen Victoria inspired millions of modern-day brides by choosing a white gown and white shoes for her wedding in 1840. Until then, blue was the color of choice for bridal ensembles. Princess Diana, a statuesque 5 feet 10 inches tall, chose low-heeled, pearl-encrusted, ivory silk flats for her wedding, so as not to tower over Prince Charles.
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Casual Shoes
