high heels shoes glossary
Upper-Related Terminology
Pump (USA) / Court Shoe (UK): the upper is closed at the back and sides of the foot, with a relatively low cut which reveals most of the top of the foot. If no other designation is given, it is also closed at the front of the foot, concealing the ends of the toes.
Peep / Open Toe: the upper is cut away at the front of the foot, revealing the ends of the toes. Sides and back of the upper may be open or closed.
D'Orsay: the upper is cut away on either one or both sides of the foot. Front and back of the upper may be open or closed.
Slingback: the upper is open at the back of the foot, with a thin strap running around the back of the heel, which serves to hold the shoe on the foot.
Mule: the upper is cut away on BOTH the back and the sides of the foot. Only the front portion of the upper remains, and may be open or closed.
Pointed Toe: the front of the upper is closed and comes to a sharp, often elongated point when viewed from the top.
Round Toe: the front of the upper is closed and has a rounded appearance when viewed from the top.
Square Toe: the front of the upper is closed and has a squared appearance when viewed from the top.
Almond Toe: the front of the upper is closed and comes to a soft point when viewed from the top; generally not elongated like the true pointed toe.
Ankle strap: a strap which completely encircles the ankle, generally closed with a buckle or tie; not to be confused with the slingback, which runs around the back of the ankle only.
Ankle wrap / ankle tie: a longer strap, generally of a ribbonlike material, which is meant to be wrapped several times around the ankle and/or lower calf and tied to fasten.
T-Strap: a thin strap runs vertically from the lowest-cut portion of the upper where it meets the toes to an ankle strap.
Mary Jane: similar in style to a pump/court shoe, with an additional strap running horizontally across the middle of the foot from one side to the other, usually closed with a buckle.
Crisscross Strap: similar in style to a pump/court shoe, with two additional crossed straps forming an "X" shape across the foot.
Sandal: the upper consists of one or more straps running over the foot and is more open in design than the other styles.
Bootie: the upper is closed in the front, back and sides and covers the foot in its entirety up to the ankle bone.
Ankle Boot: the upper is closed in the front, back and sides and covers both the foot and the ankle bone.
Midcalf Boot: the upper is closed in the front, back and sides and covers the foot, extending up approximately midway between the ankle bone and knee.
Knee High Boot: the upper is closed in the front, back and sides and covers the foot, extending up to the knee or just below the knee.
Over-the Knee Boot: the upper is closed in the front, back and sides and covers the foot, extending up the leg just past the knee.
Thigh High Boot: the upper is closed in the front, back and sides and covers the foot, extending up the leg past the knee to the thigh.
Ballet: upper made of a soft, flexible material, often with an elasticized edge and bow at the top of the toes, akin to a traditional ballerina's slipper.
See also Sole-Related Terminology and Heel-Related Terminology
