Court shoes, also known as pumps in American English, are slip-on shoes with a low-cut upper and are traditionally worn by women. They come in various heel heights and toe styles and can be worn for both formal and casual occasions. Men’s court shoes are worn with formal wear and are rarely worn nowadays.
Court shoes are slip-on shoes that have a low-cut upper and traditionally do not have any fastening devices or laces. However, some varieties have ankle straps or ties. In American English they are known as “pumps”, while the name “court shoes” is still common in British English. They are most often worn by women, but are sometimes worn by men, mostly in combination with formal wear.
Court shoes for women are generally heeled, but there is no standard height for heels. The height of the available shoes will vary according to current fashions and can range from a short heeled ballerina style to long slim stilettos. The term “ballerina style” is indicative of the historical association of court shoes with dancing; Various types are used for ballroom and ballet dance. In the United States especially, low-heeled ballerinas are used as a flexible shoe that can be combined with a wide variety of looks and outfits, from jeans with a T-shirt to dresses or other more formal attire. Shoes are traditionally associated with formal dress, but the low to mid-height varieties for women are also flexible in terms of style, can be worn for casual occasions and can even be worn with a pair of jeans or shorts.
Women’s court shoes do not have a standard toe length and are made with open and closed toes. Like the height of the heels, whether the toes are open or closed will vary according to current fashion. Court shoes are made from a variety of materials, but black patent leather has traditionally been common for formal wear. Satin is common for ballroom dance shoes. Some are made with ankle straps or ties, but these items are generally decorous and serve no real function.
Court shoes for men are worn almost exclusively as an accompaniment to formal wear, and have traditionally been paired with a black or white tie. They are often referred to as “patent pumps” because they are frequently made of black patent leather or “opera slippers”, again referring to their association with formal events. Both varieties have been produced with an arch just below the opening at the top of the foot. In general, men’s court shoes have been superseded by oxford-style shoes and are rarely worn, although they are still in vogue in the realm of high style.
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