Heels are one of the essential staples every woman looking to make a fashion statement should have in her wardrobe.
With so many women’s heels available, you may struggle to select the right types of heels for every outfit in your closet. While choosing the right pair of heels doesn’t have to be a hassle, some women still find it hard to find the best one for them.
That’s why we wrote this comprehensive guide for you. In this blog post, you’ll find out 20 different types of heels every woman should own. From kitten heels to block heels and stilettos, there are just so many fashionable and classy options for you to choose from.
Ready to make that bold fashion statement and look sexier, get a seat and read through till the end!
Mary Jane Heels
Mary Jane heels is often termed as the schoolgirl shoe but it has found its way into high fashion and street style for every woman.
Mary Jane Heels is characterized by its simplicity as it features a rounded toe and a strap with a buckle across the instep. It’s available in different heights, from low to mid and high heels, making it suitable for any occasion.
This heel type has been in existence since the 1960s and was named after Mary Jane in the comic strip Busty Brown. It has remained a great choice for its timeless elegance and versatility.
You can pair it with your A-line dresses, skirts, and jeans.
Kitten Heels
Kitten heels are a go-to for every low-heel lover and someone new to wearing heels. With a typical height of not more than 2 inches, these heels offer comfort while still maintaining your style.
A notable fan of kitten heels was Audrey Hepburn, who was often seen wearing them for her iconic roles in films.
Kitten heels work well for professional meetings and gatherings where you need to look polished yet stay comfortable.
Kittens are also versatile and can be paired with tailored trousers, shift dresses, jeans, jumpsuits, and even cocktail dresses.
Platform Heels
Platform heels are characterized by their thick soles beneath the front part of the shoe and heels of at least four inches. The heels come in various styles from stiletto to block, chunks, and wedge.
Platform heels are essential for every petite woman as they give additional height to their appearance. The platform design makes it more comfortable to wear all day without feeling any pain.
You can pair this type of heel with your jumpsuit or wide-legged jeans. Whether you want to attend a special occasion or a wedding party, this shoe type is good to go.
Block Heels
Block heels are a great option for your everyday wear for ease of wear, stability, and all-day comfort. It’s one of the most popular heel types women opt for because of its broad, chunky, and square base.
Block heels come in various styles- from low block heels to pumps, open or closed-toe, and even sandals allowing you to find the perfect pair for any occasion.
Its versatility makes it easy to style with formal wear and casual jeans. You can also wear it with your maxi dress for a bohemian style.
Block heels are one of the heel types every woman should own if you’re someone who’s always on the move and wants to make a fashion statement with your dress.
T-Strap Heels
As the name implies, T-strap heels feature a T-shape design that runs vertically from the toe and connects to the horizontal strap that wraps around the ankle.
This heel design not only adds a touch of elegance to your look but also makes you appear sexier and offers optimum comfort and support to your ankle, compared to other heels.
The T-strap heels come in various shapes, styles, and heights, from wedge to stiletto and block heels. It can also be found in materials like suede, leather, and satin, giving you the freedom to choose whichever material you love.
For a professional look, pair your T-strap heels with a pencil skirt and a classy blouse or tailored trousers with a tank top and blazers.
Additionally, it can be worn casually with your jeans and also paired with your cocktail dresses for special occasions.
Horn Heels
The horn heel is a heel type with a distinctive shape that looks like the curved horns of animals. These heels add a touch of boldness and avant-garde style to any outfit.
The horn heels are a perfect choice if you want to make a dramatic entrance to special occasions. Whether it’s formal settings or a night out, you can express your artistic flair with this pair of shoes.
Cuban Heels
The Cuban heel is a common heel that is found in both men’s and women’s shoes. It has a thick, sturdy, block-like heel shape and has a slightly tapered front.
Due to their wider base, Cuban heels give your foot the needed support and balance to be worn for extended periods.
The Cuban heel is also versatile and is found in different styles, including boots and loafers.
You can pair your Cuban-heeled ankle boots with skinny jeans and a leather jacket for a chic and modern look. You can also wear your Cuban heels with vintage clothing, such as high-waisted pants and bold print tops for a retro feel.
Mule Heels
Mule heels are stylish heels characterized by their unique backless designs making it easy to slip on and off.
These heels are available in different heel heights and toe designs and can feature embellishments like buckles, studs, and embroidery for an aesthetic appeal.
The ease of wear and comfortability make it a go-to choice for busy women. The chic design makes it easier to style with any outfit whether you are going for formal occasions or casual outings.
Cone Heels
Cone heels are unique heel styles that taper from a wider base to a narrower tip, just like that of a cone. The broader base of this heel provides more comfort when compared to the stiletto heels.
Cone heels are a great choice for various occasions as it adds timeless elegance to your look. In warm weather, you can choose open-toe or strappy cone heels for breathability.
Wedge Heels
The wedge heels are another perfect heel type you can wear comfortably for longer periods. The wedge heel is characterized by its thick sole that runs through the full length of the shoe.
This type of women’s heels is versatile and comes in various heights, from low wedges to high wedges, making it a perfect shoe for casual settings or even formal events. It’s also available in various designs including pumps, sandals, boots, and espadrilles.
Wedge heels can be worn all year round, including summer and spring. Whether you’re new to wearing heels or you are a perfect heel wearer who wants to combine height with comfort without sacrificing style, this is a great choice.
Spool Heels
Spool heels are characterized by their hourglass shape with a wider top and bottom and a narrow middle. This unique design makes spool heels a great choice for timeless elegance, stability, and comfort.
Spool heels come in various heights, from low to mid and high. It’s also found in different styles including sandals, mules, and pumps.
Decorative Heels
If you love art and fashion, decorative heels are one fashion staple you should add to your wardrobe. Due to its unique, elaborate, and artistic design, decorative heels stand out as a statement piece for any outfit.
Compared to other heels, the key feature of the decorative heel is the embellishment. It can be embellished with rhinestones, crystals, sequins, and beads for an eye-catching look. Sometimes, it comes in bold colors and embroideries.
It’s best to pair your decorative heels with simpler outfits as the shoe is the focal point and it has to shine on its own.
You can choose to wear it for special occasions like weddings, galas, fashion shows, and runway shows. If you also want to make a bold fashion statement every day, you can wear it.
Ankle Strap Heels
The ankle strap heels feature a horizontal strap that wraps around the ankle, providing style and comfort. The only difference between the ankle strap and the T-strap is that the T-strap heels have a vertical strap that runs from the toe and connects to the ankle.
The strap can be thick or thin and sometimes embellished with rhinestones and buckles. It’s also available in open and closed toes and comes in various heel styles like stiletto, block heels, and wedges.
You can wear your low-block heel ankle strap sandals with jeans or pair stiletto ankle strap heels with an evening gown for a sophisticated and elegant look.
Stiletto Heels
Stiletto heels are thin, high heels that range from two to twelve inches. The stiletto heel is named after the Stiletto Dagger.
If you’re just starting to wear heels, you need to be careful when you wear the stiletto heel because it requires some practice and a knack of balance to walk in.
Due to their sexy appearance and their attention-grabbing effect, stilettos are perfect for formal events, romantic dinners, night outs, and weddings. You can pair it with a little black dress for an elegant and timeless look.
Chunky Heels
As the name implies, chunky heels are characterized by their thick, broad heels that provide more comfort and support than stilettos. The solid construction of the base helps reduce ankle sprain, making them a practical choice for different occasions.
You can wear your chunky heels with high-waisted shorts and a tucked-in blouse for a casual feel. You can also pair it with a shift dress for a sophisticated office look.
Chunky heels come in different styles including sandals, boots, pumps, and mules. It also comes in various heel heights, from low heels to high heels.
Peep Toe Heels
The peep-toe heels feature a small opening at the front of the shoe, revealing the tips of the toes. The toe-reveal adds a feminine touch to any outfit you wear.
Whether you’re going for a summer wedding, black-tie events, or just for casual outings, peep toe heel styles add a touch of glamour to your look.
D’Orsay Heels
D’Orsay heels are characterized by their cutout designs at the sides, exposing the arch of the foot. The cutout sides make it unique from other heel types, creating a classy, sleek, and sexy silhouette.
This heel type is particularly known for the pointed toe, giving it an elongating effect, and is often chosen for its flattering fit and unique design. If you want to appear elegant and make a statement wherever you go, D’Orsay heels are your go-to.
For a sophisticated and stunning appearance, pair the D’Orsay heels with a fitted dress for your date night or dinner party. You can also wear it with tailored trousers and a stylish top for your office look.
Flared Heels
The flared heel is a heel type that widens out at the bottom, resembling a bell or trumpet. The uniqueness of the heels offers comfort and stability to the wearer.
Whether you want to attend a classy event or for a stylish work wear and casual look, the flare heel is an excellent choice for a stylish and polished appearance.
Slingback Heels
A slingback heel features a strap wrapped around the back of the ankle or heels. This heel adds a touch of elegance to any outfit you wear.
It’s available in various heel heights, from flats to kitten and high heels. It also comes in different toe designs, including peep toe, open toe, round, and pointed.
Slingbacks come in different attractive colors, so you need to choose a color that complements your outfit any day and any time.
The slingback heels can be worn all year round to formal events and even casual outings.
Square Heels
Square heels feature a geometric, squared shape that provides stability and comfort compared to other heels. This makes it easier for you to wear for longer periods.
The geometric shape of the square heels adds a stylish element to any outfit you wear. They are found in various styles including pumps, sandals, and mules.
Different Heel Heights
Understanding the different heel heights is a prerequisite for selecting your heel style. The height of your heels can affect your appearance, so you need to prioritize comfort at all times.
Below are basic heel heights you should know:
Flats
Flats have little or no heel (between 0 – 0.5 inches) and can be worn freely with utmost comfort and stability all day. You can easily wear it to run errands and for casual outings.
Kitten Heels
Kitten heels are a great choice for people who are just starting as heel lovers. The heel height ranges from 1.5″ to 2″. It offers you slight elevation without the need to sacrifice your comfort.
Low Heels
If you want to add just a little extra height with your heels, then you can choose low heels. The heel height ranges from 2″ to 3″ from the ground. It’s just a little above the kitten’s heel.
You can wear it to your casual or semi-formal occasions without any discomfort.
Mid Heels
Mid heels are medium-height heels between 3″ to 4″. They are much easier for those accustomed to wearing heels and can still be worn for longer periods. Suitable for your office wear and special occasions.
High Heels
High heels range from 4″ to 8′ and are less comfortable to wear for long. This heel requires a high level of confidence and skill to wear and can cause a sprain on your ankle if you’re not careful.
You can wear it to formal events, parties, fashion runways, and red carpets as they give your leg that elegant and elongating effect.
Ultra High Heels
These types of heels are for the “darers”. These shoes are designed for maximum impact and height and are more challenging to walk in.
If you want a glamorous look for that special occasion especially if you can wear it properly, then this is your go-to.
Wrapping Up
You now have it; 20 different types of heels every woman should own. Irrespective of the heel styles or height, your priority for selecting a heel should be for comfort and stability.
Wearing the perfect types of heels for that occasion can make all the difference. Whether you decide to go for a cone heel, square heel, chunky heel, Mary Jane, kitten heel, or a daring stiletto, you just need to shine your best in anyone you choose.
You can now elevate your outfit and step out in style with the right choice of heels.
Hope you found this blog post helpful. Which of these heels would you love to add to your wardrobe?
