WordGarden.ioslingback
Pronunciation
UK
- /slˈɪŋbæk/
US
- /slˈɪŋbæk/
Meanings
Noun
a shoe with an open heel and a strap around the back
Adjective
having an open heel and a strap around the back, as a shoe
Beyond the definition
Imagine a warm day when you're choosing shoes that feel light but still stay on well. A slingback is usually a pump or sandal with an open heel and a strap that goes around the back of the heel to hold the shoe in place. The name comes from that strap, which seems to sling around the back.
This style is often seen as neat, elegant, and a little dressy, but it can also be casual. It gives more support than a simple slip-on shoe while keeping the heel area open and airy. You might see this kind of shoe worn with dresses, skirts, or tailored pants, and it has stayed popular for many years.
A slingback is a style of shoe with an open heel and a strap that wraps around the back of the heel to keep the foot in place. Instead of covering the whole back of the foot like a regular closed shoe, it leaves the heel exposed while still giving some support. The name comes from the way the strap seems to sling around the back.
This style became popular in the early 20th century and has remained a familiar part of fashion ever since. It is especially common in pumps and sandals, though the exact shape can vary. Some pairs look delicate and formal, while others are simple enough for everyday wear.
Slingbacks can be made from leather, suede, fabric, or synthetic materials. They may have flat soles, low heels, or higher heels, and the front can be pointed, rounded, or open-toed. Because of that range, they can suit both casual and dressy situations.
The word usually refers to a women's shoe style in everyday English. So if you notice a shoe that is closed in the front but open at the heel, with a strap holding the back, you are probably looking at a slingback.
Examples
- 1
Wedding shoes
She bought a pair of black slingbacks for the wedding.
- 2
Fit problem
These slingbacks look elegant, but the straps keep slipping off my heels.
- 3
Shoe styles
The store had slingback flats as well as higher-heeled styles.
See also
Similar
- backstrap shoe
- heel-strap shoe
Contrast
- mule
- closed-back shoe
Used with (collocations)
- slingback heels
- slingback pumps
- slingback sandals
Explore
- shoe strap
- footwear silhouette
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- slingbacknoun