Women's shoes have become an excellent mode of expressing their newfound freedom. Shoes are no longer looked upon as bare necessities. Fashion shoes are available for almost any and every occasion. Women are experimenting with emerging trends in the different styles of shoes that are available, like shoes trimmed with fur, shoes with animal prints, velvet shoes, metallics etc.
Women's fashion shoes are an interesting blend of style and comfort.

These shoes can be classified into the following:

• Women's Dress Shoes
• Women's Casual Shoes
• Women's Athletic Shoes

Women's Dress Shoes
Dress shoes lend elegance to a woman's outfit. Women prefer wearing them with formal clothing. Dress shoes are available for all occasions like parties, festivals, workplace etc.

Dress shoes are available in a variety of colors, styles, and designs. They usually have moderate heels (1" - 2.5") or high heels (above 2.5"). Dress shoes are made from various materials, like leather, suede, synthetic and fur. Dress shoes are also known as formal shoes. The list below denotes the types of dress shoes.

• Ankle Strap Shoes, as the name suggests, are shoes with straps at the ankle. The straps not only help keep these high-heeled shoes in place, it also adds an elegant look to the wearer's feet.
  
  
• T-Straps are high-heeled shoes which have a vertical strap that starts from the toe area, and moves on to link the ankle/heel areas. T-straps are also available with moderate heels.
  
  
• Pumps are high-heeled shoes which require the feet to be slipped into. The sides and toes in such shoes are usually covered. Pumps have no straps in them.
  
  
• Open-Toed Shoes/Peep Toe Shoes, as the name suggests, are shoes where the front portion is cut away so as to allow the wearer's toes to peep through.

Women's Casual Shoes
Casual shoes are designed to be worn to informal occasions, but sometimes their look and feel tempts women to wear these comfortable shoes to formal occasions as well. Casual shoes are available in the following styles.

• Flats are Casual Shoes without heels. They are cushioned for extra comfort, and are ideal for women who suffer from complain of backaches which will only aggravate if they wear high-heeled shoes.
  
  
• Loafers are shoes which have no heels, no straps, and no shoelaces. They are slip-ons which can also be teamed with formal clothing.
  
  
• Slingback Shoes are available with or without heels. These shoes have straps to wrap around the heel areas. Women sling these casual shoes behind the shoulders when they are not wearing them!
  
  
• Mules are casual shoes which do not cover the heel areas. These shoes cover the toes, and are comfortable to slip your feet into.

Women's Athletic Shoes
Athletic shoes make for useful wear in the gym, while running/walking, and playing games that demand a substantial amount of physical exertion. However, these shoes are also an instant favorite with women who belong to the younger generation. The most common types of athletic shoes are listed below.

• Sneakers are also known as tennis shoes. These shoes have soft rubber soles, and are made of canvas. These shoes are available with or without shoelaces.
  
  
• Gym Shoes are available in many colors and designs, depending on the manufacturer. These shoes are supposed to be worn during workouts at the gym.
  
  
• Pool Shoes/Poolside Shoes are for use outside swimming pools. They do not cover the back or sides of the feet, and have anti-slip soles.
  
  
• Running Shoes are used by women to run/walk. These shoes have cushioned insoles which provide for long hours of comfort wear while ensuring fitness.