Knowing your heel height makes buying shoes online much easier: you can see immediately if a pair of boots is suitable for all-day wear or if they are made for dinner. A centimeter or two here or there determines posture, comfort, and which trousers work with the shoe.
In this guide, we go through how to measure heel height, what low, mid, and high heels mean in centimeters, how platforms affect the actual height, and which heel is suitable for work, everyday wear, and parties.
Contents
- How do you measure heel height?
- Low, mid, or high heel – what does that mean?
- Platform and actual height
- Block heel, stiletto heel, and wedge heel
- Which heel height is the most comfortable?
- Heel height and trouser length
- Heel height by occasion
- Our current favorites
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary
How do you measure heel height?
Place the shoe on a flat table and measure vertically on the back of the heel, from the tabletop up to the point where the heel meets the sole. Do not measure along the slope of the heel – that will make the number too high. Use a rigid tape measure or a ruler and read the value in centimeters.
This is the same measurement that shops use as the heel height. With us, it is stated in the product description when the supplier has provided the information; if it is missing, you can compare it with a pair of shoes you already have at home and measure them in the same way.
Low, mid, or high heel – what does that mean?
There is no official standard, but this is how the terms are used in practice:
- Flat: 0–2 cm. Sneakers, ballerinas, and most loafers.
- Low heel: 2–4 cm. Provides a little lift without straining the forefoot, for example, padded suede ankle boots with a low heel.
- Mid heel: 5–7 cm. The classic office heel and most common on ankle boots with a block heel.
- High heel: 8–10 cm. For parties and shorter periods on your feet.
- Very high: over 10 cm. Almost always with a platform under the forefoot.
Platform and actual height
A platform under the forefoot means the foot inclines less than the heel height suggests. The actual incline is obtained by subtracting the thickness of the platform from the heel height: a 10 cm heel with a 3 cm platform feels roughly like a 7 cm heel.
This is why a pair of chunky boots with a thick sole can look high but still be easy to walk in. Measure the platform in the same way as the heel – vertically, under the ball of the foot.
Block heel, stiletto heel, and wedge heel
The shape of the heel affects comfort just as much as the height. A block heel has a large surface area against the ground and distributes weight, making it the most stable on cobblestones and slippery surfaces. A stiletto heel is narrow and requires more balance. A wedge heel extends all the way under the foot and provides even support but looks heavier.
For everyday use and autumn, the block heel is the safe choice – for example, black heels with a square toe and block heel or heels with double straps that stay securely on the foot.
Which heel height is the most comfortable?
For most people, 3–5 cm is the most comfortable for walking in all day. A small heel relieves the Achilles tendon compared to completely flat shoes, while the pressure on the forefoot increases significantly above 6–7 cm. If you stand a lot at work, choose a low block heel and a sole with shock absorption.
If you mostly walk between your car, office, and restaurant, most people can manage 6–8 cm without any problems. If you want a more relaxed everyday shoe, there are loafers with a low heel and non-slip sole.
Heel height and trouser length
Trouser length should be determined with the shoes on. Wide-leg trousers and suit trousers look best when they end one to two centimeters above the ground with the heel on – therefore, you should hem them after the shoes you wear most often. With flat shoes, the same trousers will be too long.
For dresses and skirts, it is more about proportions: knee-high boots with a low heel suit midi lengths, while a mid-heel lengthens the legs under a knee-length dress. Read more in our guide on boots with dresses and how to choose knee-high boots.
Heel height by occasion
| Occasion | Heel height to choose | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday and walking | 0–4 cm | Block heel or wedge, preferably a rubber sole |
| The office | 3–6 cm | Mid-heel that can handle commuting |
| Autumn and cobblestones | 2–5 cm | Wide heel and sturdy sole for grip |
| Dinner and parties | 6–9 cm | Subtract the platform from the heel |
| Weddings and long evenings | 4–7 cm | Block heel won't sink into the grass |
Our current favorites
Three pairs of boots with different heel heights to choose from:
- Ankle boots with a chunky heel – mid-height block heel and side zipper, easy to walk in.
- Knee-high boots with a low heel – padded and comfortable for the whole autumn day.
- Camel boots with a block heel – low, stable heel in a warm camel tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you measure heel height?
Measure vertically on the back of the heel, from the floor to where the heel meets the sole. Do not measure along the slope of the heel.
What counts as a low heel?
Approximately 2–4 cm. Under 2 cm, the shoe is usually considered flat.
How high is a mid-heel?
Around 5–7 cm. This is the most common height for office heels and ankle boots.
Is the platform included in the heel height?
No. The heel height is measured on the heel, but the height the foot feels is the heel height minus the thickness of the platform.
Which heel height is best for walking for long periods?
3–5 cm with a block heel. This relieves the heel without putting too much pressure on the forefoot.
Should trousers be hemmed with or without shoes?
With the shoes you intend to wear most often. Trousers that are correct with a 6 cm heel will be too long with flat shoes.
Summary
Heel height is measured vertically on the back of the heel. 2–4 cm is a low heel, 5–7 cm is a mid-heel, and 8–10 cm is a high heel. Subtract the platform to get the actual incline and choose a block heel when you are going to be walking a lot. Determine trouser length with the shoes on.
Ready to find your pair? Explore our women's shoes.
Are you looking for something else? See all our 181 guides in a list.
