Women’s heels and pumps, sandals and mules

What types of high heels should you choose?

Women’s pumps and high-heeled shoes differ by how they hold the foot and their use.

• The pump covers the front of the foot and the heel, with no fastening: it is the ultimate dress shoe, suitable for both the office and evenings out.
• The ankle strap pump, with a strap around the ankle or at the back of the heel, holds the foot better when walking.
• The heeled sandal leaves the foot exposed: it is worn in summer, with a dress or loose trousers.
• The heeled mule, without a back strap, can be slipped on easily and adds a light touch to a city outfit.

Thin, block or kitten heels: which one to choose?

The thin heel, or stiletto, elongates the leg the most but puts all the weight on a small surface: it’s best saved for occasions when you’ll be walking little. The block heel, wide and square, distributes the weight better and remains stable on cobblestones.

The kitten heel, just a few centimetres high, offers a compromise for daytime: it gently arches the foot and relieves the back of the leg without tiring the forefoot. For a first purchase, this is the easiest height to wear for long periods.

How to choose comfortable pumps?

Comfortable pumps hold the heel without being tight, leave room for the toes, and cushion the front of the foot, which bears the majority of the weight. A leather pump shapes to the foot over time, while synthetic materials remain rigid.

Also, look at the shape of the toe: a round or square toe allows more room for the toes than a pointed one. A rubber outsole grips better than a smooth sole, and a gel insole placed at the front of the foot eases long days.

How to find the right heel size?

Try your high-heeled shoes on at the end of the day, when your foot is a bit swollen, and walk on a hard floor rather than carpet. The heel should not slip out of the shoe with each step, and the toes should not hit the end: on a high heel, the foot slides forward.

If you are between sizes, the smaller size usually holds the pump without a fastening better, and a gel insole can fill a slight excess length. For a hard-to-find heel size, opt for adjustable strap models.

How to wear women’s pumps?

Pumps can dress up a midi dress as well as a pair of tailored trousers or jeans. With trousers, let the hem fall just on the ankle so that the shoe elongates the leg.

Nude pumps, close to your skin tone, elongate the leg and go with all outfits. Brightly coloured or metallic pumps become the statement piece of a simple outfit.

Which shoe brands to choose for heels?

These pump brands each have their own strengths, from comfort to style.

• German brand, Tamaris brings its patented comfort technologies to a large part of its collection, including pumps.
• Steve Madden, born in New York, owes its initial success to a variation of the Mary Jane.
• Buffalo, known for its platforms, offers many of its models in vegan versions.
• Geox, an Italian brand, became well-known for its breathable sole that allows sweat to escape but keeps water out.
• Founded in Elche by a former leather cutter, Pikolinos has its own tannery and factory.
• Les Tropéziennes par M. Belarbi, originally a sandal brand from Saint-Tropez, now extends to boots.

What types of heels can you find here?

High-heeled shoes are classified by type across two pages, making it quicker to find your style.

• The pumps collection includes closed-toe styles, with thin, block or kitten heels.
• The heels category features sandals, mules and other high-heeled shoes.

For the day, flats take over, and all other pairs are on the women’s shoes page.

When to find discounted pumps?

Pumps, heeled sandals, mules or ankle boots: every heeled pair has its season. For discounted pumps, Black Friday falls before the holiday season; heeled sandals are typically sought during summer sales.

In November, deals are available on the high heels and pumps of Black Friday; during sales, on the women's shoe sale page; throughout the year, the Promotions page showcases discounted models. Fast shipping and best price guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

How to walk in heels without feeling pain?

First, place your heel down, then roll your foot forward, taking small steps. Wear your new shoes for a few hours at home before heading out, and slip in a gel insole under the forefoot for long evenings.

What heels to wear for a wedding?

For a wedding, where you stand for long periods and often walk on grass, choose a block heel or a strap sandal that won't sink into the ground. Bring a flat pair for the dancing later on.

How to stop a pump from slipping off the heel?

Stick a gel heel insert at the back of the shoe: it fills the gap and prevents the heel from slipping out. If the pump is really too big, a gel insole at the front pushes the foot back.

How to soften new pumps that are too tight?

Wear them with thick socks at home, for a few minutes at a time, and lightly heat tight spots with a hairdryer while walking. A shoe tree or leather softening spray helps to widen the leather where it pinches.

Can you wear heels if you have wide feet?

Yes, by choosing a round or square toe, soft leather, and a strap model that holds without compressing. Avoid very pointed toes and rigid synthetic materials that don’t adapt to your foot.