ILLUSTRATED GLOSSARY · HEELS
Types of heels.
Ten heels on the same tan pump, seen from the side, so only the heel changes.
Updated · By the Delve to Life editors · Editorial standards
THE QUICK ANSWER
The main types of heels are stiletto, block, kitten, wedge, platform, cone, spool, stacked, Cuban and flared. They are named by the heel's shape and height: thin and high (stiletto), wide (block), short (kitten), or part of the sole (wedge, platform). Heels are one family of shoes; for flats, loafers, sneakers and the rest, see types of shoes.
How heels are named
A heel is named by its shape seen from the side, its height and how it joins the sole. Shoe names (pump, slingback, mule) describe the rest of the shoe, so a shop might sell a "block heel slingback" or a "kitten heel mule".
Which one should you choose?
Start with what you want the heels to do, then jump to the styles that do it.
| If you want to… | Try | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Easiest to walk in | Block heel, Wedge heel, Stacked heel, Kitten heel | Wide or low heels spread your weight. |
| Most height | Stiletto heel, Platform heel, Wedge heel | Platforms take some pressure off the front of the foot. |
| Office and all-day | Kitten heel, Block heel, Stacked heel | Low to mid height. |
| Weddings on grass | Block heel, Wedge heel | They won't sink. |
| Formal evening | Stiletto heel, Spool heel, Platform heel | The dressiest shapes. |
All 10 heel styles, with pictures
Stiletto heel
A very high, very thin heel.
Also called: Spike heel
How to spot it. A heel that narrows to a point no wider than a pencil, usually 8 cm or more.
How to wear it. Evenings and formal events; the dressiest heel.
Block heel
A wide, solid heel shaped like a rectangle.
Also called: Chunky heel
How to spot it. A square or rectangular heel the same width from top to bottom.
How to wear it. All-day wear, work and weddings on grass.
Kitten heel
A short, slim heel, usually 3–5 cm.
Also called: Low heel
How to spot it. A low heel set slightly in from the back of the shoe, often curved.
How to wear it. Office and everyday polish without the height.
Wedge heel
A solid sole that rises from the toe to a high heel.
Also called: Wedge
How to spot it. No gap under the arch; the heel and sole are one piece.
How to wear it. Summer and outdoor events; steadier than a stiletto.
Platform heel
A high heel with a thick sole under the toes as well.
Also called: Platform
How to spot it. A raised front sole that makes the heel feel lower than it is.
How to wear it. Parties and evenings; extra height with less arch.
Cone heel
A heel wide at the top and narrowing to a small tip.
How to spot it. Shaped like an upside-down ice-cream cone.
How to wear it. Smart and slightly retro; more stable than a stiletto.
Spool heel
A heel wide at the top and bottom and narrow in the middle.
Also called: Louis heel (curved version)
How to spot it. An hourglass shape, like a cotton reel.
How to wear it. Vintage-inspired and evening shoes.
Stacked heel
A heel made of visible layers of leather or wood.
Also called: Stacked leather heel
How to spot it. Horizontal lines up the heel where the layers meet.
How to wear it. Loafers, boots and classic pumps; a casual-smart look.
Cuban heel
A short, broad heel with a straight back and a slightly tapered front.
Also called: Western heel
How to spot it. Low and sturdy, common on boots and men's dress boots.
How to wear it. Ankle boots and western styles.
Flared heel
A heel that is narrow at the top and widens toward the ground.
How to spot it. The base is wider than where the heel meets the shoe.
How to wear it. Fashion-forward pumps and sandals; quite stable.
Easily confused
| Pair | The difference |
|---|---|
| Cone vs spool | A cone heel narrows steadily to the tip; a spool heel narrows in the middle and widens again at the bottom. |
| Wedge vs platform | A wedge fills the space under the arch; a platform is a thick front sole with a separate heel. |
| Block vs stacked | Both are wide. A stacked heel shows layers of leather or wood; a block heel is a smooth, solid shape. |
Questions people ask
What are the different types of heels?
The main ones are stiletto, block, kitten, wedge, platform, cone, spool, stacked, Cuban and flared heels.
What are the most comfortable heels?
Block, wedge and low kitten heels are the easiest to wear for long periods because they spread your weight.
What is a kitten heel?
A short, slim heel, usually 3–5 cm (1–2 in), often slightly curved.
What is the difference between a wedge and a platform?
A wedge is one solid piece from toe to heel. A platform has a thick sole under the toes and a separate heel.
How high is a stiletto heel?
Usually 8 cm (3 in) or higher, though the name refers to the thin shape, not only the height.
Still not sure what yours is called? Tap through the pictures, or add a screenshot, and we'll name it and find real ones.
Describe it with picturesThe illustrations and outfit photos on this page are AI-generated so each style can be shown clearly. They are not products.
Know the style but not your size? Find your size in any country →