In this article, we make a clear distinction between types of heels – which refers explicitly to the heel; and shoe style type, which occurs in three forms: heeled shoes, heeled sandals, and heeled boots. We’ll separate heels into two parts.
Types of Heels
First, let’s see the 15 types of heels, which define the style of high heels. After that, we will analyze the 25 different styles of shoes. Choose which model suits your personality the best.
Table of Contents
Stiletto Heel
We start with the most influential type. There is no other heel that looks more sensual than the stiletto heel. Every girl should own at least one pair of these heels for some special occasions. However, they can cause some injury on the foot while walking, so a little practice might be necessary. But it is worth it since that might cause a lengthening effect on your legs.
Cone Heel
They have a triangular shape, which is wide at the base and tapers narrower to the end. The cone heel can be either low or medium and has the figure of an ice cream cone. These heels provide more stability in walking than the stiletto heels.
Comma Heel
These unusual but fashionable heels have the shape of a punctuation mark – comma. They are a little unusual form but are very popular nowadays. Usually, they are combined with casual clothes, such as a long skirt or jeans.
Cuban Heel
Cuban heels are very short, which makes them very comfortable for everyday wearing. They took inspiration from men’s shoes, so they usually fit very well with some casual pants. These types of heels are found on ankle boots and many other closed shoes.
Italian Heel
Italian heel is a very high, thin, and straight heel. The tall heel gives you a visual length to your legs, so it is a perfect fit for a night party combined with a dress. They can be very uncomfortable, but you will indulge in the pain for a couple of hours because of the look they provide.
Spool Heel
Spool Heel has a sand watch shape, making them wide at the base and the end and thinning in the middle. They fit well with office clothes, and because of their stability, they are very suitable to wear at work.
Pin Heel
Pin heel is a very provocative heel. Because of the height, it slims the figure. They usually are made into platform shoes. They are not for everyday use, and not everybody will find herself in them. But at the same time, they are very purchased and modern.
Wedge Heel
The best heel model for walking is definitely a wedge heel. There is no division through the whole shoe, making it inseparable from the heel to the sole. They are a favorite choice for most ladies, especially the sandal. That’s because of their best combination with summer dresses and other summer clothes.
Flared Heel
These types of heels were a favorite in the ’60s. This heel is thinner at the base and gradually widens to the end (flared shape), just like the trendy jeans. These heels are looking very good when they are combined with pencil trousers.
Curved Heel
It is a high and thin heel with a curved shape. This type is not very usual to see because of their uncomfortable design. However, famous people find it very attractive.
Kitten Heel
A lot of ladies love heels but don’t want to feel the pain caused by high heels. So, this type is made for them. Also, taller ladies decide to wear them. The kitten heel is minimal, thus its name, and it’s always below three inches.
Louis XV (French Heel)
King Louis XV left his mark on high heel history. Although men began abandoning these heels later, they started being important in women’s fashion. These types of heels have a medium height and are very similar to spool heels.
Block Heel
Block heel has a rectangular shape and looks very chick with no pressure wearing throughout the day. They look best with some fashionable jeans and are a must-have in every lady’s closet. You can find them at different heights, from medium to high.
Decorative Heel
There are so many designs of heels, and most are acceptable for the woman population. But some of them are crazy, maybe only made for Lady Gaga. There are so many models designed to reach perfection and uniqueness in shoes.
Square Heel
Square heels, aka Chunky, is a general term for any heel with a wider base that provides more stability than stilettos. The shape at the end of the heel is typically square. This heel is very similar to the block heel. The square heels are often purchased since they fit very well for every occasion, regardless if it’s for office, party, wedding, or lunch.
Types of Heeled Shoes
Heeled shoes are a closed type of footwear, made from any material. Still, leather is traditionally popular. Ladies can wear heeled shoes with formal and informal clothes, such as casual dresses and jeans. “The higher, the better. It’s more about an attitude. High heels empower women in a way.” is what Christian Louboutin will say about heeled shoes. Consequently, here are the types of heels styles you should know.
Lace-up Heels
This term for heels refers to laces on the back of the heel with a low-cut front. They fit very well some shorties and dresses.
Ankle-strap Heels
These heels have a strap that goes around the ankle. They are very popular since they offer stability while walking and give a sophisticated and notable look.
Peep-toe Heels
Peep-toe heels are, in fact, pumps that are opened a little at the toes. They are considered quite exquisite shoes. They are suitable for warmer days.
Pointed-toe Heels
In fact, these are pump heels that have a peak on the edge of the toe and often identify with stilettos. They are considered the sexiest and most powerful stilettos.
Slingback Heels
Pumps with a strap above the heel used to provide stability at the foot’s back are known as slingback heels. On the toes, they are closed. But on the back, they are open with one strap.
Mary Jane Heels
Mary Jane heels are broad, medium-heeled with a thin strap across the foot to fasten the shoe. They are similar to kids’ shoes, with the difference of the heel.
Oxford Heels
Oxford heels are formal shoes, very similar to men’s shoes, which have a closed lacing section. They are ideal for work and everyday wearing. Also are similar to boots.
Ballroom dance Heels
They are classic dance shoes with a medium heel. Ballroom dance heels are best for beginners and offer a lot of comfortability. However, they can turn out to be a little challenging when combining with outfits.
T-strap Heels
This style offers a pointed toe with a vertical strap along the feet in the shape of the letter ‘T’. They tighten the foot, making it easy to walk or dance in them.
D’orsay Heels
The cut made on the heels’ side defines the D’orsay heels. Usually, the cut exists on only one side of the shoe. But sometimes, both sides are cut to reveal the foot better. You can find them at a different heel height, from medium to high.
Types of Heeled Sandals
Sometimes there is an unclear distinction between sandals and heel shoes. However, the main difference is that the sandals leave all or most of the feet exposed. Here we explain heeled sandal types, but you can find the same in a flat variant, too.
Mule Sandals
Maybe this is the simplest design of all assortment of shoes. Mules are open at the back of the foot, making them the easiest model for slipping the foot in and out. They are informal, and it is advisable to wear them with casual outfits, such as jeans.
Cut-out Sandals
They are not widely open sandals and have different cut-out design. The toe is more hidden than visible. Still, they look fabulous with some jeans or a casual dress. They became increasingly popular because of their contemporary concept.
Lace-up Sandals
These are similar to ankle-strap sandals with a sophisticated look because of the lace. Instead of a strap, they have lace or ribbons that must be tied above the ankle. They are a little complicated to wear, but they look stunning with short dresses, skirts, or short pants.
Corset Sandals
Their front looks the same as a corset; the laces are tied together, initiating sexiness and femininity. They look the best with skinny fitted trousers and dress that defines the body shape.
Ankle-strap Sandals
The most feminine sandals are ankle-strap sandals. The straps on the toe and the ankle provide stability and enhance the overall look. They can be worn with formal and informal clothes. According to the heel’s thickness, some are acceptable for everyday wearing and some for special occasions.
Gladiator Sandals
These sandals exist since ancient times and are present in fashion longer than most shoes. You might wear them with some more elegant look, but it would be better to have them with a casual outfit. The heel lengthens the leg and looks incredible with short dresses.
Slingback Sandals
Unlike the ankle-strap heels, the strap goes around the backside of the Achilles. It provides elegance and stability depending on the thickness of the heel. When they are on a platform, they look so gorgeous and feminine.
Strappy Sandals
While lace-ups need more time to tie, strappy sandals are easier to wear while giving the same effect. Usually, the straps are placed on the foot horizontally and provide you with comfort while moving. The straps can sometimes go above the ankle.
Thong-heeled Sandals
Thong-heeled or heeled flip-flops are derived model from the flat style. They are casual footwear, and you can wear them with some light and floral clothes when the weather is too warm. They can be a little uncomfortable between the toes, so they are not worn often.
Types of Heeled Boots
There are quite so many boot options on the market. You can find them with a pointed or rounded toe, block, or any type of heel we mentioned above. Here we’ll discuss the heel version of boots. Some of these boot styles can be without a heel as well.
A single style of boots does not fit well with all the outfits you have in your closet. So, here are the types of boots you need to know.
Ankle Boots
These boots, thus the name, cover the foot and the ankle. They are an older type of footwear, and they are a must-have in every lady’s closet. They are perfect for work because you can wear them with trousers and uniforms.
Tall Boots
The tall boot is a more casual boot variant, where usually the height is below the knee. They fit with jeans quite well and are the perfect choice for daytime wearing. You can find them pretty basic or with some design on them.
Knee High Boots
Knee-high boots are considered sensual boots because they lengthen the leg and make you look taller. They look casual, and you can wear them both during the day and in the evening. You cannot combine them with formal clothes.
Over-the-Knee Boots
Like the previous type of boots, over-the-knee boots are pretty much the same, with a small difference in the height. These boots pass the knee and look sexier when combined with some short skirts or dresses. They are very popular and trendy nowadays.
Lace-Up Boots
Any boot that has laces can be categorized as lace boots. These boots have a lacy part forward, which laces need to be tied. They are perfect to wear on date nights when the weather is cold, and you can find them in different heights and types of heels.
Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots are an old boots model which has changed a lot over time. Now, you can find it in all prints, colors, and materials, not only in traditionally cowhide leather. They are very casual and perfect for wearing them on daytime coffee. The heel is usually medium height.
