The Best Way to Measure the Height of Heels in 2023

Although most retailers will openly list the height of heels, being able to measure the height of the heels that you already own could come in handy. In the era of online shopping, it can be very difficult to know exactly what to expect from what you’re ordering. Being able to look for heels that are exactly the height that you’re looking for will help facilitate the process and hopefully avoid disappointment when the shoes arrive.

how to measure height of heels

Method one: measuring your shoes’ heel height

Start by placing your shoes on a flat surface. This will be the best way to get an accurate height measurement. Using the floor as a flat surface can be difficult, so using a table or a desk can make the process easier. Now, you can use either a measuring tape or a ruler. Line up your ruler or tape measure so that the end is just above the cap on the bottom of your heel. The measurement from the highest point of the heel to the top of the heel cap is the height of your heels. You can use either centimeters or inches to measure heel height.

Method two: determining the healthiest heel height for you

Rest your foot on a flat surface and take a ruler or a tape measure and measure from the end of your heel to the tip of your big toe. Due to the angle that you’ll be at, it may be easier to have someone help you with this measurement. In order to avoid doing a little bit of math, it’ll be easier to do this measurement in centimeters. Divide the length of your foot in centimeters by 7 and the answer will be the heel height that is healthiest for you. While this measurement will allegedly give you the healthiest heel height, you can wear higher heels if they are comfortable. There’s a chance that even the supposed healthiest heel height for you will be uncomfortable. In that case, you can wear lower heels or stick to flats.

Method three: determining the highest heels you can wear

This method will take some stretching before you start the actual measuring. Sit in a chair and stretch one of your legs out in front of you before rolling your ankles in each direction a few times, and then point and flex your toes. You’ll most likely need someone’s help with this process again as it can be a difficult position to be in. Using a tape measure or a ruler, measure from the ball of your foot to the back of your heel. The measurement you end up with is your maximum heel height.

Being able to measure your heel height at home is sure to come in handy if you find yourself wearing a lot of heels. Whether you’re trying to determine the height of a pair of heels that you already own so that you can purchase more shoes of a similar height or trying to determine the range of heel height that you should stay within, this is a great thing to know! Without this knowledge, there’s a chance that you’ll have to do a lot more guesswork and trial and error when buying heels.

How to measure height of heel FAQs

1. Does heel height change with shoe size?

Although this is a genuine concern that many shoppers may have, have no fear, the height of your shoe’s heel is not influenced by the size of the shoes. Regardless of whether you buy a small size or a large size, the heel will be the same height.

2. How many different kinds of shoe heels are there?

There are approximately 30 different types of heels for you to choose from. If you’re new to the world of heels, this can be overwhelming but don’t worry, with so many options, there is almost positively something for everyone.

3. What is the most comfortable heel height?

It’s not too surprising that the most comfortable heels are low and thick. This allows your weight to be distributed more evenly between your heel and the ball of your foot. With the more even weight distribution, the muscles in your legs and feet aren’t required to compensate as much. It’s important to try heels on to figure out which pair is the most comfortable. Take into account when and where you’ll be wearing the shoes as they may be comfortable for a short period of time, but if you’re going to be wearing them for a longer period of time or while you do a lot of walking, you may want to reconsider their comfort. The best way to get comfortable wearing heels is to start small and work your way up in height.

4. Is there any error in the measured height of heels?

There are ways that you can measure the height of heels incorrectly. To avoid doing it the wrong way, it’s important to remember to use a flat surface. Also, keep in mind that there is a little bit of a learning curve when it comes to wearing heels. You may have to try on various types of heels in order to find what’s comfortable for you.

5. Are there any differences between measuring heel height with a tape measure and a ruler?

There is no difference between using a measuring tape and a ruler as they will both help you so long as they are long enough to give you an accurate measurement.