The Heel Edit
Each season delivers its share of standout stilettos, but right now the emphasis is on audacity paired with impeccable finish. Designers have dialled up the architectural angles, polished hardware and unexpected materials to crafting heels that you’ll want to build an outfit around. From metallic leathers to crystal-encrusted bows, here are 13 of the most covetable new heels that prove “plain” is officially out of fashion.
Sculptural Drama
This season’s architectural heels owe as much to mid-century avant-garde sculpture as they do to footwear tradition. Advances in precision-moulded soles and lightweight metal alloys allow designers to create daring “loop” and geometric forms without sacrificing stability or wearability.
Khaite
75mm Loop Heel Black Leather Sandals – £790
Soft nappa leather frames a surrealist loop heel.
Miu Miu
105mm Silver Metallic Leather Heel Sandals – £900
Slimline buckle and patent-finish leather silver heels.
Gianvito Rossi
Entada 95mm Green Metallic Nappa Leather Sandals – £690
Crystal & Satin Glamour
Crystal embellishment on satin has roots in post-war couture, when ateliers in Paris perfected hand-set rhinestones as markers of exclusivity. Today’s luxury shoemakers combine high-gloss satin with precision-cut crystals to catch light at every angle, even under harsh gallery lighting.
Jimmy Choo
Verity 100mm Macaron Satin Sandals – £1,025
Delicate macaron-pink satin adorned with a rhinestone ankle chain.
Amina Muaddi
Adut 105mm Pearly Latte Patent Leather Sandals – £855
Patent-leather in a soft latte hue.
Mach & Mach
95mm Double Bow Black Heel Sandals – £707
Oversized bows, each edged in crystals, turn simple pumps into a jewellery-box moment.
Transparent & Tonal Twists
PVC and Plexiglas heels first emerged in the 1970s but have been refined with UV-resistant polymers and injection-moulded comfort pads. The result: a barely-there silhouette that nonetheless feels structurally robust, pairing clear heels with solid-colour uppers for a modernist effect.
Paris Texas
Lara 100mm Black Patent Leather Sandals – £490
Minimalism with a hint of fetish.
Aquazzura
Tequila Plexi Sandals – £1,095
Multicolour crystals set in clear vinyl, part party pump, part architectural acetate.
Revival of the Classics
Iconic shapes like Manolos and YSL slingbacks, are reinterpreted each season through new materials and finishes. This year’s metallic leathers and patent finishes update those staple lines with durable, high-shine coatings borrowed from premium automotive paint processes.
Loewe
Petal Flower Metallic Blue Calfskin & Crystals Sandals – £1,100
Three-dimensional petals of crystal bloom across a metallic-blue base, reimagining floral accents.
Saint Laurent
Vendôme Glazed Leather Slingback Pumps – £755
A pointed toe and high-gloss finish bring a Parisian swagger to this classic style.
Manolo Blahnik
Chaos Light Blue Ankle Strap Satin Sandals – £650
Crisp sky-blue silk with a crystal buckle adds to the label’s iconic bridal heritage.
Platform & 70’s Influences
Platform heels owe their comeback to renewed interest in 1970s design, driven by archival revivals at Prada and Gucci. Modern iterations use shock-absorbing midsoles and non-slip rubber finishes to make these once-seismic soles fit for today’s pavements.
Prada
Ivory Nappa Leather Platform Sandals – £970
A ’70s-inspired flatform recalls the sunlit days of disco yet refined in pebble-smooth ivory nappa.
Gucci
Horsebit 95mm Rosso Ancora Red Heel Sandals – £655
A nod to equestrian heritage via the emblematic horsebit, in a bold cherry red with chunky block heel.
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
Tips for Buying Designer Heels That Actually Get Worn
- Know Your Heel Personality
Some of us are ride-or-die stilettos wearers. Others barely tolerate a kitten. Be honest about your comfort zone – buying into a trend you’ll never wear isn’t a flex; it’s a waste. - Consider the Occasion – But Not Too Much
Don’t save every special heel for weddings. The best pairs earn their keep by turning up on random Tuesdays with your favourite jeans. Dress them down, wear them often. - Sizing Isn’t Always Standard
Designer brands have notoriously fickle sizing – Italian labels often run narrow. If you’re between sizes, check returns policies and favour retailers offering free returns or in-store try-ons. - Embrace a Signature Colour or Detail
You don’t have to go neon or sky-high. Instead, look for something subtle but eye-catching – a square toe, a sculpted heel or a unique texture. One bold detail makes a shoe memorable. - Don’t Dismiss the Mid-Range Heroes
Yes, we all want Saint Laurent, but labels like Malone Souliers, BY FAR and Dune London deliver serious design energy at gentler prices. Quality finishes and smart styling go a long way. - Weather-Proof Wisely
Suede + sudden summer showers = regret. For delicate textures, use a protective spray or save them for dry days only. No one looks stylish puddle-hopping. - Break Them In Gently
New heels can bite—you don’t need to spend days practising. Start with 15-minute wear sessions at home on carpet, gradually building up to evening outings to avoid any painful surprises.
