High heels have been a staple of women’s footwear for centuries. While originally created for men in the 10th century as riding shoes, high heels were adopted by women in the 16th century and have remained an iconic part of women’s fashion ever since.
Certain high heel designs have transcended time and trends to become truly iconic. These shoes are instantly recognizable silhouettes that evoke a sense of glamour and femininity. From the nude slingback to the classic black pump, these heels have carved their place in fashion history.
When we think of iconic high heels, several designs instantly come to mind:
The Stiletto
Perhaps the heel style that best encapsulates the essence of high heels, the stiletto is distinguished by its long, slender, dramatic heel. Stilettos gained prominence in the 1950s as heel heights began to increase. The thin heel altered the angle of the foot, tightening a woman’s calf muscles and giving the illusion of longer, slimmer legs.
Stilettos are the ultimate sexy, feminine heel. A true stiletto tapers to a narrowly rounded or pointed tip, raising the heel at least 4 inches from the floor. The daring heel exposes the arch of the foot and thrusts the wearer’s weight onto the ball of the foot, requiring balance and confidence to walk.
Christian Louboutin’s red-soled Pigalle stiletto is one of the most recognized today. The Pigalle Follies style has a 4.1 inch heel and pointed toe, providing a seductive silhouette.
The Kitten Heel
At the opposite end of the spectrum from the dramatic stiletto lies the kitten heel. Kitten heels are short, slender heels from around 1 to 2.5 inches high. They taper gently upwards from the sole, providing a modest lift.
Kitten heels are feminine and flirty. The heel’s small size gives them a retro, almost juvenile aesthetic. The lower heel enables the wearer to comfortably walk and stand for extended periods, making kitten heels suitable for work or daytime events.
The iconic kitten heel is the slingback designed by Roger Vivier for Christian Dior in 1954. The “mule,” as it was called, had a rounded toe and a petit heel no more than 2 inches high. It exemplified the sweet sophistication of 1950s style.
Today, the flexibility and comfort of kitten heels continues to appeal to fashionable women. The modest heels transition seamlessly from day to night. Brands like Gucci, Prada and Manolo Blahnik create chic, colorful kitten heels.
The Cone Heel
Cone heels slope upwards in a conical shape from the sole to a rounded point at the ground. Unlike stilettos or kitten heels, cone heels have no separated heel. The gradual incline of the cone provides better stability than the more dramatic stiletto.
The cone heel was popularized in the late 1930s and 40s by designer Salvatore Ferragamo. Iconic versions include Ferragamo’s “Rainbow” and “Cage” heel. “Rainbow” featured brightly colored suede bands on a high cone heel while “Cage” encased the foot in leather ribs. Both exemplified the creativity and experimentation of postwar shoe design.
Today, cone heels remain a versatile option. The stacked heel provides lift while still being walkable. Designers like Prada and Balenciaga use the stacked cone for minimalist sandals and pumps. The gradual slope makes them more stable than skinny heels, an appealing benefit for many wearers.
The Wedge
Wedge heels provide elevation without a separated heel. The wedge heel extends from the toe to the back of the shoe in one sloped piece. This design insures stability and spreads the foot’s weight across a larger area, making wedges one of the most comfortable heel styles.
Espadrilles with rope wedge soles became popular in the 1940s. Platform espadrilles provided height without sacrificing comfort, perfectly suiting the casual fashions of the era. Designers like Salvatore Ferragamo and later Yves Saint Laurent played with the platform wedge silhouette through the decades.
The espadrille wedge remains a warm weather staple today. The casual, vacation-ready style is ubiquitous in summer. Brands like Castañer and Saint Laurent offer signature takes on the platform wedge.
For height without discomfort, the wedge reigns supreme. Even towering platform wedges provide surprising stability and support. The wedge heel has secured its iconic status as a stylish heel for everyday wear.
The Pump
No high heel collection would be complete without the classic pump. Pumps are slip-on shoes with a closed toe and heel. The minimalist, versatile silhouette transitions seamlessly from day to night.
Pumps became popular in the 1950s as working women sought professional footwear. The modest heel height and timeless style made them suitable for the office. The sleek simplicity of a pointed toe pump or rounded kitten heel pump appealed to the refined tastes of the decade.
Today, the pump remains the go-to heel for work and formalwear. Designers release new takes on the classic pump each season. Popular versions include:
– Pointed toe stiletto – This slender pump elongates the leg. Styles from Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik reign supreme.
– Kitten heel – The mid-height kitten heel offers comfort and versatility. Prada’s Saffiano leather kitten heels are beloved.
– Slingback – The slingback pump is held on by a strap at the heel. It provides security while remaining professional.
No woman’s closet is complete without a selection of classic pumps in leather, suede and patterns to elevate every outfit.
The Ankle Strap Heel
Ankle strap heels encircle the ankle with a strap, providing security and support. The straps naturally draw attention to the legs and ankles, elongating the leg line.
The ankle strap heel became popular in the 1950s and 60s with ultra-feminine styles from Roger Vivier. Vivier’s designs featured slim heels and luxurious embellishments like sparkling crystals and velvet bows.
Today ankle strap heels retain strong feminine associations. The slim buckled strap can lend a chic retro feel, while wider straps create a more modern look. Popular ankle strap heels include:
– Kitten heels: Sweet ankle-strapped kitten heels are perfect for work and formal events. Leather, suede and patent leather uppers bring polish.
– Two-straps: Two ankle straps, like those on Jimmy Choo’s Lang heels, provide even more support. The double strap makes a delicate stiletto heel more wearable.
– Details: Ankle straps allow ample opportunity for creative details. Crystals, pearls, buttons and hardware on the straps amp up the style.
The ankle strap heel promises both security and allure. The strapping insures the shoe stays on, while the visible ankle flatters the leg. Ankle strap heels convey feminine confidence – no wonder icons like Marilyn Monroe favored them.
The Slingback
The slingback heel is yet another iconic high heel silhouette. Slingbacks feature a strap that crosses the back of the ankle, leaving the front of the foot exposed. The single strap holds the shoe securely on the foot.
Slingback heels rose to fame in the 1950s and 60s due to their demure, elegant style. The open toe created a flirtatious peep of skin, while the heel elongated the leg. The style remains perfect for parties and formal events.
Fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn favored slingbacks for their blend of class and sexiness. The unmistakable silhouette conveys retro femininity. Designers continue releasing new versions each season. Popular styles include:
– Kitten heel: Sweet rounded toe slingbacks with 2-3 inch block heels provide comfort and sophistication.
– Pointed toe: Thin stiletto heels with a pointed toe create an alluring shape. The heel counters the demure slingback.
– Details: Jeweled embellishments, velvet ties or leather bows adorn the slingback strap for added flair.
The slingback high heel promises timeless elegance. For both comfort and versatility, the slingback remains an iconic choice.
The Peep Toe
The peep toe pump reveals a flirty glimpse of the toes through a cutaway vamp. The peek of skin provides instant glamour and allure.
Peep toes originated in the 1940s, when shoe rationing forced designers to get creative with cutouts and embellishments. The flirtatious shoes quickly caught on and became popular through the 50s and 60s as modesty relaxed.
Today the peep toe pump remains beloved for dressy occasions. The leg-lengthening silhouette pairs especially well with sleeveless dresses. Signature styles include:
– Stiletto: A pointed toe pump showcases the teasing peep toe. Wear with everything from pants to cocktail dresses.
– Platform: A platform peep toe pump provides dramatic height. Playful peep toes counterbalance the severity of the towering heel.
– Ankle strap: Combining both trends, the ankle strap peep toe adds stability. The flirty toe peep balances the demure ankle strap.
The peep toe pump consistently resurfaces each season. The coy cutout provides instant sultriness to even the most minimalist heel. It whispers glamour.
The Mary Jane
The Mary Jane heel encapsulates youth and innocence. Defined by a rounded toe box and thin strap across the instep, Mary Janes hearken back to schoolgirl style. The prim polish of the style carries strong associations with propriety and manners.
The style saw resurgence in the 1950s and early 1960s with kitten heeled versions. Dior introduced the popular mid-height stacked heel Mary Jane. Women appreciated the versatility of the modest height and ankle strap.
Today Mary Janes continue to turnover in fashion. The sweet style prompts nostalgia for childhood. Platform Mary Janes provide a playful contrast between girlish charm and womanly height. Simple leather Mary Janes offer retro charm. Either way, the ladylike associations remain.
The Chelsea Boot
While not strictly a heel, the Chelsea boot deserves mention for its iconic elegance. Chelsea boots are ankle boots with elastic gore paneling on the sides, making them easy to slip on. The streamlined, versatile style suits both men and women.
Chelsea boots trace back to Victorian England, but reached popularity in the 1960s. The Beatles helped spread the Chelsea boot craze and countless musicians and models rocked the mod style.
Today, Chelsea boots remain an essential wardrobe staple. Chunky heeled Chelsea boots provide a perfect compromise between height and comfort. Designers like Saint Laurent offer luxe takes on the Chelsea boot with pointed toes and patent leather. Sleek Chelsea boots add instant polish to any outfit.
Conclusion
High heels have come to represent power, prestige and sophistication in women’s dress. But beyond their symbolism, iconic heels also bring pure aesthetic pleasure. Their graceful curves sculpt the leg into works of art. Designers continuously reinterpret the most beloved silhouettes each season to satisfaction of shoe lovers worldwide.
Truly iconic heels withstand the test of time. Their sleek shapes transcend passing trends. These classics include:
| Stiletto | Slingback | Pump |
| Kitten Heel | Peep Toe | Wedge |
| Cone Heel | Ankle Strap | Chelsea Boot |
The iconic high heels above represent the pinnacle of shoe style and design. Their dramatic height and delicate construction pose an engineering challenge met with creativity and panache. Each celebrates the beauty and strength of women.
So what are the most iconic high heels? The list provides endless inspiration, but the essence lies in the pleasure and confidence a fabulous pair of heels can inspire. Surrounding one’s feet with objects of beauty is one of fashion’s greatest joys.