Kinds of Heels: 13 Types of Heels and When to Wear Them

From sky-high stilettos to sensible block heels, the kind of heel on a shoe changes everything: how tall you stand, how comfortable you are, and the whole feel of an outfit. Knowing the different kinds of heels makes it much easier to choose the right pair for work, weddings, nights out and everyday wear.

In this guide I'll share 13 kinds of heels with their names, how high each one usually is, the shoe styles they come in, and how to choose heels you can actually walk in.

The quick answer: The main kinds of heels are the stiletto, kitten heel, block heel, wedge, platform, cone heel, Louis (spool) heel, Cuban heel, flared heel, stacked heel, comma heel, sculptural heel and clear heel. Stilettos are the tallest and thinnest, kitten heels are short and slim, block heels and wedges are the most stable, and platforms add height without as steep an angle.

Heel Heights at a Glance

13 Kinds of Heels

1. Stiletto heel. The classic high heel: tall, very thin and tapered to a tiny tip. Stilettos give the most dramatic, elegant shape and lengthen the leg, but they're the hardest to walk in and sink into grass and gravel. Best for evenings, parties and formal events.

2. Kitten heel. A short, slim heel, usually around 3 to 5cm, often with a slight curve. Kitten heels give a polished look with far more comfort than a stiletto, which makes them a favourite for work and long days on your feet.

3. Block heel. A thick, solid heel with a square or rectangular shape. The wider base spreads your weight, so block heels feel much more stable than stilettos at the same height. They suit everything from office courts to summer sandals and outdoor weddings.

4. Wedge heel. A heel that runs the full length of the sole, from the back of the shoe to the ball of the foot, in one solid piece. Wedges are comfortable, stable and great on grass, which makes espadrille wedges a summer classic.

5. Platform heel. A shoe with a thick sole under the front of the foot as well as a heel. The platform reduces the steepness of the slope, so you get extra height with less pressure on the ball of the foot. Platforms can have stiletto, block or wedge heels.

6. Cone heel. A heel that is wide where it meets the shoe and narrows towards the ground, like an ice cream cone. It's slimmer than a block heel but more stable than a stiletto, and has a slightly retro feel.

7. Louis heel (spool heel). A curved heel that flares out at the top and bottom and narrows in the middle, named after King Louis XIV of France. Louis heels look romantic and vintage and are common on wedding and occasion shoes.

8. Cuban heel. A low to medium heel, slightly tapered at the back and straight at the front, traditionally found on boots. Cuban heels are comfortable and give a cool, slightly Western or Seventies look.

9. Flared heel. A heel that is narrow where it meets the shoe and widens towards the ground. The wider base adds stability, and the shape looks modern and fashion-forward.

10. Stacked heel. A heel made from layers of leather or wood stacked on top of each other, so the layers are visible on the side. Stacked heels are usually low to medium and are common on loafers, brogues, boots and classic courts.

11. Comma heel. A curved heel shaped like a comma, sweeping back and then forward. It's an eye-catching designer detail that makes a plain shoe look like a piece of art.

12. Sculptural heel. Any heel designed as a statement: geometric, twisted, metallic, ball-shaped or architectural. Sculptural heels work like a sculptural chair in a room, giving a simple outfit a focal point.

13. Clear heel. A transparent heel, usually made of Perspex or acrylic, that makes the shoe look as though it's floating. Clear heels are bold, modern and a playful choice for parties.

Kinds of Heeled Shoes

The heel is only half the story. The same heel can appear on many different shoe styles.

A Short History of the High Heel

Heels weren't always a women's fashion. Historians trace them back to riding boots worn by horsemen in Persia, where a heel helped keep the foot in the stirrup. In 17th-century Europe, high heels became a fashion for wealthy men, and King Louis XIV of France famously wore red heels as a sign of status. Over the following century heels became more and more associated with women's fashion, and the slim stiletto appeared in the 1950s.

Are High Heels Bad for Your Feet?

Wearing very high heels for long periods puts extra pressure on the ball of the foot and changes your posture. Emma Cowley, a lecturer in podiatry at the University of Plymouth, writes that "Research shows that wearing high heels has been linked to a number of medical problems," and points to a College of Podiatry survey in which "A fifth said their feet began to hurt after just ten minutes' wear."

That doesn't mean giving heels up, just choosing wisely and mixing heights through the week.

How to Choose Heels You Can Walk In

• Go wider. Block heels, wedges, cone and flared heels are far more stable than stilettos.
• Go lower. A kitten heel or a 5cm block heel gives polish without the strain.
• Add a platform. A small platform at the front makes a high heel feel lower.
• Look for straps. Ankle straps, Mary Jane straps and slingbacks hold the foot in place.
• Check the fit late in the day. Feet swell during the day, so try shoes on in the afternoon.
• Think about the ground. Choose wedges or block heels for grass, cobbles and outdoor weddings.

Which Heels for Which Occasion?

If you're dressing for a wedding, pairing the right heel with the right outfit matters, much like choosing the right wedding suit. For summer, block heel sandals and wedges look lovely with these summer dresses.

How I Choose Heels for Work and Events

After more than 15 years of working on homes, pubs and restaurants, and arranging flowers for weddings and events, I've spent a lot of long days on my feet in heels, and I've learnt a few things the hard way.

• I wear block heels on site. For client visits and installations, a block heel or ankle boot looks smart and lets me climb stairs and stand all day.
• I save stilettos for evenings. They're beautiful, but they belong to occasions where you can sit down.
• I choose wedges for garden weddings. When I'm setting up flowers outdoors, a wedge never sinks into the lawn.
• I think about colour like a room. A neutral heel works with everything, while one bold pair, like a statement chair, can lift a whole outfit.

How to Store Your Heels

• Keep them in pairs on open shelves or in clear boxes so you can see them.
• Use shoe trees or tissue in good leather pairs to hold their shape.
• Store heels upright rather than piled in a basket, to protect the heel tips.
• Make space by the door for everyday pairs, with smart hallway storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different kinds of heels?

The main kinds of heels are stiletto, kitten, block, wedge, platform, cone, Louis, Cuban, flared, stacked, comma, sculptural and clear heels.

What is the most comfortable kind of heel?

Block heels, wedges and low kitten heels are usually the most comfortable, because they spread your weight more evenly or keep the foot closer to flat.

What is the difference between a stiletto and a kitten heel?

Both are slim, but a stiletto is tall, usually 8cm or more, while a kitten heel is short, usually around 3 to 5cm.

What is a block heel?

A block heel is a thick, solid heel with a square or rectangular shape that gives more stability than a thin heel.

What heel height is best for everyday wear?

Many people find heels of around 5cm (2in) or lower the most comfortable for everyday wear.

What is a court shoe?

A court shoe, called a pump in the US, is a classic closed shoe with a low-cut front and no fastening, usually with a stiletto, kitten or block heel.

What kind of heels are best for an outdoor wedding?

Block heels, wedges and flared heels are best for outdoor weddings, because they won't sink into grass.

Find Your Perfect Heel

The right heel depends on where you're going and how long you'll be on your feet. Keep a pair of stilettos for special evenings, block heels and kitten heels for everyday polish, and wedges for summer, and you'll have the right kind of heel for almost every occasion.

And if you'd like the same thoughtful approach for your home, you can book a one-hour online interior design consultation with me.