Top Heel Brands for Fashion-Forward Elegance

Heels have long been a staple in fashion, symbolizing elegance and style, with countless brands offering a variety of designs to match any outfit or occasion. Among the top contenders, Jimmy Choo stands out for its luxurious craftsmanship and timeless appeal, while Christian Louboutin is renowned for its iconic red soles and statement-making designs. Valentino's feminine embellishments and classic looks continue to captivate fashion enthusiasts around the globe, and Stuart Weitzman’s commitment to comfort without sacrificing glam makes it a favorite for many. With so many options to explore, let's take a closer look at some of the best brands for heels and discover what makes each unique.

Illustration of heels

Best brands of heels in 2025

Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo is a renowned British luxury fashion brand, celebrated for its exquisite heels and other high-end footwear, handbags, and accessories. Founded in 1996 by Jimmy Choo, the brand quickly gained prominence for its elegant designs and exceptional Italian craftsmanship. By 2024, Jimmy Choo generated a global revenue of $618 million, contributing approximately 10% to Capri Holdings' net sales. The brand has expanded to over 234 stores worldwide and has received several prestigious awards, including the British Fashion Council's Designer Brand of the Year in 2008. Jimmy Choo's products are favored by celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike, making it a staple on red carpets globally. For more information, explore their official website.

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin is renowned as one of the premier producers of high-heeled shoes, known for its iconic red-soled designs that have become a staple in luxury fashion. Founded in 1991, the brand has expanded globally, particularly focusing on the Chinese market, and was valued at 3.2 billion USD by investment firm Exor in 2024. Christian Louboutin's revenue has been estimated to be between 15 million and 25 million USD up to November 2024, with the brand aiming to achieve annual sales of over EUR1 billion. The brand's success is further highlighted by its collaboration with celebrities like Taylor Swift and Beyonce, solidifying its presence in mainstream pop culture. As of 2024, Christian Louboutin's founder has become a billionaire, with a net worth estimated at 1.2 billion USD.

Manolo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik is renowned as one of the best producers of heels, known for its high-quality, comfortable, and elegantly designed footwear. The brand, founded in 1971, saw a significant surge in sales in 2022, with a 69% increase in turnover to EUR118.2 million and a pre-tax profit that more than tripled to EUR23.7 million. Manolo Blahnik's shoes, such as the BB Pump and Hangisi, are celebrated for their comfort and timeless appeal, with the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and quality ensuring each pair is meticulously handcrafted. The company's collaboration with Birkenstock in 2022 also highlighted its innovative approach and strong brand resonance. With a global presence and growing demand, Manolo Blahnik continues to be a beacon of luxury and elegance in the footwear industry. For more insights into their designer spotlight, check out the well-heeled feature.

Aquazzura

Aquazzura, founded by Edgardo Osorio in 2011 in Florence, Italy, has established itself as a leading luxury footwear brand, particularly renowned for its stylish and wearable heels. The brand has experienced exponential growth, tripling its business and production over the past two years, with annual revenues estimated to be over EUR20 million. Aquazzura's success is attributed to its ability to listen to customer needs, as evident in the introduction of chic flat shoes that can be worn from day to night. The brand's shoes are sold at 350 stockists globally, including prestigious retailers like Barneys New York and Net-a-Porter. Aquazzura's commitment to modern design and impeccable craftsmanship has made it a favorite among fashion insiders and European royalty. For more information, visit the Aquazzura official website.

Gianvito Rossi

Gianvito Rossi is a renowned luxury footwear brand, founded in 2006 by Italian designer Gianvito Rossi, known for its sensual, sophisticated, and refined heels. The brand is celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship, with each pair requiring 60 steps and individual cutting of leather to ensure perfection. Gianvito Rossi shoes are characterized by their see-through details, cut-away vamps, and extended backs, offering a unique blend of modernity and timeless elegance. The brand has established itself globally, with flagship stores in major cities like Milan, Paris, and New York, and has recently been acquired by Richemont, which has further solidified its position in the luxury market. Gianvito Rossi's annual revenue has reached $35 million as of September 2024. For more information, visit their official website.

Stuart Weitzman

Stuart Weitzman, a premium footwear brand under the U.S. fashion group Tapestry, is renowned for its high-quality heels, showcasing a strong presence in the market. Despite a 14 percent drop in sales to $241.5 million in the 2023/24 fiscal year, the brand remains a significant player, particularly in North America where it saw a 2 percent year-on-year sales increase in the fiscal first quarter of 2024. Stuart Weitzman's products are popular on platforms like Poshmark, where the brand holds a 0.91% market share and ranks 116th out of 1,000 brands, with an average sale price of $74. The brand is focusing on brand-building initiatives and expanding its casual segment to drive long-term growth. Incoming orders for the spring 2025 season have increased by over 30 percent, indicating positive future prospects. For detailed insights, visit their financial report.

Valentino Garavani

Valentino Garavani is renowned for its exquisite and comfortable heel collections, featuring designs such as the Rockstud and Ladycrush lines, which embody a timeless vision with classic shades and bold palettes. The brand's shoes, including pointy-toed stilettos and kitten heels, are known for their luxurious touch and attention to detail, although they often require sizing adjustments and a break-in period to achieve optimal comfort. Valentino Garavani's commitment to quality and style has contributed to its status as one of the most valuable fashion brands, with a brand value of $869 million in 2023. The brand's ability to balance heritage and innovation has allowed it to expand successfully into accessories and retail, while Valentino's shoes are often praised for their comfort and confidence-boosting design.

Gucci

Gucci, a renowned luxury brand, stands out as a premier producer of high heels, with a significant portion of its revenue coming from footwear. In 2022, shoes accounted for 21% of Gucci's total revenue, highlighting their importance in the brand's product lineup. Gucci's strong presence in the Asia-Pacific market, where 36% of its revenue is generated, and its substantial eCommerce sales, which reached $1.63 billion in 2022, further underscore its dominance in the luxury footwear sector. The brand's customer base, predominantly fashion-conscious individuals with 58.84% being female, drives the demand for its stylish and high-quality heels. Gucci's commitment to luxury and style makes it a favorite among affluent consumers.

Prada

Prada is a leading luxury brand renowned for its high-quality footwear, particularly heels, which saw a significant 20% increase in sales in the first half of 2023. This growth underscores the brand's strong foothold in the luxury footwear market, where shoes represented 19% of the group's quarterly retail sales. Prada's footwear collections, including lifestyle, sneakers, and formal shoes, all experienced growth. The brand's success is also reflected in its overall retail sales, which rose by 17% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2023. Additionally, Prada's subsidiary Miu Miu contributed substantially, with a 50% increase in sales from 2022 to 2023.

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana is renowned as one of the premier luxury fashion brands, particularly esteemed for its exquisite heel designs. The brand's turnover has been significant, with revenues reaching approximately 1.6 billion euros in 2022. Known for their high-quality craftsmanship and stylish designs, Dolce & Gabbana's heels are a favorite among fashion enthusiasts. The brand's sales have shown resilience, even during challenging times, such as in 2020 when revenues were 872.9 million euros, still a notable figure despite the global economic downturn. Dolce & Gabbana's commitment to luxury and style has solidified its position in the global footwear market.