Finding the perfect pair of comfortable heels can be a challenge. Whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or looking for everyday shoes, comfort is key. Contrary to popular belief, high heels can be comfortable, just as low heels can be a disaster if they're badly made or a poor fit. It's not just about height either, the style and shape of a heel makes a huge difference to how a pair of shoes fits, whether they're block heels, stilettos or kitten heels.
In this blog I wanted to look at a variety of comfortable heel styles, comparing block heels and stilettos and exploring the benefits of high versus low heels. Hopefully it'll help dispel the myth that heels automatically equal uncomfortable, and instead help you to make the right choice when it comes to your own shoes- whatever the occasion.
Block heels vs Stilettos
Since the beginning of time (well, more like the late 1940's), slim, stiletto heels have represented elegance and femininity, the higher the better. They replaced the chunkier, practical heels of their predecessors and came to represent modernity, elegance and high fashion. You could say that still stands today, particularly in the luxury shoe market, and the stiletto heel is just as relevant today as it has ever been.
The difference now however is that it's not the only heel option if you want to be seen. From the Hollywood glamour of Marilyn Monroe (stilettos) to the fabulous platforms of the 1970s (block heels), the power suits of the eighties (stilettos) to the club kids of the 90s (block heels), we've come to a place now where both are widely available and arguably equally popular.
Minnie is a super versatile block heel
But which are more comfortable- block heels or stilettos?
Block heels definitely have the advantage when it comes to stability. With a larger surface area than a slim heel, block heels are the ideal choice if you want to wear a high heel but aren't really used to them. That's one of the reasons block heel wedding shoes have exploded in popularity over the past few years, as it's one of the days a lot of people want to wear a high heel but they probably don't wear them at any other time.
That said, when it comes to the comfort of a stiletto heel it's all about balance. A well balance stiletto shouldn't feel 'wobbly' when you try it on, or like you're going to fall over. If the shoe has a perfectly pitched and correctly shaped heel, to match the style and cut of the shoe, you should feel just a confident as you would in a block heel- you may just be a tiny bit more aware that you're wearing heels (this of course can be reduced if you go for a platform shoe, but that's another blog for another day).
My best advice is to try a few different styles on, both block and stiletto heels. You'll soon get to know which feels more 'you'.
High Heels vs Low Heels
One of the main advantages of high heels is, obviously, height (sorry, couldn't resist). Some people just feel more elegant if they're wearing heels- it definitely does change the way you carry yourself and can add a sense of poise to your posture. There's also a longstanding theory that high heels elongate your legs visually too, which is obviously a bonus! Of course, high heels can be a little less stable than low heels, so it's important to find the balance between style and comfort.
Other things to look out for are leather linings (which allow your feet to breathe), and decent underfoot padding to cushion your feet- both of which Rachel Simpson shoes have, of course ;)
Both low and high heels can be comfortable if they're well made
Low heels offer an arguably more practical alternative to higher styles, while still giving you a touch of elegance. They can feel a bit more stable which some people prefer for long periods of wear. That said for some, low heels don't feel as dressy but I'd say that nowadays low can be just as impactful as high- cheesy as it may sound the most important thing to wear is confidence, and you'll only get that if you go for the shoes which you feel most like YOU.
Enjoy the choosing,
Rachel xx