How Do You Measure Heel Height?
Set the shoe on a flat surface and measure the back of the heel from the ground to where the heel joins the shoe. Record platform height separately.
Place the shoe on a flat surface and measure the back of the heel from the ground to where the heel meets the shoe. That is the method described by Clarks. Use a ruler for a straight, repeatable reading; do not measure from the floor to the top of a boot shaft or ankle strap. Clarks heel-height guide.
Measure in Four Steps
- Set the empty shoe upright on a level tabletop or floor, in its normal resting position.
- Put a ruler beside the center back of the heel with its scale starting at the same supporting surface.
- Read the height at the point where the heel structure joins the shoe above it. Keep the ruler upright instead of following a curved decorative edge.
- Record the value, unit, and method. Measure the other shoe if you are checking a pair for a resale listing or a discrepancy.
Check where the ruler’s printed zero begins. Some rulers have an unmarked margin before the scale; lining up their physical edge can introduce an error. A close photograph with the ruler visible can make a listing easier for another person to verify.
Convert the Measurement
One inch is exactly 25.4 millimeters. Divide millimeters by 25.4 for inches, or multiply inches by 25.4 for millimeters. The unit definition is exact; your handheld measurement is still approximate. NIST length conversions.
| Measured Height | Approximate Inches |
|---|---|
| 25 mm | 0.98 in |
| 50 mm | 1.97 in |
| 75 mm | 2.95 in |
| 100 mm | 3.94 in |
For everyday comparison, recording 75 mm, about 3 inches is more useful than claiming a hand-measured heel is exactly 2.95276 inches.
Platforms and Wedges
Keep rear heel height and front platform height as separate measurements. For example, a rear height of 100 mm and front platform height of 25 mm have a calculated difference of 75 mm. Label that difference explicitly; do not advertise the shoe as a 75 mm heel if you actually measured 100 mm at the back.
That subtraction is a simple exterior-height comparison, not a precise measurement of the angle of your foot or a comfort rating. A wedge’s continuous sole can make the heel junction harder to identify; describe where you measured and include a side photograph rather than implying every brand uses an identical reference point.
Will the Same Height Feel the Same?
Not necessarily. Clarks notes that comfort depends on the person, foot shape, shoe type, and experience wearing heels. Use the measured height to narrow a comparison, then assess fit, support, and stability while trying on the shoe. Matching a number does not reproduce the fit of your favorite pair. Clarks fit and heel advice.