I walked a mile in 92 pairs of heels to find the 22 most comfortable

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 thousand reviews 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 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 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 walking: M. Gemi Lizza Due

What we love: It's a notably comfortable platform heel thanks to its shallow pitch, which keeps your foot from sitting at too steep an angle, and the wide ankle straps make it feel especially stable and secure while walking.

Drawbacks: It has the heft of a platform heel, and the wider straps may feel a bit bulkier than those of a more delicate sandal silhouette.

After testing the Lizza Due, what impressed me most was how much more stable and wearable it felt than a lot of platform heels I have tried. One of the biggest reasons is the fairly shallow pitch (the angle at which your foot sits). That makes a real difference in comfort over time, since the shoe does not have that steep feel that can leave the balls of your feet aching after just an hour or two. I tested the suede version rather than the metallic leather, and in that finish, it felt especially easy to wear — polished and dressy, but a little softer and more versatile than a high-shine party shoe.

The fit also feels especially secure on foot, which adds a lot to the overall walkability. The wide ankle straps help keep your foot stable, so you feel more supported and less wobbly than you might in a strappier or more delicate-looking heel. That combination of a platform sole, shallower pitch, and grounded ankle support makes this a strong option for anyone who wants height without the usual tradeoff in comfort. It still looks elevated and occasion-ready, but what makes it stand out is that it actually feels practical enough to wear for a full event, not just for photos.

Best for summer: Reef Sunset Ibiza

What we love: These shoes have a 3.7 inch heel but are so lightweight and squishy that you won't feel the height at all. Plus, they're under $100.

Drawbacks: The detailing on the outside is not raffia but foam painted to look like fibers. This is actually a plus for me since real raffia would make these heavier, but it won't stand up to up-close inspection.

The Sunset Ibiza heels from Reef just became my new summer go-to sandals. They're super high — nearly four inches! But you don't feel the height at all. You just feel like you're walking on foam.

Despite the stilt-level height, I can't stop wearing these. Since I'm five-foot-two, so many of my pants and maxi dresses drag on the floor without heels. But I slip these on with about as much care as I would slip on a Birkenstock — no worries about eventual foot aches or blisters.

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 for bunions: Calla Shoes Margot Heel

What we love: Made especially for people with bunions, these shoes are built with a wider toe box and a stretch lining to accommodate mild to moderate bunions.

Drawbacks: The ankle strap is a little too thin to offer extra stability.

If you have bunions, you have to check out Calla. The brand makes heels, sneakers, flats, and more designed to accommodate mild to moderate bunions. And for particularly large ones, they even have picks with extra-wide toe boxes.

But these shoes are a far cry from the orthopedic loafers that you might expect from a comfort-focused, bunion-solution shoe brand. Instead, you'll find silhouettes on par with most trendy footwear retailers. Chief among them, in my opinion, are the Margot Heels that look like a stylish platform heel on the outside, but have tons of comfort features on the inside.

To accommodate bunions, these have a stretch lining, a wide toe box, and lots of interior padding. They're incredibly comfortable despite being over four inches tall. Plus, they're built for stability — I would have no issues dancing the night away in these. However, my only minor critique is that the ankle strap is a little thin; I would have preferred a thicker, cushioned strap like the one across the toe box.

Bottom line: these are best for anyone who wants a dressy heel that feels more wearable — especially if you're sensitive in the forefoot, want extra toe room, or prioritize stability over a delicate silhouette. Before you check out, it's worth double-checking the measurement guide if you're between sizes, then taking advantage of the brand's exchange/return options if you need a tweak.

Best slingbacks: Inez Mia

What we love: A sleek standout from one of our favorite comfortable heel brands, these slingbacks are beautifully crafted and come in narrow, standard, and wide widths.

Drawbacks: The elastic is a little flimsy; we would have much preferred a buckle.

Slingbacks are the style of the season and there's no style more comfortable than this pick by Inez. It's available in a bunch of colors — and it comes in narrow, standard, and wide fits.

Inez is one of our favorite brands ever for comfortable heels — which is why you'll find a bunch of their shoes on this list. In our Inez review, we raved about the brand's commitment to only the highest quality of craftsmanship. They are made in Spain and have proprietary plush insoles, which you can absolutely tell make a huge difference. When you slip them on, you can feel immediately how they cradle your foot for maximum stability and comfort.

The Mia slingbacks, especially in the beautiful orchid color, got me tons and tons of compliments. I cannot recommend them enough.

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 are Crocs. 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 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 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 high vamp: Elaine Slingback Pointed Toe Pump

What we love: These extremely 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.

Best velvet: Birdies Kiwi Kitten Flower

What we love: The velvet flower makes these shoes really stand out — and the arch support and padded footbed make them comfortable to stand or dance in.

Drawbacks: The sole of the shoe is completely smooth, so it takes some breaking in to prevent slipping on tile floors. Also, the heel isn't as stable as I would like.

We've reviewed Birdies' loafers, sneakers, and more throughout the years, but heels are somewhat new for the brand. The Kiwi Kitten Flower is a style standout, with a statement rose and a delicate heel.

Comfort-wise, the details that matter are built in. Birdies uses a memory foam comfort insole with full arch support and a contoured footbed for that plush, cushioned feel underfoot. The sole is also designed to flex, with the brand's signature rubber front pod that can help with grip where you actually push off when you walk.

These aren't perfect — I do wish the heel was a little more stable. And when I first tried them, I felt myself sliding around because the sole lacks traction; this got much better once I had worn them a bit and broken them in by walking on concrete.

But they're so cute that some flaws are easy to overlook. I got an overwhelming amount of compliments on these, and it's easy to see why.

Best with a bow: Oasis Society Celine

What we love: It combines several comfort-friendly details — a stable block heel, cushioned insole, adjustable ankle strap, and a more manageable 3.75-inch height — that make it easier to walk in.

Drawbacks: The textured woven floral textile and textile-wrapped heel look beautiful, but they may be more delicate and harder to keep pristine than smoother materials. Plus, they run a little narrow.

After testing the Oasis Society Celine in Rose Garden, I was impressed by how comfortable and walkable it felt for such a cute, dressed-up heel. The floral fabric and oversized bow make it feel especially charming and feminine, and it definitely reads as a statement shoe — the kind of pair that can instantly dress up a simple, solid-color outfit and make it feel more styled. Comfort-wise, the padded footbed gives it a softer feel underfoot, while the block heel adds stability that makes it easier to walk in than a lot of similarly decorative occasion heels.

My main caveat is that while the cushioning helps, I wish the padding were wider and extended across the full footbed for more complete support. Even so, it still felt notably comfortable in testing, and the secure ankle strap and grounded heel shape make it feel practical enough for events where you actually plan to be on your feet. It is a great option if you want a heel that feels romantic and standout, but is also genuinely wearable.

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 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 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.

Meet the expert behind this guide:

Sam Crozier, style editor: I've spent several years covering footwear trends as a style editor at BI, and heels are my passion.

I also know buying heels can feel like a gamble. They look amazing online, feel fine for five minutes, and then halfway through the night, you're hobbling, slipping out of the back, or hunting for a place to sit.

That's why I test them the way you'll actually wear them. I've tried 80+ pairs, walking a mile in each to see whether they live up to their comfort claims. Between expert chats, market research, and a lot of real-world walking, I narrowed this list to pairs that look polished and hold up past the mirror test — so you don't have to sacrifice comfort to look put-together.

See more about how we test style products at BI.

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.