Well-Heeled: 5 Pairs of High Heels Worth Investing In

16th March 2023

As all shoe-aholics know, a good pair of shoes can cost you. A good pair of heels has to tick a lot of boxes to be worth its price tag. They need to be well made, first and foremost. They need to last the test of time: rowdy nights out with your friends, wedding receptions held on wooden floors, long days standing at work. They need to offer support to your feet and promote foot health rather than giving your heels too little to balance on and squishing your toes into unnatural shapes. The shoes you choose to invest in need to fit with your overall style rather than being trend items: choosing great style over trends means that you will get years of wear out of your shoes.

Once you’ve ticked these boxes, what comes next? Well, womens high heels come in lots of shapes and sizes. If you’re upgrading your current wardrobe or starting a new high-heel collection, there are a few pairs that you should be prepared to invest a reasonable amount of money and a lifetime of care and treatment. These are our top choices to start building a wonderful wardrobe full of beautiful high heels.

Black block-heeled ankle boots

We went with a block heel for our first choice because that style of heel is a lot more comfortable for a large number of people. If you’re someone who prefers a spiked heel, feel free to go with that instead! A black leather block-heeled boot is an incredibly versatile shoe. If the shoe is well made it will last you for years! Black ankle boots can be an ideal piece to have in your “going out” wardrobe. They’ll pair with a skirt, a dress, or a pair of jeans for a relaxed but sexy look. These simple boots can take you to work as well. Even if you don’t need to be dressed up every day, it can be nice to spruce up for an important meeting. A winter wedding can be difficult to dress for, but you’ll find yourself set if you have a good pair of black boots in your wardrobe.

Strappy heels

A pair of strappy heels might not get everyday wear to the office or a casual bench, but there will come a day when you have a surprise date or a last-minute girls’ trip on the agenda and you’ll be thankful they’re in your wardrobe. “Strappy” can mean anything from kitten heel slingbacks, the highest gladiator heels ever, or a pair of ankle strap platforms: it’s your choice. With a pair like this, however, we do advise that you select a print, finish, and colour that is neutral to your own wardrobe to ensure they’ll go with as much as possible.

Brown calf-length boots

A classic pair of brown boots (the shade is completely up to you: whichever shade will work best with the majority of your wardrobe is the way to go), also with a block heel cut to the calf, will take you a long way. If you’re a little more daring, maybe you’ll prefer a thigh-high boot, but calf length will probably be far more wearable. Again, we advise that you choose a block heel and a genuine leather upper. These two things will NEVER go out of style. A calf-length boot can be a cute and playful addition to a summery dress. They can slide up over a pair of skinnies or under a loose-cut pair of trousers.

Snakeskin pumps

This might sound a little ritzy if you consider yourself to be a plain Jane when it comes to style, but hear us out. Snakeskin can be as bright or as subtle as you want it to be. Go lavender and orange for an over-the-top look, or opt for all black or black and brown for something subtle with a hint of sass. A pump (usually with a slender heel and a slightly pointed toe) is a style of heel that has remained in fashion in one colour/print or another ever since it first rocketed to popularity at the end of the 17th century. If you’re looking for a little extra height, select a pair with a platform.

Closed court shoes

Many Gen-Xers might consider a court shoe to be something “old lady-ish”, but we believe there’s life in the old girls yet! A court can be as contemporary or classic as you want, all you have to do is look for a pair that works for you. If you work in a corporate position, a court is a reliable and comfortable shoe that you can wear all day. If you’re not always comfortable in extra-high heels, these can be a great option. You could even purchase a simple pair and customise them yourself!

Wrap up

If you’re looking to add some heels to your shoe collection, these are the ones that we think you should consider investing in. If you look after your shoes well, they’ll look after you for years to come.