Worn-down stiletto heel tips are one of the most common shoe repairs — and one of the easiest to fix yourself. With the right replacement tips and a few minutes, you can restore your heels to like-new condition without a trip to the cobbler.
What you'll need
- Replacement steel stiletto heel tips (available in 9.5mm, 14mm, 15mm and 16mm)
- Strong pliers or a small vice
- A hard surface to work on
How to measure your heel tip size
Before ordering, measure the diameter of the existing heel tip or the exposed pin. Common sizes are 9.5mm (1/4"), 14mm (9/16"), 15mm (1/2") and 16mm (5/8"). When in doubt, size up slightly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Remove the old tip — grip it firmly with pliers or a vice and apply a gentle twisting motion until it releases from the pin.
- Clean the pin — remove any debris or rust from the exposed metal pin.
- Select the correct size — match the new tip to your heel diameter.
- Insert the new tip — place the pin hole of the new tip over the heel pin and press firmly by hand to start it.
- Tap into place — use a hard surface or gently tap with a rubber mallet until the tip sits flush and secure.
- Test — press firmly on the heel to confirm it's fully seated.
Tips for best results
- Work on both heels at the same time so wear is even.
- If the pin is bent or damaged, a cobbler will need to replace it.
- Our heel tips use UK pin size 120 (3.1mm diameter) — the standard for most women's stilettos.