Women see high-heeled shoes from different perspectives – some, the scary side, and some, the saucy side. But one thing is sure: they're all-time trends that don't seem to fade away anytime soon. If you’re in the market for best high heels—perhaps to elevate your look or boost your height—but you don't know what to choose, we're glad to tell you they're among the best shoes that should rank high in your choice of wardrobe. And right here are the 32 best high heels every woman should own. I mean “classic ladies”.
Our Top Picks
21 Best Types Of High Heels For Women
Pump heels
Right of the bat, every classic lady out there should own at least a pair of women's pump heels. They rank high among the all-time trendy types of high heels you'll find today.
Whether with block or stiletto type of heel, pump heels are one of the best high heels which are ever elegant and a perfect match for your unending nine-to-five jobs outfits, casual outfits, and practically many others.
Stiletto heels
If you’re looking for the highest and probably the sexiest high heels available, they’re called the stiletto heels. Named after the stiletto dagger, you’ll find stiletto shoes with a long, thin, and high heel that distinguishes them from others.
Though their heels can vary in height depending on how you want them, you won't find a stiletto heel less than 2-3 inches tall. And they can go as high as 12-inches or more, though you wouldn’t want to wear something as tall as that.
And while they come in elegant designs and offer a sophisticated look for anyone who wears them, one thing is certain about stiletto heels: they aren't for the faint-hearted.
Platform heel Sandals
Like other types of platform shoes, you can identify platform heels easily with their thick soles. You’ll usually find them with thin, long heels. But their thick sole—where the front of your foot rests—compensate for the high heel, making it more comfortable than many types of high heels available.
A tall shoe – say the stiletto – with weak platform can the uneasy to walk in. That’s where the platform heels comes in to help you play it safe.
Chunky High Heels
Chunky high heels are the best choice if you are a fan of heels but afraid of falling from the thin ones. A chunky heel is an extended term for the block or wide heels. They come in various designs from which you can choose the best suitable heel for you. They mostly offer a classic, sleek, fashionable design with solid colors. You need to select the right thickness and height of heels.
You can pair chunky high heels with a decent dress to give you a modest look or pair it up with skirts or denim to hang out with friends. Choose bold colors and heels to have a fun night in the club.
Rhinestone Heels
These are the best heels for weddings, receptions, dinners, parties, and other important occasions. These heels have rhinestones of different sizes, styles, and colors that add to your attire's sparkling or eye-catching look.
You should select transparent or nude-colored rhinestone heels for formal dressing and bright colors for casual wear to rock the club.
Strappy Heels
These open heels expose a lot of skin and have straps around the feet. These straps are made up of various materials, and the number of straps varies from a few to many. They give you a strong grip on your heels, but wearing them for a long time makes it uncomfortable because the straps put pressure on your feet and leave marks.
The length of the straps ranges from ankle length to lower knee length.
Espadrille Heels
If you say that espadrille heels are the most comfortable and cozy summer heels to wear, then you are not wrong. Espadrilles are the traditional Spanish heels. The upper part of traditional heels is made up of fabric and canvas, but now various materials are used, like cotton, fleece, and felt.
Its sole is comfy and flexible, made up of rubber. The heel and sole wrap around jute, rope, and natural fibers. These ropes are attached to the base in different designs, from simple to complex braids. Espadrille is best for comfort seekers. You can wear it with summer clothes like skirts, long dresses and skirts, denim and skin fit.
Mary Jane Heels
Mary Jane's heels are similar to pumps. They are closed-toe with at least one instep strap. This strap is tied up with a buckle, buttons, or, in some cases, elastic instep straps. They usually have a block or wide heels. That makes it easy to wear, and instep straps provide support and stability. Marry Jane heels are the perfect blend of fashion and comfort. Traditional Mary Jane is short-heeled and made up of leather.
They are protean and can give you different looks with different outfit styles. It can give you a casual look with baggy jeans and a leather jacket, or you can also wear it with a dress or a skirt. Try to wear long heels with skirts.
Transparent Heels
These heels have been getting popular over the last few years. Transparent or clear heels are made up of clear material. They gave you a perfect look when dressed up and down. Due to the transparent upper, they gave your legs some height illusion.
They look so beautiful with a dress or suit for formal wear and shorts or denim for a casual look.
Heeled Ankle Boots
These are the boots that extend to the ankle with various sizes of heels. They look best for casual day wear or dinners. Short-heeled ankle boots may shorten your height when worn with loose pants. Wear tight leggings or crop jeans with boots to elongate your legs.
They are made up of leather or a variety of leather with rubber.
Block heel Sandals
After all, heels aren’t meant to be stressful or built to ruin your day. And if you're in for comfort while showcasing your sophisticated dress with your favorite pair of high-heeled shoes, then it should be block heels.
Unlike stilettos, block heels feature broad bases with moderate heights, providing you with adequate support to balance on the ground. Other than that, block heels reduce the strain on your feet while helping you maintain the perfect height you needed in the first place.
If you have problems wearing high-heeled shoes because they cause fatigue at the end of your outing, you definitely should try out block heels.
Wedge heels
A couple of types of high heels gives you the elevated look you’ve always wanted while still prioritizing your comfort and safety. And guess what? Wedge heels take that further.
With what looks like a block staircase, wedge heels come with sturdy, flushed soles and heels, making them easier to walk in than many other types of high heels.
They probably are not the most stylish heels available in 2021, but a must-have for anyone looking for comfort.
High heeled boots
Boots are a staple for every lady’s wardrobe. They give you an elevated look while keeping your feet warm and healthy throughout the winter.
There are already numerous types of boots out there. But in this context, high-heeled boots are a must-have.
Ankle strap heels
As their name suggests, ankle strap heels are just like any other type of heel with straps fastened around your ankle for extended support.
They may come in various designs, heights, and heel types like stilettoes, platforms, blocks, etc. But their most distinguishable characteristic is the added straps for extra security.
Peep-toe heels
Most shoes are named after their looks, and peep-toe heels are not exceptional. They come in a variety of designs and build you can choose depending on the outfit and occasion, but one thing is constant about peep-toe heels: they have a small opening in the front that allows you to showcase your beautiful toes.
So, if you’ve always wanted to showcase your aesthetic, colourful toes, but the other shoes are limiting you, it's time to add a peep toe heel to your wardrobe.
You can compare them with open-toe heels, but they have a significantly smaller opening that makes them worthy of being called "peep-toe" heels.
Platform Pumps
These heels are in vogue and comfortable to wear during summer. Platform pumps are of different designs, simple, and unique strap designs.
They make you look stylish and add an extra touch to your favorite outfits. You can wear a dress, maxi, and shorts with platform pumps.
Mule heels
Coming without sling backs or traps, mule heels are a staple for every adorable woman who wants to look chic and steal the show! Their open backs make them one of the must-have types of high heels for summer.
More so, they can be the most easy-to-wear type of high heels available—just slide in your legs, and you're good to go.
Open-toe heels
Unlike peep-toes, open toe heels have wider openings on the front that allows you to showcase not just some of your toes but all of them, and some flesh.
They usually come with straps or sling backs, though they don’t have to. But one thing is you can’t go wrong with whatever open-toe style you chose to wear.
Square Toe Heels
Who doesn't love high heel shoes to look flattering in their party dress? You can prefer square toe heels that can be worn for all your special occasions. These heels have a square toe, and it is available in several styles.
Square toe heels are one of the types of heels that make the heel the most comfortable one to wear. Also, these heels work well with casual skirts, jeans, and dresses.
Closed-Toe Heels
Closed-toe heels are those that cover your feet completely, including toe-to heels. These heels may be normal closed-toe or pointed closed-toe heels. Closed-toe include pumps, stilettos, sling back, platform heels, and many more..
You can dress up or down closed-toe heels with suitable outfits and perfect matching heels.
Pointed Toe Heels
If you want to look at your legs longer and add instant glamour to your dress, try none other than pointed-toe heels. Almost every heel today is in pointed shape, but the only drawback is the uneasiness of wearing narrow toe space.
People with wide feet should not wear pointed heels. These are the best formal wear heels to carry with any dress and pants.
For a boost in height, go for a pair of your favourites stilettos. And for more comfort, safety, and balance, a pair of wedge heels, block heels, or even a platform should do. In whatever high heel style you're going for, always remind yourself to prioritize your comfort over every other thing.