The material of a shoe decides how it looks, how it feels on day one, how it moulds to your foot and how long it lasts. Genuine leather is the most comfortable long-term because it breathes and softens to your shape. Patent leather is glossy and easy to wipe clean but less forgiving. Suede is soft and luxurious but needs protecting from rain. PU (faux leather) is affordable and easy-care but doesn't stretch. Flock and velvet look rich but are best for dry days. This guide explains each material, then how to choose heels, boots and flats that suit how you'll actually wear them.
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Shoe Materials Explained
Genuine leather
Breathable, durable and it moulds to your foot over time, which is why a good leather court shoe gets more comfortable with wear. Expect a snug first fit. Try the Leather Butterfly Knot Stiletto Pumps (£91.99, heel heights 6–10cm).
Patent leather
Leather with a high-gloss coating. It looks sleek and smart and wipes clean easily, but it breathes and stretches less than plain leather, so size accurately. The Real Leather Classic Pointed Toe Pumps (£119.99) have a genuine patent leather upper in black, nude, white or red, with 8–12cm heels.
Suede
The napped underside of leather. It's soft, matte and luxurious, and colour looks richer in suede. Protect it with a suede spray before first wear and avoid heavy rain. Our Suede Stiletto Pumps (£71.99) come in black, leopard print, wine red and apricot.
PU (faux leather)
A polyurethane-coated fabric that looks like leather. It's affordable, vegan-friendly and water-resistant, but it won't stretch, so buy your true size. The Black Classic Stiletto Shoes (£99.99) have a PU leather upper.
Flock and velvet
Soft, plush finishes that look rich for evenings and the festive season. Best kept for dry days. The Leopard Pointed Toe Flats (£31.99) have a flock upper, a rubber sole and a PU insole, and fit true to size.
Which Material Is Best For...
- All-day office wear: genuine leather with a mid heel (6–8cm).
- Weddings and evenings: patent, suede or flock. They look special and you wear them for a few hours.
- Wet UK days: patent or PU, as they wipe clean. Avoid unprotected suede.
- Budget and vegan: PU.
- Sensitive feet: leather linings and insoles breathe best.
How to Choose Heels That Last
- Heel height: 6cm is wearable all day, 8cm is a classic court, and 10–12cm is for occasions. Many of our styles let you choose the height, such as the Pointy Toe Party Court Heels (£88.99, 6–10cm).
- Stiletto vs block: stilettos lengthen the leg. Block heels spread weight and are easier on cobbles and grass.
- Toe shape: pointed toes lengthen the foot and leg visually. Allow half a size if you have wider feet.
- Colour: black stilettos and nude pumps go with everything. Leopard print heels act as a neutral with personality. Black and white heels like the Black and White Stiletto Pumps (£69.99) are a chic monochrome option.
See our full edit in best stiletto heels for women UK.
Boots: Suede vs Leather-Look
Suede knee-high and over-the-knee boots look softer and pair beautifully with knit dresses. Try the Retro Suede Knee-High Kitten Heel Boots (£89.99) or the Pink Suede Over-the-Knee Boots (£83.99). Smooth or zip-up styles like the Zipper Over-the-Knee Boots (£71.99) are easier on wet days. For pairing ideas, read sweater dress outfits with boots.
EU to UK Shoe Sizes
Many heels are sized in EU sizes. As a rough guide: EU 36 ≈ UK 3–3.5, EU 37 ≈ UK 4, EU 38 ≈ UK 5, EU 39 ≈ UK 6, EU 40 ≈ UK 6.5–7, EU 41 ≈ UK 7.5. Always check each product's size chart and measure your foot length (heel to longest toe) in centimetres. If you're between sizes, size up for leather pointed-toe courts and stay true to size for stretchy suede.
How to Care for Your Shoes
- Leather: wipe clean, condition every few months and use shoe trees.
- Patent: wipe with a damp cloth and buff with a soft dry cloth.
- Suede: protect with spray, brush with a suede brush, and let wet suede dry naturally away from heat.
- PU: wipe clean and keep away from direct heat, which can crack the coating.
- All heels: replace heel tips as soon as they wear down to protect the heel itself.
Quick Questions
Is genuine leather more comfortable than faux leather?
Usually, yes. Leather breathes and moulds to your foot. Faux leather keeps its shape and doesn't stretch.
Can you wear suede heels in the rain?
Best not. Treat suede with a protector spray first, and if it gets wet, dry it naturally and brush it once dry.
What is the most versatile heel colour?
Black and nude go with almost everything. Leopard print works as a neutral with more personality.
How high should office heels be?
Around 6–8cm is comfortable for most people for a full day.
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