Last updated on December 21st, 2022 at 02:42 pm
Love them or hate them, you can’t deny the power of your best heels. From elevating a simple outfit to adding those extra few inches of height, heels make us feel unstoppable, confident, and ready to hit the town. Well, so long as you’ve mastered the art of walking in them.
Whether you’re like Bambi on ice or already know your way around the dance floor in stilettos, this guide will come in handy. Read on for inspiration on choosing the best high heels for whichever occasion life throws your way, or for tips and tricks if you’re stepping up for the first time.
What’s on this page:
- Finding the best pair of high heels for you: Our top tips
- The best heels for work
- The best heels for parties
- The best heels for holidays
- The best heels for weddings
- What are the best heels? FAQs
Finding the best pair of high heels for you: Our top tips
Heels are the life and soul of an outfit. But they won’t make quite the same impression if you can’t walk in them confidently – and comfortably. We all have to start somewhere, right? Some of us take to walking in heels straight away, but for others, it’s more of a learning curve. If you’re a beginner to the world of heels, follow these three golden rules for walking in heels:
1. Don’t go too high straight away
It’s simple really, the higher the heel, the more you’ll have to adjust your legs and feet to walk comfortably and safely.
Opting for a heel that is too high straight away can cause several issues, including:
- Being super uncomfortable.
- Causing damage to the ligaments in your feet, ankles, and legs.
- Increasing your risk of tripping or falling over.
Choose the right height for you
The easiest way to work out the best heel height for you is to follow this simple process:
- Sit with your leg horizontally, so your foot and ankle can move freely.
- Relax your foot and your toes will naturally point (to some degree – everyone varies).
- Working on a right angle, measure from the heel down to where the ball of your foot sits naturally. This will give you the optimum heel height for your feet.
Let’s take a look at some tips for picking the best heels if you’re a beginner:
- Thick, chunky heels will give you more stability, so you’re not stumbling as you walk.
- Don’t go for six-inch heels or precarious stilettos to begin with – get some practice in first!
- Start small with a pair of low heels, then gradually increase the size.
Practice makes perfect
Once you’ve chosen some suitable heels, practice walking in them. You’re probably used to walking with a flat foot, where both the heel and toe hit the floor at the same time. However, this isn’t so easy when you’re wearing heels. Leading with your heel when you step will help you move through the motion more fluidly, without overstretching.
Always break new shoes in before long-term wear. If, after wearing them for a little while, you find they’re still causing issues, either consider a different size or use gel inserts to protect against friction.
The best heels for work
Heels are a great way to elevate your style game at work and show you mean business. Give power-dressing a try and pop on your best heels at your next boardroom meeting.
When choosing the best heels for work, it’s wise to consider what’s appropriate for your workplace. Depending on your job, it may be safer to opt for a pair of mid-height court shoes rather than a pair of sparkling stilettos.
Softlites Women’s Black Patent Court Shoe
Choose a pair of elegant Softlites Women’s Black Patent Court Shoes for a comfortable yet stylish shoe to take you from the office to the town. The sleek patent finish adds a touch of sophistication and style, while the full, stable mid-heel guarantees you’ll be comfy on your feet all day.
Lilley Women’s Black Heeled Lace Up Boot
If you want to make a statement, the Lilley black lace up boot is perfect. A suitable combination of stylish and smart – pair with a wide-leg suit or long skirt during the day and a block-colour dress for an office party.
Lilley Women’s Black Buckled Heel Ankle Boot
You can’t go wrong with a pair of wedges. The wedge style supports the whole of your foot in the same way that flat shoes do – no wonder they’re one of the most comfortable heels! Try our Lilley Black Buckled Heeled Ankle Boots with stylish buckle detailing and a sturdy block heel.
The best heels for work are usually in dark, neutral colours, like black, brown or navy. These colours are wonderfully versatile and will compliment any outfit – so you can mix and match your work wardrobe. You’re probably best to avoid multi coloured or brightly coloured heels – unless you’re in a work environment that embraces it!
The best heels for parties
Parties are the perfect time to throw caution to the wind and dress exactly as you like. Whether that’s your best stilettos, a pair of strappy kitten heels or a chunky platform boot, make a statement and dance your socks off in your best heels.
Lotus Kelly Women’s Navy Diamante Heels
For a pair of heels to take you through the party season, go for these Lotus Kelsey Navy Diamante Heels. The entwined upper and sparkling silver diamantes are sure to be a hit on New Year’s Eve. Dazzle in diamantes all year round with this special number.
SPROX Women’s Black Heeled Sandal
For a pair you can depend on, go for our SPROX Black Heeled Sandals. Dance from dawn till dusk in a padded insole and gripped heel outsole and enjoy much needed comfort underfoot. Style with trousers for an elevated look or with a midi dress to let the knotted strap do the talking.
Sedai Phaedra Women’s Black Chunky Heeled Shoe
These chunky heeled boots will give any outfit a retro twist. Not only does a pair of Sedai Phaedra Black Chunky Heeled Shoes look the talk of the town, but the chunky cleated sole and secure cross strap means you’ll be able to dance in comfort and style for hours.
The best heels for holidays
Even on holiday, you want to look and feel your best. You need secure and comfortable footwear when walking from the hotel to the beach. However, you also need a fashionable number that’ll look great at the bar or when exploring the area’s nightlife.
Hush Puppies Women’s Gabriella Sandal in Blue
For an elegant pair of heels that wouldn’t look out of place walking down the Champs-Élysées, opt for our Hush Puppies Gabriella Sandal in Blue. The soft premium leather upper and padded sole ensures you’ll be able to explore a new city in comfort, while the icy blue crossover design adds a sophisticated twist to your holiday wardrobe.
Rocket Dog Luca Women’s Sandal in Black
These Rocket Dog Luca Sandals in Black can take you from walking along the beach in Cornwall, exploring the cobbled streets of Rome, to dancing the night away in Ibiza. Even better, these sandals are part of our recycled range, so are kind to your feet as well as the planet.
Lunar Saxon Women’s Snake Print Trainer
For long days exploring a new place it’s wise to opt for the most comfortable option. These Lunar Saxon snake print trainers are perfect for wandering around a new city in comfort. The chunky sole adds a little heel heel height, if you’re not a fan of flat shoes. They’re also perfect for adding a little snake print glamour to your look and will elevate any simple outfit.
The best heels for weddings
It can be tricky choosing the best wedding shoes, as you need to strike the right balance between your heels looking striking, but also being comfortable enough to dance the night away in.
Opting for the most exciting pair of skyscrapers you can find may not be the most practical option. But, on the other hand, letting your head rule may leave you underwhelmed when those functional-but-less-fancy heels don’t quite do it for you.
Lotus Lucia Women’s Metallic Diamond Sequin Heel
Kitten heels are the perfect choice if you don’t want anything too high, but you still want to add a touch of glamour to your outfit. These Lotus Lucia Metallic Diamond Sequin Heels are a chic and stylish choice, guaranteed to turn heads. The metallic silver details will reflect off a disco ball and make sure your outfit is one to remember.
Lunar Nigella Women’s Metallic Silver Court Shoe
These classy metallic heels are ideal for weddings. They are romantic, sophisticated, and perfect for a formal occasion. Featuring a sleek heel, stylish light-reflecting finish and unique scallop edging, the Luna Nigella Metallic Silver Court Shoes will elevate any wedding outfit.
Hush Puppies Women’s Marley Ballerina in Gold
If you’re someone who loves the elegance of heels, but finds wearing them for hours on end a little too intimidating, look no further than these gold Hush Puppies Marley Ballerina pumps. The cross-over weave pattern and low stacked heel make them every bit as special as your best high heels. The only difference is that your feet will thank you in the morning!
What are the best heels? FAQs
What kind of high heels are best for your feet?
When it comes to comfort, a round generous toe will be infinitely more comfortable than a pointed stiletto toe. That being said, if you can rock your best stilettos all night long then we salute you!
Strappy heels are great for providing extra support to your feet, as they help to distribute the pressure and make sure that your toes aren’t trapped. Straps also help to keep your heels in place all night long, so you shouldn’t need to worry about them slipping around when you’re on the dance floor.
Which heels are the most comfortable?
If you need a comfy pair of heels, look no further than a trusty pair of wedges. Wedges are perfect to wear for any length of time as they are easy to walk in and super comfy to wear. Wedges are chic, sophisticated and kind to your feet. What’s not to love?
What style of heel is easiest to walk in?
Usually, the smaller and wider the heel the easier they are to walk in. Shorter heels, like kitten heels are often much easier to walk in than sky-scraping stilettos. There’s no need to compromise when it comes to styling low heels, as there are plenty of uber-fashionable designs to add a touch of glamour to your look.
What are the best heels for pregnancy?
While heels aren’t the obvious choice that comes to mind when thinking about the best shoes to wear during pregnancy, that doesn’t mean you need to eliminate them altogether. Go for a wide shoe with a low heel, like this T-Bar Court Shoe for formal occasions or a pair of Cushion Walk Wedge Sandals for more casual outings.
The key to success with heels is getting the right size and fit and making sure your chosen heels offer the proper support. You don’t want to go for those killer heels before you’re ready. Your best heels will be the pair that you feel confident and comfortable in.
Check out our complete guide to heels for helpful tips and tricks on all the different types of styles you can try.
