Types of High Heels: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Style
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BY Haleema
About the Author
Haleema is a content editor specializing in online shopping, consumer research, and deal verification. She focuses on delivering accurate, up-to-date information that helps shoppers save money with confidence.
Quick Answer: Walk into any shoe store and the number of heel shapes on the wall can be a lot to take in — stilettos next to block heels next to something with a cone-shaped base you can't quite name. Knowing the types of high heels by name is useful for more than shopping. It changes how you search, how you compare fit and comfort, and how confidently you walk up to a sales assistant and ask for exactly what you want.. Since AnniePromo keeps track of current discount coupons for many of the brands listed below, this guide covers 15 heel styles, how to choose the appropriate height and shape for your body and occasion, and some frank advice on where to truly save money when purchasing them.
Key Takeaways
Heel type affects comfort as much as looks — block and kitten heels distribute weight far better than stilettos
Heel height should generally match the occasion, not just the outfit
Block heels and wedges are appropriate for everyday use, while stilettos and platforms are appropriate for events and parties.
With heels, proper size is more important than with flats because even a few millimetres off can alter equilibrium.
Checking for a discount code before making a purchase is almost always worth the two minutes it takes because many Australian shoe companies regularly run deals.
Top Summary
Fifteen heel styles, one underlying rule: match the shoe to how long you'll actually be standing or walking in them. For a more comfortable option choose
Block heels,
kitten heels,
and wedges
For formal occasion and events you can pick
stilettos,
platforms,
and ankle straps.
Height should follow the occasion rather than the other way round, and sizing matters more with heels than almost any other shoe category.
What Are High Heels?
A high heel is any shoe where the heel sits noticeably higher than the
toe,
changing posture,
gait,
and how the leg and calf appear when walking.
The exact height range that counts as "high" is a bit loose — most people draw the line somewhere around 3 inches, with anything below that falling into low or mid-heel territory.
Low heels (1–2 inches): subtle lift, closest to flat in terms of comfort and stability
Mid heels (2–3 inches): a middle ground — noticeable height without much added strain
High heels (3–4 inches): the classic dressed-up heel height, best for shorter stretches of standing or walking
Higher heels shift more of your body weight forward onto the ball of the foot, which is why comfort features — a wider base, ankle support, cushioned insoles — matter more as the height goes up.
15 Types of High Heels and Their Names
Stiletto Heels
Thin, tall, and sharply tapered, stilettos are the heel most people picture when they hear "high heels". Great for formal events and parties, less great for long stretches on your feet. If you're after a strong stiletto range, Betts discount codes are worth checking before you buy.
Block Heels
A wider, more stable base than a stiletto, which makes block heels genuinely comfortable for a full day of wear. A good pick if you like the height of a heel without the balancing act.
Kitten Heels
Low, slim, and understated — usually under 2 inches. Popular for office wear and a good entry point if you're not used to walking in heels yet. Mollini's kitten heel range, carried through Midas Shoes on AnniePromo, is a solid place to start looking.
Platform Heels
A raised sole under the front of the foot reduces the effective incline, so platforms often feel more manageable than a stiletto of the same overall height. Strong for parties and going-out looks. Betts discount codes cover platform styles too, alongside their stiletto range.
Wedge Heels
One continuous sole running from heel to toe, giving wedges excellent stability — a genuinely good option for anyone who finds thin heels difficult to balance in. Well suited to casual outfits and warmer months. Styletread discount codes regularly cover a decent wedge selection.
Pump Heels
The classic
closed-toe,
rounded
or almond-toe heel most associated with office and professional dressing.
Adaptable enough to switch clothes and go from work to the evening. Worth checking Midas Shoes discount codes if pumps are what you're after.
Cone Heels
A heel that starts wide at the top and tapers down to a base in a cone shape. This design offers surface area in contact with the ground compared to a stiletto. It’s a choice for anyone who wants to feel stylish but also comfortable. It strikes a balance between fashion and practicality.
Ankle Strap Heels
A strap across the ankle adds security and a bit of extra support, which makes these a common pick for
weddings
and events
where you'll be standing or dancing for hours.
Peep-toe heels
A small opening at the toe,
usually paired with a closed-heel style underneath.
A warm-weather favourite that works well for both daytime and evening occasions.
Slingback Heels
An open back with a strap around the heel of the foot rather than a full closed back. Classic, a little retro, and generally comfortable since the open back reduces pressure on the Achilles.
Mules
The Mules are the type of shoes that are backless and easy to slip on. Mules trade a bit of ankle support for convenience and are a better choice if you want the look of a heel without dealing with buckles or laces.
Espadrille Heels
Built on a rope or jute-wrapped sole, espadrille heels bring a
relaxed,
warm-weather feel
and pair naturally with casual summer outfits.
If you're also after casual or outdoor footwear more broadly, Merrell is worth a look for that crossover between comfort and everyday wear.
Mary Jane Heels
It is a shoe that has the toe with a strap across the top of the foot, borrowed from the classic Mary Jane flat silhouette. The rounded toe style leans towards vintage. Has had a strong comeback in recent seasons.
High-heeled boots
Boots with a proper heel height, ranging from ankle boots to knee-high styles. A winter wardrobe staple that carries a heel's silhouette into colder weather. Mountford's discount codes are a good place to compare heeled boot options for the season.
Sculptural or Statement Heels
Unusual shapes, asymmetric heels, or artistic detailing that put the shoe itself front and centre. Fashion-forward rather than everyday, and generally worn to be noticed.
Types of High Heels Based on Height
Heel Height
Best For
Low heels (1–2 inches)
Office, everyday wear
Mid heels (2–3 inches)
Work and events
High heels (3–4 inches)
Parties and formal occasions
Extra high heels (4+ inches)
Fashion events and statement looks
How to Choose the Right High Heels
Comfort and walking ability first.
A heel that looks great sitting on a shelf isn't worth much if you can't actually walk in it for the length of your event.
Match the outfit, but don't overthink it.
A pointed pump or slingback pairs with almost anything; save the statement heel for outfits built around it.
Let the occasion set the height.
A wedding or formal event can carry a 3-4 inch heel; an office day generally can't.
Check the material and support.
Leather and suede tend to mould to your foot over time; synthetic materials often don't and can rub.
Get the sizing right.
Heels are less forgiving than flats — even half a size off changes your balance and where pressure sits on your foot.
Most Comfortable High Heel Styles for Everyday Wear
If comfort is the priority, a few styles consistently come out ahead of the rest:
Block heels – wide base spreads weight evenly, less strain on the ball of the foot
Kitten heels – low height keeps the incline gentle
Wedge heels – full-length sole contact gives the most stability of any heel type
Low pumps – classic shape without pushing height into uncomfortable territory
Platform heels – the front lift reduces the effective angle, even at a taller overall height
Check current discount codes for comfort-focused ranges at Styletread and Midas Shoes before you buy — both carry solid block, kitten, and wedge selections worth comparing.
Best High Heels for Different Occasions
Occasion
Recommended Heel Styles
Office
Kitten heels, pumps
Wedding
Stilettos, ankle-strap heels
Casual outings
Wedges, block heels
Parties
Platform heels, stilettos
Travel
Low heels, comfortable wedges
How to Style Different Types of High Heels
Heels don't need to be treated as one-outfit shoes.
A pointed pump works with tailored trousers just as easily as a dress.
Ankle strap heels look sharp with midi skirts and add a bit of visual break at the ankle.
Block heels are one of the few heel styles that genuinely hold up with jeans,
especially a slightly cropped or straight-leg pair. If you're planning an outfit around a specific heel rather than the other way round, our guide on how to choose the perfect dress for your body shape is a good place to start, and our best summer dresses for women roundup pairs well with peep toe and espadrille styles for warmer months.
Keep accessories and colour simple when the shoe itself is doing a lot of visual work; a
statement
or sculptural heel doesn't need a bold bag to match.
High Heel Care Tips
Store heels upright or in individual boxes rather than piled together, so thin heels don't bend under weight
Clean leather and suede with the right product for the material — a suede brush won't do anything for patent leather, and vice versa
Replace worn heel tips before they wear down to the metal base, both for safety and to protect the heel itself
Avoid wearing leather or suede heels in heavy rain where possible, and let them air dry naturally rather than near direct heat if they do get wet
Heel Styles: Pros and Cons at a Glance
Heel Type
Pros
Cons
Stiletto
Elegant, elongates the leg
Least stable, hardest for long wear
Block
Comfortable, stable
Can look bulkier than slim heels
Kitten
Easy to walk in, versatile
Less dramatic height for formal events
Platform
More stable than stiletto height suggests
Can feel heavy compared to slimmer styles
Wedge
Very stable, good for outdoor surfaces
Bulkier silhouette, less formal
Where to Find High-Heel Discounts in Australia
Heel prices swing a fair amount depending on the brand, the season, and whether a style is part of current stock or heading into clearance. Before paying full price, it's worth checking a few Australian footwear retailers directly rather than assuming the first price you see is the best one available. Betts discount codes tend to cover a broad mix of stilettos, platforms, and everyday styles, while Styletread discount codes are strong for wedges and casual heel options. Midas Shoes discount codes are worth checking for pumps and kitten heels, and Mountford's discount codes are a reliable stop for heeled boots heading into winter.
For the full spread of current footwear offers across every brand AnniePromo tracks, browse all Footwear deals rather than checking each store one by one.
Conclusion
Knowing the types of high heels by name makes shopping faster and a lot less guesswork-driven, whether you're after something you can wear to the office five days a week or a statement piece for a single big event. Start with the occasion, work backwards to the height and shape that suits it, and check a current discount code before you buy from any store like
Betts,
Styletread,
Midas Shoes,
Mountfords and more.
All run regular sales worth comparing rather than paying full price for the first pair you like.
Verified savings on Betts, Midas Shoes & Mountfords
are consistently the most searched and most worn styles, largely because they cover the widest range of occasions between them.
Block heels, kitten heels, and wedges are generally considered the most comfortable, since their wider base and more even weight distribution reduce pressure on the foot compared to thin stilettos.
Kitten heels and block heels are the easiest starting point, thanks to their lower height and wider, more stable base compared to a stiletto or platform.
since the tapered toe and thin heel draw the eye in a continuous line down the leg like
Pointed-toe pumps
Stilettos create the most visual elongation.
A block heels wins on comfort and stability.
while stilettos win on a sleeker, more formal silhouette.
The right choice depends on how long you'll be wearing them and what the occasion calls for.
Block heels and low pumps are the most practical for daily wear, since they combine reasonable height with enough stability to walk normally through a full day.
