Party Shoes: The Heels Worth Buying for the Season, and How to Choose a Pair You Can Dance In

The short answer: the best party shoe has a heel you can stand in for four hours, a strap that holds your foot, and one detail that does the work, a flower, a buckle, a scatter of rhinestones. Mid heels around 5.5 cm are the sweet spot. Our pick is the Satin Flower Sandal Black. Shop all designer shoes and heels at Coveti, read our guide to rhinestone heels, and see ROTATE Birger Christensen for the full collection.

Party shoes are where most outfits go wrong: too high, too painful, too much. ROTATE Birger Christensen is the Copenhagen label Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimars founded in 2018 with the Danish house Birger Christensen. It started with a handful of party dresses and still builds every collection around going out. Its shoes, made in Spain, are designed to finish those dresses, so they repeat the same details: satin flowers, knots, rhinestones and slingback straps.

Which heel height should you choose?

Slingback, sandal and mule: which shape?

• Slingback: a closed toe with an open heel, elegant with every hem length.
• Strappy sandal: the classic with a dress; an ankle strap keeps it secure on the dance floor.
• Mule: the easiest on and off, best for seated evenings.

Our picks: the ROTATE party shoes

1. Satin Flower Sandal Black

An open-toe sandal with a slim strap, an adjustable ankle strap and a large sequinned satin flower at the front, on a 5.5 cm heel. The most comfortable party shoe of the group.

2. Velvet Slingback Pump Rhinestone Black

A pointed velvet slingback scattered with small rhinestones, on a 5.5 cm heel. The brand says it fits large and recommends sizing down one size.

3. Velvet Slingback Mule Rhinestone Black

The higher, 8.5 cm version with a buckle on the slingback strap and rhinestones across the front.

4. Satin Tongue Flower Sandal Black

A square-toe sandal with a draped satin front and a sequinned flower, on a 9 cm heel. The drama option.

5. Leather Knot Strappy Sandal Red

Slim red leather straps, a knot at the front and a 5.5 cm heel. Red shoes with a black dress, the oldest party trick there is.

6. Leather Mule Slingback Brown

A pointed embossed leather slingback with a jewelled buckle, on an 8.5 cm heel. Good with brown sequins.

7. Leather Mule Faux Fur Leo

A high mule with a wide leopard faux fur strap. Wear it with black.

How to make party shoes comfortable

Choose a heel you have worn before, wear new shoes at home for an evening first, and pick a strap at the ankle for dancing. Velvet and satin soften quickly; leather takes longer.

Frequently asked questions

What shoes are best for a party?

A mid heel with a secure strap: a slingback, a strappy sandal with an ankle strap. Pick one detail, such as a flower, and keep the rest of the outfit simple.

What heel height is comfortable for dancing?

Between 5 and 6 cm for most people. The ROTATE satin flower sandal, velvet pump and knot sandal all sit at 5.5 cm.

Do ROTATE shoes run true to size?

Most do, according to the brand. The exception is the Velvet Slingback Pump Rhinestone Black, which ROTATE says fits large, so size down one. Sizes run EU 36 to 41.

Where are ROTATE shoes made?

In Spain. The current pairs are leather, velvet and recycled satin, lined in calf leather.

What colour party shoes go with everything?

Black. A black satin, velvet and leather heel works with every dress colour; red is the best second pair.