The Ultimate Footwear Guide for Indian Women

Last Updated on 6 years by Naveen Kumar

“Shoe speaks louder than words!”

Many of us are pretty clueless when it comes to picking out the right kind of footwear, mostly because we are not aware of the infinite types that exist or we just don’t know them by names or even further, we don’t know what to wear for which occasion! So we have decided to create a list of footwear that a women should own in her wardrobe, more like a simple footwear guide for women, just to help you stock up on the must haves!

What are the different types of ladies footwear?

Ballerina Shoes/Bellies

Ballerina flats or bellies as they are often called, crafted after the ballet dancer shoes, have closed toes that are either wide as a ‘U’ or slightly pointed, with no heels. And are truly considered as blessings in disguise. They go with any dress and can never fail you. Solids, florals or printed, they are available in infinite shades and patterns; perfect for someone who is always on their feet, at office, college or shopping!

Tip: Jazz a simple outfit with some dressy shoes in vibrant colors. Summer is a great time to experiment with neon shades! Ballet flats in metallic shades are great for a party night if you are no fan of heels.

Sandals

Another true summer staple- the strappy sandals, you can pair them with dresses, sarees, skirts or jeans. They are comfortable yet stylish; depending on the occasion you can choose simple to decorative or embellished ones. Perfect for casual wear or college, you can wear them to office too, if you work in a less traditional environment.

Tip: Strappy sandals with colorful pom poms are a great trend this season; you can easily sport one to add some vibrance to your outfit.

Loafers & Slip-ons

Loafers, especially in slip on style, are quite popular among women for the level of comfort they provide and style they radiate. Perfect for crafting looks that can take you from the boardroom to bar, they are great for all seasons too! Choose nudes and browns with minimal detailing for office wear.

Tip: Loafers with detailing like tassels or studs help elevate the look of your outfit; also you can choose slip ons in fabric materials in prints or floral patterns to master the casual look this summer.

Stilettos

Named after the stiletto daggers, stilettos are a type of super high heels, long and thin (narrowing as it goes down), going as high as 8-10 inches. Stilettos add the glamour quotient to any occasion, hence they are the most preferred choice for special events and celebrations. But it takes a bit of skill and practice to be able to walk confidently and comfortably with that elegant sway and swag, in them.

Tip: Metallic studded stilettos are quite in vogue today. Also, you choose statement stilettos to create some fashionable looks.

Kitten Heels

Heels, long and narrow but lesser than 2 inches are called kitten heels. For those not very comfortable with high heels or stilettos can opt for these since they give you the height and are more comfortable than their taller narrower cousins. Usually around 1.5 inches, they are perfect to wear to office, dates and college.

Tip: Those aspiring to master the stiletto sway can start their baby steps with kitten heels.

Pumps

Also called court shoes, these timeless classic pumps are an enclosed type of shoe with heels, the front end of which tapers into a point. Pumps are a great formal wear as well as something you can wear for an evening of fun. These pumps may appear with or without ankle straps.

Tip: Classic black pumps are a must have in a women’s wardrobe.

Peep toes

A pump shoe or slingback, with a small opening at the toe, where only part of the big toe and the second toe are visible. It’s a mix between the closed toe shoe and the open toe shoe, hence called a “peep” shoe. Just a couple of toes “peep out” of the shoe.

Peep toes are not ideal to wear to office especially if there is a closed toe policy.

Tip: Make sure your feet are in good condition and that you are wearing a nice matching nail lacquer.

Wedges

They are nothing but wedge shaped (almost triangular) heels that run along the length of the footwear. Definitely more comfortable and less accident prone than the super high heels, these serve the almost same purpose, giving you the confidence of long tall legs and a sassy look.

Sneakers

The trend of pairing sneakers with almost everything (and we mean it literally) have caught on like wildfire! Soft shoes with flexible soles that was primarily designed for physical activities and casual wear, these are absolutely great to sport with anything from mini skirts to dresses and pants, look fashionably chic in sneakers. From shopping to movies, pick the ones that will give you a sporty look.

So if you haven’t already experimented with some super stylish sneakers, then it is time to relive those old school days and pick one!

Tip: The rule is ‘No visible socks’! Ensure

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Juttis

Of late, punjabi juttis (or jhuttis) have been becoming very popular and several designers and even brands are taking advantage of the trend and experimenting on them with different patterns and fabrics. From simple daily wears to embellished and intricately embroidered ones, these are a bang on to create a style statement. Once a part of trousseau, today they have fashionably evolved to easily become a part of women’s modern outfits too.

This footwear guide lists only the basic styles which we think are the must haves in any woman’s wardrobe. Do you think there are more styles that we should include in this must haves’ list. If yes, then let us know through your comments.