It’s time to put your beloved sneakers back on the top shelf of your closet. After three years of casual chic and athleisure, the high heel returns as the ‘it’ girl shoe – just in time for wedding season.
From iconic Christian Louboutins to budget-friendly Steve Madden pumps, high heels are always a worthy closet investment. The hottest high heels for 2023 are all about making a statement. These shoes will have you stepping out in crystals or making a metallic splash.
We’re rounding up the must-have high heels for women in 2023, from splurge-worthy purchases to styles that are kinder to your wallet.
1. Steve Madden – Varia Wedge Sandals
Wedges are 2023’s iconic summer heels, seen in Dior, Fendi, and Bottega Veneta collections. While wedges might remind you of the Y2K aesthetic, they’re also a feet-friendly style with block heels that are deceptively easier to walk in.
A throwback to the late 1990s, the Varia wedge sandals boast a triple-strap design with a 9cm wedge heel and a 6cm platform
The ‘Varia’ wedge sandal by Steve Madden is an instant throwback to the late ‘90s and early 2000s with a 9cm heel and 6cm platform. Style these shoes with a mini skirt or wide-legged jeans for an ultra-cool punk rock look.
2. Jeffrey Campbell – Operate Thigh-High Boots
We thank Beyoncé for reminding us of our love for thigh-high boots. These seductive heels create the illusion of a second skin and are a style you’ll find everywhere, from Tom Ford to Valentino and Alexander McQueen.
Jeffrey Campbell’s Operate thigh-high boots are crafted from faux suede, and feature pointed toes and stiletto heels
Most Thigh-High boots will set you back several hundred dollars, but this Jeffrey Campbell style comes at a $220 price point – making it a little easier on your wallet.
3. Gucci – Romance Horsebit Platform Heels
Few shoes scream ‘Gucci’ as much as these leather platform loafers. This retro style features the brand’s iconic signature horsebit detailing with a chunky rubber platform, making them an edgier alternative to traditional loafers.
A pair of ultra-stylized and retro loafers, the Gucci Romance loafers are made in Italy from black leather and set on chunky rubber platforms
These platform loafers are the perfect option for footwear aficionados who want to add a heel to their closet in 2023 without compromising comfort or wearability.
4. Paloma Barcelo – Braided Edge-Heeled Sandals
The mule is a minimalistic shoe that has been going strong for several years. 2023 gives it a subtle update with a surrealist feel with heels that create a wave illusion.
These shoes perfectly add a showstopping element to your look without gravitating toward a skyscraper heel.
The sculpted braided heel gives this classic Paloma Barcelo sandal silhouette a contemporary look
We’re obsessed with Paloma Barcelo’s arched mule silhouette with this braided espadrille-inspired heel on our wish list for summer 2023.
The heel creates a futuristic illusion for the silhouette, blending contemporary and timeless trends for a showstopping summer shoe.
5. Coach – Olivia Leather Ankle Boots
Bring back punk rock chic with the humble ankle boot. We love the ‘Olivia Bootie’ from Coach as a timeless silhouette that is the perfect investment in your closet.
The ‘90s-inspired boot features a gold buckle and subtle Coach branding with the brand’s iconic mini hangtag charm.
The Olivia ankle boot by Coach is timeless and sophisticated, thanks to its minimalist silhouette and comfy block heels
These ankle boots will be your new go-to style for all-day comfort with a sturdy block heel for extra stability. The smooth leather and cushiony memory foam padding are guaranteed to make these ankle boots one of 2023’s hottest high heel shoes.
6. Sam Edelman – Jildie Mary Jane Pumps
Every classic silhouette has its day in the sun – and the Mary Jane is taking center stage in 2023. The once school-girl silhouette has gotten a rebellious makeover this year, with Prada making the style its go-to for 2023.
The slingback strap, square toes, and thick block heels provide contemporary update to the Sam Edelman Jildie Mary Jane pump
We love these mid-tier price points, such as Mary Janes from Sam Edelman. The ‘Jildie’ pump gives the Mary Jane a contemporary update with a slingback silhouette and oversized gold buckle. The chunky heel makes these Mary Janes surprisingly wearable with a ‘60s-inspired look.
7. Tony Bianco – Sabella Transparent Sandals
Transparent shoes are once again coming back as a footwear trend. The sheer glassy shoe dominated the Spring/Summer 2023 footwear collections and is guaranteed to continue to appear on the red carpet this year.
While they are a red-carpet favorite this season, transparent shoes can be tricky in humid climates. Keep them pristine by ensuring your feet are dry and using antiperspirant to minimize moisture. Add breathable styles or moisture-absorbing insoles for extra comfort and style longevity
Tony Bianco’s Sabelle features trendy transparent straps and cylindrical clear heels
The ‘Sabelle’ sandal by Tony Bianco sits at a $150 price point and is a minimalistic style that you’ll reach for all spring and summer.
The square-toe silhouette and padded leather insole offer extra comfort whether you’re hitting the poolside bar or attending a tropical wedding.
8. Manolo Blahnik – Kaynamu Lace-Trimmed Satin Mules
Satin Mules are the must-have occasion shoe for 2023. Every designer footwear brand has released its take on this vintage-inspired silhouette, with the Manolo Blahnik ‘Kaynamu’ mules giving you a subtle feminine style.
The Manolo Blahnik Kaynamu mules are made in Italy from lustrous satin topped with eyelash-trimmed lace featuring evil eye motifs
These mules are made in Italy using lustrous satin and pay homage to the brand’s signature buckle.
9. Carvela – Crystal Embellished Heels
Crystals continue to reign supreme. It’s a love affair, and the fashion world shows no sign of stopping.
While brands like MACH & MACH and Amina Muaddi will set you back several hundred dollars, Carvela’s ‘Crystal 100’ shoes give you the same all-over crystal look at a more attainable price point.
Aside from the sparkling crystal embellishments, Carvela’s Crystal pumps are incorporated with the brand’s All Day Long technology, comprising of a luxury lightweight molded footbed, flexible sole, and gel pad
These high stiletto court heels feature crystal-embellished uppers and a large embellishment on the toe. Add these shoes to your shopping list if you have a wedding, milestone birthday, or special occasion coming up.
They’re a wearable modern Cinderella shoe with Carvela’s ‘All Day Long’ technology. They feature a perfectly placed gel pal, flexible sole, and lightweight molded footbed to help you dance the night away.
10. Song of Style – Gelato Architectural Mules
One of the biggest footwear trends of 2023 is the architecture heel. An out-of-the-box heel can take even a simplistic mule and make it a showstopper. The classic Italian treat inspires the Gelato Mule by Song of Style with a triple ball design on the heel.
These shoes also incorporate the ballerina aesthetic in flat shoes for 2023 with an optional wrap ankle strap with tie closure for a feminine look.
Song of Style’s Gelato mules are characterized by the architectural triple ball heels and optional ankle-tie fastenings
Take your closet to the next level with these ten hottest high heels for women to buy in 2023.