- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AppreciationFashionWomen
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 20
- Holiday emoji:
- 👠
National High Heel Day elevates spirits and style every May 20. This day honors the iconic footwear that boosts confidence and makes a bold fashion statement. Don your favorite pair, embrace the added height, and step out with poise. Join the celebration by sharing your best high heel looks and exploring the rich history of this transformative accessory.
Want to sponsor National High Heel Day? Learn how
Expected National High Heel Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that National High Heel Day often inspires fashion retailers and shoe brands to offer special deals. Look for discounts from major department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Dillard’s on their designer and contemporary shoe collections. Specialty footwear brands such as Steve Madden, Nine West, and Aldo are likely to feature flash sales on their popular high heel styles. Online retailers like Zappos and DSW may also participate with sitewide promotions or special codes for high heel purchases. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 20 approaches.
Platform Guide for National High Heel Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalHighHeelDay. Share your most stylish high heel outfits and confident struts.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #HighHeelChallenge. Film creative transitions showcasing your favorite high heels.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HighHeelFashion. Post photos of your high heel collection and styling tips.
National High Heel Day Hero
Catherine de' Medici
History of National High Heel Day
High-heeled shoes, the carrier of femininity and grace, have a remarkable place in history as the ultimate friend and foe to women, so it is fitting to honor them with a day of their own. Developed and adopted by Supreme Court Mediator Kimberly E. Lorenz at the request of Judge Gisela Laurent, the day celebrates this fabulous footwear in all its glory.
Women all over the world owe the origination of their favorite wardrobe accessory to foot soldiers of the 17th-century Persian army, who wore boots with high heels to save their shoes from being muddled and trashed. The rich caught the fancy soon enough and began using heels as a status symbol. It wasn’t until the early 1800s that heels became a common foot accessory and a replacement for traditional shoes thanks to the invention of the sewing machine which paved the way for the mass production of heels.
The perception around the heels changed again as wars overtook much of the 20th century and the luxury of wearing fashionable shoes vanished from the public. It was in the late 1980s that heels became the center of the western style statement. After being embraced by pop icons such as Freddie Mercury, Madonna, and much of the Jazz conclave, heels became the talk of the town again. The conversation about the impracticality of heels brought forward by the second wave of Feminism was balanced by their irresistible charm. Today, a pair of heels continues to be the final addition to a party look and adds miles to a woman’s style and wardrobe.
National High Heel Day timeline
Heels are associated with riding horses and are seen as a measure of wealth and stature.
Women become the primary wearer of heels, and around 1730, men stop wearing heels altogether.
The modern-day use of heels experiences a departure from being a utility to a fashion accessory.
Stilettos, Pinet, and Continental heels become the rage of the millennium as fashion houses lead the conversation around shoes.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National High Heel Day
Local fashion boutiques and shoe stores can host ‘High Heel Happy Hour’ events, offering discounts on high heel purchases and styling consultations. Restaurants and bars might create themed cocktails or offer special deals for patrons wearing high heels. Salons and spas could promote pedicure packages, encouraging customers to get their feet ready for a day in their favorite heels. Businesses can also partner with local fashion influencers for in-store promotions and social media campaigns, showcasing new collections and styling tips.
National High Heel Day FAQs
When is National High Heel Day?
In 2027, National High Heel Day will be observed on Thursday, May 20, encouraging everyone to embrace the confidence and glamour that comes with wearing high heels. Prepare to strut into the weekend.
How many pairs of high heels does the average woman own?
Estimates indicate that many women maintain a collection of around 10 pairs of high heels, encompassing different colors, heights, and designs. This allows for versatility in fashion choices throughout the year.
What is the most expensive pair of high heels ever sold?
In the realm of luxury footwear, the ‘Passion Diamond Shoes’ by Jada Dubai hold the record for the priciest high heels, fetching an astounding $17 million. This bespoke pair showcases the ultimate in opulent design and precious gemstones.
What is the difference between a stiletto and a kitten heel?
The primary distinction lies in height and thickness: stilettos are characterized by their very high, narrow heels, often associated with glamour. Kitten heels are much shorter and slightly wider at the base, providing a gentle elevation that’s easier to walk in and often preferred for professional settings.
National High Heel Day Activities
Wear your most fabulous shoes
It’s time to dust off your five-inch stilettos or that boot you’ve had stored up at the back of your closet all year. Let’s put our best heels forward and turn heads as we walk out the door.
Have a shoe parade
The only thing better than rocking a solid pair of heels is having a fashion parade with all your best shoes. Ring up your best friends and have a shoe parade. It doesn’t have to be a Giuseppe Zanotti or Prada. All that matters is the display of confidence and your love for heels.
Donate some shoes
Lest we forget that the less fortunate who walk amongst us may not be able to afford the luxury of covering their feet. On National High Heels Day, donate a pair of your sensible shoes to shelters or Goodwill, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
5 Thrilling Facts About Heels
God thank the king
Louis XIV, the King of France, is partially responsible for the popularization of heels in the 17th century.
A symbol of desire
The advent of pornography in the late 1800s started the link between heels and erotica.
The wooden shoe
Until the 1950s, heels were largely made from wood.
The hidden meaning of ‘stiletto’
The word ‘stiletto’ translates to ‘dagger’ in Italian.
A two-hour pleasure window
Medical experts believe that the average time to wear heels comfortably is an hour and six minutes.
Why We Love National High Heel Day
The right shoe matters
You are either in your bed, or in your shoes, and it pays to invest in both. On National High Heels Day, we celebrate the power of shoes and their transformational impact on our confidence.
An extension of a woman’s body
High heels are an integral part of a woman’s wardrobe and just may be a gateway to her soul. Many women express their style and creativity through their shoes. This is the perfect day to honor the love for high heels.
It’s a piece of art
Wearing high heels can be a painful experience but women still sign up for it because the charm of a glossy heel outweighs the discomfort. This categorizes high heels as a piece of art — beautiful but only from a distance.
Social Media Tips for National High Heel Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands