Top 10 Types of High Heels: The Ultimate Guide

Everyone knows there are many different types of high heels, a kind of shoe that has been popular for a very long time. High heels were invented as early as the 10th century, and interestingly, they were first worn by military men to make it easier to keep their feet in their stirrups. Later in history, high heels worn by men also symbolized high social or military status and refined aesthetic tastes.

Today, however, high heels are most commonly worn by women for a variety of purposes and occasions. And as you will see, there are more types of heels than simply pumps and stilettos.

Types of High Heels

1. Kitten heels were especially popular in the 1960s. This kind of heels is always below 3 inches in height and are great for people you are uncomfortable walking in higher heels or are tall and don’t want to further emphasize their height.

2. Pumps, commonly known as high heels, are between 2 and 3 inches in height and are a classic shoe choice. Pumps, especially in black or beige, can easily be dressed up or down and can be great for nearly every occasion. If you love high heels, don’t leave yourself without a pair of pumps.

3. Block heels offer a different look from the usual thin-heeled high heels with their more chunky look. Block heels are square and are typically not as tall as other types of high heels, offering more stability to the wearer.

4. Stilettos are famous for being the highest type of high heels along with their characteristic razor-thin heel. They may attain incredible heights up to 8 inches and are sometimes blended with platforms to add to the height. The downside is that wearers may find them hard to walk in.

5. Cuban heels are similar to block heels but may be slightly tapered. Cuban heels are usually seen on oxfords, loafers, or various types of boots. They are not too tall and are easy to walk in.

The Details

6. French heels reached the pinnacle of popularity between the 18th and 19th centuries before rapidly disappearing from the realm of fashion. They are not very tall. The top of the heel is broad, then curving inwards toward the middle, and the very bottom of the heel expanding again to give the heel an elegant and stylish curve.

7. Wedge heels can be seen both on shoes and sandals. They have a unique look since the heel is continuous with the entire shoe without any separation from the sole to the heel.

8. Cone heels, as you might expect, are cone-shaped. They are wide at the base of the heel and rapidly narrow.

9. Platform heels have the impressive capacity for having nearly no limits in height, as long as you can walk in them. Rather than the heel just being tall, the sole of the shoe also has height added to it, acting much like a platform for the foot.

10. Mules, rather than being characterized by the shape or height of the heel, are instead characterized by the type of the shoe. Mules always rise high over the arch of the foot. They can have an open or closed toe.

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