Heeled shoes for the new term

Block heel, stiletto or platform: what comfort

The shape of the heel determines comfort much more than just its height. The block heel, wide and square, increases the support surface: it remains stable on cobblestones and on the grass at a wedding, and can be worn all day long. The stiletto heel enhances the leg but concentrates weight on a small area and requires a steady walk. The platform placed under the front of the foot, a signature of Buffalo, reduces the actual slope between the heel and the toes: a ten-centimetre shoe with a three-centimetre platform feels like a seven-centimetre heel. For the office, four to six centimetres is sufficient.

The other shoes

Back-to-school shoes also come in a variety of styles:

• Sandals.
• Mules.
• Sneakers.
• Espadrilles.
• Flip flops.
• Beach sandals.

All the shoes can be found on the shoes page.

Sandal, mule or closed shoe for September

September still allows for heeled sandals, whether with thin or wide straps, that hold the ankle and let the foot breathe during the last warm days. The heeled mule, without a back, slips on in a second and lightens an office outfit, but the foot must hold it on with each step: it's best saved for short trips. The closed shoe with a heel, whether a pump or a strap model, takes over when the mornings get cooler and protects the foot from autumn rain. An adjustable ankle strap prevents the heel from slipping out of the shoe on stairs.

Tamaris, Pikolinos, Geox, Steve Madden and Buffalo: five approaches

Tamaris belongs to the German group Wortmann, founded in 1967 in Detmold by Horst Wortmann; its Touch-it soles, cushy, adapt to the shape of the foot. Pikolinos, established in 1984 in Elche, the Spanish cradle of shoes, works with natural leather in an artisanal way. Geox, founded in Italy, is known for its perforated sole that allows sweat to escape through a breathable membrane. Steve Madden started in 1990 by selling his designs from the trunk of his car to shops in Manhattan, before making bold styles popular. Buffalo, founded in 1979, remains the expert in platforms.

Good deals

Great bargains can also be found in our good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year festivities, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, and then the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

What heels to choose when you have wide feet?

Opt for a rounded or square toe, an adjustable strap sandal, or an open mule, which leave space for the toes. Soft leather relaxes slightly and shapes itself to the foot, while a rigid synthetic material creates pressure points.

What heels to wear with tights?

A pump or a closed shoe with a block heel naturally goes well with tights, whether opaque or sheer. Strappy sandals also work with fine tights in autumn, as long as you choose a shade that matches the shoes.

How to walk in stilettos?

Place the heel down first, then roll the foot through to the toes, taking small steps, with relaxed shoulders and a straight gaze. Practice at home a few nights before the event, on a hard floor then on a carpet, to help your ankles and calves adjust.

How to relieve the balls of your feet in heels?

A gel insole placed under the front of the foot cushions the pressure and prevents the foot from sliding forward. Regular breaks with flat feet, and a height suited to the duration of wear help avoid pain at the end of the day.

How to care for leather heeled shoes?

Condition the leather with a cream suitable for its colour and replace the tips as soon as they wear down, before the heel itself gets damaged. Store the pair with shoe trees or crumpled paper to help them maintain their shape.