Ankle Strap Heels

Shop strappy heels online at NOVO

A strappy heel is defined by what holds it to the foot: one or more straps that cross, wrap, or buckle across the ankle or instep. It's a category wide enough to include the single-strap sandal and the fully laced gladiator silhouette.

NOVO has been at the centre of Australian footwear for decades, earning its position as a go-to for women who want trend-forward designs. You'll find styles made for a rehearsal dinner, or styles that work with tailored separates at the office. 

Selected ankle strap heels are made with man-made materials suited to dressier outfits. You’ll find smooth patent, matte suede-look, and metallic finishes that look polished in photos and in person.

Novo’s sizing follows Australian standards, making it easier to select your usual fit without converting between regions. This becomes particularly useful with ankle strap heels, where the fit around the toe and strap placement can influence how the shoe feels throughout wear.

When to wear strappy heels

Evening events are the obvious occasion, and strappy heels deliver without question. A slim-strapped stiletto or a strappy party heel under a midi dress handles a cocktail party, a gala, or a corporate dinner easily. 

Weddings are where strap heels earn their most loyal following. The silhouette is formal enough for a ceremony without being stiff, and the range of finishes at NOVO covers everything from ivory patent for bridal party styling to gold metallic for guests who want to stand out. Slingback heels are a strong choice here as well: the back strap gives the security of an ankle strap with a slightly cleaner profile.

Date nights and social outings call for a different approach, and this is where the ankle strap heel shows real range. A single strap over a low block heel is the kind of shoe that reads as considered rather than trying too hard. Pair it with something simple above, and the shoe carries the look.

Semi-formal and smart casual settings make up the rest. Across Australian cities, the dress code gap between formal and casual has narrowed considerably, and ankle strap heels cross it naturally. 

How to style strappy heels

Ankle strap heels with a midi dress are one of the cleaner combinations in the current wardrobe. The hem sits below the knee, and the ankle strap adds definition at the base of the leg. A visible ankle between the two helps lengthen the overall shape, making the combination feel clean and well-balanced.

Tailored wide-leg trousers are the work to evening option. The trouser hem grazes the top of the shoe, which means the heel does its job structurally without demanding visual attention. 

Multi-strap heels and a slip dress belong to the same conversation. The slip dress is minimal by definition; the strappy heel adds detail. The Lassie Plum Patent handles this well: the warm neutral tone complements almost any colour in the slip dress category.

Metallic strappy heels shift the scenario entirely. Gold or silver strap heels against a monochrome or single-colour outfit put the shoe at the centre of the look. Minimalist dressing with a statement heel is one of the strongest styling directions in the current AU fashion cycle.

Across Australian conditions, strappy heels also cross seasons in ways that closed-toe styles do not. Warm evenings in Sydney or Brisbane in April are still strappy heel territory. Indoor events in Melbourne in July, where temperature control makes the venue its own microclimate, suit the category year-round. 

Conclusion

The ankle strap heel has staying power for a reason that goes beyond aesthetics. The strap is structural. The strap helps keep the shoe secure and gives it a more stable fit than a slip-on style. At Novo Shoes, this structure is reflected across women’s shoes and heels, where design is shaped around both form and function.

Frequently asked questions

Should you size up or down in strappy heels?

Generally, size true to your normal AU size. Strappy heels with a buckle or adjustable closures give you more flexibility at the ankle, so exact sizing matters less at the strap than it does at the toe box.

How to tie strappy heels so they don't fall off?

Tie strappy heels so the straps sit firmly around the ankle without digging into the skin. The foot should feel secure when walking, with no slipping at the heel or pulling across the toes. For lace-up styles, keep the straps even and avoid tying them too tightly, as feet can expand slightly throughout the day.

How to make strappy heels more wearable?

Start with the right base: a fitted shoe in your correct AU size does most of the work. For longer events, a thin gel pad under the ball of the foot reduces pressure at the toe box. If the strap material is stiff on a new pair, bend the strap gently before wearing to break in the strap. 

How to keep feet from sliding in strappy heels?

Sliding forward in a heel is usually caused by perspiration on a smooth insole. A thin non-slip insole insert, placed under the forefoot, adds grip without changing the fit. Alternatively, a light application of hairspray to the insole surface adds enough friction to stop forward movement.