It takes a lot to get me in a pair of heels. Since it's not unusual for me to rack up well over 10,000 steps a day crisscrossing New York City, anything taller than an inch or two just doesn't work out. But since I can't resist a little bit of fun, all the cool sculptural heels I've been eyeing might just convince me that sore calves and a blister or two are worth it. While unusual, artistic, and straight-up gravity-defying high heels aren't a new trend, there are so many brands offering up their own takes on the trend right now.
While I'd have to point to Jacquemus and J.W.Anderson as the leaders of the quirky-cool heel aesthetic, they're not the only brands currently sitting in my shopping cart. Below I'm highlighting 21 pairs of sculptural heels that just might convince me to swap out my sneakers and sandals for the coming months. From subtle to seriously over-the-top, this is a trend that you can tailor to your aesthetic. Read on to shop the best of the best now.
Jacquemus
Rumba Ornamental-Heel Leather Sandals
Leave it to Jacquemus to make me reconsider stilettos.Available in sizes 35 to 41.
Nicole Saldaña
Sculptural Heeled Mules
Meet the heels of the future.Available in sizes 36 to 40.
Gray Matters
Marmo Sandal in Rosa
These heels aren't as heavy as they look—we promise.Available in sizes 37.5 to 39.
Loewe
Leather Slingback Pumps
It's called subtlety. Available in sizes 36 to 41.
Intentionally Blank
Joy Sandal in Black Multi
Here's a pair of shoes for those who like their neutrals.Available in sizes 38 to 40.
Clergerie
Zora Heel
Get your shine on in these.Available in sizes 37 to 38.5.
Ganni
Lina Pumps
Ganni goes for subtle sculptural heels.Available in sizes 37 to 39.
3.1 Phillip Lim
Drum Slingback
Mixed materials for the win.Available in sizes 37 to 39.
Gray Matters
Mildred Egg Mule in Carmello
Funky in the best way possible. Available in sizes 36.5 to 39.
Yuul Yie
Slingback With Pearl Heel
A polished and pretty twist on the trend.Available in sizes 36 to 40.
J.W.Anderson
Cylinder Heel Ballet Shoe in Cognac
Sure, they may not look practical, but they do look good.Available in sizes 37 to 39.
Proenza Schouler
Mule Pumps
Meet the mules you'll want to wear all fall.Available in sizes 36 to 40.
Neous
Opus Clear Sandal
What's better than one footwear trend? Two.Available in size 40.
Rejina Pyo
Lottie Bow-Embellished Leather Mules
These heels are sure to sell out completely.Available in sizes IT 36 to 41.
Cult Gaia
Sage Leather Mules
The perfect summer shoes. Available in sizes 35 to 42.
Jaggar
V Cut Convertible Pumps
Mules or pumps, wear them how you want to. Available in sizes 35 to 41.
Zara
Leather Slingback
Hurry before these Zara heels are gone for good.Available in size 8.
Miu Miu
Bow-Embellished Glitter Pumps
Shoes that are worthy of Cinderella.Available in sizes 34 to 42.
Matiko
Circa Slingback Pumps
If you're looking for a simple take on the trend, these heels are it.Available in sizes 36 to 41.
Topshop
Sculptured Heel Mules
Topshop's bold shoes are a winning pick.Available in sizes 4.5 to 11.5
Dorateymur
Radio Boots
Starting to shop for fall? Spring for these.Available in sizes 36 to 40. Now you're all set to try the trend out yourself.