Cheetah vs. Leopard Print Shoes: What’s the Difference?

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When it comes to animal print shoes, it can often be hard to tell distinct patterns apart. Specifically? Cheetah vs. leopard print shoes. Both prints are comprised of similar colors, so we understand the confusion! That’s why we’re here to set the record straight.

Leopard print has rosette-shaped spots with black blots encircling a darker shade of the (usually) golden yellow background. While shoe sizes, shapes and colors can vary greatly, leopard print almost always looks the same. This pair of calf hair pointed toe pumps from Sam Edelman is a great example of leopard print. The black shapes resemble a horseshoe or circle.

Leopard Print ‘Hazel’ Pumps, $48.00 – $140.00 at Amazon

A classic stiletto adds leg-lengthening lift and timeless appeal to an elegant pointy-toe pump.

Gray Leopard Print Shoes

Sand Leopard Print Shoes

Nude Leopard Print Shoes

Cheetah print is comprised of solid black spots that are equally spaced. This print doesn’t have rosettes like the leopard print, and while it does resemble the leopard print, cheetah print lacks the darker yellow core.

Here’s an example of a cheetah print shoe, brought to us by Loeffler Randall.

Cheetah Print ‘Pari’ Pumps, $248.08 – $350.00 at Amazon

Cheetah haircalf lends a graphic edge to classic Loeffler Randall pumps. The pointed-toe pair is styled with an angular top line and lean, covered heel.

Cheetah haircalf lends a graphic edge to classic Loeffler Randall pumps

Which animal print do you like best? Let us know your preference by leaving a comment below!