Slingback Heels: How They Fit, Plus Every Sebastian Milano Style

Slingback heels are shoes with a strap that wraps around the back of the heel instead of crossing the top of the foot, which leaves the heel open and the instep clean. Sebastian Milano makes five slingbacks stocked in designer slingbacks at Coveti, from the 10 mm Nana flat to the 95 mm Louise, Rene and Fifi, all made by hand in Italy. Two of them stand on the house tassel heel and Coco heel, covered in full in our guide to Sebastian Milano tassel heels.

What is a slingback heel?

A slingback is defined by its back strap. Where a pump closes around the heel with a full counter, a slingback leaves the heel open and holds the foot with a single band running around the back. That band takes many forms, from a broad elasticated band to a narrow buckled strap. The front of the shoe is usually closed, so a slingback looks like a pump from the front and like a sandal from behind.

The appeal is proportion. Without a closed back, the shoe looks lighter on the foot, and a pointed toe looks longer. It is also the reason slingbacks move so easily between seasons: they work with bare legs in summer and with sheer tights from October onward.

How should a slingback strap fit?

The strap should sit against the back of the heel without digging in, with room for about one finger underneath, as shoe fitting guides suggest. If the strap lifts away from your heel when you walk, tighten it by one hole. The most common problem with slingbacks is a strap that slips down, and that usually comes from a poor fit rather than a faulty shoe.

• A buckled strap is easier to adjust than an elastic one, and elastic tends to loosen with wear. The Louise, Fifi, Perla and Nana all have buckles.
• If the foot slides forward and pulls the strap down, a ball-of-foot cushion pushes the foot back into the strap.
• For a strap that is still too long on the tightest hole, a cobbler can shorten it.

Sebastian Milano slingbacks compared

The 95 mm slingbacks: Louise, Rene and Fifi

Louise Slingback

The Louise is the house slingback in its most recognisable form: a pointed toe, a slim strap with buckles and the 95 mm Coco heel, a sculpted metal-tone stiletto. It comes in three textured patent leathers. The Louise in black patent with silver buckles is the pair for workwear and dinners. The Louise in white patent with gold buckles answers the search for white slingback heels, and it suits a civil ceremony as well as summer tailoring. The burgundy patent version is the colour of the season for autumn winter 2026/27.

Rene Slingback

The Rene Slingback is also on the Coco heel, in black textured patent, with a fine strap holding the heel and a pointed toe. At $810 it is a little lower than the Louise, and its line is the plainest of the three. If you want one black slingback that goes with everything, this is it.

Fifi Slingback

The Fifi swaps the Coco heel for the house tassel heel, still at 95 mm, with silver buckles. The Fifi in burgundy leather is the autumn colour, and the Fifi in white silk satin is the most bridal shoe in the slingback range; read more in our Sebastian Milano bridal shoes guide. A brown silk satin version sits between the two. The burgundy Fifi is listed only in EU 37 to 41.

Lower slingbacks: Perla and Nana

Perla, a 35 mm kitten heel slingback

The Perla has an open back with a slim slingback strap, a pointed toe and a 35 mm heel, which places it firmly in kitten heel territory. It comes in white textured patent and olive green textured patent, both with silver buckles, at $810. The Perla in white patent is the easiest white slingback to wear all day. The Perla in olive green patent is the one for colour; our guide to olive green heels has outfit ideas. For kitten heels across brands, see the best designer kitten heels.

Nana Slingback Flat

The Nana is a flat slingback with a pointed toe and woven straps across the vamp, on a 10 mm heel that is close to flat. The Nana in black patent with gold buckles has a nude goatskin lining and a black leather sole. The olive green suede version has silver buckles. At $770 it is the lowest price of the five, and the only one you could wear on a long day of walking.

Do Sebastian Milano slingbacks run small?

The house recommends going half a size up when you are between sizes. Coveti stocks whole EU sizes from 35 to 42, so take the next whole size up if you fall between two. Our Sebastian Milano size guide sets out the full conversion.

With a slingback, length matters more than with a pump. Too short and the strap presses into the heel; too long and the foot slides forward, the strap rides down and the heel lifts out. Try them on at the end of the day, when feet are at their largest, and walk on a hard floor before you decide.

Which heel height suits you?

Choose by how long you are on your feet. The Nana at 10 mm and the Perla at 35 mm are for full working days. The 95 mm styles are for evenings, events and days with more sitting than standing. All three 95 mm styles share a height, so pick between them on finish: the Coco heel for a sharper look, the tassel heel for movement.

How to wear slingback heels

A slingback looks its best when the ankle shows. Cropped trousers, midi skirts and dresses that stop above the ankle all work. Full-length wide trousers hide the strap, which is the detail you paid for.

• Louise in black patent with a grey trouser suit cut to the ankle.
• Perla in white patent with a navy midi skirt and a white shirt.
• Fifi in burgundy with a camel coat, sheer black tights and a knit dress.
• Nana in olive suede with straight jeans and a cream jumper.

Sheer tights are fine with slingbacks in autumn; opaque tights flatten the line. If you need to keep warm, a closed pump such as the Karen is the better choice for the coldest weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a slingback heel?

A slingback heel is a shoe with a strap that runs around the back of the heel instead of a closed back. The front is usually closed like a pump. The strap takes many forms, from a broad elasticated band to a narrow buckled strap.

How do I stop slingback straps from slipping?

Start with the fit: the strap should sit against the heel with room for about one finger underneath. Tighten the buckle by one hole if it lifts away as you walk. A ball-of-foot cushion stops the foot sliding forward, and a cobbler can shorten a strap that is still too long.

What heel heights do Sebastian Milano slingbacks come in?

The Nana is a 10 mm flat, the Perla is a 35 mm kitten heel, and the Louise, Rene and Fifi stand on 95 mm heels. Louise and Rene use the Coco heel, a sculpted metal-tone stiletto. Fifi uses the house tassel heel.

Does Sebastian Milano make white slingback heels?

Yes. At Coveti the Louise and the Perla come in white textured patent, and the Fifi comes in white silk satin. The Perla is the lowest at 35 mm, and the Louise and Fifi are 95 mm.

Are Sebastian Milano slingbacks true to size?

The house recommends going half a size up when you are between sizes. Coveti stocks whole EU sizes from 35 to 42, so take the next whole size up. The Louise, Fifi, Perla and Nana have buckles, which give some room to adjust the fit at the heel.