Let me paint the picture for you: It’s your moment—maybe you’re finally tying the knot, you’re on your dream vacation, or you’re just out on the dance floor living your best life. Now that you can see the fantasy, what are you wearing at that moment? With the prospect of a more “normal” summer, that question holds more weight than before. For the first time in two years, travel restrictions have been lifted, the world has slowly begun to manage COVID-19, and the prospect of being able to get all gussied up again is within our grasp. With that new freedom comes the ability to fantasize about fashion again—we can dream about what to wear to a special occasion or new ways to play with makeup. There’s so much to be excited about, but for me, the moment I’m most excited about is slipping into a pair of heels once again (and I know I’m not the only one who feels this way). In fact, what began as a form of revenge dressing to make up for all that lost time found its true footing in footwear trends. Yes, we’ve all seen the buzz around other risqué trends (think: mini skirts or cutouts), and we’ve even had whole cultural conversations around embracing fashion aesthics that do the most (ahem, villain era dressing) but no other trends have caught the full attention of the fashion set like footwear. From the rise of the idyllic Princess-inspired shoe, the risqué sky-high platform sandal, or the overtly feminine barbie heel, we’re basically all living in Carrie Bradshaw’s wildest fantasy. Considering the climate, it was only a matter of time before another shoe trend manifested itself, and the newest one happens to be glass heels. If you’re wondering what exactly this style is, don’t fret. Ahead, we’re breaking down what they are, how to wear them, why we’re betting they’ll be big this summer, and we’ve rounded up the 31 best glass heels to shop right now. Warning: these glass heels may pierce your heart.
So what exactly are glass heels? They’re not exactly Cinderella’s iconic glass slippers (though this trend does feel princesscore-inspired), rather they stem from the boom of barbie and platform heels. However, unlike its predecessors, glass heels are arguably far too risqué to get Disney’s stamp of approval. What makes a glass heel just that comes back to the heel itself—its heel is made from mostly opaque acrylic, lucite, or vinyl to give the illusion of being glass. And while this shoe trend can sometimes feel similar to other popular styles (they also feature popular design elements like PVC, oversized bows, and crystals), upon closer inspection, you’ll see that this shoe has more edge.
In fact, when this shoe first began making a comeback, there were still stigmas attached to clear heels because of the style’s association with sex workers. But, as luxury footwear designers like Amina Muaddi and Mach & Mach championed and modernized the formally controversial styles, it’s become crystal clear that any former stigmas attached to clear shoes were all smoke and mirrors. These shoes are not only incredibly stylish, but the right pair can shatter expectations making them prime for becoming the next it-shoe.
At this point, you may be thinking, “ok, that’s cute and all, but how exactly am I supposed to wear a glass heel?” Well, it’s easier than you think. You don’t need a ballgown (unless that’s your prerogative) and you don’t need even need a prince charming, you just need to get creative with your styling. Look at styling this shoe as a glass-full type of situation that’s brimming with possibilities.
The key to making glass heels work is to take a cue from the fashion set and treat this shoe as if it’s an everyday shoe. Why not pair it with a bikini for a poolside look? Why not spice up a matching pantsuit with glass heels? Or style your go-to wide-leg jeans and an oversized button-up with clear heels? There are no limits to how you can style this shoe, so as long as you remember that you’ll look like a tall glass of water all summer long.
Pair these with a sparkly bikini, and you’ll be shinin’ all summer long.
It’s giving barbie in the best way possible.
Strappy sandals are nothing new, but the glass heel on this makes it something else entirely.
Everything about this shoe is perfection–the glass wedge, the camel suede hue, and the tie-up ankle strap.
So chic.
Disco shoes, done right.
The contrasting glass heel on this slide sandal is so good.
Imagine this pair styled a relaxed trouser and waistcoat—cute, right?
Ok, but how cool is the shape of this heel?
Is it just me, or does the pointed toe on the wedge seem as sharp as a shattered piece of glass?
When life gives you glass, turn them into lemonade-hued sandals.
Allow us to pause for a moment to admire the sharp edges on this heel.
These aren’t just any old blue glass heels; they’re cerulean.
Note the cute buckle straps on this sandal.
Cinderella vibes.
So sleek.
Cult Gaia always understands the assignment.
Prepare to turn heads in these bad boys.
It’s a need, not a want for me.
Red hot.
Excuse me while I stare at these wedges for the rest of my life.
The green lucite heel on this Staud sandal is giving me life.
You could wear these to a wedding or just for fun.
Who said glass heels had to be uncomfortable? These mules will give you the best of both worlds.
I mean, how could you not love these?
The crystal-adorned netting paired with the clear heel on these mules is pure magic.
This color!
The glass heel on this sandal gives a whole new meaning to the term wearable art.
