There’s a style of heel for every possible occasion. Read about the different variations and types of heels in our fashion words glossary.
Block (N.) [blok] Thick heels, usually square or horseshoe-shaped at the bottom are known as block heels. Also chunky heel.
Chunky (N.) [chuhng-kee] See block heel.
Cone (N.) [kohn] See tapered heel.
Kitten (N.) [kit-n] A lower version of the stiletto is called kitten heel. It’s typically less than 2 inches.
Louis (N.) [loo-ee] Louis heels are a much shorter version of spool heels, which are wide at the top and bottom and narrow at the centre. Also pompadour heel.
Novelty (N.) [nov–uhl-tee] Heels that are unusually shaped or have unique decorations and embellishments are called novelty heels.
Platform (N.) [plat-fawrm] See types of Shoes.
Pompadour (N.) [pom-puh-dawr] See Louis heel.
Spool (N.) [spool] Spool heels are wide both at the top and bottom and narrow in the middle, similar to an hourglass shape.
Stiletto (N.) [sti-let-oh] Extremely pointed, thin and high heels are referred to as stiletto heels.
Tapered (N.) [tey-perd] Tapered heels are wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Also see cone heel.
Wedge (N.) [wej] Thick heels that connect the heel of the shoe to the front are called wedge heels.
