Pump shoes are also referred to as court shoes. They are considered as one of the most popular styles of women’s shoes. While they are common identifying what falls under this category is quite vague.
Do you know what pumps are? We are referring to shoes, not the water pumps, balloon pumps, or utility pumps. In their simplest form, pumps are characterized as having a closed counter and a top-line cut-out that leaves the entire top of the foot exposed beginning at the toe box. Classic pumps have no straps or ties, buckles, and laces and have a seamless vamp.
Nowadays, you will see pumps in a variety of styles including peep toes, open toes, pointed toes, ankle straps, rounded toes, and more. Others have different types of adornments and have varying heel heights and types like wedges, kitten heels, stilettoes, and stacked heels.
Origin of Pumps
Like heels, men were the first to wear pumps back in the days. Although as you know, pumps are now women’s shoes. The inventions of pumps have become a dispute between many. A fraction of historians believes that pumps are an evolution of chopines. What are chopines? These shoes are made with platform heels that go beyond 20 inches high! Imagine yourself wearing this type of shoes now. The horror of walking in wearing those shoes gives you the chills. But chopines are incredibly popular with the wealthy aristocrats than before they became a staple for prostitutes.
Another fraction of historians claims that pumps originated from the Near East. It was crafted to be male equestrian footwear that gives a better grip for the stirrup. You can still see the remains of this feature in the present cowboy shoes.
Pumps as a status symbol
Both men and women share the same style of shoes back in the mid-1600s. But when they split, men’s shoes geared towards practicality while women’s shoes leaned more on fashion. Women’s shoes started to be adorned with luxury materials like silk, velvet, and embellishments. Pumps do not fall in the functional box, especially during that time. Rather they are a status symbol, the epitome of a luxurious item. If you have one that means you have the money to afford them.
Decline and Comeback of Pumps
In the 1800s, during the political revolution of the United States and Europe, pump disappeared. The pomp and circumstance of royalty were rejected and that included fashion. Because of that, pumps faded in the background and lost their flair. It was no longer a trendy item and was replaced by ballet slippers.
When ballet slippers lost their grip on the public during the mid-1800, pumps made a comeback. They are now reinforced with brass heels and are higher than before. In Europe, these shoes became known as court shoes, while in Stateside they remained as pumps.
Pumps as we know now
The pumps that we recognize now originated after World War II. Roger Vivier, a shoe designer who worked for Christian Dior, crafted a three-inch stiletto heel in 1954. It was more glamorous and sophisticated than the original court shoes that were a hit for over a century.
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What is the difference between Pumps and Heels?
One of the main differences between the two is that pumps are shorter than heels. Heels are usually two to eight inches high while pumps are only one to three inches high.
Heels and pump, is there a huge difference? Technically, it is not as drastic as comparing apples to grapes. There is a certain characteristic where the two styles differ but both still help add height to the wearer. Pumps are shoes that you can wear almost anywhere while heels are mostly for parties and special occasions.
What are high heels?
High heels have 2-8 inches in height. In this type of shoe, you will see the heels are significantly higher from the ground than the toes. Heels suits people who are short and want to add some height. It has straps and buckles and is made of different types of fabrics. Heels come in a variety of styles like Setback Heels, Continental Heels, and Pantaloons Heels. If you want to look slimmer, wear high heels. They will help you create an illusion of an elegant and slimmer body.
What are pumps?
Compared to high heels, pumps are normally low-heeled or flat. They are easy to manage and are very comfortable. You will not feel any pain even if you wear them for hours. Just make sure that you get the right size. You can remove it in a breeze because it does not have any straps or buckles. Before, pumps are only available in the color black. But today, there is a wide range of colors and styles that you can choose from.
The main difference between pumps and heels
- Pumps do not have buckles and straps while heels have.
- Pumps are easy and fast to remove while heels are more complicated because of the straps and buckles.
- Pumps are comfortable even if you wear them for a long time. Heels can be painful if worn for a long time.
- Pumps are often used for casual outfits while heels are used for formal events.
- Pumps look restrained than heels.
- Pumps have two to three inches height while heels have three to eight inches height.
- Pumps are suitable for everyone no matter the height. High heels are better for short women.
- Pumps have your heels near the ground while high heels have them significantly higher.
Are High Heels also called pumps?
Pumps that are between two to three inches heels are already considered high heels. While there are heels that are beyond that, the fact that pumps do a certain type of elevation, it’s already identified in that category.
In the world of heels, it can be confusing which is which. Theoretically speaking, pump shoes are a classification of heels. The heels that were mentioned above are those that belong to other categories of heels. Most of us also get confused about this. If your head is already spinning, so are we. To help you out on this, let us define some of the most common high heels women use.
Kitten Heels
Kitten heels are low heels that are great for parties and events. They have both style and comfort that is why many women adore them. They are perfect if you need a little boost during your sister’s graduation or your best friend’s wedding.
Pump Heels
Pumps are also known as court shoes and are 2 – 3 inches high. They are usually low cut in the front.
Stilettoes
Among the different types of heels, stilettoes are the highest. They reach up to 8 inches high and usually cause problems for many. Not everyone can walk in stilettoes and many consider it skill if you can. Well, the effect is insane so if you mastered walking in them, say hello to a gorgeous long leg.
Ankle Strap Heels
As the name implies, ankle strap heels have straps situated in the ankles and are currently one of the favorites of most women. The height varies with the style but their common denominator is the strap that secures the shoes in place.
Wedge Heels and Sandals
There are two types of wedge shoes, wedge sandals, and wedge heels. You can identify a wedge heel if you see no separation from the heel to the sole and if it is flushed like the usual high heels. As for wedge sandals, they are more open in the upper part but have the same type of wedge heels in the bottom.
Cone Heels
This type of heels is wider on the sole and narrow at the bottom, creating a cone-like shape. If you’ve never had them, cone heels are a good addition to your shoe collection.
Sling Back Heels
If ankle heels have stapes around the ankles, slingback only has straps that go to the back of your Achilles heel. They are great in creating a sophisticated look while still providing stability to the wearer.
Platform Heels
Platform heels come in different styles and heights. What’s common between them is the thick sole. Many women have mentioned that these heels are a great way of adding height but still maintain comfort. There is a smaller gap between the front and back of the foot which’s why they’re more bearable to wear for a long time.
High Heel Sandals
High heel sandals are anything that looks like a sandal but has heels. As long as it is open at to top and has heels like a kitten, cone, or stilettoes, it falls under this category.
Peep Toe Heels
Peep-toe heels are also self-explanatory. If you see your toes peeking from the tip of your heeled shoes, those are peep-toe heels. They also come in various prints, colors, and designs.
Cork Heels
Cork heels have cork in them. They also vary in height and style. Because of the cork material, it is much softer and cushioned when you step. If you like something unique, their shoes are worth the try.
High Heeled Boots
These heels are perfect for the cold season. So, if you want to dress up chic and classy this winter, finish up your look with some winter boots.
Spool Heels
Imagine a spool of thread, that is what spool heels resemble. The heel is wide at the sole, narrow in the middle, then goes back to wide at the bottom.
Mules
Anything that comes up high over the upper part of the foot is considered mules. They come in various designs and height and you can choose between open and closed mules.
What are the easiest heels to walk in?
Some of the easiest heels to walk in are wedge, mules, and ankle heels. But there are other factors that you need to consider that may or may not make your heels comfortable.
Technically, heels if worn for a long time can hurt your feet. No matter how comfortable they are, at some point, you will feel uncomfortable because your body is not in its natural state. How can you be comfortable while wearing heels? Is there a style of heels that easier to walk in? yes, some heels are easier to walk in compared to others. So, what heels are the easiest to walk in?
Chic Leather Mules with Stacked Heels
Splendid Women’s Birch Chelsea Mule is a great pair of comfy heels that will give you a cool chic vibe. It has an open back that helps in elongating the legs. Also, it keeps your feet ample coverage, unlike other open-heeled styles. If you are still not buying it, the leather does not rub against your feet and the stacked heel makes them comfortable to walk in.
Gorgeous Leather Ankle Straps with Block Heels
Steve Madden Women’s Carrson Dress Sandal is the best alternative to a hard-to-walk-in slim heel. As a bonus, the adjustable leather strap keeps these shoes in place. So, if your parking area is a block away from your office, you are still good and will not a hard time walking!
User-Friendly Peep Toe Gladiator with Lace-up Aesthetics
White Mountain Women’s Fanfare Gladiator Sandal is a street-style gladiator boots that you want to have in your collection. It has a peep toe and a block heel that make them the ideal afternoon shopping shoes. This is perfect for a laidback look with boyfriend jeans and a shirt.
Shiny Peep Toe Wedge Pumps
CL by Chinese Laundry Women’s Nicole Patent Wedge Pump is what you need if you want to add a bit of height but do not want to sacrifice comfort. If your average pumps are okay, these are way beyond better. These shoes come in a nude color which is perfect for any type of outfit. Plus, you can show off your new polish because it is a peep toe. So, for a sleek office get-up, pair these heels with a blouse and a pencil skirt.