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The 20 Most Comfortable Heels for Weddings, Brunches and Everything in Between

Comfy and chic? It's possible—we'll prove it

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most comfortable heels of 2024, showing gucci heels, aerosoles and more
Victoria Bellafiore/PureWow

It’s no fun wearing the cutest pair of high heels in your closet, only to end up with a matching set of blisters on your feet at the end of the night. Lucky for you, we’ve found the most comfortable heels for every occasion, whether you’re commuting to the office in heels with arch support, hitting the dance floor in block heels at an outdoor wedding, or just looking for an everyday pair that can rival your ballet flats.

We know, we know: Comfortable heels have a rep for looking clunky or dowdy, but we’re here to change your mind with 20 pairs of chic styles for wherever you’re headed.

The Most Comfortable Heels at a Glance

1

Most Comfortable Heels Overall

Alohas Twist-Strap Heels

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2

Best Square Toe

Vivaia Square-Toe Chunky Heels

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3

Most Comfortable Heels for the Office

Sarah Flint Perfect Round Toe Pump

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4

Top Black Heels

Inez Sara Heels

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5

PureWow Editor-Favorite Platform Heels

Dolce Vita Ashby Heels

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How We Chose the Most Comfortable Heels 

To pick the most comfortable heels, we researched the top brands and expert recommendations, then honed in on the styles with the highest reviews, particularly those highlighting their wearability and comfort. To keep you from falling off the edge, we also stuck with supportive options that were under 3.5 inches tall and often feature cushioning or a wide toe box. Shoe style can also be a very personal choice, which is why we found options ranging from kitten to stiletto to chunky.

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Most Comfortable Heels Overall

1. Alohas Twist-Strap Heels

Why We Love It

  • pillowy straps
  • low heel

What We Don't Like

  • heels can peek over edge

Alohas

Cushioned leather is as luxurious as it gets. The heel comes in at just about three inches, and the soft double straps are thick for support but won’t cause any uncomfortable rubbing on the tops of your feet. Plus, this black shade will go with everything.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 3.25 inches
  • Size range: 6 to 10

Best Square Toe

2. Vivaia Square-Toe Chunky Heels

Why We Love It

  • made of sustainable materials
  • anti-slip sole

What We Don't Like

  • textured designs only; no smooth options

Vivaia

These shoes come with pressure-relief insoles that should calm any worries about your feet feeling achy after wearing them all day. The chunky, mid-height heel and anti-slip sole also provides stability for when you're running around the office or want to feel cute and casual. They have a knitted look that feels unique and still sophisticated whether they're paired with a pantsuit or jeans. "So comfy as my job required to stand and walk all day! Such great and practical shoes," praises one reviewer.

Fast Facts

  • Heel height: 1.77 inches
  • Size range: 5 to 11

Most Comfortable Heels for the Office

3. Sarah Flint Perfect Round Toe Pump

Why We Love It

  • expanded toe box
  • padded sole

What We Don't Like

  • runs small

Sarah Flint

Wear these sensible heels to the office and you’ll even be able to take your lunch break walk without swapping them for sneakers. They have a wider toe box for your feet to fit comfortably as well as anatomical arch support and padding for optimal comfort. "I had a severely broken foot a year ago, and never dreamed that heels would feel good again. These shoes have totally changed my perspective…and my shoe collection," says one reviewer.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.75 inches
  • Size range: 4 to 13

Top Black Heels

4. Inez Sara Heels

Why We Love It

  • plush, padded insole
  • embossed straps

What We Don't Like

  • on the taller side

Inez

Slip into these chic, embossed heels with ease thanks to the custom-designed insole. The side straps have elastic for a snug fit around the foot to avoid slipping and the Spanish leather upper is lavishly soft. "I just got back from a week in St. Lucia, and these were the shoes I wore every night! They are comfortable, effortless and go with everything," says blogger The Primpy Sheep in her review.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 3.5 inches
  • Size range: 6 to 10.5

PureWow Editor-Favorite Platform Heels

5. Dolce Vita Ashby Heels

Why We Love It

  • fun braided straps
  • ten color options

What We Don't Like

  • tight on pinky toe

Dolce Vita

Not only are the braided straps trendy, they help keep your foot secure, and the front platform helps even out your foot height for a more comfortable walking (or dancing) experience. "The color is on point to the picture, the chunky heel makes it comfortable," says one Amazon review. "The first time I wore these was to a wedding and danced all night in them! No need to even break them in!"

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 4-inches
  • Size range: 5.5 to 11

Most Comfortable Wedges

6. Soludos The Marseille Wedges

Why We Love It

  • ankle wrap straps
  • padded sole

What We Don't Like

  • runs large

Soludos

Wedges pair perfectly with jeans or a breezy midi dress. The three-and-a-half-inch wedge is padded for comfortable support, and the jute is biodegradable for a little environmentally friendly bonus. "I got the black pair as a gift at the beginning of the year," says one review. "I absolutely love them! Stylish, comfortable and TONS of compliments."

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 3.5 inches
  • Size range: 5 to 11

Sleekest Low Block Heels

7. Dream Pairs Low Heel Pump Sandals

Why We Love It

  • latex padded sole
  • 21 color options

What We Don't Like

  • runs large

Dream Pairs

If high high heels aren’t your thing, try this shorter-heeled pair on for size. The low height makes them easy to walk in, and they have a latex-padded insole for extra comfort. They’re available in more than 20 colors, which means you can score a few to coordinate with different outfits.

One reviewer can't stop raving about them. "I rarely write reviews, but I loved these heels so much. For starters, I have a wide foot. Heels are normally impossible for me to smash my feet into, but these were perfect. The best part about these heels is I wore them all night on New Year’s Eve and did not wake up with a single blister."

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.25 inches
  • Size range: 5 to 11

Most Comfortable Stilettos

8. Jenn Ardor Stilettos

Why We Love It

  • vegan materials
  • pointed toe

What We Don't Like

  • gap in the toe box

Jenn Ardor

If, on the flip side, your heel philosophy is ‘the higher the better,’ this pair is right up your alley. Clocking in at 4 inches, they have a padded sole for support and the soft, vegan materials won’t leave your feet red and irritated. If after 30 days you don’t love these shoes, you can send them back, no questions asked.

The toe box is a little wide. but they still fit like a glove, according to a reviewer. "My husband told me they actually looked 'like they were going to fall off my foot they were so big,' but they feel really secure! If anything, I think this will help avoid giving me blisters on the tops of my toes like I normally get."

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 4 inches
  • Size range: 6 to 11

Most Comfortable Criss-cross Design

9. Nina Nayley Sandals

Why We Love It

  • criss-cross straps
  • block heel

What We Don't Like

  • runs a bit narrow

Nina

Criss-cross heel designs are a stunning choice any time of year, and the thick, block heel will make these easy to walk in. We love how the thick straps look, but they're also great for keeping the heel secure as you dash from place to place. "Beautiful shoes with comfort," says one review. "Just hurt my knees and I can't wear 3-inch heels out, but these look good with my cocktail dresses during the holidays."

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.25 inches
  • Size range: 5 to 9

Most Comfortable Heeled Booties

10. Inez Paz 90 Heels

Inez

A sleek pair of boots never fails to look incredible with a short, swingy dress or your go-to boyfriend jeans. The upper is tapered, highlighting your ankles, and the proprietary insole is padded for a cushioned feel when you take a step. "These are absolutely the most comfortable pair of 3-inch heels I have EVER worn," says fashion blogger Party Til Dawn.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 3.5 inches
  • Size range: 6 to 10.5

Most Covetable Designer Heels

11. Gucci Marmont Block Heel Sandals

Why We Love It

  • sleek design
  • gold Gucci hardware

What We Don't Like

  • expensive

Gucci

If you want to splurge on high heels, go for a pair that will keep your foot comfortable when you wear them. Senior Editor Dana Dickey loves this Gucci option for the sleek look and easy wear. “These are a nice, walkable heel,” she says. “The festive gold sparkle and leather class up my fast fashion.”

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 3 inches
  • Size range: 4 to 12

Most Supportive Slingbacks

12. Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pumps

Why We Love It

  • buckle closure
  • low heel

What We Don't Like

  • back strap can slide

Sam Edelman

A sleek pair of slingback heels is a great compromise between a mule and a pair of pumps. The strap takes care of our biggest grievance with backless heels—one swift movement and you're hopping to put your shoe back on—and the low heel makes them easy to walk in. The buckle is adjustable, too, for a more customizable fit. "The cutest kitten slingblack!" one reviewer said. "Walked around all night in the babies and they did me no wrong."

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.4 inches
  • Size range: 5 to 14

Best Ballerina Heel

13. Everlane The Day Heel

Why We Love It

  • 100% leather
  • scrunchy, secure back

What We Don't Like

  • narrow

Everlane

Simple ballet flats get a lift with a 2-inch heel in these classic shoes from Everlane. A round toe and stretchy back make this shoe feel secure yet elevated enough for days at the office. Made of 100 percent leather and coming in four colors, the chunky heel also makes it possible to break out in a run (to catch a train, stop your toddler from eating that discarded lollipop at the playground, you name it). "Not only is it a beautiful winter white to be worn all year, it is comfortable from its first wear," shares one happy reviewer. "There is no break-in period. I wore this shoe all day around NYC for business!"

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2 inches
  • Size range: 5 to 11

Best Mary Jane Heel

14. Reformation Maddox Slingback Heel

Reformation

This adult take on classic schoolgirl shoes is a win in our book—plus, they're quite comfortable with the thick block heel and rounded toe. Each pair features a secure back and ankle strap that would look great bare or with a pair of frilly ankle socks. Made of pure bovine leather, you'll find them in a black patent finish, pure white or crocodile print.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 1.3 inches
  • Size range: 5 to 11

Best Mule Heels

15. Madewell The Macarro Mule

Why We Love It

  • sustainable leather
  • cushy sole

What We Don't Like

  • open back

Madewell

These slip-on mules are easy to throw on and get out the door. Featuring a soft, square toe and walkable stacked heels, they're extra cushy thanks to the brand's patented padding, making them a great choice for anyone who's on their feet all day. (Bonus points: The leather is sourced from a tannery that has a Gold Rating from the Leather Working Group, an organization working towards sustainable environmental practices in the leather industry.)

"I bought these as another option to wear to work when I wasn't feeling like wearing sneakers, but still wanted a mostly casual look," shares one reviewer. "As with most of Madewell's heeled shoes I've bought, the block heel keeps them comfortable and I look forward to these lasting for years."

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.75 inches
  • Size range: 6 to 10

Most Versatile Pointy-Toe Pumps

16. Sam Edelman Hazel Pumps

Why We Love It

  • timeless look
  • 31 color options

What We Don't Like

  • takes time to break in

Sam Edelman

A classic pointy-toe pump will forever be a go-to heel. The style is sleek and polished and can easily be worn for a day in the office or out on the town at night. This pair has a leather upper, and the four-inch heel is high, but not too high. Reviewers not that they take some time to break in, but once stretched out they're as good as gold. "After I wore them for a few times, they stretched out. Now, they are my favorite heels and to my surprise, I’m wearing heels more often because of these," one reviewer writes.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 4 inches
  • Size range: 4 to 13

Cutest Suede Sandals

17. Aerosoles Suede Sandals

Why We Love It

  • suede material
  • platform

What We Don't Like

  • runs large

Aerosoles

These comfy sandals have 2.5-inch heels with a 1-inch platform to make them almost feel like a flatform (aka more comfortable and easier to walk in). This pair is available in more than ten colors and features a suede upper. They are a bit roomy and could use a tighter strap, but this can work to create a comfier shoe. "They feel a little too large, for dancing at least," says one review. "But I'm going to add a hole in the strap to tighten them up. [They] will be my first not-too-tight dancing shoes!"

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.25-inches
  • Size range: 5 to 11

Sweetest Balletcore Pick

18. Margaux The Heel

Why We Love It

  • foam padding
  • elegant style

What We Don't Like

  • need to be broken in

Margaux

We are still obsessed with balletcore, and these dainty heels are a sleek and sweet way to dress up a simple outfit. They have a short block heel (ahem, great for walking through grass), and the sole has 5 millimeters of plush foam padding to keep your feet supported and comfortable. "I love the heel height, as it allows me to wear a beautiful heel again, as I have had a lot of back issues!" echoes one reviewer, adding that it has a "very comfortable" height.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.5-inch heel
  • Size range: 3.5 to 14

Best Floral Heels

19. Naturalizer Bristol Sandals

Why We Love It

  • floral pattern
  • cushioned footbed

What We Don't Like

  • a bit basic

Naturalizer

Ethereal and pretty, these adorable floral sandals are a great option for all those weddings you have coming up. Reviewers say the faux leather upper is nice and soft and the 2.5-inch block heel is a great pick if you have to do a lot of walking. "I cannot wear high heels," one says. "These were a great find. Enough heel to look dressy, yet they were stable enough to make me feel secure." Plus, the arch is supported by a cushioned footbed to cradle your feet with comfort.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.5 inches
  • Size range: 5 to 11

Perfect for Wide Feet/Bunions

20. Sole Bliss Ruby Heels

Why We Love It

  • wide footbed
  • extra cushioning

What We Don't Like

  • flashy

Sole Bliss

This podiatrist-approved brand also has the royal family stamp of approval (and who knows better about standing on your feet at plaque unveiling engagements for hours on end?). We love that these retro-feeling platforms have three layers of underfoot cushioning, a wider footbed (regardless of whether you have bunions or wide feet, it allows more room for your toes to breathe), a shock-resistant block heel for all-day comfort and that they’re handmade in Spain out of genuine leather.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 3.5 inches
  • Size Range: 5 to 11

What to Look for in Comfortable Heels

When you’re searching for a pair of comfortable heels, it’s best to keep a few things in mind: the style of shoes you like, the height of the heel and the construction of the sole. (This TikTok creator recommends opting for a set of platform heels to keep the ball of your foot more in line with your heel.) Lower, chunkier heels tend to be more walkable. And of course, a sole with *lots* of padding will keep your arches feeling supported and at ease.

What to Avoid, Based on Your Foot Type

If you've got wide feet and are trying to squeeze into a normal-width pointy-toe stiletto, you're going to be aching in pain within the first hour of wear. Shop for brands that make wider toe boxes (like Sarah Flint) or, if you're shopping at a department store like Nordstrom, filter your search to be for extended-width pairs only. A similar rule goes for those with painful bunions. Avoid pointy-toe stilettos that create unnecessary pressure at the base of your big toe and go for a more cushioned, open style.

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.


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Commerce Editor

Olivia Dubyak is PureWow's Commerce Editor and textbook Capricorn. She studied journalism at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has gone from New York City to...

Courtney Campbell

Freelance Writer

Courtney covers all things shopping and lifestyle at PureWow. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Elon University and has spent more than five years of her career...

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