Recently on Instagram I asked a question about their preferred type of shoe for work: heels or flats. Ultimately, the majority of votes noted flats are the preferred shoe for work. Although flats won the poll, I received a few comments from ladies mentioning they actually would prefer wearing heels to work, but do not know what the best heel height or brands to shop. In relation to the heel height, I believe the answer to that is, it depends. Personally, I usually wear 2.5″or 3″ heels and usually prefer black, brown, or gray heels for important professional meetings and interviews. However, for my Instagram pictures or an after five work-related event, I will wear a higher height heel. While wearing heels can make you feel confident and add extra glam to your outfit, heels that are too high can be inappropriate and painful after a few hours. Trust me after a few uncomfortable lessons with work heels, I want to make sure to avoid my pitfalls.
Whether you prefer a higher heel, kitten heel, block heel, pointy toe, I’ve provided a few recommendations below.
Kitten Heels
A kitten heel is a short stiletto heel, typically 1″ high, with a slight curve setting the heel in from the back edge of the shoe. Historically, the style shoe was known as the training heel, due to its relatively low or tiny heel. When I was in my early twenties, I would not be caught in a kitten heel, like ever. Now that I’m older, I have a greater appreciation for this style of shoe and typically wear them often in the office since they are super comfortable. I typically recommend kitten heels for young professionals, interviews for entry-level to mid-level positions, and women who are new to wearing heels and not ready to make high heel commitments.
2″ Heels
Graduating from the mini heel, the 2” or 2.5” pump may not feel visibility different from the kitten heel but the extra inch can give you the confidence to transition into higher heels.
3″ Heels
Three-inch heels are typically the classic heel height and most popular for black work heels. I wear 3” pumps often and find them to be pretty comfortable. Also, most trendy shoes such as block heels and square-toe heels come in this heel height.
4” Heels
As I mentioned previously, I typically save 4” pumps for after five work events, but depending on your career path and positions, higher heels are perfectly fine, as long as you’re mindful of the style and material. For example, I would refrain from wearing patent leather heels or loud color pumps as it could be a distraction from your outfit, or make it look less expensive. Another important consideration for higher heels at work is your level of comfort. If you don’t believe you can walk comfortably in them, consider previous heel heights mentioned.
Honorable Mentions
Best Luxury Work Shoes
For my boss ladies who want to spoil themselves, I recommend looking into Christian Louboutin, Salvatore Ferragamo, or Manolo Blahnik. Personally, I have not worn a pair of Loubutins to work with, because they are more of a flashy shoe, but I do wear them quite often for my blogging photos because they always seem to give me that extra boost of feminine confidence. If you’re in an industry where you feel comfortable wearing the notorious “red bottom,” Christian Louboutin has a nude collection dedicated to help you pick out the best nude shoe for your skin tone. Salvatore Ferragamo shoes often have a 1″- 2.5” heel but are comfortable despite the pricing. Ferragamo shoes tend to run a half size or size smaller than American shoes so I would recommend order a size up due to the narrow toe. For example, I wear 7.5 in majority of shoes, but the black pair I have are a size 8.5 and fit me comfortably. Lastly, made popular by the cult classic “Sex and the City,” the Hangisi pump was Manila Blahniks most popular shoe. However, I think the classic pumps the designer offers are really underrated. Manolo Blahnik offers chic work shoes that are more subtle than the previous designers mentioned. You can tell the shoes are made of great quality, without showcasing the obvious price tag.
Let me know in the comments you want me to follow up this post with the best flats to purchase for work!
