The pump is the pair that for decades has been able to evolve over time and make a name for itself. If, over the years, the pump has achieved success and won the hearts of millions of women, it is due to its history and variety in terms of choice.
The pump, that everyone knows : is the closed shoe with a heel at least 4cm high. Some models can be adorned with a strap to accessorise the ankle. It can have a round or pointed toe, or even a semi-pointed toe (which is a happy medium between the round and the pointed toe).
It all depends on the style and the occasion for which you wear them.
In the old days, the pump was generally worn by the bourgeoisie (middle class), but in particular by many first ladies, personalities and people with a certain financial wealth and stability that allowed them to afford this luxury item. For the pump was a prestigious object and asserted a high social position. Already at that time, the models were also very varied, ranging from patent pumps to pumps with a silk trim, and the elegant look of the pumps appealed to the women of the time, who adorned them with lace and ribbons.
From the 1950s onwards:
Following its success and with the women becoming more modern, it was in the 50s that the stiletto, a pump with higher heel, was introduced. This type of shoe then became one of the major attributes of the New Look style, asserting femininity and underlining the slender silhouette of the models. Over the years, it will continue to be a sign of a very prestigious image and will continue to have a lot of success. From this generation of retro and vintage women, the pump will also begin to be worn by barmaids and airline hostesses, and by professional women such as lawyers, legal experts, doctors, professors, etc… but also students and businesswomen…
Pumps: the pair that has won women’s hearts for generations.
Considered as an elegant shoe, the pump can be worn for walks in the city or in the evening, for example with a suit or a cocktail dress. Nowadays, as fashion has made this accessory more accessible, the pump is commonly worn during the day, with a casual outfit, such as jeans for example.
A lot of research has been done on pumps in the fashion industry and here are a few of them to help you choose your style :
The d’orsay pump: this name is related to a shoe whose upper is separated into 2 parts: one at the front and the other at the back of the foot. The d’orsay pump is therefore a pump whose upper is cut off.
Open-toe pump: it is a pump with a cut-out at the toe. The first two or even three toes can generally be seen. Very popular in the 50s, this model was also very much represented in Pin Up style photographic representations. Especially thanks to the iconic Marilyn Monroe who represented this Pin-Up style by always wearing open-toe pumps.
Slingback pumps: this pump is open at the back and is fastened with a strap on the ankle. This is convenient to get the shoe perfectly adjusted to the shape of the foot.
This model was also very popular in the 50/60/70’s and it is still quite appreciated nowadays.
Stiletto: at the beginning, “stiletto” was used to describe a chic and sexy pump with a very thin and high heel (over 7cm). But this term is now also used to refer to high heels shoes, whatever the model or style of the shoe.
And to finish, the so-called “décolleté” pump, which is the classic pair of pumps, whatever the heel is, whether wedge, wide, high, stiletto or not.
For those who like pointed toes: women prefer them because they are aesthetically more attractive and make a visual impression for their chic, elegant and classy side.
For round toe shoes: they are a little less aesthetic but more comfortable to wear, especially for women who sometimes have a poor blood circulation or heavy legs. If you plan to wear heels for the first time, you should choose round toe shoes. Then, once you got used to it, you will be able to wear some pointed or semi-pointed toe shoes.
