The main types of shoes are sneakers, running shoes, canvas shoes, loafers, Oxfords, boots, Chelsea boots, hiking boots, high heels, espadrilles, and flip-flops. Each one below has a picture, what makes it different, and when to wear it, so you can build a shoe collection that covers every occasion.
Types of Shoes at a Glance
| Shoe | Style | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sneakers | Casual | Everyday wear |
| Running shoes | Athletic | Running and the gym |
| Canvas shoes | Casual | Weekends and travel |
| Loafers | Smart-casual | Office and dinners |
| Oxfords | Formal | Suits and formal events |
| Lace-up boots | Casual to smart | Fall and winter |
| Chelsea boots | Smart-casual | Year-round |
| Hiking boots | Outdoor | Trails and rough ground |
| High heels | Dressy | Parties and formal wear |
| Espadrilles | Casual | Summer |
| Flip-flops | Casual | Beach and pool |
Different Types of Shoes with Pictures
1. Sneakers
Sneakers are shoes with a flexible rubber sole and an upper made of leather, canvas, or synthetic fabric. They were first made for sport in the 1800s, and the name comes from the quiet rubber soles that let a person sneak around. In Britain they are called trainers. Today they are the most widely worn shoes in the world, and a clean, plain pair is accepted almost everywhere outside formal events.
- What defines it: A cushioned rubber sole, a lace-up front, and a casual, sporty shape.
- Best worn with: Jeans, chinos, shorts, casual dresses, and even relaxed suits. A plain white leather pair is the most versatile.
- Who it suits: Everyone. Choose minimal leather sneakers for smart-casual wear and chunkier or colored pairs for streetwear.
2. Running Shoes
Running shoes are built for one job: moving forward at speed, over and over. They have a thick foam midsole to absorb the impact of each step, a light mesh upper that lets heat escape, and a sole that is higher at the heel than at the toe. Different models are made for road running, trail running, and racing. The foam breaks down with use, so most runners replace them every 300 to 500 miles.
- What defines it: A cushioned midsole, a breathable mesh upper, and a light weight.
- Best worn with: Sportswear and athleisure. They are designed for running and gym work, not for formal or smart outfits.
- Who it suits: Runners, walkers, and anyone who spends hours on hard floors. Visit a running shop for a fitting if you run regularly.
3. Canvas Shoes
Canvas shoes have an upper made of cotton canvas stitched to a flat rubber sole. The high-top basketball version dates back to the early 1900s and became one of the most recognizable shoes ever made. They are light, inexpensive, come in every color, and many can go in the washing machine. They have very little cushioning or arch support.
- What defines it: A cotton canvas upper, a flat rubber sole, and a rubber toe cap on many styles.
- Best worn with: Jeans, shorts, summer dresses, and casual trousers.
- Who it suits: Students, travelers, and anyone who wants an easy, affordable casual shoe. They are not ideal for long walks if you need arch support.
4. Loafers
Loafers are low, slip-on leather shoes with no laces or buckles, and with a seam across the top like a moccasin. The penny loafer has a leather strap with a small slot across the front, the tassel loafer has leather tassels, and the horsebit loafer has a metal bar. They sit exactly between casual and formal, which makes them one of the most flexible shoes for work.
- What defines it: A slip-on shape, a low heel, and a moccasin-style seam on top.
- Best worn with: Chinos, tailored trousers, jeans, and suits without a tie. They can be worn with or without visible socks.
- Who it suits: Men and women who want one shoe for the office and the weekend.
5. Oxfords
Oxfords are lace-up dress shoes defined by closed lacing: the leather tabs that hold the eyelets are stitched underneath the front of the shoe, so the laced area lies flat and tight. This gives a slim, clean outline. The style is named after Oxford University, where students wore an early version in the 1800s. A plain black cap-toe Oxford is the most formal everyday shoe a man can wear.
- What defines it: Closed lacing and a sleek, low profile.
- Best worn with: Business suits, dinner suits, and formal trousers. Brown Oxfords suit less formal suits and daytime events.
- Who it suits: Anyone who wears a suit for work, weddings, or interviews. They fit best on narrow to medium feet, since the closed lacing does not open very wide.
6. Lace-Up Boots
Lace-up boots cover the foot and ankle and fasten with laces through eyelets or hooks. Leather versions with a thick, stitched sole began as work and military boots and have become everyday fashion. They protect the ankle, keep out rain and cold, and last for years if the leather is cared for. Good pairs can be resoled.
- What defines it: A shaft that covers the ankle, laces up the front, and a sturdy sole.
- Best worn with: Jeans, chinos, flannel shirts, and winter coats.
- Who it suits: Anyone in a cold or wet climate, and people who want a tough shoe that looks better as it ages.
7. Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots are ankle boots with elastic panels on both sides and a loop at the back for pulling them on. They were invented in Victorian England and became a symbol of 1960s London fashion. With no laces or buckles, they have a smooth, clean line that works with both smart and casual clothes.
- What defines it: Elastic side panels, a pull tab, and no laces.
- Best worn with: Slim jeans, chinos, and suits. Black leather is the dressiest, and brown or tan suede is more relaxed.
- Who it suits: People who want a boot that is quick to put on and goes with nearly everything.
8. Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are built for rough ground. They have a thick sole with deep grooves, called lugs, for grip on mud and rock, a stiff midsole that protects the foot from sharp stones, and a high cut that supports the ankle. Many have a waterproof lining. They need a short break-in period before a long walk.
- What defines it: A lugged sole, ankle support, and a tough, often waterproof upper.
- Best worn with: Outdoor clothing, hiking trousers, and thick walking socks.
- Who it suits: Hikers, campers, and anyone walking on uneven trails or carrying a heavy pack.
9. High Heels
High heels raise the heel of the foot above the toes, which makes the legs look longer and changes posture. The group is wide: low kitten heels, tall thin stilettos, sturdy block heels, wedges, and platforms all count. They are mainly worn for the office, formal events, and evenings out.
- What defines it: A raised heel, from one inch to five inches or more.
- Best worn with: Dresses, skirts, tailored trousers, and evening wear.
- Who it suits: Anyone who wants a dressier look or more height. Block heels and wedges are the most comfortable.
10. Espadrilles
Espadrilles are light summer shoes with a sole made of braided jute rope and an upper of canvas or cotton. They come from the Pyrenees region between Spain and France, where they have been made for hundreds of years. They can be flat slip-ons or wedges with ribbons that tie around the ankle. The rope sole should be kept dry, because water damages it.
- What defines it: A woven rope sole and a soft fabric upper.
- Best worn with: Linen trousers, shorts, sundresses, and swimwear cover-ups.
- Who it suits: Anyone who wants a breathable warm-weather shoe that is smarter than a flip-flop.
11. Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are flat, open sandals held on by a Y-shaped strap that passes between the big toe and the second toe. The name copies the sound they make while walking. They are made of rubber or foam, cost very little, and dry in minutes. They give no support, so they are meant for short distances.
- What defines it: A flat sole and a single Y-shaped strap.
- Best worn with: Swimwear, shorts, and very casual summer clothes.
- Who it suits: Beach, pool, and holiday wear. They are not suitable for long walks, driving, or formal settings.
More Types of Shoes
- Sandals: open shoes held on with straps, from flat slides to strappy dress sandals.
- Ballet flats: thin-soled, slip-on flat shoes with a rounded toe.
- Derby shoes: lace-up shoes with open lacing, slightly less formal than Oxfords.
- Brogues: leather shoes decorated with rows of small punched holes.
- Boat shoes: leather slip-ons with a grippy rubber sole and laces around the collar.
- Moccasins: soft leather shoes with the sole and sides made from one piece.
- Clogs: backless shoes with a thick sole, traditionally made of wood.
- Slippers: soft indoor shoes for wearing at home.
How to Choose the Right Type of Shoe
Start with the occasion. Formal events call for Oxfords or heels, the office suits loafers and Chelsea boots, and weekends are for sneakers and canvas shoes. Then think about the season: boots for cold and wet weather, espadrilles and flip-flops for heat. For a full breakdown of dress shoes for women, see our guide to types of heels. To match shoes to an outfit, see types of pants and types of jeans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common types of shoes?
Sneakers are the most widely worn shoes, followed by boots, sandals, loafers, and dress shoes such as Oxfords and heels.
What is the difference between Oxford and Derby shoes?
Oxfords have closed lacing, with the eyelet tabs sewn under the front of the shoe. Derby shoes have open lacing, with the tabs sewn on top. Oxfords look more formal.
What is the difference between sneakers and running shoes?
Running shoes are a type of sneaker made for running, with extra cushioning and a breathable upper. Everyday sneakers are designed for style and general wear.
How many pairs of shoes does a person need?
Most people are covered with five pairs: everyday sneakers, a dress shoe, a boot, a sandal or summer shoe, and a sports shoe.
What shoes go with everything?
Plain white leather sneakers and brown or black leather Chelsea boots match the widest range of outfits.