7 Must Have Shoes for Women
March 20, 2025
In this guide:
A killer pair of shoes holds an incredible amount of power. They can bring a whole outfit together, add flair and style to an otherwise understated look, and bring an out-there costume back down to earth.
Following our post on the shoes every man should own, we've narrowed down the seven must have shoes for women.
In no particular order, here are the types of shoes you should get for your wardrobe.
Ballet pumps offer ease of use and serious comfort - perfect if your feet are sore from the heels you wore last night or you're on your feet all day running errands. They can be paired with almost anything and look good as part of many outfits, provided there aren't obvious colour clashes.
Top tip: choose animal print pumps to add a pattern to your outfit.
Another essential type of shoe for women is a classic pair of trainers. Whether these are a pair of timeless canvas shoes or some shelltoes for the summer, a good pair of women's trainers is a must-have. They can be worn all year round and rival the ballet pumps' crown of comfortability, making them the ideal companion for lazy days.
Top tip: wear white canvas shoes in the summer, dark leather in the winter.
These classy shoes for women are a wardrobe staple. You'll be ready to go out any time with a pair of killer heels that go with anything. Black or nude pumps always tend to be a safe bet, particularly if you know how to style them. A simple pair of heels will prevent your feet from drawing attention away from the main attraction.
There's a good chance you own more than one pair of heels that you consider your 'go-to'. This is an excellent idea as it gives you a chance to shake up your look every now and then.
Top tip: choose bold coloured heels to add eye-catching accents to a monochrome look.
There are few things in life more fabulous than the mighty women's ankle boot. An absolute must have for any woman, ankle boots are often the cherry on top of a stunning outfit. Whether you go for heels or flats, these are classy shoes for women and look as good with jeans as they do with a maxi dress.
Top tip: select a statement pair of open-toe boots for autumn and winter nights out.
Flat sandals are a summer staple, meaning they deserve a place on our list of essential types of shoes for ladies. Whether you love strappy sandals or stylish sliders, a reliable pair of flat sandals will be your friend when the weather gets warmer. They're comfortable to wear and perfect for when you're out and about. We even have a detailed style guide to help you make the most of wearing your flat sandals.
The lightweight look and feel won't weigh you down, as they tend to let your outfit do most of the talking. Use them as an accent to your look. Flat sandals can tend to be basic, so pay more attention to the detailing, which can really bring them to life.
Top tip: buy gladiator-style flat sandals if you want your outfit to do the talking.
For instant class and style, look no further than knee-high boots. These are ideal when the winter weather starts to draw in, as not only do they provide warmth, but they look great too. Pair with your favourite pair of jeans or a dress and warm tights for a cosy but chic winter look.
Top tip: go for brown to suit the natural colours of your autumn wardrobe, or black to embrace the darker winter aesthetic.
Wedges can help you achieve the same effect of elongating your legs and adding a few inches to your height without the blisters high heels provide. A good pair of wedges will come in handy for every summer occasion, from weddings to garden parties.
The wedge heel means you won't be sinking into the grass and you can wear them for the entire function without having to change. With wedges, there are no limitations to your outfit. They look as good paired with shorts and a top as they do with party dresses.
Top tip: neutral colours can add a classy edge to your everyday look, while a statement pair can bring glamour to a simple outfit.
With these seven essential shoes every woman should own, hopefully you have a better idea of what shoes you should get. The main characteristic they all share is versatility. Each one comes in different varieties, so you can achieve many looks with the same type of shoe.
Do you think we missed any out? Leave a comment below and let us know what shoe styles are essential to you.
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.