The 15 Best Slingback Heels of 2023

Not fully a pump, not quite a sandal, but 100 percent chic.

Giers is seen wearing Celine black logo belt, Gucci slingback heels, Tom Ford bag, SoSue black mini dress, Celine shades and Cartier silver and golden bracelet on May 27, 2022 in Hamburg, Germany
(Image credit: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images )

This may not be a total revelation, but the best slingback heels (a.k.a. the most classic shoe silhouette) are also one of the best summer shoes. They feel a little less formal than a full-on pump, plus you often have a ton of options to choose from, making them great for work or a wedding. But, like all wardrobe essentials, classic is not a euphemism for boring. The trendiest shoes for spring 2023 also happen to come in this shape, and they include gorgeous pops of jewel tones, metallic details, denim, woven details—we could go on.

"Around since the 1940s, the slingback has stood the test of time," details Maria Gangemi, the founder of shoe brand M.Gemi. "I personally love this elegant style for its feminine details: its delicate strap and exposed heel. It also looks fantastic with everything from pants to skirts and suits," she adds, praising the shoe's endless versatility.

Scroll down for this season’s best slingback heel offerings in a variety of price points. If the slingback heel is just your next pick on your heel-collecting journey, the editors at Marie Claire have rounded up the most essential types of heels for you to gain inspiration from. Or, if you've fallen head over heels (sorry) for some of the chunkier items on this list, we even have a roundup of the best platform heels for you to shop, too. 

The Best Slingback Heels

Meet the Expert

Maria Gangemi
Maria Gangemi

Born in Sicily, Maria Gangemi has spent her life developing a deep understanding of and appreciation for the art of luxury handcrafted shoes. Spend a few minutes talking with her, and you’ll find her genuine passion for luxury leather goods and commitment to Italian craftsmanship to be palpable. Over three decades, Maria Gangemi has worked across the realms of creative and merchandising – developing her relationships with luxury artisans and factories in Italy, honing her knowledge of trends, and directing the look and feel of a variety of shoe lines and boutiques. Drawing on her rich Italian roots, Maria Gangemi oversees every single shoe handcrafted for M.Gemi.

Julia Marzovilla
E-Commerce Editor

Julia Marzovilla is the E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers everything from the latest beauty and fashion launches and sales to celebrity outfits and news. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and STYLECASTER. In her spare time, Julia can be found creating shopping guides for all of her friends, spending too much money on yet another pair of black boots, and cooking in her far-too-small kitchen. 

With contributions from