Women's Heeled Shoes: Which Shape to Choose

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Women's Shoes · All heeled styles

Saying “heeled shoe” tells you almost nothing: five different styles fall under that name, each fitting differently and suited to different occasions. Before considering the height, it is worth choosing the shape, because that determines whether the shoe will hold your foot securely or slip off by the third step.

The five styles, and when to choose them

The décolleté pump is closed at the front and back, with no fastening. It is the cleanest and most formal style, and therefore the most versatile: from the office to the evening. It does, however, require a foot it fits well, because there is nothing to adjust the fit.

The slingback leaves the heel open and holds it with an adjustable strap. It is the answer for anyone who loses a décolleté pump while walking, and in solid colours it remains as formal as a décolleté pump.

Mary Janes have a strap across the instep and are the most stable of the group: at the same height, they are the style that will keep you standing until evening.

The heeled sandal is the summer and occasion style, with a jewelled version for special events. The ankle boot brings heels into the colder months, with the advantage that a covered ankle supports greater height more securely.

The boutique's advice. If you are buying just one pair, a 6-centimetre leather décolleté pump is the choice that covers the widest range of occasions. If you have never felt comfortable in heeled shoes, however, the issue is not the height: try Mary Janes, and it is likely that the problem was support rather than centimetres.

Choose the height for your day, not for the shoe

Five or six centimetres will take you from morning to evening. Seven or eight add more length and will carry you through an evening. From nine upwards, they are event shoes, and it is worth choosing a platform under the toe: that determines the foot's true angle far more than the number written on the heel.

The maisons

Casadei with its steel Blade heel, Ninalilou for ceremonies and bridalwear, Carel for Parisian Mary Janes, Chie Mihara for distinctive designs, followed by Loriblu, Giusy Flux, Anna F., Marc Ellis and Coccinelle.

For important occasions, explore our selection of bridal shoes. If you are looking for something without a heel, discover our ballet flats. All women's Shoes are available in women's Shoes.

For a complete occasion look, our women's occasion dresses have their own page.

Frequently asked questions

Which heeled shoe is the most comfortable?

At the same height, Mary Janes: the strap across the instep prevents the foot from sliding forward and distributes weight more evenly. The slingback comes next, adjusting the fit with its rear strap. The closed décolleté pump is the most elegant, but also the least forgiving of an imperfect fit.

What heel height should you choose?

Between 5 and 6 centimetres for everyday wear, between 7 and 8 for the evening, and 9 or more for events. Above 8 centimetres, whether there is a platform under the toe makes a significant difference: it determines the foot's actual angle more than the stated heel height.

How can you stop a heeled shoe from slipping off?

The problem is almost always the shape rather than the size: a heel that is narrow in relation to the forefoot will make the foot slip out of any closed décolleté pump. The solution is to switch to a style with a fastening — a slingback or Mary Jane — rather than going down a size, which would squeeze your toes without solving the fit.

Which heeled shoe brands do you carry?

Casadei, Ninalilou, Loriblu, Carel, Chie Mihara, Giusy Flux, Anna F., Marc Ellis and Coccinelle, as well as our own line. We are an authorised retailer, and the shoes arrive in the maison's original packaging.