Block Heels vs Pencil Heels: Which Is More Comfortable?

Short answer: block heels are more comfortable because the wide heel spreads your weight and keeps you steady. Pencil heels (stilettos) look more elegant and make legs look longer, but they need more balance. Choose block heels for long days and mehndi, and pencil heels for parties, barat and dinners.

Side-by-side comparison

The science is simple: a thin heel puts all your weight on a very small point, so your ankle works harder to balance. The University of Arizona explains the trade-off in heels or flats: your health may depend on it.

When to choose block heels

• You will stand or walk for a long time.
• You are new to heels.
• The event is outdoors on grass or uneven floors.

• 
  Adour Strappy Block Heel Sandals 4 Inch (AD46): Rs 1,999. 4 inch strappy block heel: full height with a stable base.
• 
  Adour Double Strap Block Heel Sandals 3 Inch (AD16): Rs 1,799. 3 inch double strap block heel in brown and golden.
• 
  Adour Buckle Slingback Block Heels (AD106): Rs 2,099. Buckle slingback block heels for office and dinners.

See all block heels.

When to choose pencil heels

• You want the most elegant, leg-lengthening look.
• The event is indoors and you will be sitting part of the time.
• Your outfit is formal: barat, walima, a reception or a dinner.

• 
  Adour Golden Ankle Strap Stiletto Heels 3 Inch (AD95): Rs 1,899. Golden 3 inch stiletto, the easiest pencil heel to start with.
• 
  Adour Black Strappy Stiletto Sandals 4 Inch (AD81): Rs 1,999. Black strappy stiletto sandal, 4 inch.
• 
  Adour Pointed Slingback Stiletto Heels (AD180): Rs 2,199. Pointed slingback stiletto in four colours.

See all pencil heels and stilettos.

Can you get both looks?

Yes. A slim block heel or a kitten heel gives some of the elegance of a stiletto with more stability. Slingback block heels like the Adour Lace Slingback Block Heels (AD104) are a good middle ground.

Not sure about height? Read 2, 3 or 4 inch heels: which height is right.

Other types of heels you should know

Block and pencil heels are the two big families, but you will see these names too when shopping in Pakistan:

Shop court shoes, pencil heels or block heels. Strappy heels and pumps are both in our main heels collection.

• 
  Adour Gold Buckle Patent Pumps (AD111): Rs 2,099. Gold buckle patent pumps, a classic court shoe.
• 
  Adour Rhinestone Strappy Stiletto Heels 4 Inch (AD42): Rs 1,999. Rhinestone strappy heels, 4 inch, for parties.
• 
  Adour Gold Buckle Slingback Kitten Heels (AD115): Rs 2,199. Gold buckle slingback kitten heels.

Pencil heels and block heels price in Pakistan

Black pencil heels and golden pencil heels are the most popular colours; see black heels and golden heels.

Prices are Adour factory prices in Pakistani rupees at the time of writing and can change. Every order is Cash on Delivery all over Pakistan, delivery is Rs 199 and free on orders above Rs 6,000, and you get 5% off on 2 pairs or 10% off on 3 or more, applied automatically at checkout.

Frequently asked questions

Are block heels more comfortable than stilettos?

Yes. Block heels spread your weight over a larger area, so they are more stable and comfortable for long hours.

What are pencil heels called in English?

Pencil heels are usually called stilettos or stiletto heels.

Which heels are best for a wedding?

Block heels for mehndi and long events, pencil heels for barat and walima if you are comfortable in them.

Can I wear block heels with shalwar kameez?

Yes. Block heels look great with shalwar kameez, especially with straight trousers and cigarette pants.

What are court shoes?

Court shoes are closed heels, also called pumps, with a smooth upper and a medium heel. They are popular for office and formal wear.

Are platform heels comfortable?

Platform heels feel lower than their real height because the front is raised, so many people find them easier than a stiletto of the same height.

What is the price of pencil heels in Pakistan?

At Adour, pencil heels cost about Rs 1,699 to Rs 2,199, with Cash on Delivery all over Pakistan.

Compare them yourself: Shop all heels →