The Most Comfortable High Heels That Won't Leave Your Feet Achy
- 1/16
The Most Comfortable High Heels That Won't Leave Your Feet Achy
Like a good pair of boots and loafers, a killer pair of high heels are also an essential component of any woman's wardrobe. Oftentimes, though, many happen to be absurdly uncomfortable and leave the balls of your feet and arches in pain after just a few hours. And as someone who takes shoes very seriously, I can tell you there's no worse feeling—fashion is not, and should not be, pain. But these days, more and more brands are rethinking the must-have shoes by designing them with extra support, smart insole technology that snuggly hugs your feet, and innovative silhouettes that won't crunch your toes together, or worse, cause blisters.
Fortunately, team T&C has done the hard work for you and tested several styles to narrow down the most comfortable heels on the market. From classic pumps to tried-and-true platform shoes and on-trend block heels, these chic picks were made for walking, dancing, and standing in for hours on end without any aches.
courtesy - 2/16
1) Perfect Pump 100
Sarah Flint
sarahflint.com
$477.00
The T&C editors are unanimously behind idea that every woman needs a classic black pair of pumps in their wardrobe. Allow us to introduce you to an OG of black pumps, these aptly-named Sarah Flint Perfect Pump stilettos with a timeless skinny heel, supple leather construction, plush padding, and specially-designed insole for extra arch support. Even Meghan Markle is a fan.
sarahflint.com - 3/16
2) Vittorio Snakeskin Slingback Pumps
Jennifer Chamandi
bergdorfgoodman.com
$845.00
The Duchess of Sussex, Kate Middleton, and Amal Clooney are massive fans of Jennifer Chamandi's shoes—and for good reason. Each pair features an innovative removable strap that loops through the heel to provide extra support, so you're not wobbling around.
Editor's note: I gave these a go for a recent wedding, and can assure you that they're not just great for walking in, but I was able to dance for hours in them, too, without my feet hurting at all.
bergdorfgoodman.com - 4/16
3) The City Sandal
Margaux
margauxny.com
$295.00
If you're a dedicated T&C reader, you'll know how much we love Margaux—especially these block heel sandals. With a not-t00-short, not-too-high stacked heel and a specially-designed padding insole, the strappy shoes are super easy to walk in and never dig into ankles and toes.
Just to give you an idea of how comfortable these bad boys are: I wore them for 13 hours straight when I went to the Kentucky Derby last year without experiencing a single ache or pain. None. Zero. And if you want a higher option, the brand has a sister style that's just as comfy.
margauxny.com - 5/16
4) Penny Platinum Pleated Bow Heel
Loeffler Randall
loefflerrandall.com
$395.00
These Loeffler Randall open-toe mules also get T&C's stamp of approval because of their easy-to-walk-in silhouette and the hard-to-resist bow-detailed design. According to Digital Director Caroline Hallemann, "The thicker heel makes outdoor receptions more manageable as there’s no sinking into the grass, and a padded footbed ups the comfort factor."
loefflerrandall.com - 6/16
5) Eleanor 85 Slingback | Suede High Heel
Marion Parke
marionparke.com
$550.00
These suede slingbacks were designed by a surgically-trained podiatrist, so right off the bat, you can already tell they were made to be wearable. Featuring a science-backed cushion, the heels were made to adapt to the natural curvature of your foot, help increase stability while walking, and reduce any fatigue. Oh, and the turquoise color? Let's just say you'll be eliciting head turns wherever you walk.
marionparke.com - 7/16
6) NearlyNude Strap Sandal
Stuart Weitzman
stuartweitzman.com
$475.00
Calling all bride-to-be's: For a comfortable and chic wedding day shoe that won't wreak havoc on your feet, look no further. T&C's News Writer Emily Burack has long been a fan of this cult-favorite block heel style and wore them for a whopping 12 hours straight for her big day last year. (I, too, have a pair that I've owned for years, and am in total agreement that they are among some of the best, thoughtfully made walkable heels on the market that are actually worth it.)
stuartweitzman.com - 8/16
7) Vita Platform Intense Rust
Alexandre Birman
alexandrebirman.com
$486.00
T&C's Deputy Digital Lifestyle Editor Roxanne Adamiyatt is obsessed with Alexandre Birman's take on the on-trend platform shoes, and it's not hard to see why. With a chunky, sky-high heel and lush outer texture, the style is comfortable, versatile, and just downright chic. What more could you need?
alexandrebirman.com - 9/16
8) Women's Sandal in Gold
Aerosoles
aerosoles.com
$135.00
Behold, the most comfortable flatforms that can be taken from day to night without a second thought. And the fact that it's less than $150? That makes it all the more worth it.
aerosoles.com - 10/16
9) Solar 65
Tamara Mellon
tamaramellon.com
$65.00
The best way to describe Tamara Mellon's sandal heels? Like a treat for your feet—and that's because it's designed with a memory foam pillow top insole that molds to your feet and feels like a total dream to walk in. Not only that, but that crystal strap makes this style even more irresistible.
tamaramellon.com - 11/16
10) 105 Leather Pumps
GIANVITO ROSSI
net-a-porter.com
$675.00
The Princess of Wales is frequently sporting these classic stiletto pumps from Gianvito Rossi while carrying out back-to-back engagements, and if they're good enough for her to walk around in all day, they're good enough for us. Bonus: they come in an endless range of stunning colors, all of which you'll want to add to your shoe collection.
net-a-porter.com - 12/16
11) Nelio Calfskin Ankle-Strap Platform Sandals
Clergerie Paris
bergdorfgoodman.com
$525.00
Extra height, stability, and comfort—these are just some of the things you'll get when you slip your feet into these leather platform sandals. There wasn't a day in the office during the summer months that T&C's Emily Burack wasn't wearing them. They're a prime pick for day-to-day, and an equally great option for fancier occasions.
bergdorfgoodman.com - 13/16
12) Lupita Patent Slipper
Amina Muaddi
fwrd.com
$660.00
Want to make a statement without having to sacrifice comfort? These pretty-in-pink slip-ons with a fluted heel are your answer.
fwrd.com - 14/16
13) The Italian Leather Day Heel
Everlane
everlane.com
$175.00
For a pair of heels that you can wear everywhere and every day, Everlane's ballet-inspired heels are your best bet. The chunky mini heel adds walkable height, while the elasticated back ups the comfort.
everlane.com - 15/16
14) Hangisi Crystal Buckle Pump
Manolo Blahnik
nordstrom.com
$1195.00
Fancier occasions call for fancier footwear, and these embellished Manolo Blahnik's are an all-time classic. Equal parts beautiful and comfortable, they're the kind you'll wear forever.
nordstrom.com - 16/16
15) Dolly Boot In Black Suede
Larroude
larroude.com
$475.00
Boots with a sky-high block heel? You need them—especially if they're by Larroude. You won't ever have to worry about discomfort, either, because they have a memory foam insole that hugs the bottom of your foot in all the right places.
larroude.com