What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heels
Example
She wore high heels to the party. [heels: noun]
Example
I can't walk in heels for too long, my feet start to hurt. [heels: noun]
Example
She was tip-toeing around the house in her heels. [heels: verb]
shoe
Example
I need to buy new shoes for work. [shoes: noun]
Example
He has a collection of designer shoes. [shoes: noun]
Example
I'm going to shoe the horse before we go for a ride. [shoe: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shoe is a more commonly used term than heels as it encompasses a wider range of footwear and is used in everyday language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between heels and shoe?
Heels are often associated with a more formal or dressy style, making them more appropriate for formal or dressy occasions. However, shoes can be worn in both formal and informal settings, making them more versatile in terms of formality level.