High Heels for Kids – Don’t Buy Them Until You Read This!
High heel shoes for kids have become a surprising trend in children’s fashion. While they look adorable and sophisticated, parents often worry about safety and proper fit. As an experienced children’s shoe fitter, I can assure you that some high heels for kids can be both safe and comfortable when properly fitted and worn for short periods. The key is choosing age-appropriate styles that protect growing feet while letting your child enjoy the fun of mini high heels.
Not All Kids’ High Heels Are the Same
The high heels I recommend are ones I’ve personally fitted and found to be the most comfortable for growing feet. They feature extra cushioning around the heels to help prevent blisters and other foot issues. Plus, I’ll provide the exact heel height for each pair, so you know exactly what to expect before making a purchase.
When Should Kids Start Wearing High Heels?
A child is ready for high heels once they can walk confidently in them, typically between ages 12 and 14. Younger children may try them for short periods, but it’s important to use your judgment based on their balance and coordination.
Wearing high heels too early can affect developing bones and muscles, increasing the risk of foot and leg issues like tendon shortening. From ages 3 to 12, children’s feet are still growing, so extended wear is not recommended.
Between ages 12 and 16, kids can handle heels more safely—but only for short periods, like special occasions. Pay attention to stability, how well the shoe fits, and remind your child never to run in heels.
How Safe Are High Heels for Growing Girls?
A few minutes in heels or a special-occasion wear is fine, but frequent use can harm developing feet. Children’s bones and joints are still forming, making them more prone to injuries than adults.
Wearing high heels for long periods can stiffen Achilles tendons and disrupt natural foot mechanics. Potential consequences include:
- Joint pain
- Shortened calf muscles
- Lower back pain
- Sprained ankles
- Bunions and hammer toes
- Ingrown toenails
- Calluses
- Tightened heel cords
Choosing age-appropriate, low, and well-fitted heels is essential to keep growing feet safe and healthy.
For those moments when a little heel is necessary, here are my top recommendations for kids’ dress shoes with specified heel heights for 2025. Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Most Comfortable High Heels for Kids in 2025
These options strike a balance between style and practicality, ensuring that your child’s footwear is both fashionable and appropriate.
1. Mila by Nina. These black sparkly high heels provide a secure fit and stylish silhouette. They are perfect for special occasions while keeping little feet comfortable.
- Order the high heel Mila by Nina on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Heel Height: 1 inche
- Buckle closure to help keep the foot in place
- Leather upper
- Padded insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
2. Lil-Seeley by Nina. These shoes are the perfect choice for girls who dream of wearing high heels but still need something safe and age-appropriate. Designed as a classic Mary Jane with a low, stable heel, it offers just the right amount of lift without compromising balance or comfort.
- Order these Mary Jane shoes Lil-Seeley by Nina on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Heel height: 0.5 inches
- Leather upper
- Padded insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
3. High Heels by DREAM PAIRS. These white strappy high heel shoes by Dream Pairs combine style and comfort for girls with slim feet. Their low, sturdy heel and secure fit make them perfect for special occasions without compromising support.
- Order this high heel shoe by DREAM PAIRS on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Heel height: 1.97 inches
- Double straps elegantly embellished with square rhinestone buckles help keep the foot secure in place
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your daughter’s current foot size
4. High Heel Shoes by EIGHT KM. These high heel shoes feature a stable, low-to-mid heel and a secure strap, combining fashion with safety and comfort—perfect for special occasions or dressy outfits.
- Order these high heel shoes by EIGHT KM on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Heel Height: Not specified
- TPR outsole for anti-slip
- Cushioned padded insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
5. Mary Jane High Heel by DREAM PAIRS. These Mary Jane high heels offer a secure fit for girls. Featuring low, sturdy heels and adjustable straps, they are stylish, comfortable, and perfect for special occasions.
- Order the Mary Jane High Heel by DREAM PAIRS on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Heel Height: 1.57 inches
- Faux Leather
- The double buckle straps are adjustable for a secure fit
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your daughter’s current foot size
6. Jenna Pump by Steve Madden. This black high heel is a stylish, low-block design made for girls, but it lacks an instep strap, which means the foot isn’t held securely in place.
- Order the dress shoe Jenna Pump by Steve Madden on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Heel Height: Not specified
- Closed round toe
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your daughter’s current foot size
7. Glitter Leatherette by Olivia K. These sparkly high heel shoes feature a stable low heel, secure strap, and cushioned insole.
- Order the shoe style Glitter Leatherette by Olivia K on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Heel Height: Approximately 1.75 inches
- Cushioned footbed with padded insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
Reach Out with Any Questions
Feel free to contact me for personalized shoe recommendations, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you might have. Let’s work together to find the perfect pair for your child.
Best Alternative to High Heels: Wedges
Fortunately, there are plenty of stylish alternatives to high heels that are more suitable for children. Wedges keep the stylish look your child loves while reducing the risks high heels pose, providing better stability and helping her feel confident with every step.
What is the Aesthetic Difference Between High Heels and Wedges?
I think most parents agree that high heels look best with more formal and elegant dresses while wedges suit more casual outfits. I am by no means a fashion adviser, but I have heard moms at the store say that the combination of wedges and dresses are very cute, especially in the spring and summer seasons.
Additional Resources You’ll Love
I’ve also put together some helpful guides: one with a list of narrow high heel shoes for girls—perfect if your daughter has a tricky foot shape—and another featuring the best high heel boots for kids, in case you want a stylish alternative.
Should Kids Wear High Heels or Not?
The key is to use your best judgment. High heels can affect your child’s feet, legs, and back, but the risks can be minimized with the right style, proper sizing, and limited wear. For a safer alternative, consider wedges, sparkly flats, or classic Mary Janes, which still look stylish without compromising comfort. Occasional wear—like for a special event or dress-up play—is generally fine, as long as you monitor your child’s comfort and avoid extended periods in heels.
actually, I am 10 and I love high heels so you can’t just tell me not to like them I love them for my own reason I don’t go around telling people what to like and not like no offense?
Hello Charlize,
You are right, people have the right to choose what shoes to wear. My advice in the article is for people to make sure that they are buying their high heels in the correct size and suggest that they limit the wear to no more than 4 hours a day to prevent foot issues.
Wow! I love this article! I have a niece who has insisted on wearing some type of “heels” since she was 2! Of course, she has fallen many times, but thankfully, never been injured. I didn’t realize how much harm this could have on the overall impact of her bone and muscle developement. Thank you for including details about wedges. I think these would be a much better fit for her since she she likes the “high heel” look. However, with a wedge, her shoes will always be touching the ground on all points. Actually, I would love it if she would just wear tennis shoes all the time! Great info.. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!
Blessings:)
Suzi
Suzi,
I agree with you, I would love it for children to avoid all the fashion shoes and wear good supportive shoes all day, but that’s will be kind of impossible. It is important to inform ourselves about what are the best types of shoes for our children, in order to make the most informative decision. Did you know that they make high heels in wide widths before you landed in my page?
Recently, my niece who is 7 years old asked me to buy her a high heel. I searched “high heel for kids” in Google to find an online store offering high heels for kids. Then, I found your article. I realize that it is not healthy for a kid to wear high heels for longer periods of time. I will explain to the parents that it should only be worn for special ocassions.
Billy,
Your niece will be fine as long as she wears the shoes for short periods of time. Make sure you get the shoes properly fitted, since walking in high heels that are not the right size can lead to falls and injuries.
Juan,
I have 6 daughters, all under age 10, the 3 oldest love to wear high heeled shoes to church on Sundays. After reading your article, I can tell you that I feel very foolish for not thinking about such an issues as prohibiting growth development. That was a fantastic article and I am glad I read it.
Do you have information about what are the best sneakers for kids?
Great website, I’ll definitely be back to check out some more reviews.
Hell Chris,
You must be one busy parent. Wearing high heel shoes can have a negative impact on our kids’ foot, leg, and back health. However, wearing them for no more than 4 or 5 hours a day will be okay, as long as they don’t wear them everyday.
I wrote a post that describes the best shoes for children: The Best Kids Sneakers – Learn About The Best Shoes For Children Ages 3 Through 10
Let me know if you have any other questions!
I like the picks you made. Let’s not forget why adult women wear high heels… it’s to highlight femininity and boost sex appeal… A child does not know that yet, they want the high heels “just because” – because mommy wears them, women in TV wear them etc. but if we dress them in mini version of adult sexy heels that’s, in my opinion, wrong and dangerous. The high heels for kids that you recommend don’t carry that connotation and that’s great. They look perfect for formal occasions, when a child wants to shine and look smart at the entrance but then go off and run around with friends for the rest of the party.
Samantha,
Thank you! I will also like to add that the heels I describe are available in wide widths, which is huge since most parents are not even aware that they make them in wide widths!
Just because sex workers wear high heels, that doesn’t mean all high heels are made for sex. I myself am an 11 year old girl who came across this website whist looking for platform boots. I am not looking for sexy high heels. Think before you say Karen
WOW! Excellent article, I am a mum with a teen girl and she loves high heels but she has wide feet! I personally do not like wearing heels simply because they are uncomfortable. She hates the flat shoes I buy her. This article is perfect because you have outlined some of the concerns I had about back pain. Thank you for providing us with a list of the best high heels for children AND showing us which ones come in WIDE WIDTHS! I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW THEY EXISTED!
Susan
Susan,
Most parents are not aware that they make high heels for children with wide feet. As you mentioned in your comment, high heels tend to be uncomfortable, but getting the right width is key in order for our kids to have a better experience when they wear them!
They do have them and you can get higher ones as well
Wedges and block heels ? not these
Thank you for sharing Swara.