Nothing makes me feel more ready for a special event than putting on a pair of killer stiletto heel shoes. While they can - quite literally - be painful if you spend too long on your feet, every now and then it's worth it for that perfect outfit.
These days I find they're actually more comfortable than ever, with padded insoles on many high street and designer styles. Plus, if in doubt, carry a pair of ballet flats in your bag to wear at the end of the night.
With summer in full swing, it's likely you have a wedding, hen do, day at the races or some other form of party in your diary in the coming months, so a pair of stiletto high heels is a must to take you through the season.
- The classic designer pair: Christian Louboutin So Kate 120 Pumps
- The Carrie Bradshaw-approved pair: Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 Silk-Satin Pumps
- The Princess Kate-inspired pair: Michael Kors Amara Leather Pumps
- The leopard print pair: Charles & Keith Leopard-Print Slingback Pumps
- The mesh pair: Mango Glitter Mesh Heeled Shoes
Celebrities wearing stiletto heels
![[L-R Victoria Beckham, Michelle Keegan, Hailey Bieber, Meghan Markle]](https://images.hellomagazine.com/horizon/original_aspect_ratio/6f8191e1db77-celebs-stilettos.jpg)
Stilettos are also a go-to for celebrities at events and on the red carpet. VB loves her heels and Meghan Markle has worn sky high stilettos on multiple occasions, including announcing her engagement to Prince Harry. Hailey Bieber wears them with everything from mini skirts to demure knitted midis, and Michelle Keegan loves a pointed toe pair with dresses and trouser suits.
Royals wearing stilettos at race days
![[L-R Princess Diana, Princess Kate, Duchess Sophie, Princess Beatrice]](https://images.hellomagazine.com/horizon/original_aspect_ratio/87afeec60f2d-royals-in-stilettos.jpg)
Unsure of what shoes to wear to a day at the races? It might be useful to know that stilettos are the heels of choice for the likes of Princess Kate and Duchess Sophie at Royal Ascot. The royal ladies tend to choose style over comfort, most often seen in stiletto court shoes. Even Princess Diana wore a pair with her skirt suit ensemble back in 1985.
How I chose the best stiletto heels
- Style: From court shoes to strappy sandals, I've included stilettos to suit every style in this edit.
- Price: I've also found shoes for a range of budgets, from Jimmy Choos and Louboutins to pairs from ASOS and Mango.
- Heel height: I've only included heels 3.5 inches and higher. Head here for the best mid-height heels.
1/9
Christian Louboutin So Kate 120 Pumps
- Sizes available: IT 34.5-43
- Heel height: 5 inches
- Colours available: Black, Beige, Snake Print
If you're looking to invest in a designer pair, stilettos don't get much more timeless than Louboutins. Made in Italy, this classic So Kate style feature a pointed toe and the brand's signature lacquered red soles.
3/9
Jimmy Choo Saeda 100 Embellished Satin Pumps
- Sizes available: UK 2-10
- Heel height: 4 inches
- Colours available: White
How dreamy are these Jimmy Choo stilettos? Whether you're accessorising an LBD or an all-white outfit, with their crystal anklet and sheer detail they'll make the most stunning finishing touch.
4/9
Mango Glitter Mesh Heeled Shoes
- Sizes available: UK 2-9
- Heel height: 6 inches
- Colours available: Black
First it was mesh ballet flats, and now mesh heels are trending. Spotted on the likes of Gigi Hadid, Margot Robbie and Hailey Bieber, they're everywhere right now, and this Mango pair also feature statement glitter studs.
5/9
ASOS DESIGN Nelly High Heeled Sandals
- Sizes available: UK 2-13
- Heel height: 4.1 inches
- Colours available: Rose Gold, Natural Linen
A pair of metallic heeled sandals are a must in every occasionwear wardrobe. These affordable stilettos from ASOS have a strappy, open-toe design with a pin-buckle fastening.
6/9
Michael Kors Amara Leather Pump
- Sizes available: UK 2-9.5
- Heel height: 3.5 inches
- Colours available: White, Black
A pair of white stiletto court shoes are a go-to for Princess Kate, who wore them as recently as Wimbledon 2024. This pair by Michael Kors are more affordable than her trusty Jimmy Choos, but are still made from quality real leather and have the same timeless silhouette.
7/9
Carvela Kross Stiletto Heel Court Shoes
- Sizes available: UK 3-8
- Heel height: 3.5 inches
- Colours available: Black, Blush, White
Every wardrobe needs a pair of classic black stiletto court shoes. Made from soft suede, Carvela's have a pointed toe and thick straps with durable uppers for years of wear.
8/9
Charles & Keith Leopard-Print Slingback Pumps
- Sizes available: UK 1-8
- Heel height: 3.5 inches
- Colours available: Leopard Print, Brown
Wear the leopard print trend with these slingback heels from Charles & Keith. The label is loved by the likes of Paris Hilton and this pair will add something extra to that LBD or a pair of leather trousers.
9/9
Pretty Little Thing Strappy Stiletto Heel Sandals
- Sizes available: UK 3-8
- Heel height: 5 inches
- Colours available: Black, Gold
Pretty Little Thing is a popular choice for stiletto heels. This black strappy pair have a subtle snake print texture, they're a fail safe for any occasion and so affordable.
