The shoes I posted in the "alternatives to pumps" thread are actually advertised as being pumps. In my mind, pumps are closed-in shoes. Going by that definition, which I think is correct due to the fact that certain employers specify pumps in their respective dress codes because they want employees to wear closed-in shoes, I don't think my mary janes are really pumps. I suppose the charcoal grey ones are pumps, but not in the way I think of pumps. IMO, the shoes Sarah posted in this thread fit the traditional definition of pumps. At any rate, I rarely wear either of the shoes I just mentioned.

You know, until this year I had never owned pumps -- not a true, slip-on, strap-free pair, anyway. I owned several of pairs of almost-pumps, but all of them had some kind of maryjane strap. These were what I used for dressy shoes.

Then this past spring I was captivated by a pair of floral pumps, and bought them. I ended up returning them because, colour-wise, they didn't go with very much in my wardrobe, but in the process of trying them on with everything I own, this is what I discovered:

1. They make my legs look like they go on forever. This is quite a big deal since I'm only 5'1"!
2. They are a match made in heaven with midi skirts. I'm really into the midi at the moment, but I was struggling to style them so I don't look short. Pumps are the best (although not the only) answer to that problem.
3. They look great with skinny jeans, whereas high heeled shoes with a strap do not. Skinny jeans with pumps is my new favourite going-out-for-the-evening formula.
4. They feel classy and professional. If I needed to attend an interview, they are just the thing.

I ended up exchanging them for classic black ones, and then liked them so much I went back and got olive ones too (which are now on sale, btw):

http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w.....ourID=3242

Part of the reason I like these so much is the elegant, slightly retro cut and the wider heel, which to my eye looks more balanced. I'm not a big fan of stilettos, and the wider heel is more walkable anyway. Also these are very comfortable for a 3" heel.

So. This is a sort of roundabout way of addressing your question. My final answer would have to be no, not every woman HAS to have pumps, but for me they have filled a wardrobe hole I didn't even know I had. I am utterly surprised by how much I love them. So if you really like those pumps and think you'll wear them, go for it. If you think they'll just languish in your closet, perhaps you should save your money for something else.

I vote no. I should technically wear lots of pumps, being an office girl. But I hate them. They look great, but my feet always slide forward in them, no matter the heel height. If they are big enough for my feet to swell during the day, there is a big gap. If they are small enough to look like they fit, I get blisters on my heels. To top it off, I prefer a more rugged style, so I only wear pumps if the rest of the outfit is crying out for a very femme shoe.

My vote is *No* unless you've already really felt a need for pumps. Earlier this year, it dawned on my that I had no pumps and hadn't had pumps that fit and worked with my bunions for years. I'd been wearing dress pants, so hadn't identified the hole until I decided to wear skirts and bought a few dresses. I also unearthed a pair of tall boots that I didn't know I had.

I work in a fairly conservative environment. I still haven't worn my new pumps much since, although they are comfortable for pumps, I prefer to wear other shoes when I wear slacks and would never wear them with jeans because that is just not my style. I have worn them with dresses, but still tend to reach for my dressy sandals first. And as for boots? I have to force myself to wear the pair that I have, so it makes more sense for me to buy other types of shoes.

IIRC, the only time in recently memory when you *might* have worn pumps was to a memorial service. But even then, non-pumps were more in keeping with the style of the deceased and the deceased's family.

Otherwise -- I guess if you were to speak at a professional conference and/or receive some type of award where a skirted suit or dress was more the norm, maybe then you would need pumps. In that case, you might be buying something special and would want new shoes anyway.

No, but some dresses look best with them IMO.

No. I bought a pair of black pumps because I thought I should have a pair. I've worn them once, because I made myself do so. I prefer dressy shooties or sandals depending on weather. I do have several pairs of mary janes though, since I do find those useful.

I don't think so!

I own two pairs, black Clark mary janes and the Tsubo Acrea heels in a nude (for me). I don't think ALL women need heels, and I wouldn't but for weddings and going to court.

Nope! I don't own any classic pumps, and I don't miss them in the slightest. I'm not sure I can really picture you in those...