High heels can make or break your outfit—and sometimes your ankles too! When it comes to fashion events like Paris Fashion Week, certain styles prove their worth through long days of strutting between shows and standing at after-parties.
Meanwhile, other heels can barely make it through a casual Sunday brunch without causing blisters, tears, or outright embarrassment. Let’s explore which heels are runway-ready warriors and which ones should stay in the closet when eggs benedict is on the menu.
1. Amina Muaddi ‘Begum’ Heels
Stunning geometric flared heels that magically distribute your weight make these beauties a fashion week essential. The signature martini-glass shape isn’t just for show—it provides surprising stability on those treacherous Parisian cobblestones.
Fashion editors swear by their comfort-to-glamour ratio, allowing for 12+ hour days without the typical stiletto suffering. The jeweled toe catches light from every angle, guaranteeing street style photographers will snap you.
Their cult following is well-deserved; these heels transform even the simplest outfit into a statement. Wear them with cropped trousers to truly showcase their architectural brilliance.
2. The Row Bare Sandals (Kitten-Heel Version)
Whisper-thin straps and a barely-there silhouette define these understated luxury gems from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s coveted label. The modest kitten heel proves that fashion week isn’t always about towering heights—sometimes true power lies in restraint.
Crafted from buttery leather that molds to your foot within hours, these sandals transition seamlessly from day shows to evening events. Their minimalist design works with everything from tailored suits to flowing maxi dresses.
Fashion insiders recognize them instantly, creating that perfect insider nod of approval. The Row’s signature subdued elegance speaks volumes without shouting.
3. Saint Laurent Blade Slingbacks
Sharp as their name suggests, these glossy weapons of mass fashion destruction cut through crowds with their unmistakable silhouette. The razor-thin heel somehow performs engineering miracles, balancing precariously yet securely on any surface.
Anthony Vaccarello designed these beauties with the Parisian woman in mind—someone who needs to look effortlessly chic while navigating historic streets. The slingback design provides crucial ankle support during long days of fashion shows.
Their pointed toe elongates legs while the patent finish photographs beautifully under both natural light and flashbulbs. A true fashion week warrior heel that works overtime.
4. Bottega Veneta Stretch Mesh Pumps
Daniel Lee’s revolutionary mesh pumps sparked a footwear revolution that continues to dominate fashion capitals worldwide. The stretchy, breathable upper hugs your foot like a second skin, preventing the dreaded mid-day slide that plagues lesser heels.
Their sculptural heel appears impossibly angular yet provides remarkable stability. The mesh construction allows feet to breathe during marathon fashion days when you’re racing between venues in fluctuating temperatures.
Fashion photographers actively hunt these distinctive shoes, making them instant street style bait. Their futuristic appeal somehow manages to look both avant-garde and wearable—the ultimate fashion week balance.
5. Chanel Cap-Toe Heeled Slingbacks
Karl Lagerfeld’s reinvention of Coco’s original 1957 design remains the quintessential fashion insider shoe. The contrasting cap toe creates that unmistakable silhouette that signals you’re part of the fashion cognoscenti without trying too hard.
The modest 65mm heel height is the secret to their longevity during fashion week—tall enough to look polished, short enough to remain functional. Lambskin lining cradles your feet in luxury while the slightly elasticized slingback prevents slippage.
These iconic shoes have graced more front rows than perhaps any other style. Their timeless appeal transcends seasons, making them a worthy investment that will survive countless fashion weeks.
6. Maison Margiela Tabi Heels
Martin Margiela’s infamous split-toe design remains fashion’s ultimate conversation starter nearly three decades after its debut. The distinctive hoof-like separation between the big toe and other toes creates an unmistakable silhouette that fashion purists revere.
Despite their avant-garde appearance, the balanced heel and thoughtful construction make them surprisingly walkable. The split-toe design actually distributes weight more naturally than conventional pointed pumps.
Fashion photographers actively hunt Tabi-wearers during fashion week, knowing they’ve spotted a true fashion devotee. Wearing them signals your membership in fashion’s most intellectual circle—these aren’t just shoes, they’re wearable art history.
7. Aquazzura Tequila Heels
Edgardo Osorio’s strappy masterpieces combine red-carpet glamour with surprising all-day wearability. The strategic ankle straps provide crucial support while crystal embellishments catch every camera flash—perfect for the constant documentation of fashion week.
Their thoughtfully padded insole makes the difference between limping by noon and striding confidently into evening events. The perfectly balanced stiletto height creates leg-lengthening magic without sacrificing mobility.
Fashion editors particularly love these for their photogenic sparkle that translates beautifully to social media. The crystals create dimension and interest in photographs while the nude illusion straps make legs appear miles long—a fashion week optical illusion worth every euro.
8. Loewe Flower Petal Heels
Jonathan Anderson’s surrealist approach to footwear birthed these conversation-starting marvels that blur the line between accessory and art installation. Delicate porcelain-like petals form an unexpected heel that somehow supports your weight through fashion’s most demanding marathon.
Their whimsical design attracts street style photographers like bees to actual flowers. The surprisingly stable construction defies their delicate appearance—engineering and artistry in perfect harmony.
Fashion risk-takers gravitate toward these statement makers that instantly elevate even the simplest outfit. Wearing them announces your fashion-forward credentials without saying a word—they’re not just shoes but wearable sculptures that start conversations at every show.
9. Manolo Blahnik Maysale Mules
Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite designer created these understated powerhouses that fashion veterans choose when they want comfort without sacrificing an ounce of style. The architectural buckle detail provides just enough interest without veering into ostentatious territory.
The pointed toe elongates the leg while the backless design allows feet to breathe during long fashion days. Their modest heel height strikes the perfect balance between elegance and functionality—ideal for navigating fashion week’s unpredictable terrain.
Seasoned editors reach for these when they know they’ll be on their feet for 14+ hours. The buttery suede options absorb light beautifully in photographs while the leather versions offer more durability against unexpected Parisian rain showers.
10. Toteme Square-Toe Kitten Heels
Swedish minimalism meets Parisian chic in these architectural marvels that whisper rather than shout. The distinctive square toe creates a modern silhouette that photographs beautifully from every angle—a street style photographer’s dream.
Their understated elegance provides the perfect counterpoint to fashion week’s more flamboyant styles. The manageable kitten heel allows for quick transitions between venues without sacrificing an ounce of sophistication.
Fashion insiders appreciate their versatility—they work equally well with tailored trousers or flowing dresses. Their clean lines and superior craftsmanship represent Scandinavian design philosophy at its finest: beautiful yet functional, simple yet never boring.
1. PVC Pumps with Clear Straps and a 5″ Spike Heel
Cinderella’s glass slipper fantasy quickly becomes a sweaty, blistered nightmare after 20 minutes in these transparent torture devices. The completely unforgiving plastic creates a greenhouse effect around your feet, causing inevitable fogging that looks like you’re walking around in cloudy aquariums.
The lack of breathability combines with the extreme height to create a perfect storm of discomfort. Every step becomes a squeaky announcement of your arrival—and imminent departure when the pain becomes unbearable.
Brunch requires mobility: trips to the buffet, bathroom breaks, and impromptu cheek-kisses with friends spotted across the restaurant. These unforgiving shoes make each of these simple activities feel like an Olympic event.
2. Rhinestone-Encrusted Platform Sandals from a Fast-Fashion Bin
Deceptively sparkly from afar, these glitzy imposters reveal their true colors the moment you stand up from the table. Rhinestones begin their mass exodus within minutes, leaving a trail of plastic gems marking your path from hostess stand to table.
The flimsy construction means the platform separates from the sole at the most inconvenient moment—like when you’re balancing a plate of pancakes. The cheap glue holding everything together is no match for body heat and minimal exertion.
That enticing price tag suddenly seems less appealing when your foot is half-exposed in public. The embarrassment of limping out with a dangling sole or missing half your sparkle isn’t worth those initial compliments.
3. Ultra-Cheap Wobbly Stilettos with No Arch Support
Bargain basement stilettos seem like a smart financial decision until about seven minutes into wearing them. The paper-thin sole provides zero cushioning between your foot and the hard restaurant floor, while the complete absence of arch support makes your feet cramp instantly.
The wobbly heel creates a perpetual feeling of impending doom with each step. That telltale click-wobble-click announces your precarious journey to everyone within earshot.
By the time your avocado toast arrives, you’ve already kicked them off under the table—the universal admission of defeat. The visible compression marks and angry red spots will remain long after brunch ends, reminding you why quality footwear is always worth the investment.