Which types of heels are most damaging to your feet?

Stilettos with a pointed toe are the most damaging to your feet. "Your body weight is concentrated on a very small area of the thin high heel, and your forefoot gets pinched and cramped in the toe box with weight being shifted toward the ball of the foot,” Sutera explains. Both doctors agree that extreme heel heights put great stress on the feet, knees, and lower backs. Customer reviews across the web indicate that the most comfortable and supportive shoes are generally 3 inches or fewer, though studies by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) show any heel over 2 inches is capable of causing damage.

How do you measure heel height?

True heel height is the distance between the heel and the toe rather than the floor and the heel. “This is [how] platform shoes can be misleading,” explains board-certified podiatrist Splichal. For the most accurate heel height, she suggests placing the shoe on a flat surface or tabletop, then measuring from the back and bottom of the heel to the point where the heel block connects to the front shoe seam.

How do high heels impact the body?

When you wear heels, your body weight shifts toward the balls of your feet, or the metatarsals. “This creates a misalignment of the entire skeleton,” says Sutera. “When weight gets shifted forward, the knees and hips go forward, as well, and the back has to hyperextend.” This effect not only causes short-term issues like blisters, shin splints, and sore muscles from the feet to the back, but it can also strain Achilles tendons and worsen bunions and hammertoes. Pinched nerves, stress fractures, arthritis, and nail problems are also long-term side effects.

What are some ways to prevent heels from hurting?

Take Breaks Aside from choosing heels and shoes that are as feet-friendly as possible, Sutera suggests taking breaks from heels, rather than wearing them all day or every day. Opt for very low heels, flats, or sneakers whenever possible, like on a commute to work. Exercise To keep your legs strong and supportive, Sutera says to try some isolated exercises. These include calf raises, toe grips (picking up an object with your toes and holding it), and alphabet outlines (drawing the letters of the alphabet in the air with your big toe, moving only your ankle joint and balancing on one leg at a time). Get a Massage Massaging your back, upper legs, calves, Achilles tendons, and arches—be it with the help of a professional or on your own with a foam roller—will curb a buildup of tension, Sutera says. And for isolated foot treatments at home, Splichal suggests using two products from Naboso Technology , a sensory product line she founded: a neuro ball for nerve stimulation and toe spacers to keep the feet aligned. Stretch After wearing high heels for a few hours, Sutera says the best thing to do for your muscles and joints is to stretch your calves. The practice relieves tension and stiffness by keeping the muscle flexible. Here are a few stretches that Sutera says to try: Sit with your straight legs in front of you, then wrap a yoga band (or a towel, if you need to improvise) around one foot. Use it to gently pull your toes back and your feet up. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then switch sides. Get situated in a downward dog yoga position. Hold it for 30 seconds. Stand facing a wall with your feet staggered. Bend the front knee slightly and extend the back leg fully. Place both hands in front of you, then lean forward against the wall until you feel a stretch in your back leg. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then switch sides.

What are some tips for picking out a comfortable heel?

Freelance fashion and beauty editor Natasha Marsh is no stranger to comfortable footwear. To attend her calendar full of meetings, she needs to keep her feet protected. “First, make sure the heel height is something you can walk in,” she suggests, “There are many beautiful shoes out there but if it's too high to manage, you won't get any use out of them.” Beyond that, she recommends knowing your correct size. “If you get half a size too small, your toe might end up sliding in the shoe causing irritation and discomfort,” she warns. Finally, make sure there is good arch support and [a] supportive cushion. “Every step should feel good,” she says.

The 24 Most Comfortable Heels of 2023

Commerce Photo Composite — 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.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Sarah Flint Rosie at Sarahflint.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Amazon Essentials Women’s Two-Strap Heeled Sandal at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Prada Brushed Leather Slingback Pumps at Prada.com

Jump to Review

Best Cowboy Boot:

Duoboots Saffron Knee Boots at Duoboots.com

Jump to Review

Best Low Heel:

Aerosoles Yorketown at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Platform:

Aerosoles Dada at Dsw.com

Jump to Review

Best Wedges:

Castañer Carina Wedge Espadrilles at Bloomingdales

Jump to Review

Best Pump:

Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85 at Sarahflint.com

Jump to Review

Best Luxury:

Dior J’Adior Slingback Pump at Dior.com

Jump to Review

Best Boot:

Naturalizer Verney Waterproof Boot at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Sarah Flint

View On Sarahflint.com

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)

Amazon

View On 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

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Prada.com View On 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

Duoboots

View On Duoboots.com

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

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dsw.com

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

4.4

Amazon

View On Dsw.com View On Kohls.com View On Lordandtaylor.com

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

Net-A-Porter

View On Bloomingdales View On Net-a-Porter View On Shopbop.com

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)

Sarah Flint

View On Sarahflint.com

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)

Dior

View On Dior.com

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

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Macy's

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

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Crocs.com

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

Marion Parke

View On Marionparke.com

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

Naturalizer

View On Naturalizer.com

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

Shopbop

View On Shopbop.com View On Zappos

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

Sarah Flint

View On Sarahflint.com

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

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Naturalizer.com

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

See By Chloe Glyn Leather Espadrille Sandals

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On 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

Repetto

View On Repetto.com View On Ssense.com

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

Alterre

View On Alterreny.com View On Wolfandbadger.com

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

Vivaia

View On Vivaia.com

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

Anthropologie

View On 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

Steven Madden Womenâs Lilah Heeled Sandal

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Revolve View On Shoemall.com

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

Lulus

View On 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

Marc Fisher Gurion Square Toe Strappy Block Heel

Macy's

View On Belk.com View On Macy's View On Marcfisherfootwear.com

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.

FAQ

Which types of heels are most damaging to your feet?

Stilettos with a pointed toe are the most damaging to your feet. "Your body weight is concentrated on a very small area of the thin high heel, and your forefoot gets pinched and cramped in the toe box with weight being shifted toward the ball of the foot,” Sutera explains.
Both doctors agree that extreme heel heights put great stress on the feet, knees, and lower backs. Customer reviews across the web indicate that the most comfortable and supportive shoes are generally 3 inches or fewer, though studies by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) show any heel over 2 inches is capable of causing damage.
How do you measure heel height?

True heel height is the distance between the heel and the toe rather than the floor and the heel. “This is [how] platform shoes can be misleading,” explains board-certified podiatrist Splichal. For the most accurate heel height, she suggests placing the shoe on a flat surface or tabletop, then measuring from the back and bottom of the heel to the point where the heel block connects to the front shoe seam.
How do high heels impact the body?

When you wear heels, your body weight shifts toward the balls of your feet, or the metatarsals. “This creates a misalignment of the entire skeleton,” says Sutera. “When weight gets shifted forward, the knees and hips go forward, as well, and the back has to hyperextend.” This effect not only causes short-term issues like blisters, shin splints, and sore muscles from the feet to the back, but it can also strain Achilles tendons and worsen bunions and hammertoes. Pinched nerves, stress fractures, arthritis, and nail problems are also long-term side effects.
What are some ways to prevent heels from hurting?
Take Breaks
Aside from choosing heels and shoes that are as feet-friendly as possible, Sutera suggests taking breaks from heels, rather than wearing them all day or every day. Opt for very low heels, flats, or sneakers whenever possible, like on a commute to work.
Exercise
To keep your legs strong and supportive, Sutera says to try some isolated exercises. These include calf raises, toe grips (picking up an object with your toes and holding it), and alphabet outlines (drawing the letters of the alphabet in the air with your big toe, moving only your ankle joint and balancing on one leg at a time).
Get a Massage
Massaging your back, upper legs, calves, Achilles tendons, and arches—be it with the help of a professional or on your own with a foam roller—will curb a buildup of tension, Sutera says. And for isolated foot treatments at home, Splichal suggests using two products from Naboso Technology, a sensory product line she founded: a neuro ball for nerve stimulation and toe spacers to keep the feet aligned.
Stretch
After wearing high heels for a few hours, Sutera says the best thing to do for your muscles and joints is to stretch your calves. The practice relieves tension and stiffness by keeping the muscle flexible. Here are a few stretches that Sutera says to try:
- Sit with your straight legs in front of you, then wrap a yoga band (or a towel, if you need to improvise) around one foot. Use it to gently pull your toes back and your feet up. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then switch sides.
- Get situated in a downward dog yoga position. Hold it for 30 seconds.
- Stand facing a wall with your feet staggered. Bend the front knee slightly and extend the back leg fully. Place both hands in front of you, then lean forward against the wall until you feel a stretch in your back leg. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then switch sides.
What are some tips for picking out a comfortable heel?

Freelance fashion and beauty editor Natasha Marsh is no stranger to comfortable footwear. To attend her calendar full of meetings, she needs to keep her feet protected. “First, make sure the heel height is something you can walk in,” she suggests, “There are many beautiful shoes out there but if it's too high to manage, you won't get any use out of them.”
Beyond that, she recommends knowing your correct size. “If you get half a size too small, your toe might end up sliding in the shoe causing irritation and discomfort,” she warns. Finally, make sure there is good arch support and [a] supportive cushion. “Every step should feel good,” she says.

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.

The 9 Best Places to Buy Shoes Online of 2023

Article Sources

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