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Aside from a slingback shoe being so obviously supportive, what with the strap meant to hold your foot securely in place, the silhouette also happens to be on-trend this season. Of course, there are a range of styles to choose from, whether you go for a sturdy block heel or kitten point; slick leather or soft suede; and subtle elevation with a cushioned sole, made for the everyday, or added height for a true fashion moment. The fall 2024 runways have introduced a glove pump iteration with an extended upper that engulfs more of the foot (see: the blue Zara heels ahead), but there are still plenty of timeless, minimalist shapes on the market that feel more versatile by nature. Especially in neutral shades, these can go from day to night, completing everything from your office attire to a dress or co-ord set for dinner and drinks.
Eager to find not only the best-rated, but most comfortable slingback heels available now, I tested brands that offer their shoes at a wide range of sizes, widths, and colorways to curate this collection. Ahead, you can find in-depth reviews of five standout pairs from Margaux, Charles & Keith, Stuart Weitzman, Zara, and Pelle Moda. The best part? Each of these retailers has a niche shopper — whether it’s someone with a higher budget searching for a covetable slice of luxury or someone who craves deals on the hottest shoe du jour. Ahead, discover the slingback heel that’s best for you this spring.
Slingback Block Heels in Leather
If you’re in the market for a nude leather slingback, you’d be hard-pressed to find one more comfortable. Handmade in Spain, Margaux’s The Cluny comes in an Italian nappa with a leather insole and plush foam padding that you can actually feel. The shoe really hugs your foot like a glove, especially if you know your foot well and select the right width and size (half-sizes make that easy!). While a pointed toe and kitten heel might feel more trendy at the moment, a 2.5-inch refined block heel is timeless and elegant. I only wish these came in additional colorways.
We like
- The leather feels butter-smooth and is extremely flexible
- The shoes come in half-sizes and three different width options
- They mold with wear, so they get increasingly comfortable as you keep them in your rotation
We don't like
- They don’t come in white, or other nude shades to match perfectly with a wide range of skin tones
- The price point is rather high in comparison to the rest of the slingbacks on this list
- There’s slight creasing in the upper with extended wear
Black Slingback Heels
These visually stimulating pumps were a must have for me, and they’re absolutely the shoe that gleans the most compliments considering the standout details. I’ve deemed them a going-out shoe, as they’re a bit edgier and decidedly more trendy than a minimalist heel you might wear to the office. That being said, the faux leather, cushioned sole, and petite buckle strap all present as good quality — which is impressive given the under-$100 price point.
We like
- The buckle strap, which is adjustable at both the toe box and heel, wraps over and around the foot to achieve an even more secure fit (of course, this structure is also super-sexy)
- The leather is flexible and wide enough in the toe box, despite the sharp point
- The sculptural metal curved heel has a mirror effect, making these stand out even more
- Under $100 for a versatile statement shoe
We don't like
- The back of the heel has elastic at the buckle, which actually loosens a bit with wear, making slippage possible
- The structure of the heel does feel a bit heavy and less sturdy than a standard block heel as you walk
- No half-sizes, and larger sizes are currently out of stock
- Sold out in the red and canary yellow colorways
Slingback Kitten Heels
These event-ready kitten heel slingbacks are perfect for a chic daytime party, brunch, or shower. They’re hands down a designer favorite, as the elegant shoe shape meets the adorable bow adornment in harmony. I own them in both dusty pink and black, and find myself reaching for the pastel shade when I want to style them up with a pair of colorful sheer socks for a playful springtime look. Crafted by artisans in Spain, the Sofia has positive on-site reviews and is surprisingly versatile for a shoe with decals that may feel niche to some.
We like
- The height of the 50mm kitten heel is perfect for someone who doesn’t love a super-high stiletto
- The shoe is available in half-sizes and three different widths, so finding a comfortable fit is more readily feasible
- The bow detail is complementary without being distracting or overpowering to the rest of the shoe
We don't like
- The strap has built-in elastic, but isn’t adjustable, so finding the right size to make these work is crucial
- The toe box is a bit stiff at first, but it does loosen with wear
- The pink suede colorway is no longer available
- The sole isn’t cushioned, making these feel more like an event-ready fashion shoe
- The suede outer makes them a bit tougher to clean and more susceptible to stains and wear with time
- Price point is on the higher end
Zara Slingback Heels
The extended leather upper gives these pumps an ‘80s-shape, engulfing the top of the foot like a glove pump, which feels right on trend with the latest runways. I love how they look styled with a sheer, decorative ankle sock, which is how they’re presented on Zara’s site. Like many of Zara’s newer, more covetable items, there’s a low stock available in both the blue and off-white colorway, but the success of one versatile shoe like this one usually leads to the introduction of a similar shape in the next collection.
We like
- The shoes run in half-sizes, which is a bonus since the strap isn’t adjustable
- The shape of the upper has extended leather past the toe box that engulfs the foot and therefore provides more support
- The pastel blue shade is beautiful for spring, but it’s also neutral enough to offset completely disparate colors in your wardrobe
- There’s a complete care guide to the leather, which comes with a slight crinkle-effect to it so any further creasing isn’t noticeable
We don't like
- The leather slingback has built-in elastic, so it’s not fully adjustable, so you may experience slight discomfort at the heel until you wear in the leather
- Half-sizes are not offered throughout the full size range, and larger sizes are sold out
- The soles aren’t cushioned and the kitten heel comes to a thin point, so these definitely feel a bit more stiff
Slingback Block Heels in Suede
I’ve long been a fan of Pelle Moda. In fact, before I even started on my journey to find the ultimate slingbacks, I wore this low-heel slingback from the brand almost daily. I soon discovered the updated block heel version is up to par, providing an even sturdier foundation for a day of walking through the city where the goal is to look chic. Pelle Moda is a brand that aims for the refined look, and these slingbacks meet the mark. They’re different from Margaux’s block heel with their suede finish and matching buckle detail that achieves a more seamless aesthetic, for someone who prefers non-distracting elements.
We like
- The fit is extremely comfortable with an adjustable buckle strap to make them feel even more secure
- There’s padding at the sole, making for a cushioned feel as you walk
- Available in half-sizes throughout the full range
- The price point feels fair for a high-quality shoe that’s versatile enough to wear day and night
We don't like
- The upper curves in like a C, making for less overall coverage, more toe cleavage, and a tighter fit at the toe box
- While the 2-inch block heel feels sturdy and supportive, it’s noticeably heavier than the rest of the shoe
- Only available in a single shade of nude and midnight navy as alternative colorways
