In the queues for the shows at Paris Haute Couture Week as well as on the sidewalks of Los Angeles, a new detail is noticeable at the ankles. After several seasons obsessed with ballerinas, the most cutting-edge looks now rely on another shape of heel.
Before this shift, dance madness invaded everything, from balletcore to ballerina-sneakers, without forgetting the half-ballerina, half-sneaker sneaker, a phenomenon of 2025. The Lyst platform reminds us that. Now for curved heel shoes, the new elegant obsession of girls from Paris and LA
Curved heel shoes: how does this new silhouette look?
Concretely, a curved heel can be recognized by a base that curves inwards, as if the heel were slightly tucked under the foot. This curve exists on pumps, sandals, mules or ankle boots, from small heels to higher models.
This silhouette is part of a long history. The Louis heel, popularized under Louis XIV then Louis XV, already displayed an arch marking social rank. More recently, Alexander McQueen’s Armadillo shoes, limited to 24 pairs then 3 additional, inspired the more demure versions seen at Bottega Veneta, Balmain, Saint Laurent, Dries Van Noten and Christian Louboutin.
Why curved heels are taking over ballet flats
In the locker room, the saturation around the dancer aesthetic is real. The site Here summarizes this turning point by writing, a sign that we are looking for something other than ultra-demure silhouettes. On the feet, many want to keep the comfort of flats while gaining a notch in style.
The trends spotted at Paris Haute Couture Week point in this direction. Victoria Beckham was seen there in a long sober jersey dress, enhanced by black satin pumps with a curved heel. Alexa Chung adopted the same line with a yellow fringed dress, while Margot Robbie declined it in Los Angeles with a black lace dress and aviator glasses.
Adopt curved heels without sacrificing comfort
Good news for ballet flat addicts: curved heels can still be very easy to live with. Kitten heel or banana heel models, with a height of around 2 to 6 cm and a slightly flared base, offer a gentle arch and more stability than a classic stiletto.
Style-wise, these curved heel shoes add a twist to straight jeans and a blazer for the office, as well as a little black dress in the evening. In Paris, they break the rigidity of a suit; in Los Angeles, they bring a dressy touch to a flowing dress or light pants inspired by celebrity looks.
What is a curved heel?
It is a heel whose base curves towards the inside of the foot.
Do curved heels hurt your feet?
At a moderate height and with a flared base, they generally remain comfortable.
How to wear shoes with a curved heel every day?
They can be combined with straight jeans, a midi dress or a pantsuit.
