Women's Shoes
There is a large variety of shoes available for women, some
that were fashionable in the 1900s and some that are fashionable
in this century:
Pumps are flat shoes made with a light material to fit comfortably
High heels can be uncomfortable if worn too long but are great for
a night out.
Canvas is a very popular shoe which is normally worn in summer
because of its open style.
Men's shoes
Men's shoes can be categorized by how they are closed:
Balmorals - the vamp has a V-shaped slit to which the laces are
attached; also known as "closed lacing." In England, the balmoral
is known as the Oxford. The word "Oxford" is used by American
clothing companies to market shoes that are not Oxfords, such as
rubber-sole bluchers.
Blüchers - the laces are tied to two pieces of leather
independently attached to the vamp; also known as "open lacing."
Monk-straps - a buckle and strap instead of lacing
Various other closings exist but are less popular such as
side-elastic closings.
Men's shoes can also be decorated in various ways:
Plain-toes - have a sleek appearance and no extra decorations on
the vamp.
Cap-toes - has an extra layer of leather that 'caps' the toe. This
is possibly the most popular decoration
Wing-tips - The toe of the shoe is covered with a perforated
panel, the wing-tip, which extends down either side of the shoe.
Wing-tips can be found in both balmoral and blucher styles.
Either gender
Women's sandals. Clog Platform shoe - shoe with very thick
soles and heels, mainly worn by women in the U.S.
Loafers - 'slip-on' shoes with no lacing
Moccasin - originated by American Indians
Sandals - open shoes consisting of a sole and various straps
Saddle shoe - leather shoe with a contrasting saddle-shaped band
over the instep, typically white uppers with black "saddle"
Loafer - a dress or casual shoe without laces; often with tassels,
buckles, or coin-holders (penny loafers)
