I'm a Fashion Editor Who Dislikes Flats—Here Are 6 Heeled Shoe Trends I'm Embracing This Winter (and 6 I'm…

      Alright, maybe I don't despise flat shoes—but I will confess that I prefer heels any day. At five feet tall, I appreciate how a nice heel—whether it's a micro heel, kitten heel, or a stiletto—adds those additional inches, making me feel taller with my shoulders back and confidence boosted. Over time, I've built up quite a collection of heeled footwear. However, like many things in fashion, shoe trends tend to shift. I realized this weekend while reorganizing my closet. Some of my older pairs—with rounded toes or chunky block heels—felt a bit outdated and less elegant than they used to be. So, I created a donation pile, opened Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration on current trends, and browsed online to spot what caught my interest. I also noticed several heeled shoe styles that seemed "out" for 2025—and the new designs worth considering instead. So keep scrolling to explore the six heeled shoe trends to embrace this winter—and six to avoid—especially if, like me, you love how a great heel can elevate both your outfit and your mood.

      Avoid: Round-Toe Kitten-Heeled Ankle Boots

      Choose: Pointed-Toe Kitten-Heeled Ankle Boots

      Feel free to disagree, but pointed-toe boots seem more in vogue for 2025 compared to rounded-toe versions. They’re also sleeker, making legs look longer. Just ensure you select pointed-toe boots with an extended toe box, a slim kitten heel, or an interestingly curved design, along with an ankle style that fits closely to the foot like a sock. This look pairs wonderfully with jeans or trousers, and the fabric choices are plentiful, including croc-effect, calf-hair, suede, patent leather, and smooth leather.

      Shop the trend:

      - MANGO Faux-Croc-Leather Pointed-Toe Ankle Boots

      - Toteme Slim Glossy Leather Ankle Boots

      Avoid: Ankle-Strap Pumps

      Choose: Ballet Pumps or High-Vamp Pumps

      Ballet pumps and high-vamp pumps are two fashionable styles that are similar in that, without the heel, they could easily pass for stylish flats. The ballet pump is just as it sounds—a ballerina shape with a block heel. High-vamp pumps tend to feature a block heel as well, but with a slightly higher front on the vamp. These shoes look delightful with dresses and skirts, but I particularly love that when worn with trousers or jeans, they cover any exposed skin at the foot's top, giving a sleek appearance similar to a boot without covering up the ankle.

      Shop the trend:

      - Gap Vegan Patent Leather Heels

      - AEYDE Gabby Leather Pumps

      - ZARA Low Heeled Leather Ballet Flats

      Avoid: Low-Vamp Pumps

      Choose: V-Cut Pumps

      V-cut pumps are a style of heeled shoe where the design cuts toward the middle of the foot and extends further up the sides, creating a V shape. They reveal just a small area of skin, drawing attention upward to the ankle and shin while creating a longer visual impression. They slim the foot and give the illusion of increased height. This style is already a favorite among several fashion icons I admire. For instance, Elsa Hosk is a supporter, as is London-based creator Marilyn, who demonstrates how V-cut heeled shoes refresh her outfits.

      Shop the trend:

      - Anthropologie Classic Pointed-Toe Pumps

      - Emme Parsons Veneto Leather Kitten-Heel Pumps

      Avoid: Block-Heeled Knee-High Boots

      Choose: Thin-Heeled Knee-High Boots

      Knee-high boots are essential in every fashionista's winter wardrobe. For flat styles, riding boots and low-profile sock boots are excellent choices. When it comes to heeled knee-high boots, if you're seeking a polished and sophisticated look, thin-heeled options are your best bet this winter. Thin-heeled boots, whether they have kitten, stiletto, or mid-height heels, exude a delicate yet sharp aesthetic that complements trousers, pencil skirts, and dresses beautifully.

      Shop the trend:

      - Nordstrom Dauphine Kitten Heel Knee High Boots

      - Saint Laurent Francoise Smooth Leather Knee-High Boots

      - Open Edit Elara Pointed Toe Knee High Boots

      - STAUD Sebastian Leather Knee Boots

      Avoid: Polka-Dot Pumps

      Choose: Animal-Print Pumps

      To add some excitement to winter outfits, let your shoes inject a bit of flair. Opt for luxurious-looking prints and patterns like snakeskin, leopard, eel, or ostrich designs. These styles will enhance depth and interest, especially to an all-black ensemble, while helping you appear like a fashion-savvy individual.

      Shop the trend:

      - Steve Madden Nula Black Eel

      - Khaite Jett d'Orsay Low Pump in Natural Python-Embossed Leather

      - Anthropologie Bibi