The 10 Best Comfortable Heels for Work, Weddings, and Everything in Between—Tested & Reviewed
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Say goodbye to blisters and bruises.
InStyle / Anna Popp
Keys, wallet, cute dress—now, you’re ready to slip on your favorite high heels for a night out. But as soon as you walk out the door, you feel that telltale ache in the balls of your feet (and is that a blister already?). “This is exactly why I make comfortable shoes: because you haven’t even left the house, and your feet already hurt,” says Jazmin Veney, founder and designer at shoe label ARCH NYC.
Finding a chic, easy-to-walk-in, comfortable high heel is hard. But after speaking with Veney and three podiatrists, we’ve discovered the best shopping tricks to make the process easier—thick heels and solid arch support. Extra padding in the front of the shoe also helps take the pressure off while running errands or hitting the dance floor. With their advice, we researched popular, highly rated heels from top brands at different prices and found 28 pairs to test in the real world. Through long office days, vacations, and nights out, we found the most comfortable heels based on fit, comfort, support, quality, and overall value that you can walk in for 10-plus hours.
Best Overall: Vivaia Round-Toe Chunky Heels (Julie Pro)
What We Love: We ran, stomped through rain, and navigated cobblestone streets in these heels with ease.
What We Don’t Love: The heels gave us blisters on the first wear.
The minute we slipped the Vivaia Julie Pro Round-Toe Chunky Heels on, we noticed they felt different from typical pumps or strappy sandals. With a roomy toe box and plenty of silky soft cushioning in the footbed, they impressed us right away. We also loved the fit—made from recycled plastic bottles, these shoes have plenty of give that rivals our favorite ballet flats.
During testing, we wore these heels everywhere. From eight-hour days in the office to running around New York City in the rain, they managed to keep us feeling light on our feet (and looking brand new). The thick, almost 2-inch tall block heel also felt incredibly stable, even on cobblestone streets. Just when we thought the Julie had it all, we noticed the foam arch support for even more comfort. Another bonus? The brand is a favorite of Naomi Watts, Katie Holmes’, Selena Gomez’, and Scarlett Johansson’s. Even though these heels gave us blisters the first time we wore them, the break-in period ended after the first wear—a fair trade-off for new everyday staple heels, we think.
Size: 5–11 | Material: Plastic bottles, foam, rubber | Heel Height: 1.77 inches | Colors: 11
Best Budget: DREAM PAIRS Women's Chunk Low Heel Pump Sandals
What We Love: They come in 31 colors, so there’s truly a pair to match every outfit.
What We Don’t Love: The strap across the toes can cause some chafing.
A glittery, dressy sandal you don’t want to fling across the room at the end of a night out? The Dream Pairs Chunk Low Heel Pump Sandals check every box. During testing, they surprised us with great arch support and a blister-free fit. Considering they’re one of the taller pairs on our list at 3 inches, we were stunned that we didn’t have to break them in.
Dressy but simple, these sleek sandals are ideal for special occasions or brunch with friends. The chunky heel is easy to walk in, and both straps kept our feet firmly in place during test walks. But we did notice that after longer wears, the strap across our toes started to irritate our skin. With 31 colors to choose from and a budget-friendly price, we love that you can stock up for all occasions.
Size: 5–12 | Material: Vegan leather or suede, latex, rubber | Heel Height: 3 inches | Colors: 31
Best for Work: Margaux The Heel
What We Love: Since these heels are made from real leather and suede, they’ll last a long time.
What We Don’t Love: They’re pricey and gave us a blister during testing.
The Margaux The Heel gives corporate chic a whole new meaning. We wore these for over ten hours and were floored by how breathable and padded they felt, thanks to 5 millimeters of foam inside. Even after a long day running up and down multiple flights of stairs, we never wobbled or tripped in The Heel.
These genuine suede and leather pumps are incredibly durable—plus, we love that they have a subtle stripe up the back of the heel. Although they gave us a blister during testing, they still felt fairly comfortable all around. We also like that the heel comes in nine colors and has one of the widest size ranges on our list, including three widths (narrow and wide-footed wearers, this one’s for you!). They’re pricier than many of our other picks, but we think the investment is worth it if you’re looking for a new everyday office shoe.
Size: 3–14 | Material: Suede, leather, foam | Heel Height: 2.5 inches | Colors: 9
Best Loafer: Rothy's The Lug Loafer
What We Love: The soles are very grippy and they can go in the washing machine.
What We Don’t Love: They’re one of our pricier picks and they run smaller than other Rothy’s styles do.
Loafers can be one of the most versatile shoes in your closet, and if you’re looking for a pair with a little extra lift, we can’t recommend Rothy’s The Lug Loafer enough. Made from warm Merino wool, these are a great fall or winter basic that can be worn with everything from oversized blazers to chunky sweaters. Meanwhile, the lug sole and 1.5-inch heel provide some extra height without putting too much pressure on the balls of your feet.
They’re on the pricier side, but we instantly felt the extra dollars were worth it when we realized how padded they are inside. Plus, the outsoles have great grip—we never slid across a tile floor or tripped going up the stairs during testing. Like other Rothy’s styles, these loafers can be tossed in the washing machine whenever they start looking a little worse for wear. But we did find that they run a half size small, compared to other shoes we’ve tried from this brand.
Size: 5–13 | Material: Merino wool, plastic bottles | Heel Height: 1.5 inches | Colors: 3
Best Mule: Aerosoles Entree Shoe
What We Love: This basic sandal looks just as elegant at the office as it does at the beach.
What We Don’t Love: They don’t have any straps to keep your feet secure.
Sick of blisters cramping your style? Give these modern mules a try. These sandals earned high scores during testing for their simple silhouette and extra padding in the arch and forefoot. With a 2.25-inch block heel, they have a dressy feel but still fit in at the office or out to lunch.
On test walks, we were worried the wide band would chafe our toes. But we’re happy to report that the Aerosoles Entrée Sandal was a delight to wear from minute one. We also appreciated the textured outsole that kept us from sliding around. Choose from patterned canvas or smooth leather in eight shades—enough for every day of the week (and then some). Just note that, unlike some of our other picks, this shoe doesn’t have any straps or buckles to keep your feet in place.
Size: 5–12 | Material: Faux leather | Heel Height: 2.25 inches | Colors: 8
Best Splurge: Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85
What We Love: There are tons of colors, patterns, and sizes to pick from.
What We Don’t Love: The toe box could be roomier.
If you have the budget to splurge on a forever heel, go with the Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85. The midsole has extra padding you can see and feel, creating a stiletto that’s built for all-day wear. We also love the placement of the heel: it’s positioned directly underneath your heel bone, instead of the back of the shoe. This is key because it distributes your weight more evenly, creating a more comfortable shoe overall, says podiatrist and high heel designer Dr. Mika Hayashi, DPM.
Handcrafted from genuine leather and steel, these pumps pay attention to detail. We did find that the pointed toe box squished our toes together a little bit, but the sensation faded the more we wore them during testing. When you’re looking to invest in a high heel you can wear for years, we highly recommend this timeless style.
Size: 4–13 | Material: Leather, steel, rubber | Heel Height: 3.3 inches | Colors: 20
Best Platform: Larroudé Olivia Platform Pump
What We Love: They run true to size and we didn’t have to break them in.
What We Don’t Love: They’re pricey and we wish they had a softer lining.
When you need a head-turning platform for styling long trousers or micro miniskirts, the Larroudé Olivia Platform Pump is our top pick. With a true-to-size fit, we were delighted to find that these felt ultra-comfortable from the first wear. These Mary Janes have a memory foam insole that more than makes up for their stiff construction. And don’t let the extra-chunky sole scare you off: we found that they feel much lighter than they look during testing.
If you tend to wobble in traditional high heels, a platform like this one can give you extra height without compromising on stability. We also like that the stretchy strap does a great job of keeping the Olivia on and in place all day long. But it’s worth noting that we wish the inside of the shoe was lined since the feel of patent leather on bare feet isn’t for everyone.
Size: 5–11 | Material: Knit or patent leather, leather, memory foam, rubber | Heel Height: 4 inches | Colors: 2
Best Strappy: Stuart Weitzman Nearlynude Strap Sandal
What We Love: They’re easy to walk in and the leather is very durable.
What We Don’t Love: They’re on the pricier side and the leather feels stiff at first.
Celebrity- and InStyle-favorite brand Stuart Weitzman does it again with the Nearlybare Sandal. If a strappy sandal is your go-to for a night out, your feet will thank you for adding this pair into your rotation. Even though they’re one of the taller pairs on our list, the chunky block heel and high-quality leather construction make them very easy to walk in.
When we compared the Nearlybare Sandal to similar styles from Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin during testing, we found that these were the more comfortable and supportive pair by far. They are pricier than some other heels on our list, and we did have to break them in to get the leather to loosen up. But we think they’re worth considering if you’ve been searching for the perfect sandal.
Size: 3.5–13 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 3 inches | Colors: 4
Best Espadrille: Castañer Carina Wedge Espadrilles
What We Love: The straps are easy to adjust.
What We Don’t Love: They only come in one width.
Espadrilles are traditionally summer shoes—and this pair is so comfortable that we considered it in our list of the best. The Castañer Carina Ankle Tie Espadrille Wedge Sandals are made from soft canvas that doesn’t need to be broken in. We also love that the ribbon at the ankle is highly adjustable, for the perfect fit (even when your feet start to swell).
With firm, springy cushioning throughout the entire midsole, these 3.25-inch heels are built for long periods of walking or standing. Plus, the reviews are unbeatable: Kate Middleton is a huge fan of the brand, and one of our testers has worn these espadrilles for ten years because of their solid durability and stability. We wish they came in more than one width, but we can’t deny that the peep heel detail is super cute.
Size: 5–11 | Material: Textile, jute, leather, rubber | Heel Height: 3.25 inches | Colors: 5
InStyle / Elena Garcia
Best Cage Sandal: Soda Open Toe Block Heel
What We Love: They’re very budget-friendly.
What We Don’t Love: They don’t have a lot of arch support.
With thick, adjustable straps that never chafe, even in high humidity, the Soda Account Open Toe Block Heel wins our vote for the most comfortable cage sandal. We’ve worn them for countless hours on pavement, concrete, grass, and more. Similar to the Larroudé Olivia Platform Pump, these add height without too much extra weight or bulk.
Made from faux suede, faux leather, or nylon (depending on which color you choose), these heels are easy to clean with just a damp paper towel. We also love that they’re one of the most budget-friendly pairs on our list. But we think the style is best for people with flat feet, since they don’t have a lot of arch support.
Size: 5.5–11 | Material: Faux suede, faux leather, or nylon, synthetic rubber | Heel Height: 2.75 inches | Colors: 17
What to Keep In Mind
Fit: Your high heels won’t feel comfortable unless they fit correctly. First (and most importantly), always try high heels on at the end of the day, when your feet are the most swollen, says podiatrist Dr. Farah Alani, DPM. Check to make sure you have enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes, Hayashi adds. Then, see how the heel fits. If your heels are popping out of the shoes when you walk, Hayashi recommends adding a metatarsal pad, which will prevent your feet from sliding around.
Toe Box: The toe box refers to the front of the shoe, where your toes sit. When it comes to comfort, the shape of the toe box is crucial. Pointed toe boxes are the least comfortable, according to Hayashi, followed by rounded ones. A shoe with a square toe will be the most comfortable. Veney adds that no matter the shape, any toe box should have plenty of room for your feet to breathe. She also recommends shopping for shoes with additional cushioning in the forefoot, which are often the easiest to wear for long days on your feet.
Heel Height: In general, the most comfortable heels are 3 inches high (or less), says podiatrist Dr. Saylee Tulpule, DPM. This is because the higher the heel, the more pressure is placed on the front of your foot, according to Alani. Higher heels will also make bunions and hammertoes worse if you already have them. And even if you don’t currently have foot problems, wearing very tall heels frequently can lead to issues over time, she adds.
Material: Once you’ve found heels with the right fit and design, check the brand’s specifications to see which materials they’re made from. According to our experts, real leather and suede are best because they stretch out over time and mold to the shape of your feet. Leather also lasts longer, Veney says—another major bonus. Avoid patent leather or snakeskin-patterned shoes: The way the material is treated makes it much stiffer, Alani says. Hayashi adds that, unless you have narrow feet and don’t need your shoes to stretch that much, it’s best to steer clear.
Your Questions, Answered
What’s the most comfortable type of high heel?
According to Hayashi, the most comfortable high heel has a low, chunky heel that’s positioned directly underneath your heel bone (instead of underneath the back of the shoe) to distribute your weight evenly. When it comes to sandals, look for supportive straps, Veney adds. Avoid high heels with any stitching, straps, ribbons, or buckles across the top of the toe box, since they don’t allow the shoe to stretch out over time, Alani explains.
Are thin or thick heels more comfortable?
The thinner the heel, the more pressure a high heel places on your foot, Hayashi says. Thicker heels and wedges bear more of your weight, making them more comfortable, she adds.
How can I wear high heels all day without pain?
Wearing high heels pain-free requires some preparation before and after each wear, according to our experts. Before slipping your shoes on for the day, place moleskin padding or an adhesive bandage inside the shoe anywhere you might feel a blister start to form, like inside the back of the heel, Alani says.
She also suggests adding a metatarsal pad for more support. Take three fingers and line them up sideways, with your index finger resting at the base of your toes. Place the metatarsal pad directly behind your third finger, so that it rests behind the ball of your foot—not underneath it, which can make your pain worse. This position will help reduce the amount of pressure on the front of your foot, Alani says.
And at the end of every day spent wearing high heels, Hayashi recommends stretching your feet out. Wear toe separators (think the foam sets you get during a pedicure) to spread your toes out, in the opposite direction from being pushed together inside the front of your shoes. Make sure to wear your separators for as long as you wore your heels that day to get the full benefits, she says.
Are expensive high heels more comfortable?
Not necessarily—you don’t need to spend a lot of money to find well-made high heels, Alani says. Plenty of companies make high-quality shoes for under $150 a pair, she adds. No matter how expensive they are, look for heels made from natural materials that will stretch over time, like real leather and suede. Although these materials can be pricier, Alani notes that the trade-off is worth it for a comfier shoe.
Why Shop With Us
Contributing commerce editor Sarah Felbin has over 20 years of dance experience, meaning she knows exactly what to look for in a pair of comfortable, sturdy heels. When she shops for high heels, she looks for pairs with thick cushioning and low, block heels she can wear all night long. For this story, she consulted multiple experts to learn how to shop for the most comfortable high heels.
Dr. Farah Alani, DPM is a podiatrist at To Healthy Feet Podiatry in New York City.
Dr. Mika Hayashi, DPM is an NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital-affiliated podiatrist and heel designer at Mika Hayashi.
Dr. Saylee Tulpule, DPM is a podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic.
Jazmin Veney is the founder and designer at ARCH NYC.
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