According to a study from Consumer Reports, the average American woman owns 17 pairs of shoes. The female teachers at CISL are not surprised by this report! What is in interesting is that each of these 17 pairs probably have a different name. Slipper shoe? Booty? Equestrian boots? Cross trainers? Moccasin? The following is a list of some interesting shoe vocabulary. What kinds of shoes do YOU have in your closet?
Ankle boot
These shoes have become very popular in the last few years! They are also called “booties.”
Ballet shoe
Also called a ballet slipper or slipper shoe, these comfortable shoes are very common.
Birkenstock
Birkenstocks are named after the company that makes them. There are several styles. There has been a joke about Birkenstocks since the company began: DO NOT WEAR THEM WITH SOCKS!
Cross-trainer
Also called tennis shoes, tennies, trainers, or running shoes.
Doc Martens
Dr Martens, Docs, DMs . . . these unisex shoes were popular in the 90s and are back in style again!
Galoshes
Admittedly, we do not have to worry too much about footwear for rainy weather in most parts of California, but when it does rain, we are excited to put on our galoshes!
Heel
“Heels” is a term used for any shoe that has a raised back part. From there, the possibility are endless! Peeptoe? Wedge? High heel? Stiletto? Each are a different type of heel. The following are some of the main types of heels.
High-top
Both men and women wear high-tops, although the shoe is probably more popular with men. The opposite of high-tops? Low-tops! We like the name. 🙂
Loafers
This men’s shoe comes in many different styles and has been a classic for decades.
Sandal
A sandal is any shoe that shows most of the foot. From there, you have the flip-flop/thong or the gladiator-style sandal.
Slingbacks
A woman’s shoe without a closed back is called a slingback. Instead of the back, there is just a small piece of material, which kind of looks like . . . a sling!
Slip-on
No laces! A perfect shoe for the California-style clothing we love.
