What Is A Shoe Vamp & Why Is It Important?
What Is A Shoe Vamp And Why Does It Matter?
A shoe vamp is the upper part of a woman’s shoe that covers the top of the foot.
The vamp is an important part of the shoe because it helps to keep the foot in place while also providing support.
There are different types of shoe vamps, depending on the style of shoes. In this post, we will go over all the important details plus some outfit ideas for each.
Types Of Shoe Vamps
There are 2 different shoe vamps, a high vamp, and a low vamp. Here is a breakdown of both.
High Shoe Vamp
A high vamp shoe is a shoe where the vamp is higher than the ankle. This style is popular in women’s boots, sneakers, and many sandals.
A shoe with a high vamp gives the foot more support and stability, which is especially important for shoes that have a heel.
Above is an example of a high vamp shoe. The upper portion of the shoe completely covers the top of the foot.
Outfits That Go With A High Shoe Vamp
There are several types of outfits that go well with high vamps. One example is ankle booties and a sweater or blouse with fitted jeans/pants.
You can also wear pants that are fitted at the waist and have a slight flare at the bottom. This combination will create a streamlined look from head to toe.
Another outfit idea for high vamp shoes is a dress, skirt, or romper.
For example, you can wear a maxi dress with a high neckline and accessorize with high vamp sandals and a clutch bag. Doing so will create a long, lean look.
Above is another example of a good outfit idea for a shoe with a high vamp.
Although the vamp is high, the romper is shorter, which creates the illusion of longer legs.
Additionally, the shoes are a nude color, which helps to create an unbroken line from the hem of the romper to the tip of the toes.
A dress or skirt will work with high vamp shoes so long as it’s the proper length.
You want to avoid wearing something that stops at the shin or knee as pairing this with high vamp shoes will make the outfit look choppy.
Here are some styles that are (generally) considered high vamp shoes:
High Shoe Vamp Styles
- booties
- gladiators
- chelsea boots
- sneakers
Low Shoe Vamp
A low vamp is when the vamp is lower than the ankle.
Typically, the material of a low vamp shoe will stop once it has covered your toes. This style is popular among women’s pumps and ballet flats.
When a vamp is low it gives the foot more exposure, which can create a more streamlined look.
Low vamps can help to elongate the look of someone’s legs, making them appear taller. This is because a low vamp cuts off at (or before) the ankle bone, which creates a lengthening effect.
For this reason, it is often recommended that women with shorter legs opt for shoes with low vamps.
These sandals lengthen the leg by showing more skin from the bottom hem of the romper to the top of the foot.
A key detail to remember about low vamp shoes is that the shorter the vamp, the longer it makes the legs look.
Here are some styles that are considered low vamp shoes.
Low Vamp Shoe StylesÂ
- loafers
- moccasins
- ballet flats
- flip flops
- pumps
- knee-high boots
- cone heels
Why are knee-high boots considered low vamp if they come over the ankle bone?
Even though the vamp comes well past the toes, it’s still creating one long line from thigh to toe.
With knee-high boots there are no unbroken lines, again, creating a longer look.
Outfits that go well with low vamp shoes
A maxi skirt with a silk blouse would be a perfect pairing for a shoe with a low vamp. Something like this would be a great christening or baptism guest outfit.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to spice things up for date night, try faux patent leather leggings or a mini skirt with a chic bodysuit, and a shoe with a low vamp.
Remember, a clear or nude shoe will also help to lengthen the legs even more!
If you’re still having a hard time visually understanding the differences between a high vamp and a low vamp, check out this graphic below.
Hopefully, this post has helped you better understand the difference between shoe vamps. It really is quite simple once you get the hang of how to style them properly.
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