The Most Comfortable (& Stylish) Heels You Can Wear for Hours

20 hours ago 31

comfyheels hero image.jpg Courtesy of Cole Haan

There are few feelings worse than slipping on a pair of gorgeous heels only for them to betray you with piercing pain an hour into wearing them. While sneakers are an acceptable shoe for nearly every situation these days, you're not going to get away with wearing your tennis shoes to a wedding, elegant dinner, or other fancy events.

The truth is, you can absolutely find comfortable heels that you can wear pain-free for hours—as long as you know what to look for. Luckily, we do! And reviewers agree these are the most comfortable heels around.

How to Shop for Comfortable Heels

Unfortunately, you can't just buy any pair of heels and hope for the best if your goal is comfort. In order to find heels that are actually comfortable, the shoes you choose should check at least one of these boxes. The more boxes you can check, the more comfortable your heels will likely be.

Heel Height: It goes without saying that the higher your heel, the more uncomfortable it will be. For maximum comfort, opt for a heel height between two and four inches, as that seems to be a comfy sweet spot.

Platforms: If you are opting for a higher heel height, a modern platform is the key to comfort. Not only do platforms put less strain on your arch, many also feel they are easier to walk in.

Block Heel: We love a sexy stiletto as much as the next person, but realistically, they're never going to be comfortable for long periods of time. A thicker block heel helps distribute weight more evenly and provides added stability.

Ankle Strap: Adjustable ankle straps help secure your feet in place, preventing slipping and sliding while adding necessary stability.

Support: Be sure to look for features like strategic padding, arch support, and plush cushioning as the comfiest heels typically posses at least one.

From Naturlizer to Vionic, Steve Madden and Aldo, these are the comfiest heels that don't sacrifice style.

The Most Comfortable Heels at A Glance

Best Heeled Sandal: Naturalizer Joy Heeled Sandal
Best Everyday Heel: Vionic Chardonnay Heeled Sandal
Best Platform Heel: Aerosoles Camera Heeled Sandal

Naturalizer Joy Heeled Sandal

Because of the double strap and modest kitten heel, these slip-on sandals provide the stability you need for comfy heels. They're bold enough to make a statement but subtle enough to wear with most outfits. Choose from several colors and finishes.

Shoppers say: "I haven’t had to wear heels in a long time and this was surprisingly comfortable! It gave me the right height I needed and the platform was thick but not bulky! Love the classic style and straps don’t give me blisters like I thought they would!"

Aldo Leandra Sandal

These strappy stilettos from Aldo's beloved Pillow Walk line are equipped with strategic memory foam cushioning where you need it most (aka the balls and heels of your feet). They come in four classic colors.

LifeStride Nalani Dress Sandal

Shoppers say: "Comfortable gorgeous a closet staple. Do it you won’t regret this purchase 10/10 would recommend (I can literally run in these lol) not long distances but across a venue she’s a track star."

The Best Platform Heels

A chunky modern platform is the comfiest way to boost your heel height without the discomfort.

Vionic Chardonnay Heeled Sandal

The flexible footbeds on these heeled sandals make walking and standing more comfortable while the deep seated heel cup and arch support relieve pressure. These leather sandals come in two widths: medium and wide.

Shoppers say: "Seriously the most comfortable heels I’ve ever worn. I wore these to a conference in LA and had NO pain whatsoever. I have flat, borderline wide feet and these were so amazing. The arch support was a nice surprise and I thought it would hurt, but after wearing them a while, it actually seemed to help prevent my back pain that usually comes with standing for long periods."

The Best Platform Heels

A chunky modern platform is the comfiest way to boost your heel height without the discomfort.

Steve Madden Floria Sandal

If you love the look of a sky high heel, opt for these which have a thick block heel, sizeable platform, and secure ankle strap. Availalbe in four colors, the shoe's wooden platforms give it an earthy feel.

Shoppers say: "These shoes are so cute and stylish. The block heel makes them so comfortable to walk in. I wore them for several hours and my feet didn’t hurt."

Aerosoles Camera Heeled Sandal

Another classic pair, these patent leather pumps are designed with a multi-layered, impact-absorbing cushioning. They also come in suede and matte leather finishes, in addition to several colors.

Shoppers say: "These are my go-to shoes this summer. Extremely comfortable and go with a wide range of outfits. I've worn them for 12 hours and done a lot of walking in them and had no issues."

Dream Pairs Chunky Platform High Heels

Chunky platform sandals like these will always be on trend. These have a big block heel and a platform for added comfort. They also come in a slightly lower heel height, you prefer. Choose from nine colors, including some sparkly options.

Shoppers say: "I am NOT a heel girl but had to wear heels with the dress I wore to a wedding and when I tell you these were so easy to walk in! The height was perfect and didn’t kill my feet and the size was true to what I normally wear! My feet weren’t slipping in them and I didn’t feel like breaking an ankle!"

The Best Slingback Heels

Add a touch of sophistication (and stability) to your look with a pair of classic slingbacks.

Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump

These classy slingback pumps boast a very reasonable heel height and a timeless silhouette. The adjustable heel strap is an added bonus. Choose from a range of colors and finishes.

Shoppers say: "This is my second pair of Bianka’s, my first pair was black patent leather, the second the leopard skin, the reason for two pairs is because they are so stylish and comfortable, probably the most comfortable pump I’ve ever worn."

Cole Haan Hansell Slingback Pointed Toe Pump

Another classic pair, these patent leather pumps are designed with a multi-layered, impact-absorbing cushioning. They also come in suede and matte leather finishes, in addition to several colors.

Teller 2 Slingback Pump

Not into pointed toe silhouettes? These peep toe slingbacks are just as chic and they have ultra-padded flexible soles with a heel height that reviewers say is perfect for all-day wear.

The Best Pumps

Everyone needs a pair of trusty pumps in their collection. Bonus points if they're comfortable.

Naturalizer Anna Pumps

You can never go wrong with a timeless, pointed toe pump. This leather pair has ultra-plush foam cushioning that's contoured to the shape of your foot for arch and heel support. They come in six colors and narrow, regular, wide, and extra wide widths.

Shoppers say: "Very elegant shoe, SUPER comfortable, no feet blisters at all, even the first day of using them.

Courtesy of Steve Madden

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How We Choose

The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.

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