16 Types of Heels Explained: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Style

Heels are one of the most popular categories of shoes. Whether running out for brunch with your girlfriends or attending an important meeting at the office, there’s a heel for every occasion.

Even if you call yourself a ‘flats girl’, you need at least a few pairs of heels in your arsenal. Choosing heels can be difficult, especially with a growing list of styles and ever-changing trends.

Regardless of what Christian Louboutin said, you can find comfortable heels – it’s all about the heel type, arch, and material.

Prioritizing design, beauty, and sexiness, Christian Louboutin has made clear he’s not focusing on comfort when designing heels (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

We’re comparing heel types, how to wear them, and the classic material choice for each. A few styles of heels instantly jump to mind: stilettoes, kitten heels, and block heels.

Even if you don’t count yourself as a shoe connoisseur, you’re likely to have come across more styles of heels than you think. We’re taking a deep dive into the most popular heel styles so you can decide which one is a must-have for you. This guide includes the benefits of each style, which the naked eye can often overlook.

Explore the elegance and versatility of footwear with this diverse collection of heels, ranging from classic stilettos to comfortable block heels, each style offering a unique blend of fashion and functionality

Our guide takes you through every heel style you should have in your closet, whatever your lifestyle is. Grab a pen and shortlist the styles you need to add to your closet!

Block Heels: Comfortable, Stable, and Timeless

The beauty of block heels is that they’re generally one of the most comfortable styles. They’re a classic silhouette that will never go out of style.

The thicker heel distributes your body weight more evenly as you walk. This style is a must-have if you’re prone to aches and pains in your knees and ankles. As you walk in these heels, the block heel helps to take some pressure off your toes and the front of your foot.

Thick block heels offer enhanced stability, reduce pressure on the front of the foot, and deliver all-day comfort without sacrificing height or style

While block heels might not appear to be the most stylish of shoes, they’re a popular choice for the office or weddings, where you know you’ll be walking around or dancing.

Block heels come in every toe box style, from open toes to almond shapes. If you’re new to wearing heels, you can choose a style with an ankle strap to make them easier to wear.

The strap makes it less likely that you’ll step out of your shoe. Suede and patent leather are the two most common material choices for this heel style.

Cuban Heels: Masculine Edge with Wearable Height

If you prefer a touch of masculine edge or want extra height without the challenge of stilettos, Cuban heels—drawing inspiration from wedges and traditional men’s footwear—offer the perfect balance of style and stability.

Cuban heels feature a slightly tapered back and straight front, offering subtle elevation with a sturdy, masculine-inspired design ideal for boots and loafers

They look similar to platforms and are medium in height. This heel style is usually found on loafers and oxford shoes with a closed toe.

The heel’s tapered appearance differentiates it from the platform sole. A Cuban heel is the perfect match for upgrading the loafer style.

Comma Heels: Sculptural, Curved Kitten-Heel Alternative

Thank Christian Dior for bringing this heel type back onto our radar. If you’re a fan of kitten heels and want to refresh your closet with a similar aesthetic, the comma heels are the trend for you.

True to their name, comma heels feature a sculptural heel curved like a comma, offering a modern, artistic twist on the classic kitten heel silhouette

Comma heels offer all the benefits of the kitten style—namely, comfort—with an unusual design that makes a subtle statement.

Flare Heels: ’70s-Inspired Feminine Style with Stability

Are you a fan of the block heel? Flare heels have a similar shape and aesthetic, flaring out on the interior side towards the arch. This style became a trend during the ‘70s, with the shape taking its inspiration from flared trousers.

Like block heels, flare heels provide comfort and stability, but their flared silhouette adds a feminine, retro-inspired touch to any outfit

These heels are just as comfortable as block heels, helping to distribute your weight as you walk. What we love about this style is that it will add a feminine and vintage-inspired aesthetic to your outfit.

The flared heel will naturally elongate your figure. They’re an ideal mid-way between your usual slim heel and a block heel. This style usually comes with almond or round toes for extra wearability.

French Heels: European Vintage with Modern Support

Want to add a little European flair to your outfit? French heels are inspired by the original silhouette made for men in France.

They’re similar to spool heels but are usually considered a block heel version of the kitten heel. These shorter heels have a curved bottom and a wider top connecting the heel and sole.

French heels blend the low height of kitten heels with a wider, curved base for added stability, offering a vintage-inspired take on feminine footwear

French heels are your go-to if you struggle to walk in a thinner heel and need extra support. What makes this heel style unique is that it sometimes appears in a textile or fabric material, staying true to the shoe’s original inspiration.

Kitten Heels: Low-Profile Elegance for Work or Play

We’ve already mentioned them a few times, but the kitten heel is a style that constantly reappears in trends. This heel is for you if you want a heel without too much height.

Kitten heels are popular amongst those on the taller end who are self-conscious about stepping out in a stiletto heel.

Kitten heels feature short, slender heels—typically under 2 inches—offering a touch of elevation that’s elegant, comfortable, and perfect for both petite and taller women

Kitten heels are thin, clocking in below three inches. They’re usually found with a pointed toe, giving them an elevated and sophisticated appearance. This style is an excellent choice for your workwear closet, or if you struggle to be comfortable in a taller heel shape.

Stiletto Heels: Iconic High Heels for Every Occasion

Meet the most popular heel style and one that everyone instantly thinks of. The stiletto heel is a thin shape that comes in a variety of heights, whether you like a mid-height or a Louboutin-worthy heel. Most stilettos sit at around four inches or more.

Stiletto shoes are a separate category of heels, ranging from open-toe sandals to pumps and platforms. The classic stiletto is made of patent leather with a natural shine finish, giving it an elevated feel.

Inspired by the slender stiletto dagger, stiletto heels are defined by their ultra-thin, high silhouette that adds dramatic height and sleek, sexy elegance

Every woman needs at least one pair of stilettoes in their closet – whether it’s a classic, minimalistic shade or a statement color. One thing to consider is the wearability of the heel and your lifestyle.

Choosing a stiletto with an exposed or hidden platform can make it easier to walk by minimizing the difference in height between your toes and ankle.

Stilettos can also be found in everything from sling-backs to knee-high boots, which shows their popularity. The higher the stiletto, the less wearable the shoes are for long-term wear.

The taller stiletto heel is a go-to choice for nights out. It elongates your legs to give you a more sultry look. If you want your legs to appear as long as possible, choose a shade that matches your natural skin tone or tan.

Spool Heels: Vintage Hourglass Style with Added Height

These heels are the younger sister of the French heel. They first appeared on the fashion scene in Europe during the Baroque and Rococo eras.

Their inspiration comes from the original curved heel of the French shoe, but with a more hourglass appearance. The name ‘spool’ comes from its resemblance to the spinning machines of the era.

Named after the spool, spool heels feature a curvy, hourglass-shaped heel that’s higher than French heels, offering both vintage charm and added height

If you want a heel slightly higher than a kitten heel, with the wearability of a block heel, the spool is your must-have style. You’ll find these heels in everything from mules to open-toe sandals and sling-backs.

Intricate Design Heels: Bold, Sculptural Statement Shoes

The heel is the focal point of any shoe. Ralph & Russo ushered in a new heel trend with their ‘Eden’ style, incorporating metal leaves across the heel, spiraling from the tip to the ankle tab.

Intricately designed heels transform footwear into wearable art, using bold sculptural details and unique embellishments to create eye-catching statement looks

These heel styles typically come in a minimalistic color, blending a statement moment with a classic aesthetic. If you’re looking for a shoe to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or wedding, this heel style offers an eye-catching design.

Wedge Heels: All-Day Height with Comfort and Balance

One heel you might not instantly consider a heel is the wedge. These shoes connect the sole to the back of the heel, giving you an elevated sole that ties the shoe together.

Wedge heels deliver the perfect balance of height and stability, offering stylish elevation with added comfort and support for all-day wear

Wedge heels are a go-to choice for spring and summer, giving you a preppy or nautical aesthetic. If you want the height of a stiletto with more wearability, check out this heel type. You’ll get an extra few inches with even weight distribution to keep you on your feet for hours.

Now that you know the must-have heel types, it’s worth looking at the available shoe materials. Some material choices are more popular than others, and they directly impact the heels’ wearability and aesthetics.

The heel’s material is as essential as its shape, contributing to its overall aesthetic. We’re rounding up a few of the most common materials for heels so you know which styles to add to your shopping list.

Cork Heels: Sustainable, Lightweight Summer Staple

Just like a luxury champagne bottle, a cork heel is more durable than meets the naked eye. Cork heels are becoming more popular if you want an environmentally friendly heel material.

Cork heels combine lightweight comfort with natural durability, making them a chic and breathable choice for summer footwear

This material is usually found on wedge heels, which make a comeback every summer. If you want inspiration on how to wear your cork heels, check out the summer style of the Duchess of Cambridge.

Cork heels are usually mixed and matched with different fabrics for the uppers of the shoes, such as suede or leather. What we love about cork is its versatility and durability, meaning you can enjoy your heels for seasons on end.

Leather Heels: Classic Luxury and Long-Term Durability

The single most popular heel material is leather. Leather should be your go-to choice if you want to invest in a pair of heels. You get a smooth texture with unbeatable quality.

The beauty of leather is that you’re spoilt for choice, with different price points and aesthetics.

Calfskin leather remains a top choice for footwear thanks to its smooth texture, lasting durability, and timeless appeal across both casual and formal styles

Lambskin is as soft as butter against your skin, but it is more prone to aging than Saffiano leather. Calfskin is the most common shoe material, giving durability and a soft texture.

A leather shoe is usually more wearable as the material molds to the shape of your foot. Adding a rubber sole can make your heels easier to walk in. This material appears on every heel style, and a matte or natural shine finish is available in your choice of leather.

PVC Heels: Budget-Friendly, Transparent Modern Look

Are you on a budget and looking for a heel that looks similar to leather? Plastic should be your go-to choice. PVC plastic is a tough material that gives you durability and stability.

PVC heels offer a sleek, modern look with durable construction, providing budget-friendly style that mimics the appearance of luxury designer footwear

You’ll usually find plastic or PVC as the choice of material for heels from high-street brands like H&M or Zara. Keep an eye out for PVC heels if you want a trending shoe style on a budget.

PU Heels: Vegan Alternative with Patent-Like Shine

If you’re vegan or want a lookalike for leather heels, polyurethane is worth considering. You get a patent leather aesthetic without paying the luxury price tag.

Some people think that polyurethane is easier to clean and maintain than its genuine counterpart.

Polyurethane offers the glossy, polished look of patent leather while being more affordable, easier to maintain, and resistant to everyday wear and tear

PU appears in most of the items you use daily – whether it’s the cover of your smartphone or the furniture you sit in. If you put your heels through a lot every day, then a polyurethane heel can help improve the lifespan of your shoes.

Wood Heels: Natural, Lightweight, Everyday Comfort

Wooden heels became popular in Dutch culture as a standard material for everyday shoes. Wood provides extra comfort and stability while being durable and lightweight.

Wood is typically chosen for shorter and wider heels, making it ideal for everyday wear or as your go-to work shoes.

Wooden heels combine natural durability, lightweight comfort, and enhanced stability, making them a stylish and practical choice for everyday wear

No two wooden heels are the same, as they reflect the natural characteristics of the wood. Brands and designers use different types of wood, such as cherry or walnut, to achieve their desired aesthetic.

Cone Heels: Tapered Statement Style with Stability

Sometimes, shoe names can be deceiving – but not the ‘cone heel.’ It’s exactly what it says on the tin. Be careful when wearing these shoes, as the heel will scoop your feet upwards, leaving you standing on your toes.

This statement heel has a wider base at the sole, which tapers to become narrower, often becoming a point. You can find many examples at Farfetch.

Jacquemus beige leather slip-on pumps feature sculptural cone heels, blending modern elegance with bold architectural design

Cone heels are an ideal alternative to traditional stiletto heels as they offer a wider base, providing more support while walking.

Most women find cone heels more manageable, especially if you’re heading to the office or a special event. While it may look like you have an ice cream cone stuck on your shoe, these heels are both stylish and practical.

They’re a must-have for every woman’s closet. Not sure where to start? Choose a cone heel with a slight scoop and a lower arch for extra support.

Isabel Marant’s black leather cone-heel boots feature sleek sculptural heels and stretch side panels, combining modern design with everyday wearability

Heels instantly add height, confidence, and a touch of elegance to any outfit. Every woman’s wardrobe deserves at least one pair of go-to heels that combine comfort and style. Whether you gravitate toward sky-high stilettos for a sultrier silhouette or prefer lower, sculpted designs for everyday wear, there’s a perfect heel to match your personal style and lifestyle.

We hope this guide makes it easier to find your next pair of heels so that you can find a style that fits your lifestyle and is wearable for any occasion. Which heel style is your go-to?

Explore More Heel Guides and Tips on Your Next Shoes

For readers eager to expand their knowledge of heels, we have plenty more to explore on Your Next Shoes. If you’re looking for tips to prevent heel pain and make your favorite stilettos more wearable, check out our guide to comfortable high heels.

Are you curious about how much height boost your heels provide? We break it down in detail to help you choose the right pair for your style and comfort.

For those who love statement footwear, our feature on quirky and unique high-heel designs highlights some of the most creative options available. Whether searching for style advice, comfort tips, or inspiration, our articles will help you step out confidently.