I tested 87 pairs of heels by walking a mile in each — these are the 20 most comfortable ones

Best overall: Naturalizer Joy Dress Sandal

What we love: With a heavily padded footbed and a super versatile silhouette, these are the ultimate wedding guest heels. These beloved shoes come in over 40 colors (check multiple links if you're looking for a specific shade), so you can find one to match your outfit perfectly.

Not ideal for: People with narrow feet, since these only come in a regular and wide fit.

First of all, can I just say how impressed I am with Naturalizer? Over a decade ago, I remember following my grandmother into the store while she picked out loafers that you could tell were a podiatrist's dream. But now, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything like those orthopedic loafers on their site.

Instead, they've incorporated all the comfort that they're known for into shoes that are actually cute. So while the inside of the shoe might still be a podiatrist's dream, the outside will be trendy and chic — exemplified by the bestselling Joy Dress Sandal.

You can see how thick the padding is by just looking at it. The insole is contoured to the shape of your foot, which offers arch support and takes the pressure off the balls of your feet. The heel itself is a whopping three-and-a-half inches, but they absolutely do not feel that high when you have them on.

I've recommended these to tons of friends as the perfect wedding guest (or even wedding day!) shoes, and have gotten countless post-event texts about how amazingly painless these are. I've personally danced the night away in these heels at least half a dozen times.

Check out our article on the best bridal shoes for more of our top picks for heels for your big day.

Best budget: Dream Paris Chunky Low-Heel

What we love: These Amazon ultra bestsellers get heaps of praise for their good value. For under $40, they're a great, comfortable block heel that isn't too high.

Drawbacks: Though these are a great budget option, they lack premium comfort features like a padded footbed or contoured construction.

I knew that I needed to test these shoes because they have a whopping twenty-four thousandreviews on Amazon and four-and-a-half stars. People in the reviews rave about wearing these all night, walking miles in them, and how they feel like they cost way more than the under-$40 price tag. Plus, they have nearly thirty colors available.

After walking over a mile in the Dream Paris Low Heel Sandals, I understand what the hype is about. The heel is a perfect everyday height and you can't beat the simplicity and versatility of the silhouette. Plus, they are absolutely everything that Amazon reviewers claim them to be — super affordable and very walkable.

However, if you're committed to the single-strap silhouette and want shoes that will last you through every summer wedding you attend, I would still recommend our best overall pick, the Naturalizer Joy Dress Sandal. It has an almost identical silhouette, but the Naturalizer pair has far more footbed padding. Plus, the padding is brilliantly contoured to your foot. This Dream Paris pair is great for getting pretty comfy heels at a good price, but you might face some issues with the toe strap rubbing and your foot feeling fatigued if you're planning to wear these all the time.

Best slingbacks: Frankie4 Coco

What we love: These beautifully constructed slingbacks support your whole foot. They've solved the problem of squished toes in pointed shoes.

Drawbacks: There are no narrow or wide fits available.

These slingbacks come from Frankie4, one of our favorite brands ever for podiatrist-designed shoes that are actually cute.

When I've tested uncomfortable pointed-toe slingbacks, the common theme is that they squish my toes together at the point. This gets even worse when you walk for a distance because the forward motion pushes the front of your foot deeper into the narrow toe. And don't even get me started on the damage this does to pedicures.

But the Coco slingbacks don't give me that issue. They work because the toe box is wider, and the insole's structure cradles your foot so it stays in place. The shoes even come with gel forefoot cushions to help with this support, but I have never even needed them. Plus, they even have a strap across the toe, which I previously thought was just a design choice — but the strap is adjustable and also helps stabilize your foot.

All in all, these are the perfect fall heels. I've worn them with tights and a dress, with jeans and a tee, and with everything in between.

Best pumps: Ally Classic Pumps

What we love: These are available in four different widths, providing a near-custom fit. They're also perfect for wearing to work.

Drawbacks: Higher price point compared to other options, since these are meant to be an investment piece.

Even if you're a pump enthusiast, you probably haven't felt pumps like these. Ally's shoes feel custom since they're available in four (yes, you heard right, four) different widths. And you can absolutely feel what a difference it makes to have a shoe in your exact size.

I took Ally's fit finder quiz to nail down which width would fit me best and was blown away when I received the shoes. Inside, there are layers of padding that perfectly cradle the arch of my foot. And there's even toe box contouring to support the balls of your feet. Seriously, these have all the comfort bells and whistles that you could ask for.

The only drawback of these Ally pumps is that they're a touch expensive, but compared to actual custom shoes, these are a steal.

Best heeled ballet flat: Margaux Ada

What we love: With a shorter heel and a slightly square toe, these elegant shoes fit like a glove.

Drawbacks: Finding the correct size and width can be difficult.

We've long admired Margaux's commitment to beautiful leather and chic silhouettes. The Ada looks like an elegant ballet flat, but it has a little heel that adds slightly over an inch of height.

I got it in the color Espresso Crinkle Patent, which is a shiny brown color that feels like the epitome of fall. The leather is supple and molds to your feet for a glove-like fit. Plus, the insole has a memory foam-like padding that cradles your foot.

But sizing is a little tricky to get right. I've always characterized my feet as being on the wider end of typical, but I very rarely find myself having to opt for a wide fit shoe. In almost all situations, a regular width works just fine. But with Margaux shoes, I've learned to always go for the wide.

The shoes come in three widths: narrow, medium, and wide. If you're on the fence about which would work for you, opt for the more generous fit.

Best for work: Antonia Saint NY All Occasion Heel

What we love: The brand's SoftSurround System is fantastic. It keeps your foot stable and makes it feel like your foot is surrounded by a foamy cushion.

Drawbacks: Some people report that the shoes run a little larger than expected.

If your office dress code is a little more formal, these pumps will be your new best friend. They pair perfectly with the best suits for women or formal work dresses.

The All Occasion Heels from Antonia Saint New York have an internal cushioning system that surrounds the whole foot rather than just padding the footbed. I love the comfort and, crucially, the support this offers. Instead of sliding around, my foot is firmly braced by the shoe. This is especially helpful for safety since instability can cause ankle injuries.

Usually, I size down a half-size in pumps because the pitch of the heel tends to push my toes deep down into the toe box, leaving extra space at the back. But I opted not to size down in these, and I'm glad I did. The brand's proprietary SoftSurround System keeps my foot enveloped in foamy support so my toes don't slip down.

The shoes are also made from soft, shiny leather that looks great and photographs well. The brand also claims that the heel is made from materials that won't nick. I know I'll be wearing these a ton, so I'll report back if I experience any damage, but so far, so good!

Best high vamp: Elaine Slingback Pointed Toe Pump

What we love: These exremely comfortable slingbacks have a high vamp that provides extra stability and a foam footbed that feels great to walk on. The shoe also comes in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide fits.

Drawbacks: Certain colorways are prone to scuffing.

Shoes with a high vamp have been an under-the-radar trend that's slowly seeping into the mainstream. In case you're unfamiliar, the vamp of a shoe refers to the upper section that covers the top of the foot, starting at the toe. Most of the slingbacks on this list give me a little bit of "toe cleavage," but these extend farther up my foot. And while I was initially skeptical about the look and fit of the Elaine Slingback, it took me almost no time to be sold.

The higher vamp actually adds a lot of stability that other slingbacks lack. It keeps your foot from wiggling in the shoe and provides a stable base for walking. Plus, these have the cushioned footbed that I've raved about in other reviews of Naturalizer shoes. The heel on these shoes is almost three inches high, but they feel much lower than that.

I got these in the medium width, but they also come in narrow, wide, and extra wide fits. And these come in a ton of colorways — both basic leather shades and some unexpected seasonal designs like a shiny black pick coverd in silver studs and plaid fabric pattern.

Highest heel: Elizee Fiorella Sandal

What we love: For a heel this high (and a pitch this steep), it's incredible how comfortable these are. I highly recommend them as some of the best bridal heels around.

Drawbacks: At over $600, they're definitely a splurge.

At nearly four inches with a three-inch pitch, the Fiorella Sandals from Italian brand Elizéelook a little intimidating — but don't let that fool you. They're super lightweight, with a cushioned insole and a thick strap that wraps around your ankle for stability.

When I wore them for the first time, I was blown away by the construction. This is a true stiletto heel. And yet, I didn't feel any of the discomfort of basically walking around on my tippy-toes for hours.

It's a little on the pricier side, but it's a perfect choice for a wedding, whether it be yours or one you're attending as a guest. It has the rare combination of being a classic, formal stiletto while also being a shoe that you can dance in all night.

Just not that when I first tried this, I had buckled it too loosely around my ankle. It felt much less comfortable because my foot was wiggling around too much. Make sure you fasten these on tightly (even tighter than you think you need to) for the best fit.

Best lightweight: Crocs Brooklyn Heel

What we love: These are hands down my most-worn pair of heels. I slip them on to do errands, walk my dog, and even wear them out to dinner. They're incredibly lightweight and have such a shallow pitch that you barely feel like you're wearing heels at all.

Drawbacks: Though it's small, the Crocs logo does appear on the outside of the shoe. Plus, the white color has some issues with scuffing.

Yes, that's right, these areCrocs.They're made of the same lightweight, foam-like material that made the clogs famous. And if you're wondering if they feel the same; they really do.

Like the clogs, the Brooklyn Heel footbed is cushioned and has bumps on it that are like little massage beads. At first, I was dubious about this feature, but I like how the little bumps stop my food from sliding around. And they're lightweight like the Crocs clogs, too.

These chunky heels lean into the '90s vibes and give you a full extra three inches of height. Plus, unlike other chunky heels, these don't feel like you're lugging around rocks on your feet. And they're just cute. I really enjoyed shocking my coworkers by telling them I was wearing Crocs.

The only issue I foresee with these is scuffing. I got the Brooklyn Heel in white, so it's hard to not get little black marks on them. If I were to do it again, I would probably get the black color to avoid this issue.

Best knit mule: Quince Italian Leather & Eco Knit Heeled Mule

What we love: Since these are made of stretchy knit material, there's almost no break-in time. The elastic upper molds to your feet immediately, making them great for people with bunions or irregular feet.

Drawbacks: If you have particularly narrow feet, these will likely slip off.

The silhouette of Quince's Eco Knit Heeled Mule is strikingly similar to Everlane's Day Glove Mule in ReKnit , but Quince's is a quarter of an inch higher and about half as expensive (when the Everlane shoe is not on sale).

The upper part of these mules is made of stretchy material that moves with you — almost like a legging for your feet. This makes them super accommodating for all kinds of foot issues, such as bunions, swollen feet, hammer toes, and more.

I was a little worried that these would make a clop-clomp sound (like a few people have reported with the Everlane Day Glove Mules), but I was pleasantly surprised that the knit had enough tension in it that the shoe stayed tight to my foot.

These are super walkable and slightly more casual than a toe strap sandal or a slingback. They're a great option for everyday workwear—elevating jeans while still looking sharp enough to pair with a blazer.

Highest pump: Inez Alta

What we love: If you want the highest walkable pump possible, this is it. It's steep, but Inez is great at making steep shoes comfortable.

Drawbacks: These do get uncomfortable after a while of walking.

Another winner from a brand that we love. Here's what I said about these stellar pumps in our Inez Review:

Pumps are difficult to get right. Unlike platforms or other kinds of creatively-designed shoes, there's no way of getting around the steep pitch. In fact, these are particularly steep. Aptly called the Alta, they have a towering heel height of 3.5 inches. You can get the style in a lower-height heel, called the Lola, if this sounds a little too tall for you. But don't be afraid to go with the higher heel. The shoes are far more comfortable than they look.

And while I probably wouldn't recommend these for running around, they are the ultimate secret weapon for feeling authoritative and stylish at work. Paired with one of the best suits for women, the Alta pumps make the ultimate power outfit.

Best slingback for wide feet: Vivaia Addison

What we love: We highly recommend these for wide feet since Vivaia's signature stretchy knit upper can accommodate wider widths. These are also great for people who really want a padded footbed.

Drawbacks: The knit outer isn't the most elegant, so it might not be a great choice for strictly formal events.

Vivaia remains a consistent favorite for the most comfortable footwear because of the stretchy elastic material that the brand uses. The knit upper, made from recycled plastic bottles, is much more pliable than other textiles like leather or canvas. So rather than suffering it out to break in a pair of leather slingbacks, you can slide into these immediately like a good pair of leggings.

I love how stretchy yet secure these feel. The back strap is adjustable, which is a fantastic feature to have in slingbacks. And because I could tighten it, I didn't have any issues with accidentally stepping out of the shoe or any discomfort caused by my foot moving around in the toe box. Slingbacks, more than any other shoe, are prone to these snafus — but not the Addison Slingback Sandals from Vivaia.

Vivaia has made lots of our guides to the best footwear, including the best walking sandals for women and the best loafers for women. For a full list of our favorite styles, see our Vivaia review.

Best for a wedding: Inez Camilla

What we love: These platform heels come in wedding-ready colors like silver, nude and black. They're comfortable enough to dance in and high enough to keep your maxi dress off the floor.

Drawbacks: Unlike many of Inez's shoes, this style only comes in a standard width.

I've worn the Camilla shoes to three different weddings and have danced the night away every time with no issues. The high platform means that these shoes have a relatively shallow vamp, but your foot is still at an elegant, leg-lengthening angle.

They're also almost four full inches high, which is great for me since I'm petite and tend to have an issue with long dresses dragging on the floor. These keep the hem firmly off the ground.

I also appreciate that these are available in formalwear neutrals — like silver and shiny black. Part of the reason I love these so much is that they go with anything, no matter the dress code.

Best kitten heel: Naturalizer 27 Edit Grace Sandal

What we love: This shoe has tons of padding.It's obvious even in the picture above how padded the toe strap is.

Drawbacks: Some people report that the bottom is slippery.

I've already touted the supreme comfort of Naturalizer heels and these are another stellar option.

Not only is the footbed padded, but the straps are also cushioned. In fact, the toe strap is downright foamy. It makes a huge difference when you're walking since the repetitive motion can make typical straps cut into you.

I also appreciate the stability of the kitten heel on the 27 Edit Grace Sandal. Sometimes, heels this this make you feel slightly wobbly. But these are secure and I feel sure-footed, even when walking on uneven surfaces.

Best platform: Margaux The Platform Sandal

What we love: These chic sandals are beautifully constructed, and Margaux's signature "X"-shaped toe strap design provides plenty of stability.

Drawbacks: We've had some issues with Margaux's sizing, so we highly recommend ordering the wide width even if you normally order regular width shoes.

Margaux makes an amazing selection of carefully designed comfortable heels. This one is a slightly higher version of their City Sandal — another winner when it comes to construction. But at a full three inches high, The Platform takes the cake for the best heel overall when it comes to combining height with walkability.

There are lots of features that contribute to the comfort of this fabulous heel. First, it has five millimeters of cushioned padding on the sole that makes it feel like you're putting on a slipper. Plus, the toe straps form Margaux 's signature "X" which adds stability that you wouldn't get from a narrow, single strap. And finally, these shoes are handmade in Spain, meaning that there's a ton of effort focused on the construction of the shoes that you won't find in just any shoe made on an assembly line.

Overall, I found these to be so walkable that I started using my pair as an everyday shoe — and not just the pair of cute heels that I only pull out for special occasions. In fact, I'm going to pack them for walking around and sightseeing when I'm in Italy, which is a huge testament to this heel's top spot as the most comfortable heel.

Make sure you check out Margaux's other shoes (like The Heel, a pump) for similarly stellar construction. We even reviewed Margaux's Demi Flats and loved those too.

Though I found it super comfortable on my typical-to-wide feet, some reviewers note that the heel area is a little wide for people with narrow feet. Also, there are reviewers who note that the ankle strap is a little bit loose. If that's an issue for you with these (or any shoe), I suggest getting a leather hole puncher to add extra holes for the buckle. I have one and use it on everything from purses to belts and more!

Best clear heels: Vivianly Transparent Stiletto Heel

What we love: These under-$40 heels make you look like you have legs for days.

Drawbacks: Since they're made of clear plastic with no give, it's not a good idea to wear them for long walks.

If you haven't heard about the miracle of clear heels, allow me to educate you. There are certain features of shoes that make your legs look shorter: an ankle strap cuts your leg off, and platforms don't create the leg-lengthening tippy-toe shape that traditional heels do. But clear heels are the holy grail of making your legs look like they go on for days.

I've had these clear heels from Amazon for over two years and I take them out whenever I wear a cute minidress. They're comfortable enough that you can dance in them at night, but I wouldn't recommend wearing them for long walks since the repetitive motion can make the plastic cut into your feet. One mile was fine, but anything over that might be a little dicey.

But for $40 Amazon shoes that I've had for years, they really do the trick. And don't just take my word for it — these shoes have six thousand reviews on Amazon and nearly five stars, with people in the comments amazed at how comfortable they are.

Best wedges: Vivaia Stacy Pro

What we love: This standout from our favorite comfort-first footwear brand features an adjustable backstrap, a super comfy knit upper, and a padded footbed.

Drawbacks: Might take a little time to break in, especially around where the pinky toe sits.

I wore Vivaia's lightweight wedge sandals to walk across miles of hot concrete, and the ventilated cushions were so plush that I forgot about the metatarsal pain I usually get from wearing heels. I also wore them around the pool, and the padding dries quickly after you slide into them with wet feet.

Plus, their non-slip soles make it safer to step through puddles.The stretchy knit strap caused some friction around my pinky toes when I was first breaking these in, but it subsided more and more with each wear. And while the toe area is flexible and soft, the rear is rigid for better stability.

I have narrow feet and wear a size US 8, and the Stacey Pro fit me without sliding off. They have wide, stretchy straps to fit comfortably around feet of different widths and arches. If you feel your toe shape fits better in a square-toed sandal, Vivaia makes a similar wedge called the Laura. —Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor

Best woven leather: Bared Footwear Attila

What we love: The stellar footbed is incredibly supportive and comfortable. Plus, the woven leather is flexible, comfortable, and super trendy.

Drawbacks: The ankle strap could be a tiny bit thicker to stabilize the foot more.

These vacation-ready shoes have a basket-weave pointed toe that is incredibly trendy right now. I love how it looks, but I was initially very skeptical about how comfortable the weave would be. But these are flexible, pleasantly breathable, and have molded to my feet after just a few wears.

I love wearing pointed-toe slingbacks, but sometimes they feel a little formal and stuffy for summer dressing. But these — with their woven leather texture — are the perfect, breezy solution. I can wear them at beachside restaurants, on vacation, and at formal events.

What sets the Attila apart is its focus on a stellar footbed. Bared Footwear's proprietary footbeds are developed with podiatrists to help cradle your feet and reduce pain points. It has arch support, heel cushioning, and forefoot padding that significantly reduce fatigue.

Best cloth pumps: Vivaia Melody Pro

What we love: If you are used to getting blisters on the back of your feet from pumps or if you have issues with your foot slipping out of shoes like this, these might be the solution. They have a clever cushion on the area between your heel and ankle, which helps stabilize your foot.

Drawbacks: The pumps in nude aren't the cutest, so I recommend getting them in a darker color.

One look on the inside of these pumps and you'll see why they're so comfortable. Vivaia's pressure relief insoles have padding exactly where you want it. Incredibly, there's extra cushioning on the area between your heel and ankle where blisters usually appear so there's no uncomfortable rubbing. The sole also has arch support, padding under the balls of your feet, and a shock-absorbent heel rebound.

All of these bells and whistles combine to create a pump that you'll want to wear all day. In fact, these actually feel like wearing sneakers! I'm never afraid of wearing these out of the house, no matter how far I'm going to be walking. Plus, the nude color makes these almost disappear so that you can pair them with anything.

Just note that if you're looking for the pressure relief insole, make sure you get the Melody Pro. The regular Melody is $20 less expensive and still has some features like the blister cushion, but it doesn't have all the comfort features of the Pro.

Best flatform: Famolare Upslide

What we love: The big rubber outsole makes these heels supremely shock-absorbing. They're also incredibly high but don't feel like it at all.

Drawbacks: There are no half-sizes, so the sizing can feel a little off.

These wavy-soled flatforms are over three inches high, so they're one of the more towering options on this list. But they absolutely don't feel like it.

The wavy heel on the Upslide is unique and adds a ton of visual interest. Plus, because it is so thick and rubbery, it functions beautifully as a shock absorber. I can walk for miles in these without feeling the fatigue in my feet.In fact, the only shoes I can think of that do shock absorption better are Dansko clogs, which are a favorite of professionals like nurses.

I also really appreciate that the leather upper on these Famolare slides is so long. It helps secure the rubber platform to your feet, giving you confidence that you won't accidentally kick off your shoes with a particularly vigorous stride. It's also flexible and comfortable.

As far as fit, I just wish that these shoes came in half sizes. I got it in a seven but I think it would have been perfect in a six-and-a-half.

FAQs

What are the most comfortable types of heels?

The shape of the heel will definitely affect how comfortable it is. Here are a few common types.

• Platforms are typically the most comfortable because they reduce the angle of the pitch (the incline between the heel and the toe). You can even get platforms (often called 'flatforms') that have no pitch at all and are completely flat.
• Block heels are also pretty comfortable because the thick heel offers stability that thinner heels don't. If you want the look of a block heel but the comfort of a platform, look for shoes that have a platform under the toe.
• Kitten heels are thin and typically two inches or lower. Most shoes with kitten heels are aesthetically delicate, so they have a much different look than chunky block heels or platforms.
• Stilettos are the hardest to pull off, comfort-wise. The heels are thin and tall, often tapered to be thinner at the point where the heel hits the ground. If you like the look of a stiletto but find it hard to balance, try looking for "spool" heels, which are flared at the top and bottom to offer more stability.

What heel height is best for all-day comfort?

Here's the secret: It's not about how high the heel is — it's about how steep the pitch is. For example, a five-inch platform with a one-inch pitch will be loads more comfortable than a two-inch kitten heel.

When you're looking for heels, look at the angle of the pitch and prioritize a shallow incline over a lower heel.

What features make a heel comfortable?

In addition to a low pitch, here's what you should look for when shopping for comfortable heels.

Cushioned insoles: Prioritize shoes that have padded insoles. Walking on a surface lined with foam is infinitely better than walking on unlined wood or plastic.

Arch support: Without arch support, your feet will get tired quickly. You want to avoid flat insoles, even if the heel is low.

The right toe box: Wider toe boxes and open-toed shoes will be easier on your feet. Pointed-toe shoes can force your foot into a position where your toes get squished, especially if you're walking all day.

What heels are good for people with wide feet?

If you have wider feet, we highly recommend looking for brands that have specific wide-foot fits, like Naturalizer.

But we also recommend checking out brands that use stretchy material, like Vivaia. Since Vivaia's signature stretchy knit construction gives a lot of wiggle room in terms of width, it's a great choice for people with wide feet.