Everything you need to know about high sandals: types of heel, height, occasions

Tall sandals are an essential for hot summer days. They elongate the leg with elegance and add a refined look. Their designs vary from slim straps to laces that wrap around the ankle, creating a bohemian yet chic effect. Perfect for summer evenings or to complement a festival outfit, these sandals work wonderfully with lightweight dresses or maxi skirts, evoking a boho style. They're the ideal accessory for celebrating femininity with style and comfort.

The different types of high-heeled sandals

Wedge-heeled sandals

If you're worried about sore feet, wedge sandals are a godsend! Perfect for long days, they guarantee unrivalled stability while boosting height. Their variety of materials and sandal styles makes them a popular choice for both casual and dressy outfits.

Platform sandals

Platform sandals offer an excellent alternative for those who want to gain a few centimetres without sacrificing comfort. With their thick soles and often massive heels, these shoes can play on bold textures and patterns for an eye-catching look.

High lace-up sandals

Evoking an old-fashioned yet contemporary charm, lace-up sandals snake around the ankle for a secure fit. They come in a variety of designs, from the sleekest to the most ornate, to suit all preferences and occasions.

High sandals with ankle strap

Ankle-strap sandals, often with a delicate heel, are the epitome of elegance. They support the foot with grace, while subtly highlighting the natural curve of the ankle. 

High open-toe sandals

A summer favourite, open-toe styles offer welcome freedom and ventilation for the feet. They allow you to show off a fresh pedicure and are often the vehicle for a variety of creative expressions through the play of colours and materials.

High sandals with closed toe

For a more structured and sometimes professional look, closed-toe sandals are an impeccable option. They can be easily combined with office outfits without sacrificing fashion.

Sandals with stiletto heels

Stiletto heels, with their extreme finesse and elegance, are synonymous with femininity. They sculpt the posture and enhance every step. However, they require a certain amount of practice to be worn with ease and confidence.

High sandals with square heels

Finally, sandals with square heels give you better support, making long evenings on your feet or walks more enjoyable.

The most popular materials for high sandals

Leather heeled sandals

Leather, a noble and resistant material, is a popular choice for quality sandals. It moulds to the shape of the foot over time and develops a beautiful patina.

Suede heeled sandals

Suede adds a touch of softness and luxury to sandals. Its velvety texture is often chosen for more formal styles or special events, although it does require meticulous care.

Heeled sandals in imitation leather

For those who prefer a vegan or more affordable option, imitation leather is a practical alternative. It imitates leather with great fidelity, while being easier to clean and maintain.

Sandals with fabric heels

Fabrics offer endless possibilities in terms of patterns and colours. They are often used for more casual sandals or for bold, seasonal creations.

Canvas heeled sandals

Lightweight, breathable canvas is ideal for summer sandals. It lends itself particularly well to colourful designs and is often chosen for beach or holiday footwear.

Different heel heights

Low heel (less than 5 cm)

Low heels are perfect for those who want comfort above all else. They provide effortless mobility with a slight lift.

Medium heel (between 5 cm and 8 cm)

An ideal compromise, the mid-heel is high enough to look stylish, but low enough to stay comfortable all day long.

High heel (over 8 cm)

The choice of the bold, the high heel instantly transforms the look. They are often the centre of attention at major events and parties.

The different types of heeled sandals for women

Casual heeled sandals

Often adorned with minimalist details, they're ideal for a relaxing day out or a light-hearted outing. Materials range from soft leather to breathable textiles, offering comfort and durability without compromising on style.

Evening sandals

Luxury and sophistication define these sandals. Finished with rhinestones, pearls and precious metals, they catch the light and catch the eye. 

Bohemian heeled sandals

Embracing the free spirit of boho-chic, these sandals are adorned with fringes, pearls or ethnic motifs. They are perfect with flowing dresses or maxi skirts.

Spartan sandals with heels

Inspired by antiquity, these high sandals feature straps that wrap around the ankle or up the calf. They add a dramatic touch to any outfit and are often chosen for their bold, distinctive look.

Strappy high sandals

Thin or wider straps create an attractive structure and give extra support. These versatile sandals go just as well with jeans as they do with dresses, suitable for a variety of occasions.

Colours and trends for heeled sandals

Black sandals

Timeless, black remains a favourite choice for those looking for elegance and ease of combination. Black heeled sandals can be worn with almost any outfit. They are perfect for formal evenings out or business events.

White sandals

White is synonymous with freshness and purity. White heeled sandals add luminosity and lightness to your summer outfits. They are particularly popular for weddings and garden parties, where they are a perfect complement to light outfits and soft colour palettes.

Beige sandals

Beige is a colour of unparalleled versatility. Beige heeled sandals are easy to match with different shades of clothing, making this colour ideal for both everyday and more sophisticated outfits. 

Brown sandals

Warm and earthy, brown is a rich colour that evokes a sense of comfort and stability. Brown heeled sandals are often chosen for bohemian or vintage looks, excelling with natural textiles such as linen or cotton.

Red sandals

Vibrant and passionate, red is the colour of boldness and confidence. A pair of red heeled sandals can transform a simple ensemble into a powerful fashion statement. Perfect for adding a pop of colour to a monochrome look or for an evening out where standing out is key. 

Blue sandals

Blue offers a range of emotions, from the calm of pale blues to the dynamism of electric blues. Blue heeled sandals are a great way to inject subtle but striking colour into a wardrobe, working well with neutrals or contrasting beautifully with warmer colours.

Pink sandals

Tender and feminine, pink is often associated with softness and romance. Pink heeled sandals are ideal for spring events or romantic rendezvous.

Green sandals

Reminiscent of nature, green comes in a multitude of shades. Green heeled sandals can anchor an outfit, especially when chosen in bright shades like emerald green.

Yellow sandals

Cheerful and energising, yellow captures the essence of summer and joviality. Yellow heeled sandals brighten up any look, making them perfect for holidays, parties, or just to brighten up an ordinary day.

Orange sandals

Vibrant and lively, orange is a colour that doesn't go unnoticed. Orange heeled sandals are ideal for those who want to experiment with bold colours.

Metallic sandals (gold, silver)

Metallic finishes, such as gold and silver, add instant sparkle to your step. Metallic heeled sandals are perfect for evenings out and special occasions, adding a luxurious dimension and glamorous appeal to your ensemble.

When should you wear sandals?

Summer sandals

Summer sandals feature breathable materials such as perforated leather or canvas, and open designs that celebrate freedom and freshness. These models are perfect for hot days, walks by the seaside or casual outings. Bright colours and floral or tropical patterns are often in evidence, reflecting the joyful energy of the season.

Spring sandals

Spring sandals welcome the return of warm weather with pastel colours and delicate details like flowers and laces. They are characterised by a certain softness of style, with romantic and bucolic touches. The light but covering materials, such as soft suede, are ideal for those cooler days at the start of the season. These sandals go perfectly with transitional outfits, such as midi skirts and flowing blouses.

Autumn sandals (closed)

Suitable for the cooler autumn weather, these sandals, which are generally closed or semi-closed, offer good protection. Materials such as thick leather or velvet are favoured for their ability to retain heat. Colours are generally more earthy and rich, with shades of burgundy, navy and forest green. These sandals can include elements such as buckles or metal detailing for a more rugged and sophisticated feel, perfect for accompanying outfits made up of layered looks typical of this season.

When should you wear heeled sandals?

High sandals for everyday wear

They are designed to be worn for long hours, providing adequate support without sacrificing aesthetics. These models may feature wider heels or lightweight platforms, optimising stability for easy walking. Neutral colours or simple designs are favoured for easy pairing with a variety of daytime outfits, from casual jeans to flowing summer dresses.

High sandals for work

For a professional environment, high-top sandals need to be elegant yet understated. Classic colours such as black, grey or beige dominate, making them easy to integrate into a work wardrobe. These sandals go perfectly with tailored trousers, pencil skirts or office dresses.

High sandals for chic evenings out

For an elegant evening, high sandals are dressed up in their most sophisticated finery. Designs include luxurious details such as crystals, sequins or metallic finishes, adding essential glamour. Stiletto heels or sleek styles with thin straps are favoured for their ability to slim the silhouette. 

High sandals for a wedding

High sandals worn at a wedding combine grace and elegance. Soft colours such as white, ivory or pastel shades are often chosen to complement bridal outfits. Materials such as satin or patent leather add a dimension of refinement, while embellishments such as pearls or fabric flowers underline the festive nature of the occasion. 

Suggestions on how to wear high sandals with different outfits

With a maxi dress

High-heeled sandals are splendid when teamed with a maxi dress. For a bohemian chic look, opt for sandals with wedges or strappy heels. Choose colours that complement the pattern of the dress or opt for a neutral shade to let the dress shine. This is the perfect ensemble for terrace dining or summer evenings.

With jeans and a blazer

For a more urban, sophisticated look, pair heeled sandals with skinny jeans and a blazer. Choose stiletto sandals to add a touch of femininity. This look works well for a casual date or a day at the office, offering an elegant yet comfortable look.

With a pencil skirt

Square-heeled or stiletto sandals go perfectly with a pencil skirt for a professional or elegant look. Opt for coordinating colours or subtle contrasts, like black sandals with a brightly coloured skirt. Add a chic blouse to complete this refined work look.

With shorts

For a casual day out, team heeled sandals with denim or fabric shorts. Platform or block-heeled sandals offer comfort while elevating the look. Choose simple accessories and a casual top for a summer outing or picnic.

With a party dress

Sandals with metallic heels or embellished with details such as precious stones are ideal for complementing a party dress. They add a glamorous and refined dimension, perfect for galas or weddings. Make sure the length of the dress allows your sandals to stand out, creating a harmonious and elegant ensemble.