Glass Heels Are Bound to Be Summer's Hottest Shoe Trend—31 Pairs to Shop Now

Let me paint the picture for you. It’s your moment—maybe you’re finally tying the knot, on your dream vacation, or just out on the dance floor living your best life. Now that you can see the fantasy, what are you wearing at that moment? With the prospect of a more "normal” summer, that question holds more weight than before. For the first time in two years, travel restrictions have been lifted, the world has slowly begun to manage COVID-19, and the prospect of being able to get all gussied up again is within our grasp. With that new freedom comes the ability to fantasize about fashion again—we can dream about what to wear to a special occasion or new ways to play with makeup. There’s so much to be excited about, but I’m most looking forward to slipping into a pair of heels once again, and I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. 

In fact, what began as a form of revenge dressing to make up for all that lost time found its true footing in footwear trends. Yes, we’ve all seen the buzz around other risqué trends (e.g., miniskirts and cutouts), and we’ve even had cultural conversations around embracing fashion aesthics that do the most (ahem, villain-era dressing), but no other trends have caught the full attention of the fashion set like footwear. From the rise of idyllic princess-inspired shoes to the proliferation of risqué sky-high platform sandals and overtly romantic Barbie heels, we’re basically all living in Carrie Bradshaw’s wildest fantasy. Considering the climate, it was only a matter of time before another shoe trend manifested itself, and the newest one happens to be glass heels. 

If you’re wondering what exactly this style is, don’t fret. Ahead, I’m breaking down what they are, how to wear them, and why I’m betting they’ll be big this summer. I’ve also rounded up the 31 best glass heels to shop right now. Warning: These glass heels may pierce your heart. 

What are glass heels?

So what exactly are glass heels? They’re not exactly Cinderella’s iconic glass slippers. (Though, this trend does feel inspired by princesscore.) Rather, they stem from the boom of Barbie and platform heels. However, unlike their predecessors, glass heels are arguably far too risqué to get Disney’s stamp of approval. What makes glass heels just that comes back to the heel itself—it’s made from mostly opaque acrylic, lucite, or vinyl to give the illusion of being glass. And while this shoe trend can sometimes feel similar to other popular styles (they also feature popular design elements like PVC, oversize bows, and crystals), upon closer inspection, you’ll see that this style has more edge. 

In fact, when these shoes first began making a comeback, there were still stigmas attached to clear heels because of the style’s association with sex workers. But as luxury footwear designers such as Amina Muaddi and Mach & Mach championed and modernized the formerly controversial styles, it became crystal clear that any former stigmas attached to clear shoes were all smoke and mirrors. These shoes are not only incredibly stylish, but the right pair can also shatter expectations, making them prime for becoming the next It shoes.

How do you style glass heels?

At this point, you may be thinking, "Okay, that’s cute and all, but how exactly am I supposed to wear glass heels?” Well, it’s easier than you think. You don’t need a ball gown (unless that’s your prerogative), and you don’t need even need a prince charming. You just need to get creative with your styling. Look at styling this shoe style as a "glass half full” type of situation that’s brimming with possibilities. 

The key to making glass heels work is to take a cue from the fashion set and treat them as if they’re everyday shoes. Why not pair them with a bikini for a poolside look? Why not spice up a matching pantsuit with glass heels or style your go-to wide-leg jeans and oversize button-down with clear heels? There are no limits to how you can style these shoes, so as long as you remember that you’ll look like a tall glass of water all summer long.

Shop glass heels under $300:

Shop glass heels to invest in:

Next: The Shoe Trend Everyone's Wearing With Jeans, Dresses, and Bikinis