sling-back

American  

[sling-bak] / ˈslɪŋˌbæk /

noun

1. Also called sling.  a woman's shoe with an open back and a strap or sling encircling the heel of the foot to keep the shoe secure.

---

adjective

1. having such a strap or sling.

   sling-back pumps.

Etymology

Origin of sling-back

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Models marched up a broad staircase to reach the sprawling space in towering sling-back heels, modeling pencil skirts and roomy-legged trousers, neatly cinched at the waist, worn with open-backed bodysuits and silk blouses.

From Reuters • Sep. 26, 2023

On her head, the model wore a black top hat, its brim gently sloped, while flat sling-back shoes accentuated her long, bare legs.

From Reuters • Jan. 24, 2023

Dress code: Zara acid-wash denim skirts, Helmut Lang white tanks, H&M gray peep-toe sling-back heels; hot pink Ann Taylor blazers; black quilted Chanel bags for the ladies.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2014

Switched into black flats with a sling-back and a bow.

From New York Times • Apr. 9, 2012

Mom jumps from the taxi in her sling-back pumps and runs past the giant bird of paradise bushes, past the rotting pawpaw tree, and up the three front steps of Abuela Celia’s house.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García