What Are Flared Heels? Internet Divided on Latest Footwear Trend

Ballet flats, move over—heels are back, more specifically, a “flared heel,” which is quickly gaining traction in the fashion world.

These distinctive heels, characterized by a narrow base at the foot that widens toward the bottom, offer a bold and retro-inspired silhouette.

Though not everyone is a fan. TikToker @lich_reaper went viral for his take on the heels, sparking a heated discussion on the trend. Newsweek has reached out to @lich_reaper for comment via TikTok.

“Flared heels are so ugly I’m sorry. I’m talking about the ones where the heels are narrow at your foot and wider toward the bottom,” he wrote on the app, garnering 127,600 likes and 1.9 million views.

Experts Weigh In

Shelley Rogers, manager of fashion for the Earth at EARTHDAY.ORG, explained the appeal and history of flared heels with Newsweek.

“A flared heel has an inverted tapered design that is slimmer at the top and gradually widens toward a square bottom for more of a chunky look.

“Basically, take a normal heel that tapers towards the ground and flip it, so that in a flared heel, it widens towards the ground. It’s often described as a groovy sort of 1970s vibe, but they date back way further to the 1800s when [French] King Louis XIV popularized wearing them for men.”

Beyond aesthetics, Rogers highlights the practical benefits: “They are striking looking, but they give your foot more stability, which is why professional dancers often prefer wearing them.”

The trend is also picking up steam among celebrities as TV presenter and singer Rochelle Humes was spotted wearing them in November 2024, as well as Nicole Kidman at the Venice Film Festival in August 2024.

“Our love for them is cyclic, so they go in and out of favor routinely, pretty much every five years. The 1970s is a hot trend for 2025, with Taylor Swift and Bella Hadid going retro, so the flared heel is making a comeback. You will see more of them in the summer, along with cool-looking clogs!”

Emily Stott, a London-based personal stylist, told Newsweek: “My clients are concerned with style, yes, but comfort is always key when you’re running around town. The flared heel looks impractical, but the sturdier block heel offers more support and comfort for longer—in the loosest sense of the word, of course!”

Grace Moser, author of the women’s lifestyle blog Chasing Foxes, points out that flared heels were a staple of the Y2K era, and their resurgence makes sense given recent celebrity endorsements.

She told Newsweek: “Flared heels are known for their wider base and were one of the big staples in Y2K fashion. And since this style’s been popular for a hot minute, and we’re seeing celebrities like Rochelle Humes wearing flared heels, it makes sense that they’d make a comeback.”

The popularity of these shoes can be traced back to the ’70s disco era. Styling the showstopping stilettos depends on how wide the flare is.

“If it’s a more subtle flare, then form-flattering outfits and midi-skirts are your best bet. But if it has a much wider base, then wearing wide-leg pants or tailored fits for a contrast will always be a great idea,” she advised.

Ira Lysa, founder and designer at Ira’s Bridal Studio, adds her insights as a seasoned fashion professional: “Flared heels are making a strong comeback,” she told Newsweek.

Lysa attributes the resurgence of flared heels to their alignment with current fashion trends. She added: “Unlike classic heels, flared heels align perfectly with the retro Y2K fashion and style that many brands are currently releasing.

“Supermodels and other influencers like Zendaya, Bella Hadid, and Kylie Jenner have done wonders for making these heels trend around celebrities. Flared heels are an edgy mixture of comfort and style. They do a better job at weight distribution than stilettos, yet have the same leg-elongating effect. For 2025, they remain a stylish and practical recommendation.”

TikTok Reacts

Not everyone agrees on the trend, leading to an ongoing debate on social media. Responding to criticism that he was not qualified to comment on fashion, @lich_reaper shared his own heel collection, proving his credentials as a footwear enthusiast.

The conversation continued in the comment section, with lovers and haters.

“I don’t know, personally I think flared heels are cute, but I think it just depends on your taste,” one commenter weighed in.

“Yeah, no, flared heels are cute, they give Bratz. What I really need gone is tabis,” said another user.

“Flared heels give Bratz, but also early ’90s vibes in the best way. Love them,” added Jess.

Tabis are distinctive split-toe shoes that mimic the appearance of horse hooves and became popularized last year.

Bratz is a globally recognized doll franchise known for its characters having bold, edgy aesthetics, often serving as a key reference for Y2K fashion trends.