Heel Height Guide: How to Measure and Choose the Right Fit
This heel height guide makes choosing your next pair simpler. Heel height affects the proportions of a shoe,
the amount of lift it creates and the outfits it suits. A low block heel gives a different result from a
slim 10 cm stiletto, even when both pairs share a similar toe shape.
Understanding those differences helps you compare heels before buying.
Below, you will find the correct way to measure heel height, practical height bands
to consider and styling cues for work, weekends and occasions.
How to Measure Heel Height Correctly
To measure heel height, place the shoe on a flat surface and measure straight down from the point
where the heel meets the shoe sole to the ground. This captures the full vertical
height of the heel rather than the height of the back of the shoe.
If you are comparing several pairs, use the same method for each. Product measurements are
commonly listed in centimeters or inches, although Novo AU currently specifies
heel heights in centimeters on individual product pages.
How to measure heel length:
1. Place the shoe on a flat surface. Keep it upright in its natural standing position rather than holding it in your hand.
2. Position a ruler or measuring tape beside the heel. Start at the floor where the heel makes contact with the surface.
3. Measure vertically to the top of the heel. Stop where the heel structure meets the body of the shoe.
4. Record the measurement in centimetres. When comparing styles online, check the heel height listed in the product specifications against your measurement.
Remember that two heels with the same listed height can still look different. A block heel, stiletto and platform distribute that height across very different shapes.
How to Find Your Ideal Heel Height
Knowing how to find your ideal heel height starts with deciding what you want the shoe to do for the outfit.
Instead of treating one measurement as universally right, consider three useful height bands.
Low heels: approximately 3–5 cm
Low heels add subtle lift without making height the defining feature of the shoe. They suit tailored workwear, midi dresses and occasions where a restrained
profile works better. Novo's current block-heel range places its low styles within the 3–5 cm bracket.
Mid heels: approximately 6–8 cm
This range creates a more noticeable change in proportion. It can take a heel from understated daytime dressing into dinners, events and sharper office looks.
High heels: approximately 9 cm and above
Higher heels put more emphasis on the shoe and suit occasions where you want the footwear to have greater visual presence.
Novo currently carries styles extending beyond 9 cm. Some styles have 10.3 cm stiletto heel heights as well.
Seasonal releases can also introduce heel shapes or proportions that are only available for a limited period, so it is worth checking the current range when a particular style catches your attention.
Styling by Heel Height
Once you know the measurement, think about how much emphasis you want the shoes to carry within the outfit.
Novo's heel collection covers block heels, stilettos, kitten heels, slingbacks, mules and platforms, giving each height band more than one style direction.
- Low heels for work and polished daytime looks: Try a 3–5 cm heel with tailored trousers, straight skirts or structured dresses.
A low block or kitten heel adds definition while keeping the overall proportion understated.
- Mid heels for day-to-evening dressing: The 6-8cm range is nice when you want more height but not the heel to be the main focus.
Pair a pointed slingback or slim heel with wide-leg tailoring, a midi dress or a sleek evening separate.
- High heels for occasions: Heels above 9 cm make a stronger statement and work naturally with cocktail dresses, formal tailoring and eventwear.
Keep the rest of the outfit considered so the added height feels intentional rather than excessive.
- Block heels for a stronger base: Heel width matters alongside height. A block heel has more visual weight than a stiletto at a similar measurement,
making it particularly effective with wide-leg trousers, structured dresses and contemporary tailoring.
- Platforms for added height: A front platform changes the pitch and proportions of a high heel. The result is a bolder shoe shape that works
particularly well when the footwear is intended to become a defining part of the look.
Final Thoughts
The right heel height depends on the look you are building, the occasion and how much presence you
want from the shoe. Start with the measurement, then consider heel shape, toe profile and overall proportion before deciding.
A low heel can sharpen everyday tailoring, a mid heel can move easily into evening dressing, and a higher
profile can become the focal point of an occasion look. Once you know which range fits your wardrobe, explore
Novo AU's current heels to compare the latest silhouettes and seasonal releases.
FAQs
1. How has heel height trended over past fashion seasons?
Heel heights move with changing footwear silhouettes rather than following one fixed direction. Kitten heels,
platforms, block heels and stilettos regularly return in updated proportions. Instead of choosing purely by trend,
consider which current shape adds something useful to your wardrobe.
2. Do higher heels mean less stability than lower heels?
Not much. Height matters, but so does heel width, shoe construction, platform height, and fit.
The wider block heel offers a wider base than a narrow stiletto. If the occasion calls for stability,
look at the overall heel construction, not just the centimetres.
3. How do I know if a heel is too high to wear all day at work?
Try to walk as normal as possible and maintain a tight fit without your foot sliding forward or your stride changing much.
Lower or mid-height styles may be more practical for longer office days. Ultimately, your workplace,
daily movement and familiarity with the heel should guide the final choice.
