Basic Shoe Styles

There are a variety of shoe styles available in the market in different heel heights, shapes,
different toe shapes etc. These styles are obtained by endless variation on seven basic
designs. The origin of each design can be traced to one or more features introduced to
meet some special need or purpose
Shoe styles could be classified based on the following types: based on design and based
on constructions.
Design is feature of the product; the styles are created from the basic designs. Dynamic
product-features are variable. On the other hand application of the footwear defines the
construction.
There are various types of shoe styles. These are Derby Shoe, Oxford shoe, Court shoe,
Sandals, Slippers, Boot, Moccasin and Slip-on shoe styles.
Basic Styles of Footwear

1. Derby shoes
A Derby shoe is a style of Men's shoe characterized by shoelace eyelet tabs that are
sewn on top of a single-piece vamp. This construction method, also known as "open
lacing", contrasts with that of the Oxfords. Moreover,
 Derby shoe is also called Gibson.
 The main visual feature of the derby construction is that the quarter overlays the
vamp (Q/V).
 It has a wide opening.
 Monk shoe is rather one variant of the derby shoe but with a cross over section to
fasten the quarters with a side buckle.

Fig – 1 and 2: Derby shoe and monk shoe

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2. Oxford shoes
 A general term indicating a low-cut shoe with lacing attachment over the instep.
 It is probably the most used design today.
 It is originating in the University Town of Oxford, England, in the middle of the 16 th
Century.
 The main visual feature of these construction is that the vamp overlays the quarter
(V/Q) unlike derby.
 It has narrow opening.

Fig – 3: Oxford shoe

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 3. Court shoe
A court shoe or pump is a shoe with a low-cut front and usually without a fastening.
However, some may have an ankle strap. They are worn by women, but are still traditional
menswear in some formal situations, where the style is sometimes called an opera slipper
or patent pump. It is basically lowest cut design exposing instep and having no additional
means of fastening.

Fig – 4: Court shoe

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 4. Sandal
Sandals are an open type of outdoor footwear, consisting of a sole held to the wearer's foot
by straps passing over the instep and, sometimes, around the ankle. While the distinction
between sandals and other types of footwear can sometimes be blurry (as in the case of
huaraches and peep-toe pumps), the common understanding is that a sandal leaves most
of the upper part of the foot exposed, particularly the toes. People may choose to wear
sandals for several reasons, among them economy (sandals tend to require less material
than shoes and are usually easier to construct), comfort in warm weather, and as a fashion
choice. It is any open shank design employing straps, thongs, ribbons etc. to form the
upper and attachment. It is earlier known type of shoe as used to protect the foot from
damage to sole.

Fig – 5: Sandals

5. Slippers
Slippers are light shoes which are easy to put on and take off and usually worn indoors for
indoor use, commonly worn with pajamas.

Fig – 6: slippers

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 6. Slip-on
Slip-on is typically low, lace-less shoe. The style most commonly seen, known as or
slippers in American culture. They began as casual shoes, but have increased in
popularity to the point of being worn in America with city lounge suits. They are worn in
many situations in a variety of colors and designs, often featuring tassels on the front, or
metal decorations (the 'Gucci' loafer). A less casual, earlier type of slip-on is made with
side gussets.
There are no lacings or fastenings. The popular loafers are part of this category, as well as
less popular styles, such as elastic-sided shoes.

Fig – 7: slip on shoes

7. Moccasins
A moccasin is a shoe from soft leather, consisting of a sole and sides made of one piece
of leather, stitched together at the top, and sometimes with a vamp (additional panel of
leather). The sole is generally soft and flexible and the upper part often is adorned saddle,
appliques etc. Though sometimes worn inside, it is chiefly intended for outdoor use, as in
exploring wildernesses and running.

Fig –8: moccasins

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 8. Long boots

A boot is a specific type of shoe. Most boots mainly cover the foot and the ankle and
extend up the leg, sometimes as far as the knee or even the hip. Most boots 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. Boots are worn both for their functionality – protecting the foot and leg from
water, snow, mud or hazards or providing additional ankle support for strenuous
activities – and for reasons of style and fashion. High-top athletic shoes are generally
not considered boots, even though they do cover the ankle, primarily due to the absence
of a distinct heel.

Fig – 10: Ankle and long boots