What's so difficult to understand?
It's so simple.

If ONLY the front of the stocking / socks / leggings / boots / heels / etc. is exposed it's TOELESS - see toeless_stockings
post #3666173

If the FRONT & BACK of what's listed above & etc. is exposed it's a STIRRUP - see stirrup_stockings
post #3579548

I understand that they may seem similar to be easily mistagged but c'mon...and I feel it's due to the lack of awareness that stirrup socks and stockings are a thing. It's a real shame.

I must admit, I didn't know that stirrup_stockings was a tag until now. Now I know better

thehuskyk9 said:
I must admit, I didn't know that stirrup_stockings was a tag until now. Now I know better

It's a kink I have so I pay attention to the Stocking tag spectrum. Mainly when it comes to the Toeless & Stirrup mistagging
Something about the exposed parts of a stocking when pretaining to the feet area I just find aesthetically pleasing and boosts the artwork's attractiveness.
So it pains me (my minor ocd at least) to see stirrups tagged as toeless_stockings

you will almost never encounter stirrup_stockings being mistagged as Toeless....which will have you wondering just how many images tagged with stockings are improperly tagged

when pretaining to the following

broadly, the toeless_ footwear & toeless_legwear vs the stirrup_footwear & stirrup_legwear

toeless_socks vs stirrup_socks
toeless_stockings vs stirrup_stockings
toeless_leggings vs stirrup_leggings
toeless_pantyhose vs stirrup_pantyhose

even toeless_clothing vs stirrup_clothing for when the entire outfit is a one-piece but the feet design end differently
example:
post #1282383 - post #2048606

I've made a post about this whole stirrups ordeal about a year ago and there has yet to be an update on it.