Understanding Heel Height Measurement

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Quick Answer

• Heel height is measured from the very bottom of the heel to the point where it connects with the shoe’s sole.
• Always use a flat surface and a straight measuring tool for a true reading.
• It’s about the heel itself, not the entire shoe’s sole thickness.

Who This Is For

• Anyone snagging new kicks before hitting the trail or just wanting to know what those specs mean.
• Folks comparing different shoe styles or needing to nail down a specific heel height for comfort or performance.

How Heel Height is Measured: What to Check First

• Locate the Heel Cup: That’s the part at the back of the shoe specifically shaped to cradle your heel. Simple.
• Identify the Sole Junction: Find where the heel material meets the main body of the shoe. This is your key measurement point.
• Ensure a Flat Surface: Your shoe needs to sit stable and level. No wobbly measurements here.
• Grab a Straight Edge: A ruler or measuring tape is your best bet. Keep it honest.
• Check the Shoe Type: While the core concept is the same, some styles, like hiking boots, might have a slightly different visual junction point.

Step-by-Step Plan for Measuring Heel Height

1. Place the shoe on a flat, level surface.

• What to look for: The shoe should sit perfectly stable without any rocking or tilting. I usually do this on my picnic table.
• Mistake to avoid: Placing it on carpet, uneven ground, or a slope. This will absolutely throw off your reading. Trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way.

2. Identify the heel cup.

• What to look for: The distinct, often curved, portion at the rear of the shoe designed to cup the wearer’s heel. It’s usually made of a different material or has a different construction than the rest of the upper.
• Mistake to avoid: Confusing the entire back vertical surface of the shoe with the actual heel cup. The heel cup is the specific component that supports the heel bone.

3. Locate the sole where the heel meets the main body of the shoe.

• What to look for: The clear demarcation or seam where the heel material transitions into the shoe’s midsole or outsole. This is the point where the heel’s elevation is considered to begin.
• Mistake to avoid: Measuring all the way down to the very bottom edge of the outsole, which includes the tread pattern and any extra rubber sole. You want the point where the heel starts, not where the shoe ends on the ground.

4. Position your measuring tool vertically.

• What to look for: The ruler or measuring tape should be held perfectly straight up and down, forming a 90-degree angle with the flat surface. Think of it like dropping a plumb bob.
• Mistake to avoid: Holding the measuring tool at an angle. This is a super common error and will make the heel appear taller than it actually is, leading to an inflated measurement.

5. Measure from the flat surface up to the junction point.

• What to look for: The precise number on your measuring tool at the identified junction point where the heel meets the shoe’s upper or midsole. Get as close to the exact line as possible.
• Mistake to avoid: Guessing, rounding too aggressively, or stopping short. Precision is key here. If it looks like 1.75 inches, write down 1.75 inches.

6. Note the measurement.

• What to look for: A clear number, usually in inches or centimeters, depending on the manufacturer.
• Mistake to avoid: Forgetting to write it down! You’ll be kicking yourself later if you have to remeasure.

Understanding How Heel Height is Measured in Different Footwear

The fundamental principle of measuring heel height remains consistent across most footwear types, but the visual cues and specific points of reference can vary slightly. This is important for hikers, runners, and anyone who cares about how their footwear interacts with the terrain.

For standard shoes like dress shoes or sneakers, the process is straightforward as described above. You’re looking for that distinct heel block. However, when you move into more specialized footwear, like hiking boots or even some athletic shoes, the “heel” might be integrated differently.

• Hiking Boots: In a robust hiking boot, the heel is usually a more substantial, often blocky component designed for stability and shock absorption. The measurement is still taken from the ground (or the flat surface you’re using) vertically up to the point where this heel block joins the main sole unit or the boot’s upper. Sometimes, the transition can be more gradual, so you’ll need to identify the most prominent point of the heel’s elevation. The goal is to capture the vertical lift provided by the heel component itself.
• Athletic Shoes (Running, Training): Many athletic shoes have a noticeable heel-to-toe drop, which is related to heel height but is a distinct measurement. The heel height itself is measured from the ground to the top of the heel cushioning unit where it meets the midsole. The “drop” is the difference between the heel height and the forefoot height. So, while heel height is a component, the drop gives you a better idea of the shoe’s overall balance and how it might affect your gait.
• Wedge Heels: For shoes with a wedge heel, the measurement is typically taken from the ground to the highest point of the heel, which is often the back. However, the “heel height” might be specified differently. Some manufacturers might measure the back height, while others might consider the point where the wedge meets the sole under the arch. Always check product descriptions for clarity. The primary method still involves a vertical measurement from the ground.
• Platform Shoes: This is where it’s crucial to differentiate. The platform is the thick sole under the forefoot and midfoot. Heel height only refers to the elevation of the heel itself. So, if a shoe has a 1-inch platform and a 3-inch heel, the heel height is 3 inches, not 4 inches. You measure the heel as described previously, ignoring the platform’s contribution to the overall sole thickness.

Common Mistakes in Heel Height Measurement

• Measuring at an angle — Leads to an inaccurate, inflated measurement — Ensure the measuring tool is perfectly vertical, perpendicular to your flat surface.
• Measuring to the outsole’s lowest point — This includes sole thickness and tread, not just the heel itself — Measure only to the point where the heel component visibly joins the rest of the shoe’s sole or upper.
• Not using a flat, stable surface — Uneven or soft surfaces create skewed readings and instability — Always place the shoe on a solid, level area like a table or hard floor.
• Including platform height in the heel measurement — This adds to the overall sole height, not the heel itself — Focus solely on the distinct heel portion of the shoe.
• Measuring the wrong part of the shoe — Confusing the entire back of the shoe with the specific heel cup or block — Identify the heel component designed for support.
• Ignoring the shoe’s natural flex — Measuring a shoe that’s already bent or compressed can give a false reading — Ensure the shoe is in its natural, uncompressed state.
• Failing to account for the shoe’s construction — Different shoe types have different heel designs — Understand the general structure of the shoe you’re measuring.

FAQ

• How is heel height measured on different types of shoes?

The core principle is always a vertical measurement from the ground to the point where the heel connects with the shoe’s sole or upper. For boots, you measure from the ground to where the heel block meets the boot shaft. For shoes with integrated cushioning, it’s to the top of that distinct heel unit.

• Does platform height count towards heel height?

No, absolutely not. Heel height refers specifically to the elevation of the heel itself. The platform is the thick sole under the forefoot and midfoot, and it’s measured separately. Think of it as two different components contributing to the overall sole stack.

• What is the standard unit for measuring heel height?

Heel height is typically measured in inches or centimeters. Most shoe manufacturers in the US will list it in inches, often with a decimal (e.g., 1.5 inches, 2.75 inches).

• What is considered a “low,” “medium,” or “high” heel?

Generally, low heels are under 1.5 inches, medium heels are between 1.5 and 3 inches, and high heels are above 3 inches. This can vary a bit by shoe style and personal definition, but it’s a good ballpark.

• Can I measure heel height on a shoe that’s being worn?

It’s not recommended for accuracy. The weight of the wearer can compress the sole and heel, giving a false reading. Always measure on a flat, stable surface with the shoe off your foot.

• Why is understanding heel height important for hikers?

For hikers, heel height can influence stability, shock absorption, and how your foot strikes the ground. A higher heel might offer more cushioning but could potentially feel less stable on uneven terrain. A lower heel might provide better ground feel and stability for technical trails. It’s all about finding what works for your stride and the conditions.

• What’s the difference between heel height and heel drop?

Heel height is the measurement from the ground to the top of the heel. Heel drop (or pitch) is the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot. So, a shoe could have a 2-inch heel height but a 0-inch heel drop if the forefoot is also 2 inches high. This distinction is crucial for understanding shoe mechanics, especially in running shoes.