How To Sound Like A Fashionista Even If You Aren’t (or, Shoe Types Decoded)

Read on for an elaboration of some of the most dizzying shoe types shown above (and some they neglected to give honorable mention).
Flatforms: Shoes with a uniform-height platform wedge that run across the entire heel, popularized this season by designers such as Marni, Opening Ceremony, and Stella McCartney.

The Elyse, Britt and Binx Flatform shoes by Stella McCartney are the unofficial shoes of Fashion Week street style
Frye Boot: (See: The Buckle).
Lobster Claw: (See also: Armadillo Heels). Famously popularized at Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2010 runway show, these heels are 10 inches high, and only 21 pairs have ever been produced. They are rather impossible to get your hands on, and range from $3,900 to $10,000 depending on skin, style, and embroidery.

“The world needs fantasy, not reality. We have enough reality today,” Alexander McQueen told the New York Times regarding his “Lobster Claw” heels (above)
Mary Janes: The name is taken from the character Mary Jane in the Buster Brown comic strip. Characterized by a strap across the top of top the shoe running from ankle to ankle, fastened with a buckle.

The Original Purveyor of the “Mary Jane” shoe style, Buster Brown
Mules: Heels with open backs to expose the ankle. Whereas these heels were once reserved solely for “exotic dancers” (see Stripper Heels), they are currently trending in the fashion world.

The Mule Heel: Not Just For Strippers Anymore!
UGG boots: (See also: Teenybopper, Guilty Pleasures, Things That Are So Bad They’re Almost Good, Velour Tracksuits, and Things Hipsters Will Find ‘Cool in an Ironic Sort of Way’ In 2 Years).
What are your favorite shoe types? Did we miss any? Share in the comments section below! Also, be sure to check out the weekly Shoe Porn Thursday for a curated selection of the best, worst, and all-over craziest shoes around town.
xo