12 Most Comfortable Heels for Every Occasion, Tested and Reviewed
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
The most comfortable heels in your closet will get you through so many occasions, from work to weddings, but finding them in the first place can be a (literal) pain. Blisters, bunions, broken straps—we’ve all been there. So to settle the issue once and for all, we turned to Glamour editors, style experts, trusted reviewers, and board-certified podiatrists to find heels that basically double as walking shoes.
Our favorite overall heels are Sam Edelman’s Bianka pumps, which are right on trend, podiatrist-approved for all-day wear, and easy to style for any occasion. But we also tracked down budget-friendly Amazon picks and chic kitten heels that overdeliver on arch support. These Glamour editor–approved options will keep your focus on what you’re doing (and away from your achy soles).
The most comfortable heels for women, at a glance
- Best Overall: Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pumps, $80
- Best Sandals: Naturalizer Vera Sandals, $110
- Best Value: The Drop Avery Square-Toe Heeled Sandals, $24
- Best for Walking: Sorel Kinetic Impact Y-Strap Sandals, $135
- Best High Heel: Dream Pairs Strappy Stilettos, $43
- Most Trendy: Steve Madden Liana Heels, $100
Best Overall: Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pumps
- Courtesy of brand
- Original image by Glamour reviewer Stephanie Pernas
What we love: Easy to adjust; extremely comfy for walking; two widths available
What could improve: Made of faux leatherCasey Pidich, DPM, a podiatrist based in New York City, recommends these high-quality slingbacks that are a hit on Amazon: “They allow for more wiggle room in the toes, have adjustable straps, and are available in regular and wide widths to truly customize your fit.” This pair comes in over 30 finishes and is frequently on sale for under $100. The pointed toes elongate the legs, making this pair ideal for oversized barrel jeans or slacks. “They’re so chic and sleek,” says fashion blogger Stephanie Pernas. “I love that they come in a bunch of colors and have a great low kitten heel—they are insanely walkable compared to other shoes in my collection.”
Sizes: 5–14 in regular and wide
Material: Polyurethane
Heel height: 2.4 in.
Colors: 30+ optionsBest Sandals: Naturalizer Vera Sandals
What we love: Three widths; sturdy ankle strap
What could improve: Toe strap might be too tightStanding at just over two inches, these top-rated low heels from Naturalizer feature the brand’s signature cushioned footbeds and three widths—a major plus for anyone with narrow or wide feet. “I rarely wear heels, but every now and then I like to throw on a low-heeled sandal for work. These block-heel shoes are low enough for me to wear them all day and not feel like my feet are suffocating,” says Glamour reviewer Maria Navarro. “Naturalizer also has the most customizable sizing I’ve seen thus far, and my feet tend to be on the more narrow side.” These sandals also come in a huge range of colors, including an impressive selection of nudes and metallics that’ll look great with event dresses. (There’s a reason reviewers love these shoes for weddings.)
Sizes: 4–13 in narrow, regular, and wide
Material: Leather
Heel height: 2.5 in.
Colors: 20+ options
Best Value: The Drop Avery Square-Toe Heeled Sandals
What we love: Compact and easy to pack; great price
What could improve: Can cause blisters at first“These are the sandals I always recommend when someone asks me for a great shoe for a wedding or event,” Pernas, the fashion blogger, says. “They’re super-comfy—I’ve even worn them traipsing around cobblestone squares in Savannah.” Two supportive yet barely-there straps keep your foot from slipping or sliding. This pair usually hovers around $20, depending on your color and size, making it one of the most affordable pairs of comfortable shoes on this list. You can also choose from additional finishes like faux suede.
Sizes: 5–13
Material: Polyurethane
Heel height: 2.75 in.
Colors: 20+ optionsBest for Work: LifeStride Madelyn Pumps
What we love: Affordable; great everyday option
What could improve: Sizing runs smallIf you’re looking for the perfect all-day pair of heels for work, these under-$50 gems are comfortable to walk in and look great with work clothes. They have a Mary Jane–style buckle that instantly adds elegance to your look and an insole with light cushioning that provides support, especially if you’re on your feet a lot of the day. “These kitten heels look formal yet feel like flats,” says Wendy Sy, a New York City-based content creator and founder of the blog Style Meets Story. “I wore them from morning until night and was happily surprised that my feet felt fine after a long day. The not-so-secret is the brand’s soft cushion sole that’s supportive and flexible, and it lives up to the hype.”
Sizes: 5–12 in regular and wide
Material: Polyurethane
Heel height: 1.6 in.
Colors: 5 optionsBest for Walking: Sorel Kinetic Impact Y-Strap High Sandals
- Courtesy of brand
- Tested and reviewed by Glamour deputy editor Anna Moeslin
What we love: Supportive midsoles; great for walking; cute colors
What could improve: Might run too wideSorel’s collection of walking sandals is a hit among Glamour staff, and these cushy, lightweight, chunky heels are a welcome addition to the family. “Thanks to an old injury, I only wear comfortable—borderline orthopedic, if I’m honest—shoes. Unfortunately, it can be a struggle to find options that still look cool without always relying on sneakers and Birkenstocks,” says Glamour deputy editor Anna Moeslein. “I was happily surprised when I found these platform sandals by Sorel, a brand best known for its weatherproof boots. Wearing these is like walking around in open-toe sneakers—in fact, I find them to be even more supportive than a lot of the tennis shoes I own. I’ve worn them to work, on vacation, and out with friends, and I love how they pair well with (almost) any outfit. And because they have a unique look, I get compliments every time I wear them.” The cushy outsoles cushion each step, while the thick Velcro straps ensure you’ll get the perfect fit—perfect for saving your feet during vacation.
Sizes: 5–12
Material: Leather
Heel height: 2.5 in.
Colors: 4 options
.png)
Best High Heel: Dream Pairs Strappy Closed-Toe Stilettos
- Courtesy of brand
- Original image by Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro
What we love: Stylish look; removable bow detailing
What could improve: No cushioningIf you have a big event coming up, comfortable formal heels are an absolute must. This pair of four-inch stilettos might not have foam cushioning, but our tester found them plenty comfy: “I prefer a higher heel, and at four inches, these were super comfortable for a night of dancing and posing for photos during a wedding,” says Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro. “Dream Pairs is one of my go-to Amazon brands for affordable shoes for special occasions, since I’d rather not spend a ton of cash on shoes I won’t wear often. I also like that the little bow in the back is removable.” Despite having a pointy toe, these heels are flexible, won’t suffocate your feet, and are available in half sizes.
Sizes: 6–11
Material: Rubber, mesh
Heel height: 4 in.
Colors: 6 optionsBest Block Heel: Inez Lulu Sandals
What we love: Great for standing; dressy enough for events
What could improve: Only two colors available“I bought these heels for a wedding and cannot say enough good things,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “I always choose a sandal with a thick heel because I find they’re the most supportive. I wore these for six straight hours, with a couple of hours of dancing in there, and never felt like I needed to take them off. They didn’t leave me with blisters or pain, and they’re truly so stylish—the perfect, old-Hollywood gold that’s not too yellow. I’m looking forward to wearing them again.” Plus, there’s a 3.5-inch heel version if you want a little more height.
Sizes: 6–10.5
Material: Leather
Heel height: 2.2 in.
Colors: 2 optionsBest Platform: Dream Pairs Hi-Lo Heeled Sandals
What we love: Relatively affordable; height-boosting design
What could improve: Material scuffs easilyYou can snag Glamour editorial assistant Monique Wilson’s tried-and-true high heels for well under $50. They have strong, stable heels, dressy platform soles, and ankle buckles for a snug fit. “Ask any of my friends, and they will tell you that I love these shoes. They’re classy, classic black platform heels,” Wilson says. “The first time I wore them was for a fashion show I was preparing for. Practice entailed constant walking, spinning, and standing in these heels; I had no trouble doing any of this, which is why I swear by them. They are the perfect height to elongate my legs, and I really like the chunky heel. I’ve worn them to black-tie events, during nights out, and at everything in between. There really are no cons with these shoes. I just bought my second pair after four years.”
Sizes: 5–11
Material: Polyurethane
Heel height: 4.5 in.
Colors: 15 options
Most Trendy: Steve Madden Liana Heels
What we love: Sleek look; four adjustable buckles
What could improve: Can take a while to break inStrappy slingbacks are everywhere right now, and Steve Madden’s faux-patent leather take features four separate buckles and a just-high-enough heel—perfect for work or dressy events. “These heels were uncomfortable at first, but they got much better as they broke in. I’d recommend sizing up to avoid this,” says Anastasia Sanger, Glamour’s senior manager of social creative development. “It’s the perfect height and width of heel—low enough to be walkable and not too thin that I get stuck in subway grates. They’re so incredibly cute, and I get endless compliments. These instantly elevate my looks. They also feel sturdy for a reasonably priced pair, and they’ve never given me blisters, even while breaking them in.”
Sizes: 5–12
Material: Polyurethane
Heel height: 2.5 in.
Colors: 3 optionsBest for Events: Nina Stacie Sandals
What we love: Doesn’t slip or slide; walkable block heel
What could improve: Ankle strap might cause irritation at heel“Wedges and block heels can help distribute body weight more evenly and provide stability,” Dr. Pidich says. These platform heels do just that—and double as cute high-heeled shoes that won’t make you stumble or wobble, even while strolling on uneven sidewalks. This nearly-four-inch platform heel comes in a handful of bold colors—we’re talking everything from jewel tones to hot pink and ivory—and has an adjustable (and very comfortable) buckle ankle strap. The footbed is lightly cushioned to help distribute weight, and the square toe provides a lot of wiggle room. “These Nina platforms are my go-to going-out heels. I have worn these all night dancing at a bar, walking around as a bridesmaid, and dressing up with girlfriends. I have a few of the colors and love them all. They’re comfy, cute and versatile,” says New York City-based stylist Audree Kate López.
Sizes: 5–11
Material: Satin
Heel height: 3.75 in.
Colors: 10 optionsBest for Summer: Naot Celeb Platform Sandals
What we love: No break-in required; trendy buckle detail
What could improve: Slightly visually heavy“At just five feet tall, I depend on platform heels when I’m craving a little bit of height. But I also live in New York City, so I need shoes that are made for walking, and this pair of black platforms from Naot is my go-to,” says Glamour contributor Nina Derwin. “Surprisingly, I didn’t have to break them in at all, and the soft footbed makes me forget I’m wearing nearly three-inch heels. Plus, the strappy, slip-on style means I get to show off my summer pedicures. I love that I can wear them with jeans, trousers, skirts, and dresses, and they’re not super-dressy but not sneaker-casual either, which is all to say, they’re as versatile as they are comfy.” Plus, they have kind of a boho thing going on, meaning they’re perfect for 2025.
Sizes: 5–11
Material: Leather
Heel height: 2.75 in.
Colors: 3 options
Best for Older Women: Vionic Chardonnay Ankle Straps
What we love: Suitable for older women who have trouble walking
What could improve: Slightly priceyThese ankle-strap heels are a great choice for older women who want extra support while walking. They have a roomy, open-toe design that won’t compress or pinch your feet, and they also have an adjustable hook-and-loop closure for easy accessibility. The deep heel cup makes the shoe extra-supportive, especially for those who need more arch and contour support. “I own these and love them! They contain podiatrist-designed arch support and a cushioned footbed that helps reduce foot fatigue and enhance stability,” says Dr. Pidich.
Sizes: 5–13
Material: Leather
Heel height: 2.5 in.
Colors: 10 options
.png)
How we evaluated
How we tested heels for comfort
Glamour editors and reviewers evaluated how supportive these podiatrist-approved heels felt after wearing them for at least a full day, noting how comfortable they were to walk in and if they hugged our feet without compressing. After walking and dancing in the heels, we checked to see if our feet were left with any blisters or shoe bites. We’re happy to report that all of these passed the test.
Meet the experts
- Casey Pidich, DPM, founder of Dr. Glass Slipper
- Caroline McCulloch, podiatrist and founder of Frankie4
- Audree Kate López, fashion stylist
Your comfortable heel questions, answered
What type of heels are most comfortable?
According to Casey Pidich, DPM, a podiatrist and founder of Dr. Glass Slipper, there are a few styles of heels that are more comfortable than others. For example, kitten heels are lower, thinner heels that provide more balance and comfort. Dr. Pidich also recommends slingbacks because they typically have adjustable straps to prevent slippage. Caroline McCulloch, a podiatrist and founder of Frankie4, echoes this sentiment and recommends block heels because they have a more stable foundation, so the ankle doesn’t have to work overtime. “Styles that hold onto your foot well will help you walk more naturally,” she says.
What should you look for when shopping for a comfortable heel?
When shopping for a comfortable heel, the podiatrists we spoke to recommend looking for a heel around two to three inches in height. “A two-to-three-inch heel height will minimize pressure on the ball of the foot and allow feet to tolerate them for a longer period of time,” says Dr. Pidich. She also recommends looking for a shoe with a large toe box that’s more rounded. “A round toe or almond toe box shape accommodates our toes without too much pinching.”
As for styles with more support, McCulloch says to look for extra cushion in particular areas of the shoe. “Support in the midsole should help ‘spread the load’ under the foot, rather than provide arch support. Excessive arch support when the foot is in a high-heeled position can be detrimental to comfort and stability,” she says.
How can you avoid foot pain while wearing heels?
The best way to avoid foot pain is to look for a heel that evenly distributes your weight while walking, says Audree Kate López, a New York City-based stylist. But in the case that you really want to wear a pair of uncomfortable stilettos, there is an alternative. “I recommend spraying your feet with lidocaine before a big night, letting them dry before putting your shoes on, and adding fabric or gel cushions or inserts to the ball of the feet or heel for extra support,” she says.
Dr. Pidich also recommends stretching your feet before you put heels on. “Try five-minute calf stretches and heel raises to relieve any tension in your feet,” she says. It’s also key, according to both podiatrists, to make sure you’re wearing the right shoe size. “Always buy the shoe that feels more comfortable when you put them on, and if you’re in between sizes, always size up. Compression is the foot’s curse and can lead to long-term damage,” says Dr. McCulloch.
.2%2520(1).jpg)
