Heel height

This is the actual height in cm measured on a size 38 of the shoe. If there is a platform it is included in the height. The height is measured the "Italian way": straight down from the heel to the heel tip, not following the curve the heels.

This gives the effective heel height. 

Arch: the actual heel height 

The arch is the actual heel height minus height of the platforms and sole on a size 38 in cm.

The arch influences the walkability of a pair of heels the most. The arch tells you the actual heel height you walk on.

A regular arch for high heels is 10cm for a size EU 38. This is called "fashion height".

An arch up to 12cm is regarded as doable for trained high heel wearers. An arch above 12cm is more difficult to walk on.

Really experienced heel wearers can walk in a 13cm arch. This is the famous "Louboutin Hot Chick pumps" arch height. Heels with an arch above 13cm are for really experienced wearers or for standing and lying down only :-). 

See the heel heights of the brands and models in our collection below. 

Sanctum Shoes Italian high heels

The models in this table are sorted by heel height. "Walkability" is explained below. Please note: below are the "real" heel heights without platform. This is the heel height you actually walk on.

Walkability

The column "walkability" refers to the our advice of how comfortable the heels are to wear. Read more about walkability in our "Heel-O-Meter" page. For each model in our store you will not only find the heel height and actual arch of the shoe, but also our advice in fit and walkability. 

The walkability scores like this: 

and we determine that walkability as follows, combined with our own experience for the specific model.