What is your ideal heel height?

Some women are most comfortable in kitten heels or low wedges, while others feel right at home in 4 inch heels. But why?

Dr. Emma Supple, a London podiatrist, says it’s all in the structure and flexibility of your foot.

When relaxed, your foot has a natural incline. This is the position in which your foot feels most comfortable.  It is also your ideal heel height according to Dr. Supple.

Using this natural incline theory, the ideal heel height is the length between the bottom of the heel and the ball of the foot (where the foot bends when wearing heels).

Could a simple measurement really determine your ideal heel height? 

I needed to give it a try!

Note: Dr. Supple suggests measuring from the top of the big toe, but that didn’t quite make sense (see image below) so I measured from the ball of the foot (exactly where my foot bends in heels).

Here’s how.

1. First adhere a measuring tape onto the wall at the same height as your extended leg while sitting in a chair. (This was a genius tip from a fashion blogger who also tried this theory!)
2. Sitting on a chair, do a few ankle rolls and foot flexors to make sure you are in your true relaxed state.
3. Extended one leg straight in front of you.
4. Let your ankle and foot relax so they rest at their natural incline.
5. Align the bottom of your heel with the end of the measuring tape. 
6. Take a picture of your foot. Make sure the measuring tape is in the frame. If you are flexible enough, you can sit forward a bit and take a selfie of your foot and the measuring tape. You can also use a timed camera, a selfie stick, or enlist the help of a child, neighbor, husband or friend.
7. Relax your foot and repeat.

To be honest, it took me a few tries to get it right! But eventually, I got the hang of it. I repeated the process quite a few times to make sure my heel was properly aligned at the beginning of the measuring tape. I even tried sitting in different chairs and moving the measuring tape to different walls.

And the measurements say…

After numerous tries and several pictures, my ideal heel height consistently measured at 4 inches.

To confirm this, I grabbed my most comfortable pair of heels and measured the heel height. Holy smokes! It measured exactly 4 inches! 

I honestly don’t know if this theory holds true for everyone, but it sure worked for me!

Now your turn!

Does this theory work for you? What is your ideal heel height? 

Remember: Even heels in your ideal heel height can force your body weight forward and cause foot pain if worn too long. Prevent feet from slipping forward and wear your shoes 4x longer with Vivian Lou Insolia weight-shifting insoles.

SHOP NOW