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10 Must-Have Shoes for Women

The old saying goes that a woman can never have too many shoes. But then reality sets in — the money in your wallet and the space in your closet are limited. What’s a girl to do?

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Well, here’s one strategy. Stock up on these 10 must-have shoes and you won’t need more space or more money. You’ll have options for any outfit, right there waiting for you.

1. Classic riding boots

Riding boots are as classy as they are practical. You’ll wear them throughout fall and winter. Flat riding boots pair especially well with skinny jeans and sweaters, or shorter skirts and fun tights — they are the perfect accessory for stepping up a casual ensemble.

2. Casual sneakers

With the right pair of sneakers, you can be comfortable and stylish at the same time. These are your go-to for running errands, taking the kids to the park, or tackling whatever weekend adventure comes your way.

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A classic canvas sneaker in white or black is always fashionable. If you like something bolder, choose a fun color or even a platform sneaker.

3. Black pumps

Jessica Simpson womens Prizma Pump, Black, 8.5 US
  • Pointy toe
  • High heel
  • Flat
  • Synthetic sole
  • Heel Height: 3.25 inches

Black pumps are a classic, and for good reason. They instantly add class to any outfit, and you can wear them both to the office or for a fancy night out. The most universal style is the pointed toe, but you can also mix things up with cutouts or subtle embellishments.

4. Flat sandals

Sale
The Drop Women’s Matilda Braid Strap Flat Sandal, White, 10
  • Staples by The Drop
  • Flat Sandal
  • Espadrille
  • Smooth faux leather
  • Braided Strap Detail

Just call these your favorite sandals of the summer. Flat sandals are perfect for showcasing that cute pedicure and for keeping your feet cool and comfortable in warm weather.

5. Short block heels

Leevar Square Low Block Toe Heeled Sandals for Women – 2.25IN Open Ankle Strap Chunky Heels – Slip on Heeled Sandal Mule- Nude Black Strappy Heels for Party Wedding Dress Shoes,Nude Nubuck,Size 8
  • Trendy And Chic – This Leevar…
  • Ultra Comfy Block Heels – 2.25 inch…
  • Premium Texture Heels – Leevar…
  • Easy to Dress Up – This is a good…
  • Ideal for Various Occasion – Leevar…

The short block heel is yet another throwback to the 90s, and certainly worthy of a comeback. A low block heel gives you height without instability, and works very nicely with short or long dresses and skirts. You can go for classic, simple styling or mix things up with ties and buckles.

6. Chunky loafers

DREAM PAIRS Women’s Loafers, Lug Sole Slip On Platform Chunky Penny Loafers for Women Dressy and Work, Business Casual Shoes for Women,Size 7.5,Black-PAT,SDLS2318W
  • Stylish & Sophisticated: These…
  • Easy To Wear & Clean: The slip-on…
  • Lightweight & Durable: The…
  • Comfortable & Supportive: With a…
  • Versatile & Adaptable: Our loafers…

Platform loafers give any outfit a preppy and quirky twist — wear them with cropped jeans to dress up a casual outfit or pair them with a short skirt for a modern twist on an old classic.

7. Ballet flats

Arromic Navy Blue Flats Shoes for Women, Square Toe Ballet Flats Shoes with Arch Support, Washable Comfortable Knit Flats for Women, Soft Slip on Black Flats for Dressy Wedding Work Office Casual
  • 【Stylish Square Toe Flats】This…
  • 【Comfy Women Flats】These women…
  • 【Arch Support Insole】Unlike…
  • 【Suitable Occasion】Easy to…
  • 【US Sizing, Ture to Size】 Made…

These classic little shoes can be worn with just about anything from a dress to jeans or leggings. The beauty of ballet flats is that they come in just about every pattern and color available, so you can show your personality while you’re giving your arches a break from high heels. If you don’t know where to start, find a fun red or cheetah print pair.

8. Ankle boots

Soda CHANCE Womens Perforated Cut Out Stacked Block Heel Ankle Booties (Brown, numeric_9)
  • 100% Synthetic
  • Shaft measures approximately 3″…
  • Man-made upper – Man-made lining -…
  • Heel height measures approximately…
  • Shaft measures approximately 3 from…

From edgy to classic, ankle boots come in a number of styles to match your outfit and personality. There’s the classic women’s Chelsea boot or the cowboy ankle boot, for example. Either looks amazing with cuffed or cropped jeans or with tights and a skirt during the colder months.

9. Ankle-strap sandals

Coziavenue Womens Classic Dressy Summer Kitten Heel Sandals Open Square Toe Ankle Strap Stilettos
  • ➤HEEL HEIGHT: Heel measures…
  • ➤ENVIRONMENTAL SAFE MATERIAL:…
  • ➤CLASSIC DESIGN: Open square toe,…
  • ➤OCCASIONS: Classic color and…
  • ➤AFTER-SALES SERVICE: Any…

Reached for these heeled sandals to add a bit of sophistication to any outfit. The barely-there style won’t overwhelm an outfit, so have fun wearing them with brighter colors and prints, like a fun sun dress or even a summer outfit for the office.

10. Statement heels

Sale
Call It Spring Women’s Nightout Heeled Sandal, Bright Pink, 8
  • Stand tall and make your own style…
  • Made of synthetics materials
  • Stiletto heel: stand tall in these…
  • Heel height: 3.75 inches

Everyone needs a fun pair of attention-grabbing heels. Think metallic, animal print, or the old standby, hot pink. These shoes can stand on their own with a basic outfit. Statement heels can be whatever makes you happy and confident — don’t be afraid to splurge on a quality pair.

Your must-have shoes list

This selection of shoe styles will give you tons of versatility. But you should also consider your own lifestyle before whittling your footwear options down to these must-have shoes. You might spend a bunch of time commuting on foot, for example, or you’re a gym rat. Or possibly you never wear heels.

So use this list as a starting point to define your own list of shoe styles you must own. You’ll know you have it right when you’re not dreamily scrolling through Zappos in your spare time.