Pump (shoe)

The term "pump" for shoes is of unknown derivation according to the Webster's Third New International Dictionary. The reference can be to different types of shoe depending on the person using the word and where they are located:
*A type of athletic shoe:
**In Britain it is one of many regional names for plimsoll shoes.
**In Britain, it is another term for a type of shoe currently popular, also known as "ballerina shoes", "ballet shoes", "ballet pumps" or "flats". These shoes are usually flat, rounded, covering the toes, sides and back. they are usually made from leather, canvas or synthetic materials. They can be plain, multi coloured, metallic and be decorated with patterns, straps, bows etc.
**Athletic shoe equipped with inflatable air bladders was known as a "pump sneaker", often shortened to "pump".
*Shoes worn by dancers are called "pumps". This is particularly true of Highland dancers.
*In North America, "pumps" (British English, "court shoe") are heeled shoes with low cut fronts and usually no fastening, but can also be formal shoes for any gender.