Plain language
Labels, style names, and size charts in plain words.
Leather pumps, and what the label says
Shoe labels, style names, and size charts in plain words. Leather lines come from the FTC Guides.
The word leather on a shoe
The FTC Leather Guides say it is "unfair or deceptive to use the unqualified term 'leather' or other unqualified terms suggestive of leather to describe industry products unless the industry product so described is composed in all substantial parts of leather." For footwear, the Guides treat three parts separately: "the upper, the lining and sock, and the outersole." Material words on a shoe are the maker's label, not ours. We never say any shoe is leather.
Guides to start with
Leather pumps: what the word on the label means
A style, plus a label claim.
Reading a shoe material label, part by part
Upper, lining, outersole.
Genuine leather: what the FTC Guides say
Not defined in Part 24.
Imitation and faux leather: the disclosure rule
If it appears to be leather.
Pump heel types: stiletto, block, and kitten
Heel names, as makers use them.
Pump sizing and size charts: check the maker's
Check the maker's chart.
Why use these guides
Credited lines
The FTC Leather Guides and Green Guides, quoted and linked.
The label comes first
We point you to the maker's label and size chart, not to our own claims.
No picks or prices
We name no brands, designers, or stores. If we ever link to a retailer, we say so.
Reading a shoe label?
See how the FTC Guides split a shoe into three parts.
