Finding the most comfortable heels to get you through dressy days can be such a (literal) pain. Between blisters, bunions, and aching arches, plenty of pairs look great but fall apart after a few hours. To find heels that are actually wearable, we asked Glamour editors, podiatrists, and stylists to test and recommend the pairs they rely on most for special occasions like weddings, workdays, nights out, and long stretches on their feet. Below, shop the comfiest heels for women that we tried, including supportive platformed sandals, chic kitten heels, cushioned walking sandals, and budget-friendly styles that don’t sacrifice comfort.
Our top comfortable heel picks
- Best Overall: Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pumps, $150
- Best for Weddings: Naturalizer Vera Sandals, $120
- Best for Walking: Vivaia Arabella Pointed-Toe Stiletto, $169
- Best for Work: Vionic Reyes Slingback Heel, $115
- Comfiest Sandal Under $50: Dream Pairs Strappy Chunky Heels, $37
Best Overall: Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pumps
Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Heels
Amazon
What we love: Casey Pidich, DPM, a podiatrist based in New York City, recommends these high-quality slingbacks that are a hit on Amazon: “They allow for more wiggle room in the toes, have adjustable straps, and are available in regular and wide widths to truly customize your fit.” This pair comes in over 30 finishes and is frequently on sale for under $100. The pointed toes elongate the legs, making this pair ülkü for oversized barrel jeans or slacks. “They’re so sleek,” says fashion blogger Stephanie Pernas. “I love that they come in a bunch of colors and have a great low kitten heel—they are insanely walkable compared to other shoes in my collection.”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Strap rubs over time
- Sizes: 5–14 in regular and wide
- Material: Polyurethane
- Heel height: 2.4 in.
- Colors: 25+ options
Best for Weddings: Naturalizer Vera Sandals
.png)
Naturalizer Vera Sandals
Amazon
Nordstrom
Zappos
What we love: Standing at just over two inches, these low heels feature Naturalizer’s signature cushioned footbed and three widths—a major plus for anyone with narrow or wide feet. “These block-heel shoes are low enough for me to wear them all day and not feel like my feet are suffocating,” says Glamour reviewer Maria Navarro. The heeled sandals also come in a huge range of colors, including an impressive selection of nudes and metallics that’ll look great with event dresses. “I wore these to a baby shower, graduation ceremony, and casually—they’re so versatile,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “I like that they have adjustable straps and support my arches.”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: The toe strap may feel too tight for some
- Sizes: 4–13 in narrow, regular, and wide
- Material: Leather
- Heel height: 2.5 in.
- Colors: 20+ options
Best for Standing: Aerosole Camera Faux Suede Sandal
.png)
Aerosole Camera Faux Suede Sandal
Nordstrom
What we love: These chunky platform heels have oversized buckles, a dramatic ’70s-inspired silhouette, and a stable feel while walking. Glamour contributor Grace McCarty wore them straight out of the box to an hours-long standing event. “It’s rare that any kind of platform sandal is great right out of the box, but these Aerosoles took zero effort to break in,” she says. “The first time I wore them I walked 15 minutes to an hours-long standing event, and came away with no aches or blisters. They’re true to size, work for my high instep, and are muhteşem stable thanks to the block heel and wide straps, which is great if you’re prone to an ankle roll. If you’re looking for a worn heel that can stand up to your commute or a cute, walkable shoe for a summer trip, I’d highly recommend.”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Fabric is prone to showing scuff marks
- Sizes: 5–11 in medium and wide
- Material: Faux suede upper, synthetic lining
- Heel height: 2.6 in.
- Colors: 10+ options
Best for Walking: Vivaia Arabella Pointed-Toe Stiletto
.png)
Vivaia Arabella Pointed-Toe Stiletto
Amazon
Vivaia
What we love: Vivaia’s slingback pumps look put together but feel surprisingly easy to walk in. The lower kitten heel gives you a little height without putting too much pressure on the knees or balls of the feet, while the brand’s moisture-wicking, cushioned insole absorbs impact over longer stretches of wear. “These Vivaia heels are by far one of the most comfiest I’ve tried,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “They are supremely comfy to walk around in for hours. I also noticed that I didn’t get any blisters or shoe bites when testing them out, either.”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Style is less trendy than other shoes
- Sizes: 5–11
- Material: Recycled plastic PET bottles, rubber
- Heel height: 2.6 in.
- Colors: 10+ options
Best for Work: Vionic Reyes Slingback Heel
.png)
Vionic Reyes Slingback Heel
Amazon
Nordstrom
Vionics
What we love: These ergonomically designed block heels have a polished yet sensible look that works especially well for the office, while still offering a little lift. “They have a subtly cushioned, shock-absorbing footbed, a thick block heel, and aren’t muhteşem high, which makes them quite comfortable for my arches,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs, who has flat feet and found them supportive enough for long days around the office. “I also appreciated the roomy square toe box, which gives my wide feet room to breathe without pinching.” An adjustable slingback strap lands softly against the heel, avoiding blisters, and the outsoles have rubber gripping, so you don’t slide around on smooth flooring.
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Runs small
- Sizes: 5–13
- Material: Leather or suede
- Heel height: 2 in.
- Colors: 5 options
Best for Weekends: Clarks Zarey Bow
.png)
Clarks Zarey Bow
Amazon
What we love: These kitten-heel slingbacks are cute and versatile enough for dinner, drinks, or brunch, but still feel comfortable enough to walk around in for hours. The lower heel and cushioned footbed make them especially wearable, whether styled with jeans, capris, or a skirt. “I wore them with capris and a blazer to go dancing and was impressed at how they held up through the night (and how cool my feet felt),” says Griggs. “I’m not a huge bow-wearer, but the detail on these feels dainty and not overdone.”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Pointed toe box is on the narrow side
- Sizes: 6–10
- Material: Leather, polyester, rubber
- Heel height: 2.2 in.
- Colors: 3 options
Comfiest Sandal Under $50: Dream Pairs Strappy Chunky Heels
.png)
Dream Pairs Strappy Chunky Heels
Amazon
What we love: Dream Pairs’s minimalist strappy heels look far pricier than their under-$40 price tag suggests. “The minimalist, asymmetric straps sit snuggly on my foot—no awkward slipping and sliding around—while the block heel kept me feeling stable and sure-footed,” says Glamour deputy editor Anna Moeslein. “They’re the kind of shoes I can last in for a few hours in without complaint. I’ve got several weddings and parties coming up this summer, and I’ll be planning my outfits around these shoes.”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Straps rub
- Sizes: 6–11
- Material: Faux leather, rubber, latex
- Heel height: 3.1 in.
- Colors: 10+ options
Comfiest Closed-Toe Under $50: LifeStride Madelyn Pumps
.png)
LifeStride Madelyn Pumps
Amazon
What we love: If you’re looking for the perfect all-day pair of heels for work and loafers aren’t quite your cup of tea, these under-$50 gems are comfortable to walk in and look great with work clothes. They have a Mary Jane–style buckle that instantly adds elegance to your look and an insole with light cushioning that provides support, especially if you’re on your feet a lot of the day. “These kitten heels look formal yet feel like flats,” says Wendy Sy, a New York City-based content creator and founder of the blog Style Meets4 Story. “I wore them from morning until night and was happily surprised that my feet felt fine after a long day. The not-so-secret is the brand’s soft cushion sole that’s supportive and flexible, and it lives up to the hype.” The low heels may just make you forget that you’re not wearing sneakers.
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Sizing runs small
- Sizes: 5–12 in regular and wide
- Material: Polyurethane
- Heel height: 1.6 in.
- Colors: 5 options
Frequently asked questions
What type of heels are most comfortable?
According to Casey Pidich, DPM, a podiatrist and founder of Dr. Glass Slipper, there are a few styles of heels that are more comfortable than others. For example, kitten heels are lower, thinner heels that provide more balance and comfort. Dr. Pidich also recommends slingbacks because they typically have adjustable ankle straps to prevent slippage. Caroline McCulloch, a podiatrist and founder of Frankie4, echoes this sentiment and recommends block heels because they have a more stable foundation, so the ankle doesn’t have to work overtime. “Styles that hold onto your foot well will help you walk more naturally,” she says.
What should you look for when shopping for a comfortable heel?
When shopping for a comfortable heel, the podiatrists we spoke to recommend looking for a heel around two to three inches in height. “A two- to three-inch heel height will minimize pressure on the ball of the foot and allow feet to tolerate them for a longer period of time,” says Dr. Pidich. She also recommends looking for a shoe with a large toe box that’s more rounded. “A round toe or almond toe box shape accommodates our toes without too much pinching.”
As for styles with more support, McCulloch says to look for extra cushioning in particular areas of the shoe. “Support in the midsole should help ‘spread the load’ under the foot, rather than provide arch support. Excessive arch support when the foot is in a high-heeled position can be detrimental to comfort and stability,” she says.
How can you avoid foot pain while wearing heels?
The best way to avoid foot pain is to look for a heel that evenly distributes your weight while walking, says Audree Kate López, a New York City-based stylist. But if you really want to wear a pair of uncomfortable stilettos, there is an alternative. “I recommend spraying your feet with lidocaine before a big night, letting them dry before putting your shoes on, and adding fabric or gel cushions or inserts to the ball of the feet or heel for extra support,” she says.
Dr. Pidich also recommends stretching your feet before you put heels on. “Try five-minute calf stretches and heel raises to relieve any tension in your feet,” she says. It’s also key, according to both podiatrists, to make mühlet you’re wearing the right shoe size. “Always buy the shoe that feels more comfortable when you put them on, and if you’re in between sizes, always size up. Compression is the foot’s curse and can lead to long-term damage,” says Dr. McCulloch.
How we tested
Glamour editors and reviewers evaluated how supportive these podiatrist-approved heels felt after wearing them for at least a full day, noting how comfortable they were to walk in and if they hugged our feet without compressing. After walking and dancing in the heels, we checked to see if our feet were left with any blisters or shoe bites. We’re happy to report that all of these passed the test.
Meet the experts
- Casey Pidich, DPM, founder of Dr. Glass Slipper
- Caroline McCulloch, podiatrist and founder of Frankie4
- Audree Kate López, fashion stylist
