9 Designer Heels That Are So Hot Right Now

The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, exploring cult items from heritage brands, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space, and doing deep dives into the investment pieces that are worth it.

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(Image credit: @balencianas)

When it comes to shoes, flats have occupied a majority of the discourse in fashion this year. That isn’t to say, however, that heels shouldn’t occupy just as much of the conversation. Super high heels have been gaining traction, despite the dominance of flats, but heels of all heights are always a big part of fashion and shopping trends.

Recently, our editors have been discussing some specific styles at length. The ones that have been getting heavy airtime include designs like the Prada floral appliqué pumps that were heavy-hitters at fashion month. The Saint Laurent Lee pumps have also been in high demand and selling out everywhere. In light of the Toryssance, the brand’s pieced slingbacks are a requisite mention—though they are so hot that you’ll be hard-pressed to find them available to order. Ahead, the best designer heels to commit to memory and add to your shopping cart.

Prada Floral Appliqué Pumps

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The shoes that all but took over fashion month? Prada's floral appliqué pumps. The heels caused quite a stir when they were debuted on the F/W 23 runways and have resonated with the fashion set in a major way since their release.

Tory Burch Pierced Heels

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(Image credit: @balencianas)

The Toryssance is here and fashion insiders are flocking to some of the brand's cult items, including its pieced shoes. They are selling out in record speed, so you can count yourself lucky if you're able to nab a pair.

Miu Miu Buckled Slingbacks

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Miu Miu has all but dominated deisgner fashion in 2023. Case in point? The brand's buckled slingbacks that were everywhere on the street style scene at fashion month and continue to be a major buy.

Studio Amelia Wishbone Heels

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Studios Amelia may be a more under-the-radar brand, but it is one to take note of for its cool interpretation of modern minimalism. If you need more proof, it has entered the Jenner fashion sphere.

Saint Laurent Lee Heels

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Saint Laurent has been on fire in the shoe department recently, and this season confirms that. The brand's Lee heels are pushing forward the oxblood color trend, while also reinforcing the dominance of all things patent leather.

The Row Lana Pumps

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If you're a minimalist at heart, look to the Lana heels from The Row. Yet another example of patent leather, these cool pumps make a case for the return to glossy designs to wear everywhere from the office to post-work events.

Alaïa Coeur Heels

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Alaïa is the brand every fashion person wants in their closet right now. The Mary Jane flats may be impossible to come by, but the brand's PVC heels are just as cult-worthy.

Chanel Slingbacks

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Chanel's slingbacks are a classic style to own, and insiders have been snapping up the low kitten-heel style, in particular. They come in a variety of styles, ranging from all-leather to tweed versions. 

Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Heels

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While many heels resonante from a trend perspective, Manolo Blahnik's Carolyne heels have been in the fashion space for years and continue to be a popular classic choice.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.