The 20 Most Comfortable Pairs of Heels, According to People Who Know

If height is what you’re after, platforms should be your best friend. They allow you to stand much higher for extended periods of time due to the chunkier heel and thick support throughout the forefoot. The gradual arch can be more comfortable despite standing four to five inches off the floor. These gold platforms are a ’70s classic and will be your go-to shoe year-round. Wear them with tights for a winter wedding, then go bare with a springtime dress.

Customer review: “I haven’t worn heels in quite some time due to just general foot pain. My feet hurt even when I wear sneakers! But I had a party and I had these on for a couple of hours and I was absolutely amazed! The platform is perfect.”

After 30 years of practice, Levine is finding that bunions are genetic. “High heel shoes do not cause bunions,” she says. “You’re getting the bunion no matter what—aggravating the bunion is another thing.” Look for a deeper, wider toe box to accommodate the foot, and avoid putting pressure on the widest area where shoes can irritate bunions or cause ingrown toenails. These square-toed Suzanne Rae Mary Janes offer a great solution, plus the brand is rooted in environmental responsibility.

Boots give a sense of security because your foot and ankle are fully enclosed. These are made with supple Italian leather that’s designed to mold to the shape of your foot and a shock-absorbing insole. They can easily be dressed up with a skirt or dressed down with jeans, too. In fact, ELLE.com contributor Sam Peters says she’s sworn by these for years, and they’re still holding strong.

Customer review: “The pictures do not do this boot justice! These surpassed my expectations, especially as I usually cannot tolerate heels for a long period of time, and these remained comfortable, no blisters!”

Loafers typically have a wider and deeper toe box. The platform on this Jeffrey Campbell pair makes them look more dramatic than they feel. Go ahead and pair the ’90s-inspired silhouette with all the wide-leg jeans and low-rise skirts you can find.

Customer review: “They’re definitely not as tall as they seem in the picture, but I think they are the perfect height. Super comfortable and breaking them in is not uncomfortable at all.”

You know what they say: Everything in moderation. That also applies to the coveted pair of four-inch stilettos your heart desires. “If women take care of themselves, they can wear high heels,” Levine says. “I think it’s important for women to wear what they’d like to wear, even if it’s for a short period of time.”

Perched on Amina Muaddi’s signature martini heel, these glamorous sandals are a great option, as they offer the look of stilettos, but more stability like a block-heeled style. A genuine leather lining boosts their breathability as well.

Customer review: “I love everything about this shoe!! The mule style slips on and is so easy to wear...And they are quite comfy as are all [Amina Muaddi] shoes I have thus far.”

ELLE.com’s news and strategy editor Alyssa Bailey loves how these block heels maintain comfort as she transitions them from day to night. “I’ve been wearing this pair from Lulus for a while now...they don’t break the bank, but they’re great for walking around the office—even walking to dinner after—and look really chic.”

Additionally, they feature a cushioned insole and elasticized straps across the vamp for added support sans painful rubbing.

Customer review: “I have wide feet and still I’m in these all day they are so comfortable.”

“Don’t go cheap,” Levine says. “I’ve seen shoes that go for $25 with wooden or hard plastic bottoms—they’re not good for your feet.” Rubber or leather soles are best to absorb the shock and weight of your body as you walk. Don’t confuse affordable for cheap, though. These are made with rubber soles and have earned the stamp of approval from ELLE’s deputy editor Kayla Adler.

Everlane’s heels are chic, sustainably made with quality materials, and the perfect height for everyday wear. Just as its name suggests, this specific silhouette is meant to be worn 24/7, thanks to its supple Italian leather upper, manageable two-inch block heel, and elasticized heel design that helps prevent blisters. Plus, thousands of reviewers rave about these.

Customer review: “A pillow of comfortable delight without any compromise on style.”

“Legs instantly look miles longer in these invisible heels,” says ELLE beauty editor Margaux Anbouba. “Other reasons you need to own a pair: They match with everything, add a touch of edge to every outfit, and the padded base and lucite block heel make the fit so comfortable that I’ve bounced up subway steps super late to a date with no problem.” Consider us convinced.

This pair is Meg’s favorite. “They’re affordable, and I’m pretty sure I could walk for miles in them—seriously,” she says. “Plus, I feel like a Bratz doll when I wear them, and that’s really the fantasy, isn’t it?” The asymmetrical heel, which is over four inches tall, is balanced out by a thick, sturdy platform, while a taller inner zip lets you take these on and off with ease.

ELLE.com deputy editor Claire Stern calls these strappy platforms a personal favorite, and with good reason. Breathable materials like natural leathers that will give are important to achieving comfort. Cushioning on the footbed, especially on the ball of the forefoot, will allow you to stay on your feet longer. These are made of real leather, have an insole lined with memory foam, and have a roomy square-toe design that lets toes have room to breathe.

Customer review: “Great shoe—really comfortable and cute with dresses.”

“Some people actually do better with a heel if you have a high arch to begin with,” says Levine. “Your foot is almost meant to be in a heel if you think of a Cinderella foot.” Blessed with high arches? Avoid super flat shoes, but don’t go crazy with stilettos every day. Enjoy wearing heels and be sure to mix up the heights and shapes to find your most comfortable fit. These edgy booties, featuring a sizable four-inch inch platform and ridged sole, come backed by Amazon reviewers’ rave comments about how comfy they are.

Customer review: “Despite being ridiculously tall heels, these are more comfortable than pretty much any other heel and even non-heeled dress shoe I have worn. The heel is wide enough that they are super stable and the material doesn’t scuff easily. I wear them almost every day, and they still look great and are still comfortable.”

Billini is another favorite brand among editors because of its sneaky heel design. From the side, the long flat heel appears thin—almost like a stiletto. It’s a perfect shape for anyone who wants extra support without the bulky look of a chunky heel. Many of Billini’s styles feature this heel type, so there’s a good chance they have what you’re looking for.

Customer review: “Love these!! So comfortable and chic.”

While it is important to accommodate your toe box, that doesn’t mean pointy shoes are out of the picture. “You can still have the look, but you’ve got to be careful about the styles,” says Levine. As long as the widest part of the shoe does not create too much pressure, you can still go for a sleek and sexy point. These timeless pumps start with a wider toe but taper into a pointed shape. And, they come in wide-width sizes for those who need them. Extra support features include an anatomically contoured footbed and shock-absorbing sole, too.

Footwear designer Marion Parke just so happens to be a foot and ankle surgeon. Her footwear collection is designed with anatomy in mind, without sacrificing style and elegance. This stunning mule boasts the label’s signature Tripe I insole that molds to the natural shape of your foot and promotes proper alignment. Uniquely, the insole also features an extra thin layer of cushioning on the lateral side for additional foot and ankle support.

Customer review: “I’ve walked miles in her chic ankle boots during New York Fashion Week and have stood for hours in her heels at weddings.”

“If you start exercising [your feet] at a younger age, you probably won’t develop as many foot abnormalities like bunions, corns, and hammer toes, which develop over time,” explains Levine. “You’d see a different foot by age 40.” Stretch your heel cords every day, and try exercises like picking up a pencil with your toes, which strengthen your intrinsic muscles. These sleek sculptural pumps are perfect for date night, so when you excuse yourself to powder your nose, take a minute to stretch your toes. It sounds ridiculous, but it will prolong a night on your feet. Bonus: These also come in wide widths and have a soft leather lining, cushioned insole, and shock-absorbing outsole for amplified comfort.

Customer review: “I like the shoe, but more importantly I was amazed at how comfortable they were.”

These gorgeous heels are a fresh twist to the classic Mary Jane shoes. They have a modest rounded square toe and are made of vegan leather. Let this pair be a seasonless staple in your wardrobe for years to come!

Customer review: “They look really beautiful...I love the block heel (can’t walk on thin heels to save my life!) and the retro look of the shoe. The two closure bands are velcro, which is fun and makes it easier to put on/remove the shoes.”

“The biggest problem with the heel is that if you misstep, you can easily twist your ankle and you tend to go over the outer border of your ankle,” explains Levine. “If you can, have a thicker strap to lend more support.” This nostalgic pair has a super secure strap and a chunky heel to boot. Also featuring a proprietary sole design that better disperses friction and improves grip, you really can’t go wrong with this comfy-cute pick.

Keep in mind that this style runs narrow, so consider ordering a half size up if your feet run wide.

Customer review: “I can’t wear really high heels. These are platforms and were so comfortable and stylish.”

Complete with a super chunky block heel, memory foam cushioning, and dual strap security, these softy-lined heeled sandals are as comfy as they come. Not to mention, they’re a super budget-friendly option priced at just under $30.

Customer review: “Bought them for graduation and they fit perfectly and are as comfortable can heels be.”

For added comfort and support, there are always insoles. Editor Alyssa Bailey—and Kate Middleton!—rely on these from shoe designer Alice Bow to make any pair of heels “ultra-wearable for the long haul,” according to Bailey.

Crafted from supple Italian and Spanish leather, the stylish pads won’t take up too much room inside heels. They also offer a special tapered toe design, so you can wear them with both open and closed-toe styles.

Customer review: “The insoles for my high heel shoes are very comfortable. I can wear them for hours!”