Whereas men's shoes tend to be fairly straightforward, there's a bewildering array of styles, heel heights and other options on women's shoes. Here's an outline of some things you should know before you go shoe shopping.
Lace-ups, trainers and sandals are all self-explanatory.
Ankle strap: Shoes with a strap across the ankle.
Ballerina pumps: Simple flats with a rounded toe and cut low at the front like a ballet shoe.
Courts: A classic shape for a woman's shoe.
Mules: Back-less shoes that you simply slide your feet in. They can be flats or have heels but often have a wedge heel.
Peep toe: Shoes with a cut-away toe.
Sling-backs: Shoes with a strap around the back of the ankle but an open heel.
Stilletos: Very thin high heels.
Toe-post: Shoes, like flip flops, with a piece between the toe.
Wedge: A heel that forms part of the sole of the shoe.
Heels are generally defined in heights.