Regardless of what Marilyn Monroe said; heels are a woman’s best friend! The right kind of shoe can boost your confidence, transform your look and make heads turn as soon as you enter the room. The only question is: which ones are best for you? When it comes to heels, the shopping aisles are broader than one might think. Whether you’re after extravagant stilettos, elegant pumps or stylish boots, you can be sure the word of fashion will have you covered. When choosing your next pair of shoes, these are the different types of heels you should know.
Types of Heels
Most of us can probably only differentiate between two or three different types of heels. However, there are in fact, a great number more. Without realising, most of them have probably crossed your path already. To get your fashion A-B-C up to speed, we have listed the most common types of heels below.
Block Heel
Block heels don’t just look super stylish, but a solid heel also tends to distribute your body’s weight differently, compared to thinner heels. Thus, they take a little pressure off the front of your foot, which results in a more comfortable stand.
Cuban Heel
The Cuban heel is taking a cue from the boys. They are typically short to medium in height and found on ankle boots, Oxfords, loafers and other closed shoes. While the heel is very solid in appearance, it can feature a slight taper from top to bottom.
Comma Heels
This fashionable heel is, as the name reveals, shaped like a comma. Its unusual crescent form is a fashionable statement and it is incredibly eye-catching.
Cone Heel
The cone heel is defined by a thick, sturdy base for a secure stand and a narrow, delicate tip. Cone heels can be used for all kinds of heeled shoes and can come in various heights. This heel style is versatile and timeless.
Decorative Heel
Is there anything more dreamy than a beautifully decorated heel? It’s amazing what happens when shoe designers let their imagination run wild. If only we could wear pretty little things like this every day of the week.
Flare Heel
Just like flared jeans, this heel gained popularity during our favourite flower power period, the ’70s. Flare heels are characterised by a slimmer base that gradually widens towards the bottom.
French Heel
The French heel, also known as the Louis heel or pompadour heel, is a variation of the spool heel. Just like the latter, the French heel features a wide top, a thin middle and a rapidly curved bottom part. Furthermore, they are typically on the shorter side.
High Heel
High heels come in all kinds of shapes and heights. Every heel of at least four inches or more can fall into this category. The most common types of shoes worn with a taller heel are pumps, stilettos, and heeled sandals.
Kitten Heel
Kitten heels are great if you’re uncomfortable walking in higher heels, or if you’re on the taller side but don’t want to abstain from wearing pretty heels because of it. This type of heel is typically thin and always below three inches.
Medium Heel
Medium heels have the perfect office and everyday height. They are between three and four inches tall, which makes them ideal work shoes as they improve your posture without putting too much strain on the balls of your feet.
Slim Heel
Slim heels are a sexy pick for a night on the town or a dressy occasion. The thin, tall heel adds visual length to your legs and some spring to your step.
Square Heel
Square heels, similar to the block heels, are typically on the thicker side and rectangular in shape. This style looks extra chic in combination with a pointy pair of pumps but is also often found on booties and other shoe models
Thick Cuban Heel
The thick Cuban heel is a chunkier variation of the Cuban heel. They are commonly used for tall boots, ankle boots and other sturdy types of footwear.
Very High Heel
Very high heels can reach heights of up to eight inches or more. Really, the sky is the limit. These shoes are usually equipped with a platform in the front in order not to overstretch the foot and make the walking experience more comfortable.
Different Types of Heeled Shoes
When it comes to heels, there are no rules as to which types go with what kind of shoe. So it’s not surprising you’ll find all sorts of combinations starring back at you from the shelves of the shoe aisle. Whether you’re after chunky pumps or thin-heeled ankle boots, there is something for every taste.
Ankle Booties
A cool pair of ankle boots belong in the wardrobe staple of every woman. They’re the perfect in-betweener for cross-season dressing. With a chunky, medium heel your feet will last you all day long.
Heeled Boots
A good pair of heeled boots will keep you fashionably warm and dry on colder days. Styling tip: a smaller heel will dress your outfit down, while a tall heel will achieve the opposite effect.
Platform Heels
Platform heels feature an additional plateau in the front of the shoe. This adds comfort and also a few more inches to the height of your heel. Platform heels are best worn for nights-out and other off-the-clock occasions.
Wedge Sandals
If you’re looking for an everyday sandal with a little extra height, a wedge sandal will be your friend. The flat wedged heel will keep you comfortable without looking too chunky, they also look super cute when paired with a light summer dress.
Stilettos
It doesn’t get much sexier in the shoe department than a stiletto heel. However, with a height of three to four inches and an ultra-slim heel, these babies are not for inexperienced walkers.
High/Mid/Low Heel Sandals
Nothing complements a summer outfit like a cute pair of heeled sandals. To keep your feet nicely wrapped and aerated during the warmer months of the year, we’d like to introduce you to the whole variety of sandals at your disposal.
Slingback Heels
Slingbacks are defined by a thin strap around the heel, which secures the foot on the shoe. The absence of straps on the bridge of your feet visually elongates and slims your leg.
Ankle Strap Heels
Like the name already suggests, ankle strap heels are fastened via a strap around the ankle, which is often, but not always, combined with a slingback strap for added security.
Mules
If you prefer to slip in an out of your shoes rather easily, mules will be your thing. The 90s trend has recently been making a big comeback and looks especially fabulous in velvety textiles like suede.
Lace-Up Heels
Lace-up heels typically originate from two different sources of inspiration: the classic ballerina shoe or the Roman gladiator sandal. While the former carries more of an elegant, feminine vibe, the other reinforces a strong and sexy tone.
Cut-Out Heels
Cut-out heels feature creative patterns along the shoe, which pretty much turn your foot into a fashionable piece of art.
