FAQs: How Do You Measure Heel Height on a Flat Sandal?

Even "flat" sandals often have some heel elevation—and knowing the exact heel height can help you choose the right pair for comfort, posture, and style. Here's how to measure it properly.

1. Why would you measure heel height on a flat sandal?

Flat sandals can still have a slight rise at the heel or arch. Measuring this can help you:

Compare comfort levels between brands
Choose sandals with the right support or lift
Understand pressure points (especially important for people with foot conditions)

2. What tools do I need?

You only need:

A ruler or tape measure (metric or inches)
A flat surface
Optional: a digital caliper for precise measurement

3. How do I measure the heel height step-by-step?

Step 1: Place the sandal on a flat, hard surface.
Make sure it's not tilted and the sole is fully touching the surface.

Step 2: Identify the bottom of the heel area.
Find the highest point of the outsole at the very back of the sandal (not the inner insole—measure from the floor to the outer sole).

Step 3: Measure vertically from the floor to the highest point.
Place your ruler at a 90° angle to the floor and measure straight up from the floor to the top edge of the outsole at the heel.

4. What if the sandal has a platform or raised sole?

If there’s a platform at the front of the sandal:

Measure both the heel height and the platform height at the ball of the foot.
Subtract the platform height from the heel height to get the effective heel height.

Example:
Heel = 1.2 inches
Platform = 0.4 inches
Effective heel height = 0.8 inches

5. What's considered a “flat” heel height?

Generally:

0" to 0.5" = True flat
0.5" to 1" = Slight heel, still considered flat by many
1"+ = Low heel, but no longer a “flat sandal”

6. Why does this matter for comfort?

Even small differences in heel height can affect:

Posture
Arch support
Pressure on the ball of the foot
Long-term foot health (especially for those with plantar fasciitis, bunions, etc.)

Final Tip:

When in doubt, compare two sandals side-by-side on a flat surface and visually inspect the difference. You’ll often be surprised by how “flat” isn’t always flat.