The Most Comfortable Heels That You Can Wear All Day

Heels are notorious for causing foot pain, but there’s no need to suffer shoes that hurt in the name of fashion, thanks to plenty of comfortable (and good-looking!) styles on the market. Whether you regularly wear heels for work or just need them for a special occasion, it’s important that your shoes feel comfortable if you’re going to be in them all day or night.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab researched dozens of heels and reviewed them for comfort features, materials and overall appearance. We also spoke with Dr. Grace Torres-Hodges, a board-certified podiatrist and owner of Torres Hodges Podiatry, to find exactly what you should be looking for in comfortable heels. The picks ahead include something for every preference and occasion — but first, here's what you need to know when shopping for your best pair of heels.

What makes a comfort heel?

Dr. Torres-Hodges recommends keeping the following in mind to prevent foot pain:

• Don’t go too high. The taller the heel, the more pressure you put on the ball of the foot. Dr. Torres-Hodges advises considering heels that are two inches or less to avoid excess pressure.
• Chunkier is better. Block heels are more favorable than thin ones because they offer better weight distribution and stability. A wedge heel is even more ideal in this aspect.
• Look for a deep toe box. Pointy-toe heels typically don't leave enough room for the toes, especially for anyone with bunions. Take note: A deep toe box is different than a "wide" shoe size.
• Opt for open-toed shoes. If your dress code allows, open-toed heels relieve excess pressure on the front of your feet.

How do you wear heels without them hurting?

The key to making sure your heels won’t hurt comes down to how you shop. Taking extra care when you try them on is your best bet to finding a comfortable pair. If you’re shopping online, check out the return policy before you buy in case they aren’t a good fit. Here are Dr. Torres-Hodges top tips for heel shopping:

• Try them on at the end of the day. Heels might give you a false sense of comfort if you test them in the morning because your feet are more swollen in the afternoon and evening.
• Use the right hosiery. If you’re planning to wear pantyhose, tights, stockings or socks, make sure wear them while trying on to get an accurate fit.
• Don’t rely on a break-in period. Shoes should feel comfortable right away.

Regardless of what type of heel you buy, make sure to always take care of your feet to avoid pain. Dr. Torres recommends stretching your Achilles tendon (i.e. the cord that attaches your calf muscle to your heel), which can become tight when you wear heels often. Massage can also help offer relief, as well as exercises like ankle circles and calf dips that strengthen the ankle and foot.

For when you want to skip your comfy flats, here are the most comfortable heels that you can wear all day: