Shoes are everything! The right pair can complete an outfit and enhance its appeal. From a regular denim dress, a good pair of shoes can make you look fabulous. They can add femininity to a frock, sophistication to a suit, or an ethnic touch to an Indo-western outfit. There is a wide variety of shoes available in the market, and it can get a bit difficult to choose a pair that compliments a particular outfit.
We bring you an ultimate guide to shoes for women. You can find the different types of shoes for women along with their uses. Be it comfortable sneakers or casual flats, elegant heels or trendy boots, exotic juttis or feminine sandals. From office wear to party wear or wedding wear, we have it all.
Below, check what are the types of shoes for women and which shoes are a must-have in every woman’s collection.
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1. Sneakers
Pin itSneakers are one of the most versatile types of women's shoes and one of the must-have items of a casual wardrobe. Originally designed for sporting activities and sports clothes, sneakers may be worn all year-round with practically any garment from dresses and skirts to trousers and jeans.
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They are perfect for achieving a stylish yet comfortable look. In addition, white sneakers go well with any colors and can be used in a variety of outfits.
What to Wear With Sneakers
Jeans and T-shirts
Wide-leg jeans and cropped tops
Casual dresses
Skirts
Joggers and relaxed trousers
2. Running Shoes
Pin itRunning shoes are primarily designed for exercises and activities that involve physical effort, which require special movement and exertion. They are mostly used during running or other types of sports. However, there are many women who enjoy wearing them as a part of their everyday street wear.
The shoes are available in a vast variety of colors and patterns, so it is not difficult to select a pair that will suit one’s sense of style. At the same time, while choosing running shoes, the primary attention should be paid to their comfort and capacity to provide the necessary support. If someone wishes to include them in their daily street outfits, the other pieces should be selected in a way that would complement the shoes. Therefore, wearing running shoes as a part of everyday attire is perfectly acceptable as long as the overall look remains casual and incorporates sporty elements.
A pair of comfortable yet stylish running shoes could be a great addition to denim and other casual clothes.
3. Slip-On Sneakers
Slip-on sneakers can be described as something particular. They are quite comfortable and very stylish. Besides, they can easily be worn either by men or women.
They are perfect for those who lead a very busy lifestyle and do not want to spend time tying shoelaces. Such shoes should have a very flexible upper material. In addition, to look stylish while being comfortable, sneakers should have a low profile. The most popular neutral colors are white, black, beige, and grey. Lightweight sneakers made from canvas or other light materials are great for warm weather.
Buying Tips for Slip-On Sneakers
Check the fit: The shoe should feel secure around your heel without squeezing your foot.
Look for flexibility: A flexible sole can make walking more comfortable.
Choose breathable materials: Canvas or breathable textile uppers can be useful in warm weather.
Check the sole: Look for enough grip for the places where you plan to wear them.
Consider your wardrobe: White, black, beige, and grey are easy to style with multiple outfits.
For an effortlessly cool outfit that doesn't require any effort, white slip-on sneakers are a staple. Just throw a simple T-shirt and light-wash jeans on. They also look good with a casual dress for a more girly look.
4. Loafers
Pin itLoafers are slip-on shoes that add class to any get-up without sacrificing comfort. These structured yet comfortable shoes are perfect for a woman who wants to have more elegant options than just sneakers but still wants to maintain a casual ease in her dress.
They come in all kinds of styles, including penny loafers, chunky loafers, tassel loafers, or even more elaborately decorated versions. In addition to the most common black and brown colors, there are beige, cream, or burgundy options.
Buying Tips for Loafers
Check the fit around your heel: A loafer should stay securely on your foot while walking.
Look for a comfortable insole: This is especially important if you'll be wearing them for several hours.
Consider the sole: A flexible, well-gripped sole can make everyday walking more comfortable.
Choose the right toe shape: A rounded or slightly squared toe can provide more room, while pointed styles create a sharper appearance.
Think about versatility: Black, brown, beige, and cream loafers are easier to style with different outfits.
5. Ballet Flats
Pin itBallet flats are simple yet elegant shoes characterized by their low heels and generally comfortable and flexible design. These feminine and sophisticated-looking shoes are basically ballet slippers, made into everyday wear footwear and serving as a popular alternative to sneakers.
There is a wide variety of ballet flats, ranging from simple round-toe shoes to more decorated and pointed ones. Neutral-colored ballet flats can be worn with most of your clothing, while pink, red, and metallic ones will add some color and style to your look.
It is advisable to pair ballet flats with straight jeans and a tucked shirt for a well-dressed casual look. Simple ballet flats can also be paired with a short kurta and jeans for an Indo-western outfit.
6. Mary Jane Shoes for Women
Pin itMary Jane shoes are a type of women's footwear characterized by a strap over the top of the foot. These shoes come in styles including flats, heels, and platforms with different toe shapes, ranging from simple and elegant to edgy and fashion-forward.
If you are wondering what are Mary Jane shoes, the primary difference is the toe strap that is either adjustable or fixed. The special feature allows distinguishing the sandal style from other types of shoes.
Nowadays, women tend to wear Mary Jane shoes as part of everyday outfit, since black flats look appropriate any time, while platforms and heels make the look more stylish.
One of the easiest ways to style Mary Jane shoes is to pair them with wide-legged jeans and a fitted top. The structured shoes add a nice touch to the relaxed jeans.
For a feminine look, team Mary Jane flats with a midi dress. To go preppy, Mary Jane platforms with a skirt, fitted sweater, and ankle socks.
Mary Jane shoes can be comfortable for everyday use if you choose the right size, the right sole, and the right strap that fits you. Comfort will depend on the construction of the shoe, materials, the heel, and your feet.
If you need to buy new Mary Jane shoes, invest in a simple black or neutral flat. It is one of the easiest shoes to style with jeans, skirts, dresses, and trousers.
7. Mules
Pin itMules are slip-on women’s shoes with an open back, making them a convenient choice for putting on and taking off. They can feature a flat sole, a low heel, a block heel, or sometimes even a more structured heel. Mules can be worn with both casual and dressy outfits.
As one of the versatile types of women shoes in India, mules can also be a good choice if one needs something more dressed-up than bare feet but not as formal as heeled shoes. They come in a variety of materials, including leather, vegan leather, suede, and other textiles, and can range from being minimally decorated to be very ornate.
How to Style Mules
For the ease of everyday dressing, go with flat mules with wide-legged jeans and a tight top. For office wear, you can go for block heeled mules with ankle trousers and a blouse.
Mules can also be paired with traditional Indian outfits. Go for a pair of simple embellished or neutral mules to pair up with a kurti in an Indo-western way.
As a newbie, it is advisable to get a neutral flat or low heeled mules that can be paired with both Western and Indian outfits.
8. Espadrilles
Pin itEspadrilles are lightweight shoes, traditionally featuring a woven or braided jute-style sole. This casual yet feminine style makes them a popular choice for warm-weather outfits. For women searching for women shoes in India, espadrilles can be a great addition to a summer wardrobe, as they come in styles to suit a variety of outfits and occasions, from flats and slip-on to sandals and wedges.
How to Style Espadrilles
For an easy vacation look, pair espadrille wedges with a flowy midi and woven or neutral tote bag. For a laid-back everyday style, flat espadrilles with light-wash jeans and a simple top are the way to go.
Moreover, you could also team them with cotton kurtis and other relaxed ethnic wear when styling the Indo-western look.
Espadrilles call for a casual summer look so pairing them with breezy textiles, minimalist silhouettes, and easy accessories is the way to go.
9. Sandals
Pin itSandals are one of the most practical and versatile types of women's shoes in India. With an open design that allows airflow around the feet, sandals can be comfortable for everyday wear and come in countless styles, from simple, flat designs to dressy heeled sandals.
Because of India's generally warm climate, sandals can be a particularly useful part of a woman's footwear collection. You can find casual, formal, ethnic, and trendy sandal styles to suit different outfits and occasions.
How to Style Sandals
For an everyday Indian outfit, you can pair flat sandals with a cotton kurti and jeans. To go with a Western outfit, opt for sandals with wide-legged pants and a tucked shirt or a shoulder bag.
If you have to dress up, then heeled or embellished sandals can be paired with a midi dress, skirt, or traditional attire.
The best style tip we can give you is to build your shoe collection around one staple sandal. You can go for tan, beige, or black sandals that would go well with everything in your wardrobe. Neutral-toned sandals are perfect for the Indian climate and would suit everyday wear.
10. Flat Sandals
Pin itFlat sandals are one of the most comfortable and practical footwear options for women. With little or no heel to speak of, they are simple to walk in and perfect for any number of everyday activities.
Amongst the many types of women's shoes in India, flat sandals are particularly useful in that they can be worn with both Western and Indian attire. From bare minimum strappy flat sandals to embellished and ethnic styles, there is a flat sandal for every woman's casual wardrobe.
How to Style Flat Sandals
For an everyday staple look, you can go for a pair of flat sandals with light washed jeans and a pretty fitting top. You can also try styling them with a flowy cotton dress to complete a relaxed yet feminine summer look.
To recreate an Indian aesthetic appeal, go for embroidered or ethnic flats with a kurti and palazzo pants or a simple salwar suit.
Go for a comfortable yet elegant pair of flat sandals that can blend well with your western as well as Indian attires. Having a neutral-toned, casual yet beautiful flats can help you create multiple looks with your existing wardrobe.
11. Platform Sandals
Pin itPlatform sandals have a thick sole, which lifts the foot slightly off the ground. It is generally lower than with a high-heeled shoe. These are a good choice for women who want more height without the inclination of a stiletto.
Of the many types of women's shoes in India, platform sandals can be a great option for summer, everyday wear, and even more elegant outfits. They can be found in a range of styles as both minimal sandal and statement-making.
How to Style Platform Sandals
Platform sandals look particularly good with wide-leg jeans and a fitted or cropped top because the extra height complements the longer, wider silhouette of the jeans.
Platform sandals are the perfect addition to any feminine summer outfit. Style them with a flowy midi dress or skirt. You can also use them to give a modern twist to a basic Indo-western outfit.
If you are new to platform sandals, start with a moderate platform, rather than something really chunky (trust us, those can be a bit of a commitment!)
Platform sandals should be worn with dresses or skirts rather than pants as they can easily overwhelm the outfit.
While a higher platform can offer greater height, go for a moderate one if you are not used to it.
Conclusion
Pin itWith so many types of women’s shoes in India, you need to know which shoes to buy and which ones to avoid buying. However, you can’t buy every single pair of shoes and you shouldn’t. You only need several pairs of shoes, the best shoe styles, to suit every outfit, occasion, and weather.
From sneaker shoes and barefoot sandals, to loafers, feminine Mary Jane shoes, mules, and platform sandals, each pair of shoes will suit a different style, outfit, and occasion. It all comes down to personal preference and what you wear on a daily basis. You have to choose which shoes will make you look and feel the best and what styles will keep you comfortable throughout the day.
So when starting your shoe collection, invest in the most common, versatile shoe styles, such as sneakers, flats, sandals, and loafers. Then, shop around for statement shoe styles, heels, boots, and other types of traditional and modern Indian women’s shoes.
And this is only the beginning of the ultimate women’s shoes buying guide.
More shoe styles, including different heels and boots, traditional Indian women’s shoes, and more will be covered in Part 2 of this ultimate women’s shoes buying guide. So save this guide to Pinterest for later and continue shopping for the best shoes for women.
