Heel shape
One of the biggest differences between different heel types is the shape of the heel itself. Seemingly small design tweaks can affect the casual or dressy look of a shoe. Heel shape can also affect wear resistance, as some heel types can be a little difficult to walk on.
thick heel
When considering what heel shape is most comfortable, block heels are often the first style that comes to mind. Also known as block heels, this design features a thick, square heel that resembles a block. The larger surface area of the heel makes this style easier to walk on because it distributes your weight more evenly instead of loading it all onto one small spot (like the weight of a stiletto heel).
cuban heel
Cuban heels are very similar to block heels, but are almost always short to medium height, while block heels can be quite tall. Cuban heels are typically found on different types of boots, including ankle boots and combat boots, cowboy boots and Chelsea boots, as well as men's shoes like loafers and oxfords. When it comes to comfort and wearability, Cuban heels rank high.
tapered heel
If you're interested in shoes with a unique silhouette, tapered heels are the way to go. As the name suggests, this shoe has a tapered heel with a thick base that tapers off. You can think of this versatile, timeless heel shape as a thicker version of the classic stiletto—the tapered heel accentuates your legs like a stiletto, but the extra support at the base lets you walk more easily.
Flared heel
The trumpet heel style adopts an inverted tapered design, with the top being slender and the bottom gradually widening, creating a thick heel effect. This heel style became popular in the 1970s and now has a hint of retro nostalgia.
decorative heel
If you're looking for a bold heel shape, consider decorative heels. The styles vary widely, from simple ball-shaped heels to more ornate, whimsical designs like flowers, animals, hearts, and globes. There's no doubt that a pair of decorative heels will make a statement.
spool heel
The bobbin heel (also called the Pompadour, Antoinette, or Louis heel) is a variation of the French heel, which was very popular from the 17th century to the 1920s. (1) French heels have an obvious hourglass design: wider at the top, thinner in the middle, and curved at the bottom for more stability. Today's bobbin heel is a more subtle version that feels modern rather than antique.
stilettos
Stilettos are an iconic heel type that rose to fame in the 1950s and have been taking the fashion world by storm ever since. (2) With its tall, slender, pointed silhouette, the shoe is aptly named after the Stiletto Dagger. While stilettos are designed to help make your legs look longer and slimmer, stilettos do take some practice to get into.
Wedges
Looking for a more comfortable, casual look? Wedges are a good choice. Unlike other types of high heels, this design features a continuous, sturdy, wedge-shaped outsole that begins at the toe box and gradually increases in height to the heel. This distributes the weight of the foot more evenly and gives you the best of both worlds: height and comfort.
heel height
In addition to shape, heel height is another factor to consider. We divide heel height into five main categories.
High heels type display
kitten heel
Kitten heels are the shortest heel type, typically ranging from 1.5 inches to 2 inches in height. It's perfect for anyone who's new to wearing heels, or who wants to add a little height without sacrificing comfort.
low heels
Low heels sit between 2 inches and 3 inches off the ground, a little more than mid-heels, but don't veer into wobbly territory. This is a great option for those who want a little more height and comfortable support.
mid heel
Also known as a mid-heel, the mid-heel is between 3 inches and 4 inches above the ground. You may have seen it in offices or semi-formal events. This heel height will not put too much pressure on the ball of the foot, making it easier to wear for long periods of time.
High heel
The height of heels ranges from 4 inches to 8 inches. You'll find heels in a variety of shoe styles, from casual sandals to formal heels for special occasions. Due to the height of the shoe, we recommend that you take your time to break in these shoes and wear them for short periods at a time rather than wearing them all day long.