Not everything Valentino makes has a stud on it, and the second group proves it. The house has its own red, and FashionNetwork says Valentino published a book called Valentino Rosso, devoted to the color, with 180 red dresses and accessories including Rockstud slingbacks. Its account of the origin is lovely: Garavani was struck by the dress of a woman in a box at the Barcelona opera and made red the label's signature hue. I keep that in mind when I look at the shoes below, because a plain pair next to a red coat or bag is exactly how I would wear them.

The slingbacks are the largest family here, and they are worth sorting. The VLogo Slingback Pumps are the straightforward version. The VLogo Signature Slingback Pumps and the VLogo Pointed Pumps keep the shape sharp. The VLogo Kitten Heel Slingback Pumps are for the days you want to walk the whole way home. The VLogo Croc Embossed Slingback Pumps and Lace VLogo Slingback Pumps give you texture without changing the silhouette. The Open Toe Révélé Pumps and Pointed d'Orsay Pumps are cleaner and more tailored, and I would wear them with a trench.

For ankle straps and platforms, the Sinead Leather Ankle Strap Pumps are the quieter option. The Crasher Buckled Leather Platform Pumps are the bolder one, and the platform makes the height feel more manageable than a thin heel does. The VLogo Platform Sandals follow the same logic.

Then the sandals and mules. The Vlogo Royal Leather Sandals and VLogo Raffia Slide Sandals are the easy, warm-weather pair. The two Flutterby Embellished Leather Slide Sandals add a little decoration to a slide, and the Fatale Floral Brocade Mules are the dressier choice for an evening, with a slip dress. My test for any slingback: heel strap snug enough that it stays put when you walk, not so tight it digs.

Flats are where I think Valentino gets quietly practical. The third group is the one I would actually wear on a Tuesday. The Rockstud Ballet Flats bring the studs down to ground level, and the plain Ballet Flats are the quietest pair in this edit. The Valet Du Roi Ballerina Flats and PM Embellished Ballet Flats are the ones with more going on.

The VLogo ballet flats come in a few forms. The VLogo Hardware Ballet Flats put the metal front and center, and the two pairs of Embellished VLogo Ballet Flats add more decoration. I like all of them with cropped trousers, because the shoe is visible, and with a slip dress and a cardigan when you want the dress to look less formal.

The loafers are the other half. The VLogo Loafers and Hardware Loafers are what I would wear with tailoring, wide-leg trousers and a crisp shirt, where a heel would feel like too much. The VLogo Tassel Mules Loafers are the relaxed version, since there is no back to the shoe, so you can slip them on at the door. The Embellished Espadrille VLogo Mules are the summer pair, and the Rockstud Flatform Ankle-Strap Espadrille Sandals are my pick for a day of walking, because the flatform gives a little lift without a heel.

What I would skip: buying a flat to wear for a long walk without trying it first. A ballet flat with a very thin sole can feel different from a loafer after a few hours, so try your pair at the end of the day, walk on a hard floor, and check where the back of your heel sits. Also skip wearing a heavily embellished flat with an equally busy outfit. Let the shoe be the detail.

Here is how I would pick. First, decide where the shoe has to go. If it is a dinner or a wedding, start with the Rockstud pumps or a slingback. If it is a workday, the loafers or plain ballet flats are the safer choice. For summer weekends, an espadrille wedge or a slide.

Then do the small tests. Stand in them for a few minutes, with the strap fastened. Walk on a hard floor. Check that your toes do not press against the front, and that the heel does not slip. If you are wearing the shoe with a hem, look at it in the mirror from the side.

Last, think about the red. I would pair any of these with something simple, such as a white shirt, straight jeans or a black dress, and let the shoe be the thing people notice. That is the best way to wear Valentino shoes: one good pair, worn often, with clothes that let it show. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Valentino Sneakers for Women and A Note on the Flats Trend.