Stiletto heels have long been a symbol of elegance and sophistication, effortlessly elevating any outfit to new heights. From their slender heels to the exquisite craftsmanship, the right pair can make a powerful statement. With a variety of brands offering unique designs, quality, and comfort, the task of choosing the perfect set becomes both exciting and overwhelming. To help you navigate through the world of high fashion, we've curated a list of the best stiletto heel brands you'll want to know below.
Illustration of stiletto heels
Best brands of stiletto heels in 2025
Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin is a renowned French fashion designer and one of the best producers of stiletto heels, known for his iconic red-lacquered soles. Since its inception in 1991, the brand has evolved significantly, with Christian Louboutin selling just 200 pairs in his first year but later achieving sales of over 600,000 pairs annually by 2010. The brand's popularity surged in the mid-2000s, particularly after appearances in movies and TV shows like "Sex and the City." Today, Louboutin's business is diversified, with 55% of sales coming from women's shoes, 30% from men's shoes, and 15% from leather goods. The brand has expanded globally, with 55% of its business in the US, 30% in Europe, and 15% in the Asia Pacific region. For more details, visit the Christian Louboutin Wikipedia page.
Jimmy Choo
Jimmy Choo is a renowned brand in the luxury footwear industry, particularly celebrated for its exquisite stiletto heels. Founded by Jimmy Choo in 1996, the brand has become synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship, with its shoes often featured in high-profile fashion magazines and worn by celebrities. Despite a recent decline in sales in 2023, with a 7.0% year-over-year drop, the brand has shown resilience, posting a 6.1% revenue increase in the fiscal second quarter of 2024 driven by the wholesale channel. Jimmy Choo's global presence is reinforced by its inclusion in the global high heels market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2023 to 2032. The brand is now part of Capri Holdings, which also owns Michael Kors and Coach. Discover more about their exquisite collection on the official Jimmy Choo website.
Manolo Blahnik
Manolo Blahnik is renowned as one of the world's premier designers of high-end women's footwear, particularly celebrated for his delicate and lightweight stiletto heels that have become a hallmark of glamour and sophistication. Since the early 1970s, Blahnik has been a pioneer in shoe design, introducing the sleek stiletto heel that gained widespread popularity, with his shoes featured on runways for top designers like Calvin Klein and Yves Saint Laurent. His brand was further popularized by the TV show *Sex and the City*, leading to the sale of 30,000 pairs annually by the year 2000. Blahnik's designs often incorporate opulent elements such as Swarovski crystals, feathers, and silk brocade. He has received numerous awards, including the CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year in 1990 and was named Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2007. Discover more about his iconic stiletto heels and exquisite designs.
Gucci
Gucci is renowned as one of the premier producers of stiletto heels, leveraging its rich heritage of craftsmanship and premium quality. In 2022, Gucci generated $11.46 billion in revenue, with a significant portion coming from its leather goods and shoes, which account for 52% and 21% of its revenue share, respectively. The brand's online store also contributes substantially, with e-commerce revenue reaching $1.63 billion in 2022. Gucci's products, including stiletto heels, are highly sought after, as evidenced by the 22.7 million Google searches for Gucci jeans in the US from May 2022 to April 2023. This demand underscores Gucci's strong market position and consumer appeal.
Valentino
Valentino is renowned as one of the best producers of stiletto heels, particularly with its iconic Rockstud collection, which debuted in 2010 and has since become a cult classic. These shoes are celebrated for their comfort and durability, with some owners reporting they can wear them for extended periods without discomfort. The Rockstud design features pyramidal hardware and is available in various styles, including flats, sandals, and towering stilettos. Despite initial over-saturation, the Rockstuds have made a strong comeback, including in the SS21 and AW21 collections, solidifying their place in Valentino's permanent collection. The shoes are often praised for their glossy patent finish and adjustable straps, ensuring a customizable fit.
Balenciaga
Balenciaga, although facing recent reputation challenges, remains a notable luxury fashion brand, particularly for its high-end stiletto heels. With 60% brand awareness among U.S. luxury fashion owners and 13% of these owners actually purchasing Balenciaga products, the brand maintains a significant presence in the luxury market. However, its recent controversies have impacted its sales, with a 10% decline in revenues for Kering's Other Houses, which includes Balenciaga, over the first nine months of the year. Despite this, Balenciaga's loyal customer base, with 69% of owners likely to purchase again, indicates a strong foundation for recovery. The brand's ability to push avant-garde and irreverent designs continues to attract a dedicated audience.
Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent, formerly known as Yves Saint Laurent, is renowned for its exquisite and iconic stiletto heels, which have been a cornerstone of the brand's luxury footwear offerings. Since its founding in 1961, Saint Laurent has revolutionized fashion with innovative designs, such as the introduction of ready-to-wear in 1966, which made high-end fashion more accessible. The brand's stiletto heels, particularly the YSL-monogrammed women's pumps, have been highly sought after, contributing to the brand's significant growth; for instance, under creative director Anthony Vaccarello, these pumps became one of the hottest "it" shoes in 2016. Saint Laurent's commitment to in-house production and quality has helped maintain high margins, with plans to double sales in three years through expanded production and strategic store openings.
Gianvito Rossi
Gianvito Rossi is renowned for producing some of the most comfortable and stylish stiletto heels, with signature styles like the Gianvito 105 and Gianvito 85 featuring sleek, handmade designs in Italy. These pumps are crafted from high-quality materials, such as 100% suede, and are characterized by their precise heel heights, like the 105mm and 85mm stilettos. The brand's attention to detail and use of patented materials, such as the stiff yet moldable plexi part, ensure a superior fit and comfort. Gianvito Rossi's shoes are often praised for their comfort, even in higher heel heights, making them a favorite among those who value both style and comfort. With free returns within 30 days and free standard shipping, Gianvito Rossi offers a seamless shopping experience.
Prada
Prada, a renowned Italian luxury fashion house, is esteemed for its exquisite and sophisticated footwear, including stiletto heels. The brand's commitment to quality and design is reflected in its strong market presence, with Prada operating 631 owned and franchised stores worldwide as of 2023 and employing 14,876 employees globally. Prada's retail sales have shown significant growth, with an 18% increase in the nine months ended September 2024, highlighting the brand's enduring appeal. The brand's focus on direct-to-consumer sales has also been a key strategy, with D2C sales accounting for 89% of Prada's total sales in 2022. Prada's influence extends beyond fashion, with a Media Impact Value of $2 billion, underscoring its powerful presence in the luxury market.
Badgley Mischka
Badgley Mischka is renowned for its exquisite and stylish stiletto heels, offering a range of designs that cater to various tastes and occasions. Known for their high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, Badgley Mischka shoes are a favorite among fashion enthusiasts and brides alike. The brand, founded by Mark Badgley and James Mischka, has been a staple in the fashion industry since 1988. Their stiletto heels, such as the Julietta Satin Stiletto Sandals, are priced competitively, often ranging from $225 to $265. With a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, Badgley Mischka continues to enhance its website usability. For more details, visit their Badgley Mischka shoe collection.
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