:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/most-comfortable-heels-5112840-a37af3a77eca47b882eeff71733e691e.jpg)
Byrdie / Lecia Landis
For many of us, heels are a fashion item that we hate to love. They can be stylish, provide extra inches, and elevate a look for a work presentation or another important event. However, the price of them often comes not just in a dollar amount, but in aches, pains, and ailments in our feet, legs, and back.
If you haven’t surrendered completely to the idea of flats for every occasion, you’ve likely gone down a rabbit hole reading customer reviews of retailers upon retailers, weighing the validity of each to reach some conclusion. In creating this list, we did that work for you, evaluating heels on height, design, and extra features like built-in cushions. We also noted what sizes and colors each design comes in.
After consulting two New York-based podiatrists, Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, of City Podiatry and Emily Splichal, DPM, of the Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatric Medicine and three New York City-based fashion experts we narrowed down the list to give you the best in show.
Best Overall
Sarah Flint Rosie
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Sarah-Flint-Rosie-8683b2280ec5422aa0184432e4a1599e.jpg)
Sarah Flint
Sarah Flint is well known for her ability to design chic luxury shoes that don’t sacrifice comfort or foot health, which is why her styles place in several categories on this list. The Rosie is the best overall because it has a very low block heel, extra padding, and a roomy, almond-shaped toe box—features that podiatrists say, on their own, are paramount to comfort in any pair of shoes. When combined into one shoe, they create the ultimate comfortable heels. They’re also tastefully designed and versatile; you can wear them to work, run errands, or attend lunch with friends.
Price at time of publish: $495
Heel Height: 1.18 inches | Colors: Black Suede, Taupe Suede, Chocolate Leopard Hair Calf +more | Size Range: 4–13 (the brand recommends ordering a half size down)
Best Budget
Amazon Essentials Women’s Two-Strap Heeled Sandal
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Amazon-Essentials-Womens-Two-Strap-Heeled-Sandal-71338ec6392c47d89b1e85bf529a4068.jpg)
Amazon
Simple and sensible for their versatility, these strappy sandals with a block heel are rated highly among reviewers for their quality, comfort, and overall wearability for the price. For less than $30, these are a steal compared to other options on our list.
Price at time of publish: $25
Heel Height: 2.25 inches | Colors: Black, Brown, Snake, Bright Red Poppy +more | Size Range: 5–15
Best Splurge
Prada Brushed Leather Slingback Pumps
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Prada-Brushed-Leather-Slingback-Pumps-e84b4494694a4acaa295256e1a622086.jpg)
Saks Fifth Avenue
Fashion editor and content creator, Bella Gerard spends her days rushing across Manhattan from appointment to appointment, so she relies on sole and style-friendly footwear. “I love a good designer heel,” she admits, “but you won't catch me suffering in Jimmy Choo or Louboutin shoes. Prada has tons of comfortable-but-chic kitten heel options, and this pair has a treaded sole I love for walking around the city.”
Price at time of publish: $1,200
Heel Height: 3 inches | Colors: Black | Size Range: IT34.5–IT41.5
Best Cowboy Boot
Duoboots Saffron Knee Boots
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Duoboots-Saffron-Knee-Boots-75407dc62e8348acbe32f4d7ac01107c.jpg)
Duoboots
A solid pair of cowboy boots is essential to any wardrobe, but it can be hard to find ones that are as comfortable as they are cute. Duoboots take your calf size into account as well as your foot size, so this pair fits equally well around your toes as it does below your knees. Beyond that, the soles are packed with memory foam. It is like walking on mini pillows, in a chic way.
Price at time of publish: $295
Heel Height: 2.16 inches | Colors: Black, Tan | Size Range: 5–12
Best Low Heel
Aerosoles Yorketown
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Aerosoles-Yorketown-76109f1fd2894ac6a3bfd2460a8386cf.jpg)
Amazon
For something with a little lift and a lot of cushion, Aerosoles has just the shoe for you. The Yorketown style is an everyday slip-on leather sandal with a 1.25-inch wedge, so it supports—rather than strains—the feet. Its maker has a great track record of creating comfortable footwear and is generally podiatrist-approved.
Price at time of publish: $99
Heel Height: 1.25 inches | Colors: Black Leather, Black Faux Shearling, Leopard Combo, Tan Leather, Bone Leather, Gold Metallic Leather, Berry Leather, Lilac Leather | Size Range: 5–12
Best Platform
Aerosoles Dada
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Aerosoles-Dada-5cbdeb0a806f46a787b67bf83ef4ed40.jpg)
Amazon
By nature, the platform is one of the most comfortable heels, Drs. Sutera and Splichal say. This pair by Aerosoles keeps the feet flat yet supported with a natural arch. It’s also extremely wearable—you can quickly complete a look with a basic T-shirt and cropped jeans.
Price at time of publish: $69
Heel Height: 2 inches | Colors: Off-White, Black | Size Range: 6–12
Best Wedges
Castañer Carina Wedge Espadrilles
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/castaer-carina-wedge-espadrilles-17b90a47be9146f5b97f7fd231e9915d.jpg)
Net-A-Porter
Castañer has perfected the espadrille in terms of quality, versatility, and comfort—at least that’s what reviewers on several e-commerce sites, like Shopbop and Revolve, right along with their five-star ratings. The founders created the brand’s signature wedge in the early 1970s for a customer you might recognize: Yves Saint Laurent. They’ve been a mainstay in fashion ever since.
Price at time of publish: $135
Heel Height: Approximately 3 inches | Colors: Ivory, Black, Oro Claro, Azul Marin | Size Range: IT35–IT41 (according to our research and testing, you should size up if you typically wear a half size)
Best Pump
Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sarah-flint-perfect-pump-85-287b6931773349ef8504baef64b1b86b.jpg)
Sarah Flint
Public figures from Lady Gaga to Meghan Markle love Sarah Flint’s pumps, which the designer says she created with the idea of good-looking comfort at the fore. Handmade in Italy, the widened toe box and V shape of this particular style prevent toe crowding without eliminating toe cleavage. It’s also made with arch support and extra padding in the footbed—must-haves by podiatrist standards—and rubber soles for better traction, which the designer felt was necessary to make her luxury heels most practical.
“[The rubber sole] was something that I always used to get added to my shoes after buying them, which I thought was crazy that you could spend so much money for luxury shoes and then have to go to the cobbler to get that added on,” Flint says in a video on the brand’s YouTube channel.
Price at time of publish: $550
Heel Height: 3.3 inches | Colors: Black Calf, Black Suede, Taupe Suede, Navy Suede, Gunmetal Lame Fabric, Sand Calf, Chocolate Leopard Hair Calf +more | Size Range: 4–13 (the brand ordering a half size up)
Best Luxury
Dior J’Adior Slingback Pump
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Dior-JAdior-Slingback-Pump-c06de72cfc034086a2eb8d3d863280e6.jpg)
Dior
If you’re looking for a slingback and willing to spend for a well-crafted shoe that’s rated for comfort, look to Dior. The quality of these shoes speaks for itself; this pair of slingbacks is lined fully in Italian leather and has a cotton ribbon backing that won’t dig into the top of your heels. Plus, the pair is made from the brand’s signature technical fabric, which has more give than patent leather, so it’s fairly easy to break in.
Price at time of publish: $990
Heel Height: 2.5 inches | Colors: Black | Size Range: IT34–IT42
Best Boot
Naturalizer Verney Waterproof Boot
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/naturalizer-verney-waterproof-boot-46a30001347144d0a622c3d17fd33e00.jpg)
Amazon
The best footwear is versatile, comfortable, and weatherproof. Naturalizer does a great job of checking all of these boxes with the Verney boot—a waterproof shoe with an almond-shaped toe, side zip closure, and thermal sock liner for heat retention. Reviewers say they also love the rubber sole, which offers great traction and a modern look.
Price at time of publish: $190
Heel Height: 3 inches | Colors: Black Leather, Ciderspice Leather | Size Range: 4–12 with medium width; 6–12 with wide width
Best Sandal
Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Crocs-Brooklyn-Low-Wedge-ca87940741c448469f451cda6b320c16.jpg)
Amazon
For a sandal that you can wear all day long, Crocs has you covered. Its Low Wedge is a platform that keeps your heel low as if you were wearing a very supportive flat. The shoe also boasts a foam footbed and deep-heel cup. This style has nearly 1,300 five-star reviews, many of which cite comfort as a great benefit.
Price at time of publish: $55
Heel Height: 1.75 inches | Colors: Black/Multi, Khaki/Bone, Metallic Champagne +more | Size Range: 4–11
Best Bridal
Marion Parke Preena 70 Slingback
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Marion-Parke-Preena-70-Slingback-b03173c0223c4ba8a7c52ad205a45dd3.jpg)
Marion Parke
Marion Parke’s shoes are highly rated for comfort and style, and the new bridal collection is no exception. The label was founded by a former foot surgeon who wanted to design luxury heels focused on comfort (the cushioned insoles are twice patented). Since they aim to increase stability, adapt to your feet's curvature over time, and reduce fatigue on the balls of your feet, there's no need to kick these off on the dance floor. The Preena heels come in baby blue—the perfect shade for your wedding day.
Price at time of publish: $595
Heel Height: 2.8 inches | Colors: Light Blue | Size Range: IT35–IT42
Best for Weddings
Pnina Tornai For Naturalizer Alhubu Slide Sandal
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pnina-Tornai-For-Naturalizer-Alhubu-Slide-Sandal-52d17dc0131b4e42bcfcf5cd6e789471.jpg)
Naturalizer
Pnina Tornai is renowned for her sophisticated and chic wedding gowns, and recently she has collaborated with Naturalizer to come out with a line of comfortable yet stylish wedding shoes. Our favorite part? Their versatile designs allow for them to work for many levels of formality, not only for a bride but for a wedding guest. These elevated slip-ons are both easy to take on and off, and the silky fabric promises not to scrape up against the front of your foot.
Price at time of publish: $200
Heel Height: 2.25-inches | Colors: Black, Alhubu Silk White | Size Range: 5–12
Best Chunky
Swedish Hasbeens Mirja Platform Sandal
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Swedish-Hasbeens-Mirja-Platform-Sandal-e62901a93aeb42ee8947a6fcbb5ad20a.jpg)
Shopbop
Swedish Hasbeens makes slightly clunky casual shoes that you can’t help but love, and this Toe Strap Clog style is no exception. Its lining and insole are both constructed from leather. This softens and molds the material to your foot with wear, making it easy to break them in. It also has a rubber outsole for good traction when walking.
Price at time of publish: $280
Heel Height: 2.5 inch heel; 1 inch platform | Colors: Nature | Size Range: IT35–IT41
Best Block Heel
Sarah Flint Perfect Emma
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Sarah-Flint-Perfect-Emma-03033bcec1154016978fbea997ac1b36.jpg)
Sarah Flint
This style has been favored by A-listers like Amal Clooney and Alexa Chung for its low block heel—as well as many other features for which Sarah Flint is known, like a wide toe box, arch support, and additional padding. Reviewers say this style is “unbelievably comfortable” and rivals even the best luxury brands, like Jimmy Choo.
Price at time of publish: $495
Heel Height: 2 inches | Colors: Black Suede, Gold Saffiano, Navy Suede, Chocolate Leopard Haircalf +more | Size Range: IT34–IT43
Best Strappy
27 Edit Naturalizer Abilyn Pump
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27-Edit-Naturalizer-Abilyn-Pump-0de1a2d8cb5442809c45f1e7fe42c545.jpg)
Amazon
These heels are strappy, sculptural, and very comfortable—brought to us by 27 Edit, Naturalizer's new collection of premium styles. It has a full leather lining, extra cushion, and a rubber outsole for shock absorption and traction. Reviewers rate this pair highly for its classic design and cushiness.
Price at time of publish: $140
Heel Height: 3.5 inches | Colors: Black Leather, Gold Leather, Pelican Grey Leather, Taupe Suede +more | Size Range: 5–13 in narrow and medium widths
Best Espadrille
See By Chloe Glyn Leather Espadrille Sandals
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/See-By-Chloe-Glyn-Leather-Espadrille-Sandals-ea205e02e7c041bcab55cd0099149313.jpg)
Saks Fifth Avenue
Espadrilles are a must for the summer months. The roped-off, rubber bottoms add extra cushions when walking around. The leather buckles allow you to fit the sandal to your feet’s particular sizing. Plus, the soles tend to form and adapt to your feet after repeated wear.
Price at time of publish: $325
Heel Height: 1.5 inches | Colors: Brown Leather, Metallic | Size Range: 5–11
Best Ballerina
Repetto Camille Ballerina
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Repetto-Camille-Ballerina-d89b1fac070e49128b2c4114da2f6573.jpg)
Repetto
Repetto claimed bragging rights decades ago when Brigitte Bardot sported the Cendrillon style for the film "...And God Created Woman." But it’s continued to produce stylish footwear through the years, expanding beyond ballet flats to pumps, oxfords, boots, and more. Our favorite style is this hybrid shoe, or a small step (1.25 inches, to be exact) above the standard ballet flat. Made in France, this shoe's style is wrapped in leather, lined in cotton canvas, and covered with rubber for waterproofing—perfect for the fall, spring, and early summer seasons.
Price at time of publish: $420
Heel Height: 1.25 inches | Colors: Noir, Noir Patent, Classic Blue Patent, Flammy Red, White, Gold +more | Size Range: IT34–IT41
Best Sustainable
Alterre Agate Blue Slide
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Alterre-Agate-Blue-Slide-194fa8de03e048c6b3726834b56d0fe0.jpg)
Alterre
Founders, Harmony Pilobello and Shilpa Iyengar met at Parsons in New York City over a shared love of sustainable fashion. Alterre was born. Each style comes with an adjustable strap that you can swap in and out to change the shoe’s overall look. Beyond that, each shoe is designed to become a staple you wear again and again, so they include a cushioned sole, elongated front (no squished toes here), and high-quality materials that won’t bruise or blister.
Price at time of publish: $235
Heel Height: 1.5 inches | Colors: Agate Blue | Size Range: 6-10
Best Kitten
Vivaia Washable Pointed Toe Bow Kitten Heels
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Vivaia-Washable-Pointed-Toe-Bow-Kitten-Heels-0cf47b8fd8714e49a743f9e1d0180264.jpg)
Vivaia
By design, kitten heels' height is shorter than that of a stiletto or a pump, but that does not guarantee comfort. This option from VIVAIA, however, does. The knit material is made out of recycled plastic bottles, but don’t be fooled, it’s soft to the touch. They are machine washable, so you can easily clean them. Also nice: the insoles are deodorized, so no sour smell after taking them off.
Price at time of publish: $129
Heel Height: 1.77 inches | Colors: Cream Ivory, Black | Size Range: 5–11
Best Fisherman
By Anthropologie Platform Fisherman Sandals
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/By-Anthropologie-Platform-Fisherman-Sandals-31c8c430f2af4fb58606ab8acaa3c5d1.jpg)
Anthropologie
This summer-friendly platform shoe vents in air during hot summer days, so you can be comfortable during the dog days of summer. The rubber insole molds to the shape of your foot, so you get a custom fit after a couple of wears.
Price at time of publish: $130
Heel Height: 1.75 inches | Colors: Black, Brown | Size Range: EU36–EU42
Best Slides
Steven Madden Women’s Lilah Heeled Sandal
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Steven-Madden-Womens-Lilah-Heeled-Sandal-287fbec26cb347f4a9454ca13ce7da19.jpg)
Amazon
Minimalism makes for a versatile shoe, while quality materials and thoughtful design yield a comfortable one. For under $100, this pair is an affordable option to add to your collection. On versatility, its clean lines and neutral color make it easy to dress up or down, either by pairing it with other neutrals or with a more vibrant palette.
Price at time of publish: $60
Heel Height: 3 inches | Colors: Clear, Brown, Black, Lilac, Tan, Pink Multi +more | Size Range: 5–12
Best Lace-Up
Lulus Ailsa Chic Mauve Heels
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Lulus-Ailsa-Chic-Mauve-Heels-311283736856427e8f6e52c1bb3ae984.jpg)
Lulus
Professional stylist, Audree Lopez spends long hours on set styling different brand shoots during the day, and then, heads to industry events by night. This pair has been one of her go-to's for most of her career. “I have worn a similar version of these Lulu’s block wrap heels for over five years and they’ve lasted me through weddings, bachelorette parties, vacations, and nights out,” she says, “They’re the perfect heel height, the straps along the foot make them secure for a night dancing or walking around, and to top it off, they’re comfortable!”
Price at time of publish: $39
Heel Height: 3.5 inches | Colors: Mauve | Size Range: 5–11
Best Block Heel
Marc Fisher Gurion Square Toe Strappy Block Heel
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Marc-Fisher-Gurion-Square-Toe-Strappy-Block-Heel-91d3f9361b0c47ae8de80ec3e367a465.jpg)
Macy's
These are the perfect heels for spring and summer. They have a heel height that's under 3 inches, an adjustable ankle strap, and best of all, a padded footbed! The additional padding on the footbed is going to create additional support, comfort, and cushion for the foot.
Price at time of publish: $85
Heel Height: 2.36 inches | Colors: Gold, Cream, Medium Brown, Light Natural +more | Size Range: 5–9.5
Final Verdict
If you are searching for a stylish shoe that checks every box, the Sarah Flint Rosie should be your next purchase. Our Best Overall pick sports a modern, low-block heel that not only looks chic when paired with a pair of slacks or straight-leg jeans but also sports a roomy silhouette for your toes. If the price point is a little too steep, consider the Amazon Essentials Women’s Two-Strap Heeled Sandal. Their accessible price point, simple design, and wide color range make them a no-brainer for any comfort-first shoe collection.
Meet the Expert
- Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, is a New York-based Podiatric Surgery Specialist at City Podiatry. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Fordham University and her DPM from New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
- Dr. Emily Splichal, DPM, MS, CE, is a New York-based podiatrist at the Center for Functional & Regenerative Podiatric Medicine. She is also the founder of Naboso Technology, a sensory product line that optimizes the way people move, feel, and live.
- Bella Gerard is a fashion editor and content creator based in New York City.
- Audree Lopez is a professional stylist and content creator based in New York City.
- Natasha Marsh is a freelance fashion and beauty editor based in New York City and Los Angeles.
What To Look For in Comfortable Heels
Design
Podiatrists agree that the most comfortable heels tend to be block heels, wedges, and platform heels. That’s because these types “transfer body weight across a greater surface area when compared to pumps and stilettos,” Jacqueline Sutera, a podiatric surgery specialist says. Beyond that, it’s important to check shoes for a cushioned sole with arch support and shock absorption. These features best protect your feet and joints from the impact of walking, particularly on hard surfaces.
Size
Wearing the correct size and width “will save your soles,” Sutera says. A large shoe won’t keep your foot in place, so you’ll constantly feel like it’s falling off, and a small size will create crowding, which can be very painful.
Why Trust Byrdie
Hayley Prokos, Byrdie’s Associate Fashion Commerce Editor, wrote this guide. She’s constantly on the hunt for fashion items, shoes, and accessories that make getting ready easier.
This guide was updated by Byrdie contributor, Anneke Knot. She is a freelance fashion and beauty writer with over five years of experience. Her work has appeared on sites like InStyle, People, and Real Simple. To find the most comfortable heels, she interviewed fashion experts for their expert recommendations, tested options from popular brands, read reviews, and spoke to friends for their input.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we weren’t able to find enough trench coats from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.