Court shoe

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Court shoes (American English, "pumps") are a woman's low cut 'slip on' shoe with the heel ranging typically from 1 to 4.5 inches in height. The heel and toe can be any shape as dictated by the fashion of the time. In the UK a closed toe and wide (non-stiletto) heel would now be expected for someone interested in high fashion; however the majority tend to still wear stilettos (see stiletto heel) of mainly kitten (see kitten heel) to medium height. Outside the fashion trade in the UK, the term "pumps" would normally imply flat or low heel dancing or ballerina pumps, or even rubber soled canvas 'plimsolls'.

Although court shoes can be worn and bought in many colours, the typical court shoe is black. The name is derived from the traditional low cut flat male 'slip on' shoe that was worn at court in the early 19th Century with knee-breeches and stockings. These were of black patent leather and had a grossgrain bow on the toe; they can still be seen today on British High Court Judges.

The female versions can be made from any material, but traditional patent leather is popular. Court shoes are mostly worn with a suit or a uniform but are also worn with formal and informal dresses, skirts, pants (or trousers), and jeans. White stiletto heeled court shoes are the standard attire with swimsuits in beauty contests.

Court shoes are also part of the costume of a Standard Ballroom dancer. They are made of satin, usually tan though other colors are made as well, and worn on both the competition and practice floors. The Standard ballroom dances (also known as the international style dances) are fox-trot, waltz, tango, quickstep and viennese waltz.