Walk tall: Stiletto heels are on the rise once again

Yes, the style that Germaine Greer deemed the “f***-me shoe” is back

Once considered tacky, the sky-scraper shoe has always stood for style that’s bold, brash and unapologetically sexy (Getty)

It’s official: after seasons in obscurity the stiletto heel is finally clip-clopping it’s way back into the fashion mainstream.

For months, designers have endorsed their love affair with sneakers, flat sandals, and the occasional mid heel – but as unlikely as it might have seemed, the fashion pendulum has swung so far to one extreme that it’s coming back in full force.

This time, the stiletto is higher and more needle-heeled than ever.

Once considered tacky, the sky-scraper shoe has always stood for style that’s bold, brash and unapologetically sexy – but now, that’s something the fashion world is lusting after.

It’s inevitable then, that designers, editors, models and street-style stars alike should all embrace the shoe once again.

On the runway, Saint Laurent escalated its Eighties revival of puffed shoulders, pelmet skirts and plunging bustiers with towering heels finished with a ruffled metallic flash of colour at the ankle.

The look was also adopted by Nina Ricci, where sportswear inspired garb and Eighties tailoring made way for crossover stilettos in purple, electric blue and, in all their tackiness, the whitest of whites.

Elsewhere, Balenciaga embraced the decade with spandex tights worn over stilettos and body contouring boots in vibrant florals, pink and Kermit green.

When it comes to real life wear, the problem with super-high heels isn’t what to wear them with, but rather how you’re meant to walk in them without toppling to the ground.

Christian Louboutin, Pigalle Follies 100 Patent Leather Pumps, £470, Net-a-Porter

That, my friends, is never a good look.

First and foremost, you need to make sure that your heels are the right size. This might seem obvious but the size of your feet can fluctuate so make sure to get them measured frequently. If your shoe’s too big, your foot will slide around and if they’re too small, it will feel cramped and cause you pain.

Office, Onto Patent Leather Courts, £68, Selfridges

Additionally, it’s important to wear them in so pull on a pair of socks and stroll around your house for a few house before you head out.

Stilettos also tend to have very little platform on offer so, if the balls of your feet are the main issue head to the counter and buy some sticky gel inserts to cushion the blow.

Stiletto Shoes, £35.99, Mango

Bubba High Leg Stretch Boots, £59, Topshop

Jimmy Choo, Romy Patent Leather Pumps, £425, Net-a-Porter

Raphael Two Part Sandals, £42, Topshop