How to Replace Stiletto Heel Tips at Home
Stiletto heel tips wear down faster than any other part of a shoe. Once the rubber or plastic cap is gone, the exposed metal pin scratches floors, catches on surfaces and makes walking unstable. Replacing heel tips with brass metal is one of the simplest shoe repairs you can do at home — no specialist skills required, just the right replacement tip and two minutes per heel.
What You'll Need
- Correct size replacement stiletto heel tips
- Pliers or flat-nose grips
- Small hammer (optional)
- Hard flat surface to work on
How to Measure Your Heel Tip Size
Before ordering, measure the diameter of the metal tube at the bottom of your heel in millimetres. This is the pin diameter your replacement tip must match. Pin sizes vary by thickness. Thickest size is 125 and thinnest size 115. Our top piece heel tips are available in sizes from 7mm to 20mm to cover the full range of stiletto brass metal heel sizes.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 — Identify the Worn Tip
Inspect the bottom of each heel. If the rubber or plastic cap is worn flat, cracked or missing entirely and the metal pin is exposed, the tip needs replacing. Replace both heels at the same time to maintain even wear.
Step 2 — Remove the Old Tip
Grip the old heel tip firmly with pliers as close to the heel base as possible. Pull downward with a firm, steady motion — do not twist. The pin will slide out of the heel tube. If the tip is stuck, rock it gently side to side while pulling.
Step 3 — Clean the Heel Tube
Once the old tip is removed, check the inside of the heel tube for any debris or bent metal. Clear any obstruction with a thin tool or pin before fitting the new tip.
Step 4 — Fit the New Tip
Place the new tip pin-first into the heel tube opening. Press firmly by hand to seat the pin, then place the shoe on a hard flat surface and tap the heel down gently to drive the pin fully home. The tip should sit flush with no gap between the cap and the heel base.
Step 5 — Check and Repeat
Test the tip is secure by pressing it firmly — it should not move or rotate. Repeat on the second heel.
Tips from the Workshop
- Always replace both heel tips together — uneven tips cause uneven gait and accelerate wear on one side
- If the new tip feels loose in the tube, a small drop of strong adhesive on the pin before insertion will secure it permanently
- Replace tips before the metal pin is fully exposed — once the pin contacts hard floors it can widen the heel tube, making future tips harder to fit securely
- Keep a spare set of tips in your bag when travelling — a worn tip can fail suddenly on a long day out