Cuban Heel Shoes: Origins of the Cuban Heel

A Cuban heel is a fashionable shoe bottom that becomes more narrow at the bottom portion of the heel. Another signature characteristic of the Cuban heel is its straight, flat edge along the front-facing portion of the heel. Similar to a cowboy heel or dogger heel, the Cuban heel provides extra flair, making it suitable for both work boots and dressy fashion shoes.

You’ll often find Cuban heels on lace-less boots, such as side-zip boots, men’s dress shoes, Chelsea boots, and some styles of cowboy boots. Cuban heels are a staple in flamenco and Latin ballroom dancing, as male dancers wear Cuban heels when dancing the tango, cha-cha, samba, and rumba.

Early forms of the Cuban heel date to the ninth century, when Persian soldiers wore shoes with a rounded heel for stability while riding horses. The Cuban heel also appeared in men’s fashion during seventeenth-century France. In twentieth-century England, a shorter Cuban heel became what is now the modern Cuban heel style.

The history of the Cuban heel is also rooted in Latinx heritage. Flamenco dancers wear shoes with a Cuban heel because they provide dancers with significant support. The wide and rounded Cuban heel enables quick, intricate foot movements.

In the 1960s and ’70s, the music industry played a role in the emergence of the Cuban heel in mainstream fashion. Famous rock singers, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, wore low ankle boots with a Cuban heel. As a result, the Cuban heel became a signature style for rock musicians by the 1990s.

The Cuban heel is a versatile shoe style you can dress up or down. Consider the below outfit ideas the next time you wear a Cuban heel.

• Dress pants: For an evening look, wear black leather or suede ankle boots with a pair of dress pants. Cuban heel boots elongate the leg and add elegance to the outfit. This classic look was a signature performance outfit for The Beatles, as they often paired suits with Cuban heel Chelsea boots.
• Flared or wide jeans: Cowboy boots and denim jeans is a signature, casual look that pairs well with a Cuban heel. Most Cuban heels on cowboy boots are higher than the typical dress boot. Style your jeans over your boots and finish the look with a classic T-shirt or button-down shirt.
• Statement jacket: Since Cuban heels support fashion boots, they create a unique, suave appearance. Statement pieces, such as a vintage leather or denim jacket, match the natural flair of Cuban heels. Consider wearing an oversized jacket with a pair of Cuban heel boots. A simple pair of straight-leg pants will work best to show off the jacket and heels in this outfit.
• Tights and a dress: Some vintage styles of high heels, especially shoes reminiscent of the 1920s, have a rounded, straight-edge Cuban heel. These types of high heels are usually closed-toed, making them ideal for winter wear. To make a fashion statement, play with the color of your tights, selecting a shade that makes your Cuban heels pop.

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