While it’s tempting to cram your wardrobes full of six-inch high-heeled stilettos, they’re not particularly practical. Going on long hikes in the mountains or even stints in the office could lead to blisters and serious ankle ache. What you really need are shoes that fit your lifestyle, whatever it is that you actually do on a daily basis.
In this post, we take a look at 11 types of shoes you need in your collection. Check them out below. Are you missing any?
The Go Anywhere, Do Anything Sneaker
If you could only have one shoe in your wardrobe for the rest of your life, it should be the go anywhere, do anything sneaker. These are perfect, whether you are heading to the gym, hitting the mall, or simply want something comfortable to wear when you hang out with friends.
Most workplaces won’t let you wear them, or will frown if you do, so the office is out. But other than that, they are incredibly versatile. Just remember to choose a shoe that offers a little more than just pure function. It needs a little style, too.
The Combat Boot
Combat boots are another item that you absolutely need in your shoe collection. These provide you with a go-to option for when conditions are less than ideal. People tend to wear them in the winter, but you can don them any time of the year.
Combat boots add substance and attitude to your outfit. They’re ultra heavy-duty, making them great on wet, windy winter days. Pair them with skirts, jeans, or anything else you happen to have lying around.
Some combat boots are more fashion-focused and often made of PU leather, while others are geared more towards bad weather and are made of rubber. However, unlike regular Wellington boots, style features remain.
Indoor Slippers
Walking around barefoot on tiles and hardwood floors works for some people. But the majority of us want comfort and warmth as we make our way around our homes.
That’s where indoor slippers come in handy. These affordable footwear items are a dime a dozen and come in various styles. Some have fluffy bands around the top of the show, while others have helpful ankle straps that keep your feet in place (and prevent shoes from flying across the floor when you thrust your toes forward.
If you get indoor slippers, try to find products made of natural materials. Slippers made of synthetics tend to cause excessive sweating which produces a nasty odour over time.
The Fancy Pump
Pumps are the go-to shoe for the average person on an average work day. But, as we all know, they can be lacking in the inspiration department.
Here’s where the fancy pump comes in. Essentially, they are just regular pumps but with a frilly element added, such as a pearled ankle strap to keep your foot in place, or attractive golden bands for the toes.
If you’re clever with your choices, you may be able to get away with wearing frilly pumps at work. They look smart and fashionable at the same time.
Ankle Boots
You can view a range of ankle boots online – The Iconic store provides examples of what’s available. Ankle boots give your outfit a certain edginess and substance that you struggle to get with other shoes. Pair ankle boots with jeans, skirts, and even regular work outfits.
Ankle boots come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are flats, meaning that the sole is the same as regular work boots. Others have heels for people who want a little extra height as they walk.
Ankle boots are mainly for shopping trips, social occasions, and outdoor parties. You may be able to wear them for work, but you’ll have to check the dress code at the office. Plain ankle boots can pass as work shoes, but more embellished versions won’t.
Transitional Loafers
Loafers are comfortable shoes for wearing around the house or spending a lazy Sunday afternoon at your allotment. However, they aren’t the most fashionable. Therefore, many people choose transitional loafers. These are a kind of halfway house between regular loafers and decorative pumps. They still have the general loafer shape, including straps and heel support. But they also come with decorative elements, such as decorations on the tongue.
For this reason, transitional loafers work well in a wide array of situations. You can wear them to church, the beach, or at clubs. They’re great for anywhere you plan on just lounging around and enjoying yourself.
The All-Terrain Boot
All-terrain boots are essential for anyone who wants to go hiking, particularly in mud, snow, and the mountains. These boots typically feature heavily reinforced soles and plenty of heel support. Most also feature waterproofing technology, such as Gore-tex, to keep your feet dry as you make your way through challenging terrain.
Interestingly, these boots don’t have to be purely functional. In fact, a range of well-known designers now makes their own versions, using knowledge acquired from older brands.
All-terrain boots encourage you to get outside and make the most of the countryside in your area. They’re perfect for trekking along bridleways in Scotland where the weather is rainy and soggy most of the year. You can go out for hours and then return home with perfectly dry feet. It’s almost miraculous.
The Ballet Flat
While ballet flats aren’t strictly speaking, essential, it is nice to have a shoe in your wardrobe that keeps you in close contact with the floor. These are easy to slip on and off, and are understated, making them ideal for situations where you don’t want or need to draw attention to your feet.
Ballet flats come in a range of designs and styles. Some are just plain leather or PU, with traditional stitch patterns. Others come with jewels or sequins to enhance their appearance. Yet more offer decorative laces while using elasticated sections to keep your feet in place.
As you might expect, ballet flats are best for indoor use. It’s okay to wear them walking across a car park, but don’t take them off-road. You’ll get muddy, soggy feet.
Chunky Sandals
Hot summer days don’t come around very often. But when they do, it’s nice to have some chunky sandals in your collections.
Don’t confuse these with flip-flops: they’re not the same. Chunky sandals have thick bases and straps that wrap around both the toes and the ankles, making it possible to walk briskly in them, and even run.
They might look like something your dad would wear, but that’s okay. These days, they come in beautiful feminine designs to make them more attractive.
If you really can’t bring yourself to wear chunky sandals, you might want to try strappy ones instead. These look gorgeous and are perfect for hot summer days when you want a mix of comfort and fashion.
Neutral Heels
While heels aren’t essential, they are a nice option to have, particularly if you are a bit of a socialite. Heels let you bring out your wild side and make it easy to dress up at the weekend. You only need one or two pairs, but it will depend on your wardrobe. A pair of black heels is essential. Then any other colours you choose should reflect your other outfits.
The Regular Pump
Lastly, you’ll want to have the regular pump in your collection for all those times you just need to wear something generic. Pumps are comfortable and suitable for most situations, making them a go-to shoe for many. What’s more, they’re expensive, so if they wear out, you can just replace them.
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