A good pair of ankle strap heels is one of the most iconic and timeless pieces in anyone’s wardrobe. Also known as ankle wrap heels, these fantastic shoes are named after the ankle strap attached to them. Some of the strappy variations are also known as gladiator shoes because they resemble the sandals worn by Roman gladiators.
There are tons of ankle strap heels everywhere, as they take every outfit to the next level silently, without letting on why. The following guide will tell you everything you need to know about this style staple and provide you with some stylish ideas on how to wear them!
Why You Should Wear Ankle Strap Heels?
Ankle strap heels’ popularity stems from their versatility. Although they come in many designs and colours, the classic black ankle strap heels will never go out of style. They can be worn with almost any piece of clothing you can think of. Going out to meet up with friends? A cute dress and black ankle strap heels will make you look like a million bucks. Have a few errands to run and want to be relaxed while also boosting your confidence? The same heels and jeans will work magic.
Thanks to their classic look and silhouette, strap heels are a style staple. The style has evolved, but the basic design and appearance have remained consistent. Even celebrities, from the Golden Age of Hollywood to the present day, have rocked these beauties and apparently won’t stop anytime soon. Ankle strap heels are the way to go if you want a shoe that will last a long time and be just as fashionable in ten to twenty years as it was the day you bought it.
Like any other type of heel, some ankle wrap heels can cause discomfort, but there are ways to make them a lot more bearable.
The first step is to find the right fit. Your feet, believe it or not, expand throughout the day. It’s mostly unnoticeable, but it can be uncomfortable if you wear ill-fitting shoes. When shopping for shoes, try fitting them later in the day. The strap should also be snug around your ankles. Not so tight that it restricts movement, but not so loose that the shoe dangles on your foot. Allow just enough space for it to be comfortable without allowing it to slide out.
The design and materials of the shoes can significantly impact comfort. Thinner straps, while cute, tend to bite more on your skin than wider ones. Similarly, materials such as hard leather and some plastics can be too stiff at times and can irritate your skin if rubbed too hard. Fortunately, you can attach small cushion strips to the straps to make it much more forgiving.
When it comes to sliding, ankle strap heels are prone to it. The insole becomes smooth and slippery over time, causing your foot to slide forward. As a result, the straps dig into your ankles, which isn’t a delightful experience. However, this is easily remedied with a pair of grippy insoles. These ingenious gadgets adhere to the insoles and provide enough traction for your feet to prevent slipping.
How to Tie Ankle Strap Heels?
Lace-up versions of the classic ankle wrap heels provide numerous ways to tie it up.
Longer laces are perfect and eye-catching when paired with dresses or shorts. Begin by wrapping the lace around your leg until it is just below your knee. Depending on the length of your lace, make a criss-cross pattern with at least two passes. Check that it isn’t too tight or too loose. To keep it from slipping down, tie it just above your calves.
The classic ankle strap is ideal for more classic and simple looks. All you have to do is wrap the lace around your ankles several times. After you’ve fine-tuned the rightness, tie a bow knot around it.
On the other hand, the mid-rise is perfect for elevating an outfit without making the shoes too much of a distraction. Begin by wrapping the laces as you would for the high rise, but this time stop at the mid-calf. Then, wrap them around a few more times before securing them with a bow knot depending on how long your laces are.
Black Strap Heels Outfit Ideas
White Tank Top & White Skinny Jeans
This outfit is made up of a white tank top and a pair of skinny white jeans. Wear them with black open toe ankle strap heels, and you will see the magic that the heels bring. It simply transforms an overly simple outfit into one that is stylish and elegant. Add a faux leather bag that matches your black strap heels to complement the look.
White Blouse & Cuffed Skinny Jeans
This is a timeless and feminine casual outfit idea that you can wear anytime. Combine an oversized white blouse with cuffed skinny jeans and elegant black ankle strap heels. Consider a more casual version of this outfit, with the heels replaced by white sneakers. You might be able to appreciate the heels even more now that you’ve seen how much style they add to the outfit.
White Sequin Top & Black Open Toe Ankle Strap Heels
Another advantage of wearing black strap heels is that they never draw attention away from your shirt or dress. It simply adds a touch of elegance to the outfit without drawing attention to itself. Wear a silver or white sequin top with black shorts and heels for a striking casual look.
White High Neck Fit & Flare Dress
A white dress looks perfect when styled with nude or black heels. Nude heels would often appear more natural, whereas black heels would appear more artistic. Pair the black open toe ankle strap heels with a white high neck fit and flare dress for a creative and feminine look.