Everything About Heels: Heights, Shapes and Styles

Kitten Heels

Short and slender, kitten heels are typically 3 to 5 cm tall and often feature a curved silhouette that set them in from the back of the shoes. They are a favourite of women who want to give their stature a flattering lift but do not want to wear higher heels that may cause physical strain and discomfort. Also known as “training heels”, these low and dainty heels are particularly popular among beginner heel wearers as they are easy to walk in yet still look polished and elegant. With its distinctive ‘90s aesthetic, kitten heels strike a perfect balance between femininity and practically — its versatility and ease-of-wear make it a great footwear choice for most occasions.

Discover more in our in-depth guide to kitten heel styles, types of kitten heels, and outfit styling tips.

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Mid-Height Heels

Usually standing at 6 to 7 cm, mid-height heels are deemed to be a standard for the office and formal events. Often described as being at the “classic pump” height, these heels are favoured for everyday wear as they create a noticeable but moderate arch in the foot, which elongates the leg without causing much discomfort or disrupting balance. Occupying a sweet spot on the spectrum of heels, mid-height heels are just high enough to make their wearer look dressed-up and just low enough to walk in naturally. These sensible heels make for great all-day shoes — they would stay reasonably comfortable through hours of wear while providing considerable elevation, and transition easily from business meetings to dinner dates.

High Heels

Heels over the height of 8 cm are typically considered to be high heels — some towering designs can reach 12 cm or even higher. This level of elevation means that the foot would be resting on a rather steep incline, thus shifting the wearer’s centre of gravity. This shift not only emphasises the calf muscles and lengthens the leg line, but also naturally pulls back the shoulders, resulting in a straighter, more confident posture. These positive effects that high heels have on their wearer’s bearing and appearance make them a popular footwear choice, especially for formal events, special occasions and glamorous celebrations. A symbol of power and glamour, high heels are the shoes to wear when you want to stand out and make a big impression.

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Platform Heels

A platform heel usually exceeds 10 cm in height and is always accompanied by a thick sole or platform under the front of the foot. The heel must be higher than the platform for the foot to rest on a downward incline. The platform effectively reduces the slant of this incline, making the shoe more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. For example, a 12cm heel and a 3cm platform would feel like a 9cm elevation. The combination of extreme height with relative comfort and stability make platform heels a popular high-fashion or night-out option. Their bold, architectural aesthetic makes them the perfect statement shoes that will be the focal point of any outfit.

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Stiletto Heel

The term “stiletto” is a reference to the weapon by the same name — a knife or dagger with a slender blade that sharpens to a point. Fittingly, stiletto heels are thin and tapered heels that come to a sharp point at the base. They are also typically very high and often stands at 8 cm and above. While they are widely considered to be a fashionable and glamorous choice of footwear, they can be more challenging to walk in compared to other heels with wider bases. Stiletto heels have a leg-lengthening effect and will instantly put a bold and stylish touch on any outfit. These outstanding attributes make them a fabulous choice for occasions when one wants to project power and confidence, such as black-tie gala dinners, red carpet events or even a particularly high-stakes business meeting.

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Block Heel

Block heels typically feature wide and large bases. They come in different shapes — rectangular, cylindrical and trapezial block heels are the most common. They can be found on a variety of shoe styles, including sandals, pumps and boots. They are practical choices for everyday wear as their chunky construction ensures even weight distribution across the foot for enhanced balance. The clean-lined design of block heels also gives them a modern and effortlessly stylish vibe, so they are considered the “cool girl” alternative to stiletto heels. Comfortable enough even for busy on-the-move days, they are popular among women who want to boost their height without straining their feet. While they are suitable for a wide range of settings, they are particularly apt for daily commutes, long days at the office and outdoor events where one is required to walk on grass.

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Cylindrical Heel

As its name suggests, the cylindrical heel is a perfectly rounded column from top to bottom, so it resembles a pillar. Cylindrical heels have a unique and visually pleasing 360-degree symmetry — their curved silhouette give their appearance a sense of fluidity that comes across as polished and sophisticated. These heels have a clean, minimalist and contemporary aesthetic that appeals to design-conscious women who appreciates its striking architectural construction. These heels are best for art gallery openings, creative office environments, and dressy date nights.

Cone Heel

A cone heel features a wide circular top that tapers down to a narrower point at the end — to get a clear idea of how it looks like, visualise an ice-cream cone. This unique triangular silhouette has a very sturdy connection to the body of the shoe via its broad top. Cone heels have a playful and feminine vibe, with a touch of the bohemian. Offering relative comfort and stability, they are a good footwear option for casual off-duty looks and relaxed workwear. Their youthful and light-hearted aesthetic can also be used to add a soft touch to cool denim looks.

Flare Heel

Having made its mark in the 1970s, the flare heel continues to be a popular heel shape today. Characterised by a slim top and a wide base, it combines the sleekness of a thin heel with the stability of a block heel. While it is eye-catching at any height, a higher flare heel (of 8 cm and above) can be especially striking — it is a quietly dramatic element that can elevate your outfit instantly. Flare heels have a retro, architectural, and trendy vibe that makes it feel more fashion-forward than a standard block heel. They are designed to make a statement and will match effortlessly with bold fashion-week ensembles. However, they can also be dressed down for everyday wear — pair them with wide-leg trousers to create a professional look that stands out.

Sculptural Heel

Sculptural heels are the most exciting of the lot because anything goes. They are defined as heels designed with non-traditional, decorative, or geometric forms, such as spheres, stacked cylinders, or abstract hardware, that deviate from standard heel silhouettes. Often, sculptural heels resemble works of art. Whatever forms they take, the sculptural heel — which can be made of various materials, including wood and metal — is typically the primary focus of the entire shoe. These heels are often seen as a fashion statement and can add a touch of avant-garde style to any outfit. While they may not always be the most comfortable option, sculptural heels are a bold and striking choice for serious trendsetters looking to make a sartorial statement. While they will fit right in at fashion parties and editorial photoshoots, they can also be worn with a simple everyday outfit as a conversation starter.

Wedge Heel

The beauty of wedges lies in how the heels are not separated from the soles — they run seamlessly from the back of the shoe to the front, filling in the entire space under the arch of the foot. They are extremely comfortable as your weight will be distributed evenly along the entire base of your feet. This design means that wedges provide elevation with a high level of stability. With a relaxed, summer-friendly aesthetic, wedges are a popular footwear option during the warmer months, especially when they feature espadrille, cork or jute soles. These are the ultimate vacation shoes that are also great for summer weddings and casual outdoor brunches.

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Pumps

Pumps are a covered, slip-on shoe style that has low-cut vamps and no fastenings or straps. (In this article, we will be using “pumps”, instead of “court shoes”, which is commonly used in the UK to refer to the same shoe style.) These classic and versatile shoes can come with different toe shapes — almond and pointed pumps are most common, while round and square versions are popular for their charming retro aesthetic.

Due to their polished and timeless design, they are known as the ultimate “power shoe” and are often spotted in professional settings. Thus, they are a failproof choice for the boardroom, formal ceremonies and other business-related events. Pumps are usually moderately comfortable as their lack of straps mean that there a risk of them slipping off — the low-cut vamp may also pinch the toe box, which is the widest part of the foot.

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Slingback Heels

Slingback heels feature closed toes and open backs secured by straps that “sling” around the heels — these straps are often elasticised or buckled so they can be stretched or adjusted to achieve a snug fit. Kitten heels, cylindrical heels and block heels are commonly paired with this shoe style. The toes on these heels are usually pointed or almond, but they can also come with square toes for a modern and sophisticated finish.

While slingback heels are generally considered to be more relaxed than classic pumps, they still have an understated “quality luxury” quality that makes them suitable for business-casual offices, non-formal weddings and dressy date nights. In terms of comfort, these feminine shoes tend to fit better than open-heel or closed-heel shoes as their slingback straps secure the feet while allowing for natural heel movement. However, do avoid overly tight straps or straps made with rough materials to prevent blisters. To top it off, slingback heels also allow for better ventilation for the feet than completely covered shoes. Browse our comprehensive guide to choosing the right slingback heel and styling tips.

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D'Orsay Heels

D’Orsay heels are characterised by distinctive cut-out sides that expose the arches of the feet. This elegant shoe style has a glamorous old-world vibe that makes it particularly well-matched with classic stiletto heels and sleek blade heels. D’Orsay heels very often come with pointed toes because this design creates a continuous, leg-lengthening line from exposed arch to the tip of the toe, which is very flattering indeed.

Exuding classic charm and elevated femininity, these shoes are best for date nights, cocktail parties and creative professional settings. Their comfort level is low to moderate, as the missing sides offer less lateral support, so the toes need to make more effort to keep the shoes in place while walking. This problem is exacerbated if the shoes do not fit properly.

Heeled Sandals

Heeled sandals are open-construction shoes that are held to the feet by a system of straps (e.g. ankle straps, toe straps, T-bar straps). Common versions of this shoes style include strappy sandals, crossover-strap sandals and thong sandals. These heels always feature open toes to provide maximum breathability, although the toes can take on a variety of shapes.

While the aesthetic of the shoes depends on the design and thickness of their straps, heeled sandals are generally considered to be casual-leaning warm-weather footwear that are suitable for everyday wear and relaxed workplaces. However, some versions, such as those with intricate strap arrangements and towering heels, are glamorous enough to complete formal evening ensembles. Some heeled sandals are more comfortable than others — a pair with thick straps and block heels would be more pleasant to wear than one with thin straps and slim heels. Other factors, such as the material and tightness of the straps, would also affect the comfort level of heeled sandals.

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Heeled Mules

Heeled mules are slip-on, completely backless shoes with no securing straps. They can come in varying heights and with different heel shapes, but they are often paired with kitten heels and block heels — these shoes slip off easily, so low, study heels make them easier to walk in. This versatile shoe style can have open toes, closed toes or even peep toes.

Effortless, modern and minimalist, these shoes offer a cool-girl ease. Wear them for dinner dates, casual outings or as transitional shoes between events — they work best for activities that do not require much moving about. As heeled mules have lesser contact with the feet due to their backless design, they are also less likely to cause fiction-related discomfort. However, they do require wearers to “grip” on to them with their toes to prevent them from slipping and this may cause cramping and fatigue over time.

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Heeled Mary Janes

Heeled Mary Janes are characterised by closed toes and one or more straps across the insteps — the straps can vary in thickness, depending on the design. Traditionally, these shoes have round or square toes that give them a youthful, vintage charm. They also typically come with chunkier heels, such as block heels, flare heels and sculptural heels.

As this shoes style is a variation of the iconic schoolgirl-inspired Mary Janes, it has a preppy-chic aesthetic that makes it a great choice for academic settings — this neat and timeless design is also a good fit for the office. The instep straps of Mary Jane pumps act as seatbelts for the feet, keeping them securing in place while reducing the strain on the toes. Therefore, some considered these to be the most comfortable heeled shoes. To enhance their wearability further, opt for sturdier heels with larger floor-contact areas.

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Heeled Boots

Heeled boots are covered shoes with shafts that extend up the legs — the shafts can vary in height, with some reaching just the ankles while others end at the mid-calves, knees and even thighs. Although boots can technically go with any heel shape, they are often paired with heftier heels like block heels, flare heels and blade heels. However, stiletto-heel boots, especially ones with pointed toes, are also a popular boot style as they have a sleek, high-fashion aesthetic and a very flattering leg-lengthening effect. The toes of heeled boots can also affect how they look — for instance, heavy square toes can give boots a modern ‘mod’ feel.

Commanding attention, boots add visual weight to an outfit and will instantly make a look feel more intentional and interesting. While boots are essentially autumn-winter footwear, heeled versions are not suitable for wet or slippery conditions, so they are best worn on dry days or in sheltered areas during the colder months. In term of comfort, heeled boots provide a lot of stability as they encase the feet and legs, so even higher heels would feel manageable.

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