The Best Designer Heels for Women Have Range

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While, yes, Carrie Bradshaw’s designer shoe obsession was shaped by late credit card payments, money borrowing, and arguments with a border collie and new mother, there were many times we fashion people could relate. The Olivia Newton-John-haired columnist had her flaws, but footwear choices were never one of them. For those enamored by fashion (and Carrie's expansive closet), nothing sparks delight like a beautiful, well-made shoe, especially the best designer heels for women.

Classic Manolos like Carrie's are just the start of a modern shoe collection in 2024. A whole new range of designer heels is defined by distinctive details and reimagined house codes. Whether you’re a fan of Loewe’s lacquered Toy heel or going the minimalist route in Prada’s brushed slingbacks, high heels can add symmetry and an elevated touch to any outfit.

On the other hand, the best high heels for women are the most comfortable and adaptable for you, and your style. Take it from someone who owns more than thirty varying pairs: “They’re both so different,” I explain to my husband as I hold up two similar patent leather mules. But they are different. One is for evening parties, and the other is for coffee meetings. What makes a heel perfect is how it complements your lifestyle—teetering stiletto or not.

Ahead, shop the 15 best designer high-heel favorites from Gucci to Gianvito Rossi.

Brushed Leather Slingback Pumps

Runner up to Prada’s social-media-breaking white applique pumps are these matte slingbacks from the same lineup. Made of brushed leather, they feature the same materials Prada has used since the 90s, their refreshed triangle logo (in padded leather), and a geometric heel.

Materials: Leather

Heel height: 2.9"

Sizes: 4-12.5

Toy Pump in Goatskin

Loewe's Spring collection was all about contrast—it's why these seemingly traditional pumps feature a playful toy-shaped heel. This deep brown pair is crafted with a rounded toe and 3-D logos on the soles.

Materials: Goat skin

Heel height: 2"

Sizes: 5-11

GG Slingback Pump

This Gucci classic has been around for quite a while, and still, it makes our hearts flutter with delight. Why? Well, the Aria collection references the archives of the 90s and 2000s, with pieces like these slingbacks inspired by Tom Ford’s era.

Materials: Mesh, suede, leather

Heel height: 1.4"

Sizes: 4-12

Belle Vivier Suede Pumps

Some of Hollywood's most iconic stars wear Roger Vivier's 'Belle Vivier' pumps, including French actress Catherine Deneuve. This pair of soft suede heels is topped with the brand's distinctive granite-effect resin buckle and engraved with the initials RV.

Materials: Pink suede

Heel height: 2"

Sizes: 4-12

Jessa d'Orsay Pump

We were all here to witness the Tory Burch renaissance, and apparently, it was a long time coming. Just see this pump's reimagining of a classic silhouette with an effortless, undone attitude for proof. This new variation of their metal horsehead hardware features a square toe and split heel that underscores the beauty of imperfection.

Materials: Leather

Heel height: 3.54"

Sizes: 5-12

Tangra Strappy Pump

With asymmetric straps and a closed-toe upper that tapers to a point, the Tangra offers the engaged touch of occasion dressing with contrast grosgrain and suede colorways. Don’t worry—the framing makes these easy to stroll in.

Materials: Grosgrain and Calf leather

Heel height: 3.1"

Sizes: 6-11

Aline Leather Mary Jane Pumps

If you ask any fashion girls around town, they’ll say how surprisingly comfortable all of Aeyde’s footwear options are. Cut from smooth leather into a square-toe silhouette, these are set on a walkable cube-block heel in a Mary Jane shape.

Materials: Leather

Heel height: 2"

Sizes: 5-12

Patent Leather Buckle Slingbacks

For a shoe that’s constantly selling out, of course, we can look no further than Miu Miu. From their satin ballet flats to these rebellious slingbacks, the house has been infusing campaigns, editorials, and social media with something to yearn for—irreverence and personality.

Materials: Leather

Heel height: 4"

Sizes: 4-12

Tokio 55 Glossed-Leather Mules

Slide into sophistication with Gianvito’s Tokio mules. Made from glossy leather with pointed, squared-off toes, they rest on sleek low heels that are comfortable enough to wear throughout fashion week or simply to the mall.

Materials: Tan glossed-leather

Heel height: 2.1"

Sizes: 5-12

T-strap Croc Sandal

An ideal shoe for the modern woman, this T-bar pump is made from high-gloss printed patent leather. Featuring a pointed toe and curved heel with a touch of fortitude, and a slender ankle strap with a custom button, the shoe is contemporary and feminine at once.

Materials: Printed calfskin

Heel height: 3.3"

Sizes: 5-11

Lana Pumps

An exaggerated pointed toe, square vamps, and geometric heels create the chic, modern silhouette of The Row's 'Lana' pumps. In a sand shade, the patent-leather shoes go well with most outfits— head-to-toe winter whites in particular.

Materials: Leather

Heel height: 3"

Sizes: 6-12

Crystal-Embellished Patent Leather Pumps

Ideal for brides looking to add a little sparkle to their wedding weekends, these bling pumps from Jimmy Choo are designed with a pointed toe, stiletto heel, and crystal embellishments on the upper. Want to wear them after the festivities? You can easily tone it down with black denim.

Materials: Patent leather/crystal upper

Heel height: 2.5”

Sizes: 5-12

Kitten Triomphe T-Bar Pumps

These Celine pumps transcend seasons. Can’t you picture them with a column-shaped summer dress, just as easily as you could with a knitted turtleneck dress? The walkable kitten heel is defined by a sharp toe and metal triomphe signature at the T-bar strap.

Materials: Calfskin

Heel height: 2"

Sizes: 4-12

Bunnie Mule

From the gold hardware finish to the crinkled brown patent leather, there are plenty of reasons for editors, stylists, and fashion aficionados to be obsessed with these Bottega mules. Showcase the golden knotted ring accent with sweeping hemlines and skirts.

Materials: Leather/Rubber outsole

Heel height: 3.5"

Sizes: 5-12

Lidia Patent Leather Sandals

Cut from glossy patent leather, these sky-high sandals have an easy, slip-on construction. It complements the easy yet elegant design ethos of the founders, Milanese sisters Anna and Margherita Brivio.

Materials: Patent Leather

Heel height: 4.15"

Sizes: 6-11

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

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