Heels
Jul 2, 2018

I Hate High Heels, But I Love This Trend

by Aemilia Madden

It takes a lot to get me in a pair of heels. Since it's not unusual for me to rack up well over 10,000 steps a day crisscrossing New York City, anything taller than an inch or two just doesn't work out. But since I can't resist a little bit of fun, all the cool sculptural heels I've been eyeing might just convince me that sore calves and a blister or two are worth it. While unusual, artistic, and straight-up gravity-defying high heels aren't a new trend, there are so many brands offering up their own takes on the trend right now.

While I'd have to point to Jacquemus and J.W.Anderson as the leaders of the quirky-cool heel aesthetic, they're not the only brands currently sitting in my shopping cart. Below I'm highlighting 21 pairs of sculptural heels that just might convince me to swap out my sneakers and sandals for the coming months. From subtle to seriously over-the-top, this is a trend that you can tailor to your aesthetic. Read on to shop the best of the best now.

Rumba ornamental-heel leather sandals

Rumba Ornamental-Heel Leather Sandals

Leave it to Jacquemus to make me reconsider stilettos.

Available in sizes 35 to 41.

sculptural heeled mules

Nicole Saldaña

Sculptural Heeled Mules

Meet the heels of the future.

Available in sizes 36 to 40.

Marmo Sandal in Rosa

Marmo Sandal in Rosa

These heels aren't as heavy as they look—we promise.

Available in sizes 37.5 to 39.

Leather Slingback Pumps

Leather Slingback Pumps

It's called subtlety.

Available in sizes 36 to 41.

Joy Sandal in Black Multi

Intentionally Blank

Joy Sandal in Black Multi

Here's a pair of shoes for those who like their neutrals.

Available in sizes 38 to 40.

Zora Heel

Get your shine on in these.

Available in sizes 37 to 38.5.

Lina Pumps

Ganni goes for subtle sculptural heels.

Available in sizes 37 to 39.

Drum Slingback

3.1 Phillip Lim

Mixed materials for the win.

Available in sizes 37 to 39.

Mildred Egg Mule in Carmello

Mildred Egg Mule in Carmello

Funky in the best way possible.

Available in sizes 36.5 to 39.

Slingback with Pearl Heel

Slingback With Pearl Heel

A polished and pretty twist on the trend.

Available in sizes 36 to 40.

Cylinder Heel Ballet Shoe in Cognac

Cylinder Heel Ballet Shoe in Cognac

Sure, they may not look practical, but they do look good.

Available in sizes 37 to 39.

Mule Pumps

Proenza Schouler

Meet the mules you'll want to wear all fall.

Available in sizes 36 to 40.

Opus Clear Sandal

Opus Clear Sandal

What's better than one footwear trend? Two.

Available in size 40.

Lottie Bow-embellished Leather Mules

Lottie Bow-Embellished Leather Mules

These heels are sure to sell out completely.

Available in sizes IT 36 to 41.

Sage Leather Mules

Sage Leather Mules

The perfect summer shoes.

Available in sizes 35 to 42.

V Cut Convertible Pumps

V Cut Convertible Pumps

Mules or pumps, wear them how you want to.

Available in sizes 35 to 41.

Leather Slingback

Hurry before these Zara heels are gone for good.

Available in size 8.

Bow-embellished glitter pumps

Bow-Embellished Glitter Pumps

Shoes that are worthy of Cinderella.

Available in sizes 34 to 42.

Circa Slingback Pumps

Circa Slingback Pumps

If you're looking for a simple take on the trend, these heels are it.

Available in sizes 36 to 41.

Sculptured Heel Mules

Sculptured Heel Mules

Topshop's bold shoes are a winning pick.

Available in sizes 4.5 to 11.5

Radio Boots

Starting to shop for fall? Spring for these.

Available in sizes 36 to 40.

Now you're all set to try the trend out yourself.

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