Best Narrow Heel Shoes
Updated on May 1, 2024
Ah there it goes again—your heel just slipped out of your shoe. For those with narrow heels, this can be an all-too-familiar feeling. But it doesn’t have to be with the right fit!
Sleek feet need a sleek fit. Just as too-tight shoes can negatively impact your feet, too-wide shoes can keep you from feeling truly “one” with your shoe.
Proper fitting footwear, including shoes for wide feet and narrow heels or shoes for fully narrow feet, can help support these sleek feet where it counts.
KURU offers some of the best walking shoes for narrow heels that offer stretchy uppers or adjustable straps that hug the ankle and heel for maximum support. Our patented heel-hugging KURUSOLE technology also helps your heel stay protected and secure.
What are Narrow Heels?
Narrow heels exist both in fully narrow feet and in feet in which the forefoot is wider than the heels.
If you find your heels consistently slip out of your shoes even if the shoe fits well everywhere else, you may have sleek, narrow heels.
It can be tricky to fit shoes properly to narrow heels, but not impossible! Some of the best shoes for narrow heels are those that can hug and support your foot, whether you have a narrow foot or you need shoes for a narrow heel and wide forefoot combo.
Shoes with adjustable straps like our TREAD for men and women or or stretchy uppers like the FLUX or STRIDE can help a narrow foot fit nice and snug in a shoe. The best athletic shoes for narrow heels feature either stretchy, sock-like upper or extra eyelets so you can adjust your laces to fit your foot.
Foot circle exercises can also be helpful for those with narrow heels. These exercises can help strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles, which can improve your stability and balance. Check out the video below for a demonstration of foot circle exercises that can benefit those with narrow heels.
- Genetic PredispositionSome individuals are genetically predisposed to having a foot structure that includes narrow heels, which can lead to instability and discomfort while walking or standing. This can increase the risk of developing conditions such as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. In addition, narrow heels can exacerbate existing foot conditions, such as flat feet or high arches.Genetic Predisposition
- GenderGender can also play a role in narrow heels, particularly among women. Women’s feet tend to be narrower than men’s, and as a result, they are more likely to experience foot pain and discomfort associated with narrow heels. This can be especially true for women who wear high heels or shoes with pointed toes, which can exacerbate the effects of narrow heels. In addition, women who have certain foot conditions, such as bunions or hammertoes, may be more prone to developing narrow heels as a result of the altered foot structure.Gender
Symptoms & Diagnosis
As with any medical condition, it is always best to make an appointment with your doctor to get a formal assessment and diagnosis of narrow heels.
That said, there are a few common symptoms people experience when suffering from narrow heels that might help you know when it’s time to visit the doctor:
- Heel slipping out of shoesIf you find your heels consistently slip out of your shoe though your footwear fits in other areas, this could be an indication of narrow heels.Heel slipping out of shoes
- Foot moving around in shoeWhen you have narrow feet, you may wear too-wide shoes for you, resulting in your foot not securely in place as you walk.Foot moving around in shoe
Facts and Stats
- Narrow heels can result from narrow feet or can occur when the heel itself is more sleek than the rest of the foot.
- Nearly 33% of all women have narrow feet.
- Women’s feet are more likely than men’s to taper at the heel.
- To help a regular shoe fit, you can add heel pads to your shoe to help remove any gaps.
- Wear adaptable footwearThe best shoes for wide feet and narrow heels or truly narrow feet is footwear that features a wide toe box but tapered heel, additional eyelets, adjustable laces, or stretchy uppers to adapt to your unique foot shape.Wear adaptable footwear
- Use foot pads as neededAdding a pad under your heel or to the tongue of the shoe can help fill any gaps in your shoe for a snug feel.Use foot pads as needed
- Use customized shoe orthoticsFor cases in which your foot is uniquely shaped, you can consider getting a custom orthotic to help your shoes fit more naturally on your feet.Use customized shoe orthotics
FAQs
What shoes are good for narrow heels?
Good shoes for narrow heels feature adaptability to hug your feet as much as possible. Adjustable straps or laces can help you find a customized fit. If you have a wide forefoot but narrow heel, shoes that feature a wider toe box but form-fitting straps, laces, or sock-like fit in the ankle area can help your foot stay secure.
How do I fit narrow heels in shoes?
When you can’t find the perfect fit, you might want to know how to make shoes fit a narrow heel. To help a narrow heel fit better in your shoes, try adding a pad in the heel of the shoe to fill any gaps, wearing padded socks, or attaching a pad to the shoe’s tongue to keep the foot in place.
How do I know if I have a narrow heel?
If you consistently find your heels slip out of your shoes though they fit everywhere else, that can be an indicator of narrow heels. That said, narrow heels can also occur on individuals with a narrow foot, in which case narrow styles with adjustable laces or flexible uppers might work best for you.
What widths do you offer? Do you have wide or narrow widths?
At KURU, we currently offer standard and wide widths. While we do not currently offer a narrow width, some of our styles emphasize a sock-like, stretchy upper or adjustable straps, which can help narrow heels since they hug and support the whole foot.
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Three Layers of Support
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
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KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. …Show More
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps us use our body’s natural cushioning system: the heel’s fat pad.
…Show less - 2
KURUCLOUD
Our KURUCLOUD base layer acts as a cushioned footbed to offer padding and shock absorption with every step. This layer of lightweight …Show More
Our KURUCLOUD base layer acts as a cushioned footbed to offer padding and shock absorption with every step. This layer of lightweight EVA foam helps absorb impact to protect your joints, ligaments, and bones.
…Show less - 3
ULTIMATE INSOLE
The top layer of our tech trio, ULTIMATE INSOLES feature a bridge of arch support and advanced, dual-density foam. These durable, cushioned 5mm insoles …Show More
The top layer of our tech trio, ULTIMATE INSOLES feature a bridge of arch support and advanced, dual-density foam. These durable, cushioned 5mm insoles provide lasting comfort no matter the width of your foot.
…Show less
KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps us use our body’s natural cushioning system: the heel’s fat pad.
Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
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