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 enamoured 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.
Related article: The 15 Most Comfortable Work Shoes To Wear To The Office
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 favourites from Gucci to Gianvito Rossi.
Photo: Tory Burch
THE TORY BURCH
Tory Burch Pointed Slingback 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.
Materials: Patent Leather
Heel height: 2.17"
Sizes: 5-12
Photo: LOEWE
THE LOEWE
Loewe 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 black pair is crafted with a rounded toe and 3-D logos on the soles.
Materials: Goat skin
Heel height: 90mm
Sizes: 5-11
Photo: Prada
THE PRADA
Prada 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
Photo: Net-a-Porter
THE VIVIER
Roger Vivier 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
Photo: Net-a-Porter
THE FERRAGAMO
Ferragamo Elina X5 Suede Sandals
An ideal shoe for the modern woman, this T-bar pump is made from suede. Featuring an open toe and curved heel with a touch of fortitude, and a slender ankle strap, the shoe is contemporary and feminine at once.
Materials: Suede
Heel height: 4"
Sizes: 5-11
Related article: The 25 Most Comfortable Heels To Wear For Hours And Hours
Photo: Net-a-Porter
THE NEOUS
Neous 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
Photo: Farfetch
THE MIU MIU
Miu Miu 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
Photo: Net-a-Porter
THE GIANVITO ROSSI
Gianvito Rossi 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
Photo: Gucci
THE GUCCI
Gucci 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
Photo: Net-a-Porter
THE AEYDE
Aeyde 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
Related article: The 18 Best Ballet Flats That Transcend Shoe Trends
Photo: MyTheresa
THE PARIS TEXAS
Paris Texas 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
Photo: MyTheresa
THE ROW
The Row 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 whites in particular.
Materials: Leather
Heel height: 3"
Sizes: 6-12
Photo: MyTheresa
THE JIMMY CHOO
Jimmy Choo 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
Photo: Celine
THE CELINE
Celine 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
Photo: Bottega Veneta
THE BOTTEGA
Bottega Veneta 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
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.