GZ Dafne 105 vs Icon Ring Sandal 90: Heel Guide

By GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI | Published: 2026-10-21

Category: Comparisons

Compare the GZ Dafne 105 and Icon Ring Sandal 90 by heel height, materials, and occasion. Find out which sandal suits your comfort and style needs.

Quick Answer

Choose the GZ Dafne 105 if you want a dramatic stiletto heel and pavé rhinestone details for evening events. Pick the Icon Ring Sandal 90 for a more wearable 90mm heel with a reptile-effect leather finish and a rhinestone ring accessory that works for both day and night.

Heel Height and Comfort Trade-off

The most obvious difference between these two sandals is the heel height: the GZ Dafne 105 stands on a 105mm stiletto heel, while the Icon Ring Sandal 90 uses a 90mm wide covered heel. The extra 15mm on the Dafne gives a more dramatic silhouette but demands more balance and foot strength. The Icon Ring's lower, wider heel offers more stability for extended wear, making it a practical choice if you plan to stand or walk for several hours.

Both heights are still high heels, so neither is ideal for all-day walking. However, the Icon Ring's broader heel base distributes weight more evenly, reducing pressure on the ball of the foot.

Material and Occasion Differences

The GZ Dafne 105 uses satin with a jointed metal accessory and pavé rhinestones, giving it a luxurious, jewel-like look that pairs best with cocktail dresses or formal gowns. The satin upper is delicate and less forgiving in wet conditions. In contrast, the Icon Ring Sandal 90 features a leather thong upper with a reptile effect, which is more durable and resistant to light weather. The rhinestone ring accessory adds sparkle without the full-coverage bling of the Dafne, making it versatile for both dressy and semi-formal outfits.

If you need a sandal that transitions from a business dinner to a night out, the Icon Ring is the safer choice. If the event calls for maximum glamour, the Dafne delivers.

Exclusive Capsule vs Core Collection

The Icon Ring Sandal 90 is part of an exclusive capsule collection celebrating Giuseppe Zanotti's thirtieth anniversary, which adds a collector's appeal. The GZ Dafne 105 is a core style that has been available in various iterations. If limited-edition pieces matter to you, the Icon Ring offers a unique connection to the brand's history. The Dafne, however, is more likely to be restocked or available in future seasons.

Neither is objectively better—it depends on whether you value rarity or long-term availability.

Trade-offs at a Glance

Heel Height: GZ Dafne 105: 105mm stiletto. Icon Ring Sandal 90: 90mm wide covered heel. The 15mm difference is noticeable in both look and comfort.
Upper Material: GZ Dafne 105: satin. Icon Ring Sandal 90: reptile-effect leather. Leather is more durable and weather-resistant than satin.
Ornamentation: GZ Dafne 105: jointed metal accessory with pavé rhinestones. Icon Ring Sandal 90: rhinestone ring accessory. The Dafne has more continuous sparkle; the Icon Ring has a single focal point.
Occasion Versatility: GZ Dafne 105: best for formal evening events. Icon Ring Sandal 90: works for both dressy and semi-formal occasions. The Icon Ring can transition from office events to dinners more easily.
Exclusivity: Icon Ring Sandal 90 is part of a 30th-anniversary capsule. GZ Dafne 105 is a core collection style. The Icon Ring may be harder to find later; the Dafne is more likely to be restocked.

Product Facts at a Glance

ICON RING SANDAL 90: Leather thong sandal with reptile effect, featuring a rhinestone ring accessory and a wide covered heel in a matching tone. Part of an exclusive capsule collection celebrating the brand's thirtieth anniversary. The reptile-effect leather and wide heel make this sandal more durable and stable for extended wear, while the anniversary capsule adds a collector's element.
ICON RING SANDAL 90
GZ DAFNE 105 SANDAL 90: Satin sandal finished with a jointed metal accessory alternating with pavé rhinestones, set on a stiletto heel. The satin upper and pavé rhinestones create a high-glamour look best reserved for indoor evening occasions, and the stiletto heel requires more careful walking.
GZ DAFNE 105 SANDAL 90

Which Sandal Should You Choose?

Best For

GZ Dafne 105: Formal events where maximum height and glitter are the priority, and you can sit or stand without much walking.
Icon Ring Sandal 90: Semi-formal occasions, dinners, or nights out where you need a balance of style and stability.

Not For

GZ Dafne 105: Long periods of walking or outdoor events with wet or uneven surfaces.
Icon Ring Sandal 90: Ultra-glamorous red-carpet events where a stiletto and full rhinestone coverage are expected.