The Heel-o-Meter on the Shoebidoo website offers you a direct insight in the walkability, stability and practical sizing of our heels. We score our high heels on characteristics we think are essential for you to choose the best fitting heels that suit your experience in wearing heels.
Heel height
This is the actual height in cm measured on a size 38 of the shoe. If there is a platform it is included in the height. The height is measured the "Italian way": straight down from the heel to the heel tip, not following the curve the heels.
This gives the effective heel height.
Arch
The arch is the actual heel height minus height of the platforms and sole on a size 38 in cm.
The arch influences the walkability of a pair of heels the most. The arch tells you the actual heel height you walk on.
A regular arch for high heels is 10cm for a size EU 38. This is called "fashion height".
An arch up to 12cm is regarded as doable for trained high heel wearers. An arch above 12cm is more difficult to walk on.
Really experienced heel wearers can walk in a 13cm arch. This is the famous "Louboutin Hot Chick pumps" arch height. Heels with an arch above 13cm should be used for standing and lying down only.
Walkability
Walkability a score based on various factors that determine how easy it is to walk, dance and stand on the heels. A lower score is a better walkability.
We determine the walkability for all our heels based on measurements and experience.
The score is between 1 (very easy to walk in) to 7 (unwalkable - sit or lay only).
Material, heel types, quality, stability
High quality heels have a better walkability and stability than cheaper made heels. High quality heels like our Italian heels have metal plates to stabilize the heel. This improves the wearability and overall feel of stability. Important factors for better wearability:
- Laces; laces improve stability of pumps and boots
- Stabilizer; heels with a metal place in the sole offer better stability
- Heel enforcements; heels that have metal enforcements offer better stability
- Material; real leather heels give more comfort for longer wear than synthetic ones
- Heel type; chunky and sturdy heels give better support and stability
- Boots; on average a boot shaft gives more support than pumps, sandals and mules
The Heel-O-Meter score
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Easy to wear for all anytime These heels should be comfortable for anyone with regular feet and can be worn for long periods without problems. Good examples are the Sanctum Shoes BLOSSOM and BROOKLYN boots with 10 cm heels or the Italian JUNO boots with 10 cm heels, small platform, and laces. These are the heels we recommend for real beginners. |
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Ideal for longer office or party wear These heels can be worn all day by anyone used to wearing heels. Soft materials, plenty of support, arch no higher than 10 cm. Examples are the Italian VESTA-10 boots. |
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Perfect for all high heel lovers Perfectly balanced heels have a 12 cm arch and may require some practice. Examples: Italian VESTA 12 boots and VESPER 12 boots. Giaro heels like Arabella and Mila also have 12 cm heels. |
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The perfect arch - experience required The perfect arch. Louboutin Hot Chick height. Examples: Italian GAIA boots, FATALE pumps, and Giaro SLICK pumps and boots. Giaro SLICK BABY and BeBrave boots. |
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Heel experts only 7-inch heels and higher without platform. Examples: Italian Valentina Pumps and Claudine pumps.
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Extreme heels, very difficult Ballet heels, extreme metal heels over 20 cm. Examples: the Sanctum Shoes extreme high heels line.
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Impossible to walk in Metal monster heels, unevenly balanced heels. |
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Our judgement
Based on wearing the heels for a longer time in our own showroom or warehouse. Walkability expressed in one sentence. Not available for all models.