Dear reader, I have good news. Long gone are the days of suffering in sky-high or all-round impractical heels every day. Yes, we might want to revisit them for special occasions, but we’ve noticed that fashion people are done with abusing their feet and are gravitating towards more wearable shoe styles. Enter, the mid-heel shoe.
Everywhere you look this season, from boots to pumps, the mid-heel is the number one trend in the shoe game right now. I’m not talking about a chunky flatform heel, and no, it isn’t a kitten heel either, but these slim demi and modest block heels come with enough lift so as not to be considered a flat, but stay lower than four inches. They’re not only incredibly chic, but they’re also manageable for everyday wear. Sorry flats, but that’s a win-win in our book.
Just look through the A/W 23 shows and you’ll see polished and pointy pairs from Prada, ladylike mary janes from Armani and sleek slip-ons from Tod’s—none of which are anywhere near high enough to even suggest a rolled ankle.
Like the sound of stylish shoes that won’t require a foot rub at the end of the day? Keep scrolling for our top picks of the most comfortable (and chicest) mid-heel shoes that every collection needs.
Style Notes: I could write a novel on the mega trend that is the mid-heel mule alone, but instead, it tops my list of shoes to note this year. Brands from Toteme to Manolo Blahnik have put their spin on the slip-on style, and whether you choose closed-toe or open, the mule is the top choice of the well-dressed insider in the know.
It’s impossible to choose a favourite when these come in nine different colours.
A true classic.
In case you missed it, metallics are about to be huge this season.
I love a sculptural square toe.
Party shoes you really can wear all night long.
Style Notes: Ever since Prada revamped the slingback and Marks and Spencer brought it to the high street, we’ve been obsessed. This throwback style adds an air of retro polish to even the simplest of outfits, but it looks particularly good with a full skirt and socks à la Linda Tol, pictured above.
Everything that Toteme turns its hand to is sheer perfection.
These would look so cute with socks and tights.
Yes, these are from H&M; you read that correctly.
I love wearing shades of brown in autumn.
A guaranteed conversation-starter.
Style Notes: Forget sweater weather—we’re all about boots season. If you’re looking for a style that you can stomp around in all day without the need for gel insoles, you just found it. Knee-high boots are everywhere this autumn (and let’s face it, the classic ankle boot never goes out of style), but if you too are tired of limping around in ungainly platforms, you could be stepping into these elegant mid-heel options instead.
An instantly recognisable silhouette.
Knee-high boots look good at mid-heel height too.
Just enough of a Western touch without having to go full cowboy.
I already own the patent pair, but I’m going invest in the matte black too.
A mid-heel boot with squishy Insolia in-soles? Sign me up.
Style Notes: Summer may well be over, but it’s not time to retire your sandals quite yet. The simple strappy sandal is perfect for dressing up for evening, and if you’ve got a night planned that will see you up until the early hours, a mid-heel is the comfortable alternative to towering stilettos. Just as chic, far but more wearable.
NA-KD’s shoe range is full of hidden gems.
Such a gorgeous colour.
When in doubt, go for gold.
It’s all about that crystal plaque.
Cindy also comes in aqua blue, silver and orange.
Style Notes: Don’t let anybody tell you that pumps are “dated”; this sensible shoe has undergone a fashionable makeover and is the now the fashion girl’s everyday shoe of choice. Rain? No problem. A day in the office? Easy. Dressing up for a special event? You got it. It’s time to stop wearing one pair of shoes to the location and carrying a spare pair in your bag. Why not get a pair that does it all?
This whole outfit is a cheat’s guide to Parisian style.
2023 was the year we all started talking about mary janes again.
A suede loafer-meets-pump that might be the perfect autumnal hybrid.
