With so many different types of heels to choose from, how do you find the perfect fit? Heels can be a woman’s best friend and, sometimes, her worst enemy. A heel is a shoe style designed with an elevated rear part, lifting the heel higher than the toes.
Whether you want to make a fashion statement or add a few inches to your height, the right pair of heels can make all the difference. From the comfortable block heel to the daring stiletto, we’re diving into each style’s unique characteristics, advantages, and best uses.
Types of Heels
Block Heels
Block heels are a thick, square-shaped heel that provides stability and support. Designed for comfort and versatility, they are a practical choice for extended periods of wear. They can be styled effortlessly with both formal and casual outfits.
Kitten Heels
Kitten heels are low, narrow heels, typically no higher than 2 inches. They offer a slight lift for those seeking a comfortable yet polished look.
They work well for occasions like garden parties or office settings. They are the perfect pair for different outfits, from trousers to simple dresses.
Stiletto Heels
Stiletto heels are tall, narrow heels, often over 4 inches, designed to create a dramatic look. Their slim base requires balance, making them better suited for occasions with minimal standing or walking.
From red carpet events to intimate dinners, these quintessential high heels, add a striking appeal to any outfit.
Cone Heels
Cone heels have a distinct silhouette, narrowing at the top and widening toward the base, similar to an ice cream cone. With more stability than stilettos, they are a stylish option for semi-formal to formal events like weddings.
Wedge Heels
Wedge heels are shoes with a continuous, wedge-shaped sole that extends from the heel to the middle or front of the shoe. The wedge style is the most comfortable heel to wear.
Their solid base offers stability, making them suitable to wear for long periods. Commonly associated with spring and summer, they often feature materials like cork or straw and pair well with seasonal dresses and skirts.
Pumps
Pumps are heels with a low-cut front, closed toe, and heel height that varies depending on the style. Available in range of styles like stiletto, block, or kitten heels, pumps are known for their classic and adaptable look.
Perfect for transitioning from office wear to evening outings, they are a versatile design made from materials such as leather, suede, or synthetics.
Platform Heels
Platform heels feature a thick sole under the front of the foot paired with a heel that can vary in style, such as stiletto or block. The raised sole reduces the steep incline, making the height more manageable and comfortable.
Ideal for adding extra height and making a bold statement, platform heels work well for special occasions like nights out or formal events.
Spool Heels
Spool heels have a distinctive hourglass shape, wider at the top and bottom and narrower in the middle. This design resembles a spool of thread.
Spool heels offer a vintage vibe, harking back to European courts and 18th-century fashion, yet they have a timeless quality that allows them to pair well with modern outfits.
Chunky Heels
Chunky heels, as the name implies, feature a thick, rectangular base that offers both height and ease of walking. They’re the middle ground between stilettos and block heels.
These heels can easily transition from day to night. Whether pairing them with a business suit or a mini dress, chunky heels offer a stylish yet practical choice.
French Heels
Also known as Louis or pompadour heels, French heels have a curve at the back, lending a feminine and antique aesthetic. These heels are historically associated with 18th-century French courts. Sometimes confused for spool heels, pompadour heels are more dramatic and ornate.
They’re often reserved for more ceremonial or formal occasions and make for a striking addition to period-inspired costumes.
Ankle Strap Heels
Ankle strap heels feature a strap that wraps around the ankle. This offers an aesthetic appeal and additional support.
These heels work well for events where you might need extra security in your step, such as weddings or dance parties.
Peep-Toe Heels
Peep-toe heels offer a small opening at the front, allowing the tips of the toes to show. This style is a playful contrast to traditional closed-toe heels.
Whether you’re attending a summer wedding or going out for a night on the town, peep-toe heels offer a hint of flirtiness.
Slingback Heels
Slingback heels come with a strap that crosses around the back of the heel or ankle, eliminating the need for a complete enclosure around the heel. This gives your feet a bit more freedom.
They’re an elegant choice for a wide range of activities, from office settings to formal events. The back strap offers enough support to keep you confident in your stride.
Mule Heels
Mule heels are backless and often closed-toe, making them easy to slip on and off. Their open-back style gives them a casual, laid-back vibe for everyday wear. But they can also step up to sophistication depending on the material and design.
Heeled Sandals
Heeled sandals are open-toe shoes that combine the breezy design of sandals with the height of a heel. They come in a variety of designs, from minimalist ankle straps to intricate lace-up styles, and can feature different heel types like stiletto, block, or wedge.
d’Orsay Heels
D’Orsay heels offer a cutaway design at the sides, exposing the arch of the foot. This creates a more revealing look, making these heels particularly suited for formal events or romantic dinners.
If you aim to make a fashion-forward statement while still keeping it classy, D’Orsay heels might be your go-to.
Flared Heels
Flared heels have a base that spreads out at the bottom, resembling a bell. This gives them an extra bit of stability. Often seen as a fashion-forward choice, these heels add a dash of drama to your step, making them perfect for events where you want to stand out.
Pin Heels
Pin heels, or needle heels, are extremely thin and delicate, similar to stilettos but even finer. They’re all about elevating the drama of an outfit but are not built for comfort or long periods of wear. These shoes need skilled walking.
Cuban Heels
Cuban heels are stacked, medium-height heels with a straight-cut back and a slightly tapered front. They’re often found on both men’s and women’s shoes, including boots.
Cuban heels offer a robust and masculine vibe, making them suitable for outfits that call for a bit of edge. They’re versatile enough to pair with anything from skinny jeans to dresses.
Square Heels
Square heels are known for their square-shaped base, offering a stable and comfortable option for longer wear. Their geometric design adds a modern edge to footwear, making them a stylish choice for both professional attire and casual outfits like summer dresses.
Espadrille Heels
Espadrille heels are summer-ready shoes with a fabric upper, typically canvas or cotton, and a woven jute sole. Their relaxed, beachy style makes them ideal for warm-weather events. Perfect for adding a breezy, bohemian flair, they are a staple for casual yet chic outfits.
Lace-up Heels
Lace-up heels feature laces that can wrap around the foot, ankle, or even higher up the leg. Depending on the design and how they are laced, they offer a personalized fit and lend an edgy accent to your outfit.
Cork Heels
Cork heels feature a base made of cork material, providing a lightweight and more comfortable experience. The cork material adds an earthy, natural element to the shoe, making it a favorite for outdoor gatherings and summer parties.
Comma Heels
Comma heels are made with a curved, comma-like shape, making them a standout option for fashion-forward individuals. While their design is unconventional, the curve provides a balanced structure, offering decent stability.
Ballroom Dance Heels
Ballroom dance heels are specialized footwear designed to provide support, flexibility, and elegance for dancers. Typically 1.5 to 3 inches high, they often include secure straps and materials that enhance grip and comfort.
Unlike standard heels, they are crafted specifically for the precise movements and quick turns required in ballroom dancing.
Decorative Heels
Decorative heels transform footwear into wearable art, with intricate designs, embellishments, or sculpted shapes that make the heel the highlight.
Featuring elements like crystals, unique structures, or detailed patterns, they are statement pieces often showcased at fashion events.
T-Strap Heels
T-strap heels hail from the 1920s and are defined by their “T”-shaped strap that connects the front of the shoe to the ankle strap. These heels offer style and ankle support.
They come in various heights, from kitten to stiletto, and materials such as leather and suede. The design adds a secure, retro-inspired charm.
Mary Jane Heels
Upgrading the beloved flat design, Mary Jane heels feature a rounded toe and an instep strap that fastens near the ankle. The heel height varies, making them adaptable for a range of occasions.
Mary Jane pumps pair well with anything from formal pencil skirts to casual floral dresses, capturing a timeless style.
Heel Height
The height of a heel is a defining factor that influences comfort, style, and even the way you walk. Understanding heel height can help you make informed choices that suit different occasions and needs.
Generally, heel heights can be categorized into low, medium, and high, each with advantages and drawbacks.
Low Heels
Low heels, typically ranging from half an inch to two inches, offer a balance of comfort and style. They provide slight elevation for a polished appearance while remaining practical for extended wear.
Found in designs like kitten heels or wedges, low heels are the most comfortable type of heel to wear.
Medium Heels
Medium heels typically range from two to three inches. They give you a noticeable lift and elongate the legs without putting too much strain on the feet.
Often found in classic pumps, ankle boots, and some sandals, medium heels are suitable for work, dinners, and light dancing.
High Heels
High heels start at about four inches and can increase considerably. They are the height of glamour, elongating the legs and adding a bold statement to any outfit. Styles like stilettos, high-heeled boots, and platform heels fall into this category.
Though they offer the most striking transformation in terms of posture and height, they are generally meant for a shorter period of wear due to the strain they can put on the feet and back.
Heel Types Decoded
There you have it: a guide to the different types of heels for women. We’ve covered everything from the comfort-first kitten heels to the height-defying stilettos. Each style has unique features, advantages, and optimal settings where they shine the brightest.
The key takeaway is that the world of heels is not one-size-fits-all. Different occasions, outfits, and even moods call for different styles. You’re now well-equipped to make informed decisions and expand your shoe wardrobe with choices that suit.
