Heels Size Calculator
Find your heels size from foot length — plus a heel-height comfort guide and fit tips for wearing them all day.
How heels sizing works
Heels follow the same sizing systems as flat shoes — the difference is fit. Higher heels push your foot forward, so toe shape and heel construction matter as much as length. Start from your foot length in centimetres, then use the heel-height guide below to pick a comfortable height.
| Foot (cm) | US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22.5 | 6 | 3.5 | 36 |
| 23 | 6.5 | 4 | 36.5 |
| 23.5 | 7 | 4.5 | 37.5 |
| 24 | 8 | 5.5 | 38.5 |
| 24.5 | 8.5 | 6 | 39.5 |
| 25 | 9.5 | 7 | 40.5 |
| 25.5 | 10 | 7.5 | 42 |
| 26 | 11 | 8.5 | 43 |
Heel-height comfort guide
As a rough starting point, shorter feet generally handle lower heels better — but comfort is deeply personal, and heel shape matters more than raw height. Use this as guidance, not a rule.
| Foot length | Comfortable max heel |
|---|---|
| 22–23 cm | up to 7 cm (2.75") |
| 23–24 cm | up to 8 cm (3") |
| 24–25 cm | up to 9 cm (3.5") |
| 25–26 cm | up to 10 cm (4") |
| 26 cm and above | up to 11 cm |
Platforms cheat the numbers: a 10 cm heel with a 2 cm platform feels like an 8 cm heel, because only the effective pitch — heel minus platform — loads the ball of your foot.
Comfort & fit tips
- Size up in pointed toes. Pointed and almond shapes run small — half a size up saves your toes.
- Choose wider heels for long days. Block and wedge heels are far more stable than stilettos at the same height.
- Break them in at home. Wear new heels indoors for a few evenings before the event — blisters are easier to prevent than treat.
- Cushion the ball of your foot. Gel pads or cushioned insoles take real pressure off the forefoot on higher heels.
- Check the heel grip. Your heel shouldn't lift with each step — minor slip is fixed with heel grips, major slip means the size is wrong.
- Shop in the afternoon. Like all shoes, heels fit best when tried on later in the day when feet are slightly swollen.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy heels in my usual shoe size?
Start there, but pointed and strappy styles often run small — many people go half a size up in pointed toes. Your foot length in centimetres is the most reliable guide.
What heel height is comfortable for all-day wear?
Most people find 5–7 cm comfortable for long days; above 9 cm is an evening proposition for most feet. Platforms and block heels extend what's wearable — your feet get the final vote.
Do heels stretch with wear?
Leather and suede give a little with wear; patent and synthetics barely stretch at all. Buy leather styles snug but not painful, and synthetics in a comfortable fit from the start.
How do I stop heels from slipping at the heel?
Heel grips or cushioned inserts fix minor slip. If your heel lifts significantly, the shoe is likely too long — try a half size down or a style with an ankle strap.