Effect of high heels: normal shoe (top) compared with heels (below)

Basic court shoe, the most common type of high heeled shoe. Heels usually wider than in this illustration.

Shoes for Latin dancing: very stable heels

Sandals with stable high heels

Mid-length heels

Wedgies

Extreme stiletto heels

High heels are shoes where the heels are much higher than the toes. They are a fashion item, usually for women. Cowboy boots and 'Cuban heels' are shoes worn by men with high heels.