What are heeled sandals and how to wear them
12 November 2026
Heeled sandals are open-toed shoes that combine the height and shape of a heel with the breathability of a sandal. More exposed than a closed-toe shoe, they show the foot through cutouts or straps, offering the silhouette and height of traditional heels with minimal coverage over the toe and heel.
This style is a great option for warmer weather, special occasions like parties or weddings, and adds that extra height while remaining breathable. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the different types of heeled sandals and how best to wear them.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Types of heeled sandals
- How to tie heeled sandals
- Are heeled sandals in style
- How to style heeled sandals
- How to wear heeled sandals
Types of heeled sandals
There are many different types of heeled sandals, with some more suited to particular settings and styles. Here are the main ones:
- Strappy sandals: these have thin straps criss-crossing the foot, often fastening with a buckle towards the ankle. They’re great for evenings as they’re light, elegant, and formal
- Espadrille wedges: espadrille wedges are heels usually made with a jute fabric with fabric or leather uppers. These give a summery vibe and are more casual daytime comfort
- Block heel sandals: thicker and sturdier heels than your typical stiletto, but usually with the straps of a sandal
- Gladiator sandals: these go much higher up the leg than other shoes, as the straps extend up the ankle or calf for a bolder look
- Slide sandals with a heel: slides are backless and buckleless, meaning you can slide them on and off easily. They typically also have a single strap
- Platform sandals: great for when you want some extra height without the strain on your heels; these are raised across the entire sole
How to tie heeled sandals
Ankle ties, lace-up straps and buckles are very common in heeled sandals, and getting the right tie is crucial for comfort.
Start by securing the strap across the top of your foot, wrapping any additional straps around your ankle (criss-crossing if it’s something like a gladiator sandal). Then tie the laces in a double-knot or bow, depending on the design. What you’re looking for is a feel that secures the shoe without cutting off circulation.
Are heeled sandals in style?
A good, heeled sandal never goes out of style, and they’ve remained a warm-weather staple for years. Chunkier designs like blocks and platforms have seen a surge in trendiness thanks to their focus on comfort, while strappy stiletto sandals are a very popular choice for evenings and formal events.
This is a shoe that never truly feels dated, as the silhouette is iconic and versatile enough to pair elegantly with many looks. A classic neutral pair is a safe bet for long-term use.
How to style heeled sandals
The versatility of a heeled sandal is part of why they remain in fashion, as they can be dressed up or down depending on what look you’re trying to achieve.
What to wear with heeled sandals
If you’re wearing them in the daytime, try a block or wedge heel with a midi skirt, wide-leg trousers, or a floaty sundress to balance out heavy fabrics and add a more stable height to your outfit.
For evening wear, a strappy stiletto sandal pairs effortlessly with jumpsuits, fitted dresses, or tailored trousers as the tighter-fitting clothing naturally complements the thinner heel. Denim is another great pairing. A heeled sandal combined with straight-leg or cropped jeans, along with a tucked-in blouse, creates a smart-casual look.
One thing to remember: if you have bold straps or embellishments on your sandals, try to let the shoes stand out and keep the rest of your outfit simple.
How to wear heeled sandals
The key to wearing heeled sandals is to match the shoe’s formality to the occasion. Your entire outfit should be cohesive, so consider the role the shoes play. A block heel is a safe, work-appropriate option that can also complement a smart-casual outfit, while a strappy sandal is more suited to things like weddings, evening events, or dinners.
You should also consider the hem length of your outfit: if it’s a skirt, cropped, or ankle-length, the shoe will be far more exposed than if it’s longer. A longer hem pairs better with a slightly higher heel to help balance the proportions.
Are heeled sandals business casual?
Heeled sandals can definitely be business casual, but it depends on what kind of heel you’re wearing. Plain or neutral block and wedge heels can work in an office environment, so long as they aren’t overly embellished or excessively bright. Where it starts to get riskier is with shoes with sportier straps (think Velcro or similar) or with platforms that feel more suited to the weekend.
But, paired well with tailored trousers, a midi skirt, or a structured dress, a heeled sandal can absolutely be work-friendly.
Can you wear heeled sandals in winter?
Their more exposed design does make heeled sandals more comfortable in the warmer summer months, but that’s not to say that they have to go away immediately as the first leaves start to fall. Pairing them with tights or trouser socks is actually a very popular trend currently, as it creates a bold, modern look.
You’ll want to choose shoes with sturdier straps like leather or fabric to ensure comfort, but they can work for indoor events and festive parties where you won’t be outside for too long. Probably best to leave them in the wardrobe when the snow starts to fall, though.
How to wear heeled sandals comfortably
Comfort doesn’t have to come at the expense of style. Heeled sandals can be worn comfortably and confidently for hours, and it just takes the right fit and some small adjustments.
How should heeled sandals fit?
You want your foot to fit securely within the straps without feeling pinched. Your toes shouldn’t hang noticeably off the front or sides of the shoe, while your heel shouldn’t be off the back. You want just enough room to wiggle your toes slightly, but not so much that your foot moves or slides around with each step.
Ankle straps should be snug, while the heel should hold the back of your foot in place without rubbing or causing discomfort.
How to make heeled sandals more comfortable
If you want to make your sandals comfier, follow these simple steps:
- Feeling pressure under the ball of your foot or forefoot? Try adding gel cushions
- Straps feeling uncomfortable? Apply blister strips or a moleskin to the area to reduce discomfort
- Shoes rubbing? Try breaking in new sandals around your house before wearing them outside, so they’re more adapted to your feet
- Back of the shoe feeling loose? Add a heel grip to make it sturdier
How to walk in heeled sandals
Make sure you have a good posture and a steady stride, as this will help you to remain upright. Keeping your weight over the middle of your foot (rather than leaning onto your toes) will help you find your centre more easily, while taking shorter steps than you’d take in flats is another good tip.
You’ll want to let your heel touch down first, rolling through to your toes with each step as you engage your core slightly to help stay balanced. If you’re unsure, practising on a flat surface (possibly while breaking the shoes in) will help you to build confidence and avoid rolling your ankle.
The Heel Deal
Good, heeled sandals are a staple for a reason: they’re comfortable enough to wear every day but can be styled into an elegant option for special occasions. To find your new pair, whatever the occasion, take a look at our extensive range of women’s heeled sandals today or head into your local store.
