Best Shoes for Petites: The Ultimate Guide

Okay petite friends… Have you ever felt you had to wear sky high heels to compensate for your lack of height? Years ago, I assumed towering heels were my only option. Anything less would make my already short legs look even shorter. Nope! Turns out, I was neglecting some key fashion and design principles with that line of thinking. In reality, the best shoes for petites come in many styles—even flats.

The trick is understanding how the eye perceives line and shape. While the rules we’ll talk about today apply to anyone who wants to look taller or slimmer, they are especially imperative for petites. With a shorter silhouette, we need to make lines work in our favor. The goal? Balancing our figure and visually lengthening our leg line!

So, let’s get started… 

Choosing the Best Shoes for Petites

There are a variety of factors to consider when hunting for petite-friendly shoes, so allow me to share the formula that helps me zero-in on the best shoes for petites. You don’t need all of these elements in a single shoe, but they are definitely details to watch for. I’ll be breaking down each element, demonstrating how it impacts your silhouette and offering a few examples. So, let’s begin…

What to look for in a petite-friendly shoe:

• V-shaped or low cut vamp
• Pointed-toes
• Nude or neutral colors
• Heels that are proportionate to your frame
• Sleek Wedge styles

Scarlett Kitten Heel | Mid-Height Version 

Best Shoes for Petites – Low Cut Vamp

Hunt for shoes with a low-cut or V-shaped vamp

This is one of the most important factors for choosing a flattering shoe for petites, but often overlooked because people don’t understand the term. I didn’t either! Honestly, until I began partnering with footwear brands, I hadn’t ever heard the term “vamp” connected to shoes. So, let’s define…

Vamp – The part of your shoe that covers the top of your foot. It plays a key role in the look of your leg line and overall silhouette.

When the vamp is low or V-shaped, your legs look longer and your overall frame appears taller. Think of the cut of a ballet slipper or a dancer’s pointe shoe. Its vamp is quite low, showing more of the foot, and consequently visually lengthening the leg line. This is what we want as a petite!

A good example of a V-shaped vamp is my favorite kitten heel for work, the Scarlett heel from VIVAIA and her newly released big sister, the Anna (a slightly higher mid-heel). I’m 4’11 with short, stocky legs. Both of these styles worked magic. When I pull them on, I actually feel tall (they’re super comfy too). I loved them so much, I ordered multiple colors.

My ivory/black version sold out in a hot minute, but the brand restocked these for fall. You can also snag them in other shads, like black, navy and almond. VIVAIA carries sizes 5-11. I’ve been ordering from the brand for years now and keep coming back because it continues to impress. I’ve got more details about it in this blog post: VIVAIA vs. Rothy’s: Which Wins Out?

• Shop VIVAIA’s Amazon Store

Natalie Flat (Sarah Flint)

Opt for Pointed-Toe Shoes

If you’re on the shorter side, I strongly encourage you to begin replacing the rounded-toe styles in your closet with pointed or almond-shaped toes. These cuts, such as this classic pump from Naturalizer, will quickly and effectively lengthen your frame. They’re my hack for looking tall. Consequently, a pointed-toe is a must when shopping for the best shoes for petites.

The beauty of a pointed toe, is that its visual trickery works at all heel heights. You can rock it in a kitten heel, stiletto, or flat and still get the same effect.

Flats | Skirt | Blouse

The Natalie flat from Sarah Flint is another great example. Although I generally prefer heels, I fell in love with this flat. It’s feminine shape and low vamp helps balance shorter figure types. It’s an investment piece, but a splurge you know you’ll enjoy long term.

Pro tip – Sarah Flint is popular with petites because it is one of the few brands that carries size 4 and half sizes. Full blog review of the brand here.

Pointed-toe styles are highly versatile. You can wear them casually with jeans or a skirt, or be office-ready in a blouse and trousers. In fact, it’s a great time to shop for nude pointed toe pumps, as there are many “end of season” sales going on. I’m a big fan of Sam Edelman pumps. You can snag this beautiful pair for 50% off right now.

Here are a few additional examples at various price points…

Best Shoes for Petites – Neutral Winners

Nude Pumps | Silk Skirt | Sweater (My fall favorite!)

Go Neutral (or Nude)

Pop into my closet and you’ll notice a footwear theme – LOTS of neutrals. I’m generally a colorful dresser, but routinely reach for nude or skin-toned shoes. Why? There’s nothing better for looking sleeker and taller.

Nude shoes, like this nude pump (which comes in multiple widths and down to a size 4), create one seamless line from your legs to your feet. They draw the eye upward, pulling the focus toward your outfit and face. Ultimately, this means you’re putting the focus where you want it, while also making your legs look much longer/leaner.

The other reason to include nude shoes on the the list of the best shoes for petites is their versatility. A nude, pointed-toe shoe works with every outfit and every occasion. Consequently, they make up the bulk of my shoe collection. The Tatiana Pump from Nine West is a good example. This shoe is in my weekly work wardrobe rotation.

Keep Your Heels Proportional

This tip for petite shoe shopping is a bit more challenging to define, as it very much depends on your frame. With a shorter stature, our goal is to achieve the most balanced proportions possible. This means avoiding a “heavy” look on our feet, like chunky platform heels.

Will they make you taller? Definitely. However, they don’t to a great job of making your leg line look sleek and elegant.

Rather, they can give off a “party vibe” that distracts from your overall look. For instance, shoes like this one were mainstream for beauty pageant contestants for years. Okay in that setting, but not the best daytime look. Also, they’re hard to walk in.

If you do a chunky heel, try to find designs with some sleek, lighter elements. This affordable Amazon heel (pictured below) is an example. The strappy details and neutral color “lighten” the look.

Heels (under $50)

Similarly, you want to choose a heel that complements your body type. For example, as a petite with thicker, muscular thighs, I try to avoid super thin stiletto heels. They feel a bit too delicate for my frame. Likewise, I also avoid anything super chunky.

This does not mean I eschew block heels. Actually, I love them – but I always choose a block heel that has the other elements we just talked about (e.g., low vamp, neutral color, pointed toe) to balance out the thicker heel.

Want to build a better shoe wardrobe as a petite?

Regardless of which brand or specific style you choose, I believe every petite woman should needs the following in her closet:

• Classic nude pump (closed toe, pointed toe)
• Pointed toe, low vamp flat or mule
• Neutral kitten heels
• Pointed toe slingbacks
• A block heel pump

Knotted Mules | Dress (linking another color since mind is sold out) | Laptop Bag

What NOT to Wear – Shoes to Avoid if Petite

While it’s easy to get swept up in the latest trends, not all shoes are created equal for those of us on the shorter side. In fact, footwear can be a bit of a minefield. Here are a few you’ll want to avoid – or at least be cautious when embracing.

1. Chunky Platform Heels: As we discussed above, platform heels can add height, but can also provide a clunky look that can overpower a petite frame. If you do opt for a platform, seek out those with a thinner sole or pointed toe to create the illusion of length.
2. Ankle Straps: If you’re petite, avoid ankle straps at all costs (unless they match your skin tone). They instantly make us look shorter, visually cutting off the length of our legs. This is especially the case if you’re dealing with a high-contrast shoe, like black. You can get away with ankle straps if they closely match your skin tone.
3. Bulky Sneakers: Yes, I know chunky sneakers are in vogue. However, they can look quite heavy on petites. For us, a simple, neutral shoe with a sleek, slim profile and lower sole is always best.
4. Flat Gladiator Sandals: They might look great on taller women, but have a shortening effect on petites. Why? All that lacing up your leg, visually cuts you off. Instead, opt for sandals with a lower profile that don’t extend too far up your calf. This will create a more balanced and flattering look.

Best Shoes for Petites – In Conclusion

When it comes to choosing shoes as a petite woman, the key is balance and proportion. By avoiding styles that overwhelm your frame and opting for sleeker, more streamlined options, you will put your best foot forward. However, style is not rigid. You know internally what makes you feel most confident!