Heels: Your Questions Answered

Jump to:

• Are heels comfortable?
• How is heel height measured?
• Heel height conversion chart
• Which is the best heel height for me?
• Can I adjust my heel height?
• What type of heels will suit my feet?
• How can I get better at wearing heels?
• Are high heels professional?

Graceful, elegant and empowering, heels are a style staple in every woman’s wardrobe. When you’re shopping for heels there’s no single style that suits all, with different heights and styles suitable for a number of occasions.

Some women like to wear heels on a day to day basis, others only bring them out when they’re dressing up to the nines. Here’s all your high heel questions answered- from heel sizes, through to how to wear different heel heights and finding the perfect pair for you.

Are heels comfortable?

For maximum comfort and to protect your feet, be sure to buy shoes that are well crafted and well made, not just fashionable as some styles that aren’t supportive enough or heels that are too high can give you difficulty walking and lead to back problems. Be sure to always try your new heels on and walk around in them before wearing them out and about for the first time.

How is heel height measured?

Heel height is generally measured in inches. To measure your heel height follow these steps:

• Place your shoes on a flat surface.
• Hold a tape measure against the back of your shoe.
• Measure from the highest point on the back of your heel to the point where the shoe meets the top of the heel cap.

Depending on your shoe size, sometimes the heel size won’t be exact to the inch. They might be a little bigger than a full inch, or a little smaller.

Heel height conversion chart

Which is the best heel height for me?

The right shoes height for you all depends on personal preference and how comfortable you are walking in heels.

• Heels below 3 inches tend to be most comfortable and are available in a number of flattering styles from peep toes, block heels and round toes.

• Heels above 3 inches might become a little more difficult to walk in and are usually reserved for dressy occasions like evenings out and nights on the town.

Can I adjust my heel height?

Heel height can be adjusted if needed- but usually only by a few millimetres. If high heels are adjusted too much, or incorrectly, the balance of the shoe will be affected causing problems when walking.

• Reducing heel height can cause problems. The main problem that reducing the heel height causes is known as ‘kick under’. Kick under is when the heel of the shoes fold under the shoes a little. This happens because the heel isn’t the size it was made to be for the shoe.
• It’s best done by a professional. If you really want your shoe height adjusting, you should take your shoes to a cobblers. They will then be able to decide whether the shoes can be adjusted and remain wearable.

What type of heels will suit my feet?

Heels can be very comfortable to wear if you find the right heel height and shape. If you have:

• Narrow feet – pointed toe high heels fit a slimmer foot well and offer plenty of support.
• Wide feet – round toe high heels will have plenty of room at the front, whereas pointed heels may feel too tight and uncomfortable.
• High arches – very low heels under a couple of inches high will be the most comfortable.
• Low arches – 2-4 inch heels will support your foot best and feel comfortable to walk in.

How can I get better at wearing heels?

• Find heels that are wider and shorter. We’re not saying you have to stick with the 2 inch high heels for the rest of your life but the thicker and smaller the heel, the easier to walk in. The wider the heel is, the more support it’ll give to the heel of your feet, which means less pain.

              Best options include: wedges and block heels

              Avoid: stillettoes and heels over 4 inches high 

• Pack a spare pair of flats in your bag. If you’re going to a party wearing heels or you’re going to be on your feet all day, take some flats with you. Invest in a pair of flats that will easily fit in your bag and switch them over when you start to feel the burn.

• Wear them in first. Practice makes perfect and wearing your new heels in the house before their first outing is a great way to bed them in. Try walking around in them for 15- 30 minutes at a time to give your feet a chance to get used to them.

Are high heels professional?

The right pair of heels can look very professional and can often be favoured to flats in a number of workplaces. Your working environment and job role will ultimately determine whether heels are suitable or not for work, as will your confidence and levels of comfort in heels.

Heels at the office

Many office jobs and their dress codes permit wearing heels to work. Lower heel heights work best at work and court shoe styles tends to be preferable as they’re much more practical, especially in roles where you’re on your feet all day. Heels 4 inches and above may be a little too high for running around the office in and might cause you some discomfort when worn for long periods of time. Lower heels are a more professional heel height.

Heels for a job interview

When it comes to job interviews, wearing what you feel most confident and comfortable in is key, whether that’s heels or flats. Heels can add an extra polished smarter touch to your outfit but always be sure that you can walk in them before the big day to avoid any embarrassing mishaps.

If you’re still having problems with your shoes and they’re hurting your feet, why not take a look at our guide to making high heeled party shoes more comfortable for some more tips?