How would you measure heels?

[Pinkcoke]

This seems to vary by manufacturer today and on vintage shoes, and is something I've been thinking about for a while now, so I'm intrigued to know what you see as the right way to measure heel height;

 

[EndlessAlley]

Good question, Melanie!

 

[cmpollack]

Well, so far it looks like we all measure at t he back! And I agree with Alice--good question!

 

[amandainvermont]

Some of the shoe companies measure from the middle
.

 

[Jonathan]

The industry standard is to measure from the seat, or the spot that is under the heel of the wearer, shoe heels are sometimes made to appear taller by extending the heel up the back of the shoe but that is all illusion.

 

[amandainvermont]

Interesting - so when I have been measuring right up to the top seam of the heel, the actual height is often a bit less. I wonder if shoppers use the industry standard or ...? Next time I sell heels I think I will show the heel with a clearly defined ruler next to it.

And perhaps use this wording -

Heel height is measured up the center side of the heel to the point where it meets the sole of the shoe. Measurements are rounded down to the nearest quarter inch.