20 Types of Women’s Shoes Every Closet Needs (With Celebrity Styling Inspiration)

How many pairs of shoes should you really own? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it all comes down to your lifestyle. Minimalists might thrive with a capsule collection of just a few versatile pairs, while fashion lovers embrace a rotation that changes with every season and occasion.

Before building your dream closet, it’s essential to understand the various types of footwear available for women. There are 20 different types of shoes that you’ll find from almost every brand. They cover all the bases – from wedding guest footwear to sneakers that will take you from the office to the gym.

We’ve curated a list of 20 distinct types of shoes that should have a place in every woman’s closet:

1. Ankle Boots: The Everyday Wardrobe Workhorse

These boots were made for walking – and that’s just what they’ll do. Ankle boots are the most wearable boots you can add to your closet.

You can style them with everything from jeans and a T-shirt to a dress with tights. Ankle boots are universally flattering, thanks to their short shaft and the option of a flat sole or block heel.

A lineup of ankle boots showcasing their versatility — from platform and Chelsea silhouettes to sleek pointed-toe designs, all defined by their short shafts that rise just to the ankle

We don’t just see ankle boots as functional staples — their true power lies in how they’re styled. From street-style to red-carpet moments, celebrities have long used ankle boots to anchor daring looks, sleek separates, and statement silhouettes.

👢 Celebrity Looks and Styling Ideas Featuring Ankle Boots

2. Ballet Flats: Parisian Ease, All-Day Comfort

Ballet flats embody the idea of Parisian chic. They’re lightweight shoes, typically made of leather, which gives you an understated yet elegant look.

These shoes have evolved from the classic pointe shoes worn by ballerinas. Every fashion brand, from Chanel to H&M, has ballet flats in its permanent collection.

Ballet flats get a modern refresh — from Valentino’s studded edges to scalloped, strappy, and patent interpretations that prove comfort can still look couture

Ballet flats have evolved far beyond “just cute shoes” — today’s favorites mix modern finishes, strap details, and bold colorways. From red-carpet whimsy to street-style chic, these celebrity looks show how flats can make a powerful statement.

🩰 Celebrity Looks & Stylish Ballet Flat Moments

3. Brogue Shoes: Structured Style with Vintage Edge

While brogue shoes are typically considered men’s shoes, they’re becoming increasingly unisex with each passing season. Brogues are low-heeled shoes featuring leather uppers with a decorative broguing pattern along the edges.

Their vintage-inspired look makes brogue shoes unique, which is versatile enough to wear every day.

Timeless craftsmanship meets attitude — classic brogues and Oxfords reimagined with bold textures, contrast panels, and chunky soles for a gender-fluid edge

We don’t just see brogues as vintage menswear staples — their enduring charm lies in how they blend structure with style. From power suits to red-carpet statements, celebrities continue to reinvent brogues as symbols of confidence and individuality.

🥾 Celebrity Looks and Styling Ideas Featuring Brogues

4. Boat Shoes: Nautical Ease for City & Coast

Some women’s footwear is seasonal, including boat shoes. These shoes are typically made with canvas or leather and have a slip-on silhouette. You’ll usually wear these without socks; they’re designed to protect your feet, whether on land or at sea.

Nautical spirit meets everyday ease — contemporary boat shoes blend coastal charm and comfort with tailored, go-anywhere versatility

5. Cowboy Boots: Western Icons, Modern Glam

Cowboy boots are western-inspired shoes designed initially for horse riding, before evolving into mid-height boots. Most cowboy boots are made from leather and feature distressing and heritage stitch patterns.

Western boots ride high this season — from classic brown leather to two-tone and sand-hued designs, each pair channels rugged elegance with a modern twist

We don’t just see cowboy boots as nostalgic Western wear — their renewed appeal lies in how they merge Americana heritage with modern glamour. From music stages to city streets, celebrities are redefining the Western silhouette through playful pairings and fearless fashion choices.

🤠 Celebrity Looks and Styling Ideas Featuring Cowboy Boots

6. Clogs: Bold Comfort from Studio to Street

Clogs trace their origins to practical wooden shoes worn by European agricultural workers before stepping onto the stage as a staple in traditional folk and tap dancing.

Over time, the humble silhouette evolved into countless reinterpretations — from artisanal leather mules to the best-selling Crocs that define modern comfort and casual style.

From utilitarian Crocs to sculptural leather and wooden-heeled clogs, this lineup proves comfort can be unapologetically stylish

Clogs have stepped out of their utilitarian roots and into the fashion spotlight. Today’s styles — plush, sculptural, or platformed — strike the perfect balance between bold design and effortless comfort, making them a true favorite among celebrities.

🥿 Celebrity Clog Moments & Styling Inspiration

7. Court Heels (Pumps): Minimalist Elevation, Maximum Polish

Court heels – also known as pumps – are minimalistic heels that don’t have a fastening. The name derives from the fact that these shoes made their first appearance in royal courts.

Their plain silhouettes make them the perfect investment purchase to incorporate into your workwear closet or save for a special occasion.

The evolution of the classic pump — metallic, suede, and patent iterations bring timeless femininity into sharp modern focus

We don’t just see pumps as formal essentials — their enduring power lies in how they shape posture, elevate confidence, and complete any look with effortless polish. From red carpets to boardrooms, celebrities continue to reinvent the classic pump through color, texture, and bold design choices.

👠 Celebrity Looks and Styling Ideas Featuring Pumps

8. Espadrilles: Rope-Soled Classics for Summer

Espadrilles top every list of must-have summer shoes. Luxury houses like Gucci and Chanel have reimagined the classic rope-soled design, elevating this once humble staple into a timeless, warm-weather essential.

They’re casual shoes with a rope sole, typically a canvas or cotton upper. These shoes are an alternative to sandals and are available in a wedge-shaped silhouette, made famous by Yves Saint Laurent.

A lineup of espadrilles featuring black canvas flats, striped slip-ons, and beige lace-up wedge espadrilles with jute soles

We don’t just see espadrilles as summer staples — their enduring charm lies in how they fuse comfort, craftsmanship, and casual elegance. From city strolls to seaside getaways, celebrities continue to prove that rope-soled shoes can be both timeless and trend-defining.

☀️ Celebrity Looks and Styling Ideas Featuring Espadrilles

9. Flip Flops: Laid-Back Staples with a Luxe Twist

Flip flops are lightweight sandals usually made with rubber or plastic. The silhouette features a thong with a Y-shaped strap between your first and second toes.

From beach basics to city-ready designs, flip-flops are being reimagined with luxe materials and ergonomic comfort — the ultimate laid-back staple with a modern upgrade

Flip-flops aren’t just beach basics anymore—the best pairs strike a balance between ease and polish, appearing in airport looks, Pilates runs, and even Cannes photo calls. These YNS reads show how celebs style thong sandals now (plus smart buys and styling notes).

🩴 Celebrity Looks & Smart Styling with Flip Flops

10. Hiking Boots: Rugged Performance Meets Style

Hiking boots are specialized waterproof shoes designed for outdoor activities such as walking and climbing. These durable boots are designed with comfort in mind to protect your feet and ankles during long-distance travel.

Trail meets trend — today’s hiking boots blend outdoor endurance with urban style, featuring premium materials and elevated, everyday versatility

Hiking boots have climbed from the mountains to the front row — these rugged silhouettes balance utility and luxury, proving that trail-inspired fashion can thrive in any setting. From airport looks to city streets, celebs are redefining how to wear adventure-ready style.

🥾 Celebrity & Style Moments Featuring Hiking Boots

11. High-Top Sneakers: Street-Sport Proportions

High-top sneakers are casual shoes defined by their ankle-grazing silhouette and sporty versatility. Iconic versions like the Converse Chuck Taylor, Nike Air Force 1 High, and Jordan 1 High continue to inspire endless off-duty looks.

The high-top revival: sporty silhouettes meet minimalist design in all-white and neutral tones, redefining sneakers as fashion essentials beyond the gym

We don’t just see high-top sneakers as sporty staples — their true appeal lies in how they bridge street style and elevated fashion. From off-duty looks to runway reinventions, celebrities continue to prove that high-tops can anchor any outfit with effortless cool.

👟 Celebrity Looks and Styling Ideas Featuring High-Top Sneakers

12. Kitten Heels: Elegance with a Low Lift

Kitten heels give you the sophistication of a stiletto without the discomfort of an arch heel. It made its debut in the late 1950s and first rose to popularity thanks to Audrey Hepburn.

It’s a feminine style that blends comfort with elegance, typically featuring a heel of 1 to 2 inches.

Kitten heels return with a sleek edge — from sculpted mules to crystal-embellished slingbacks, they prove elegance doesn’t have to come with extra inches

We don’t just see kitten heels as dainty throwbacks — their true strength lies in how they marry elegance with ease. From festival-ready looks to red-carpet tailoring, celebrities continue to prove that low heels can carry serious style without compromising on elegance.

🐾 Celebrity Looks and Styling Ideas Featuring Kitten Heels

13. Knee-High Boots: Long Lines, Year-Round Power

Knee-high boots feature a long shaft that partly or wholly covers your knee. They’re popular during colder weather and help make your legs appear longer and slimmer, creating a flattering silhouette.

From minimalist leather riding boots to slouchy silver statement pairs, knee-high boots remain the season’s most versatile power shoe — equal parts confidence and allure

Knee-high boots are no longer reserved for fall and winter — they’ve become a year-round wardrobe power move. Sleek leathers, rich suedes, and structured silhouettes give these boots enduring appeal, merging coverage, confidence, and runway-ready versatility.

👢 Celebrity Moments & Styling Inspiration Featuring Knee-High Boots

14. Loafers: Slip-On Polish from Desk to Dinner

Loafers strike that rare balance between ease and elegance — as comfortable as your favorite slippers yet as refined as classic ballet flats.

Crafted initially as utilitarian work shoes, they’ve evolved into a wardrobe essential that embodies polished nonchalance. Sharing the sleek silhouette of Oxfords but without the laces, loafers exude effortless sophistication.

Today’s loafers come in countless variations, from preppy penny styles and refined horse-bit designs to modern lug-soled or heeled versions that seamlessly transition from office hours to off-duty cool.

Loafers redefine polished comfort — from retro tassel and glossy patent designs to timeless horse-bit silhouettes that move effortlessly from boardroom to brunch

We don’t just see loafers as preppy classics — their true power lies in how they blend ease, polish, and versatility. From streetwear staples to high-fashion statements, celebrities are redefining the loafer as a year-round essential that bridges timeless sophistication with modern edge.

👞 Celebrity Looks and Styling Ideas Featuring Loafers

15. Oxford Shoes: Tailored Lace-Ups, Forever Chic

Oxford shoes are similar to brogue shoes, but they feature shoelace eyelets under the vamp. They began as plain formal leather shoes before evolving into various styles, including more casual options.

Oxford shoes have become increasingly unisex, with feminine options usually incorporating vintage-inspired detailing and muted colors.

Rooted in tradition yet endlessly modern, Oxfords and Derbys balance craftsmanship with clean lines — the go-to choice for sharp, structured sophistication

We don’t just see Oxford shoes as formal menswear staples — their timeless appeal lies in how they balance structure, sophistication, and versatility. From classic lace-ups to heeled reimaginings, celebrities continue to redefine Oxfords as polished essentials that bridge genderless elegance and everyday wear.

🪶 Celebrity Looks and Styling Ideas Featuring Oxford Shoes

16. Peep-Toe Shoes: Flirty Finish, Timeless Appeal

A peep-toe shoe features an open-toe box and varies in style from slingbacks to pumps. The shoes originated in the 1940s before making a comeback in the 1990s. They are a more seductive alternative to classic court shoes.

Peep-toe heels get a modern update — think sculptural mules and barely-there PVC accents that blend timeless femininity with bold, confident edge

We don’t just see peep-toe shoes as vintage throwbacks — their true charm lies in how they add a hint of playfulness to sophisticated silhouettes. From Hollywood red carpets to modern resort looks, celebrities continue to show that a peek of the toe can strike the perfect balance between flirty and refined.

💋 Celebrity Looks and Styling Ideas Featuring Peep-Toe Shoes

17. Platform Heels: Height, Drama, Confidence

Platform shoes are defined by their thick soles—typically ranging from 3 to 10 centimeters—that add height and drama in equal measure. While most designs incorporate a high heel, you’ll also find platform variations in boots, sandals, and even sneakers.

The elevated sole can make them a little challenging to walk in, but that’s part of their statement-making appeal. Bold and unapologetic, platform heels have long been favorites for nights out, red carpets, and runway moments where confidence takes center stage.

The platform renaissance — from retro patent pumps to towering wedges and boot hybrids, these bold silhouettes lift every look with drama and dimension

We don’t just see platform heels as retro statement shoes — their enduring appeal lies in how they blend height, power, and playfulness. From disco nostalgia to runway modernity, celebrities continue to embrace platform silhouettes that turn every step into a bold fashion moment.

🎢 Celebrity Looks and Styling Ideas Featuring Platform Heels

18. Slingbacks: Retro Strap, Modern Refinement

Slingbacks are a type of heel that features an ankle strap along the back and sides of the ankle. Most slingbacks feature a short kitten heel and have low vamp fronts.

Chanel’s two-tone styles are the most iconic slingbacks, but you’ll find hundreds of interpretations of the look.

Slingbacks redefine timeless femininity — from quilted nude and sculpted white styles to sleek black block heels that master quiet sophistication

We don’t just see slingback shoes as dainty wardrobe staples — their enduring appeal lies in how they merge classic femininity with modern polish. From red-carpet glamour to sleek daywear, celebrities continue to prove that a simple strap can redefine sophistication.

🎯 Celebrity Looks and Styling Ideas Featuring Slingback Shoes

19. Slippers: Cozy Essentials, Elevated

Every closet needs a pair of cozy slippers to wear at home. You’ll slip into these shoes after work or on a lazy weekend. Slippers are indoor shoes that protect your feet from the cold and typically have a soft-textured insole.

Slippers go luxe — fuzzy textures, shearling linings, and soft knits turn this at-home essential into a fashion statement of comfort and calm

We don’t just see slippers as cozy homewear — their modern reinvention has turned them into symbols of relaxed luxury. From fuzzy shearling pairs to embroidered satin slides, celebrities continue to blur the lines between lounge comfort and everyday sophistication.

🩴 Celebrity Looks and Styling Ideas Featuring Slippers

20. Sneakers: Culture-Driven Comfort, Everyday

Sneakers are casual athleisure sneakers that have evolved beyond gym attire to everyday footwear.

The shoes were made popular by brands like Converse and Nike, which each put their own twist on the silhouette. Sneakers are designed to support your feet, whether running or working out.

Iconic and enduring — from Converse to Adidas and Nike, these sneakers prove that classic design never goes out of style

Sneakers have transcended their athletic roots to become fashion’s ultimate equalizer — merging comfort, culture, and couture. From airport runs to red-carpet collaborations, celebrities prove that the right pair of kicks can define an entire look.

👟 Celebrity Looks & Styling Inspiration Featuring Sneakers

There’s no single “right” number of shoes—your lifestyle decides. Use these 20 essential types as a flexible framework, then tailor your rotation for work, weekends, travel, and special events. When you know the silhouettes that serve you best, every outfit becomes easier—and more you.

👡 Explore More Shoe Styles and Expert Guides

From stilettos to sneakers, every shoe tells a story. If you’re ready to dive deeper into footwear fashion, explore these carefully curated Your Next Shoes (YNS) guides — each one offering styling insights, history, and practical tips to help you find your perfect fit.