25 Most Comfortable High Heels That’ll Make Your Feet Happy (and Fab, Duh)
Thanks to some v important tips from a podiatrist.
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Heels can, quite literally, *elevate* any outfit (sorry, had to), but while they look stylish, wearing them often comes at a price: You have to sacrifice your precious toes, arches, and ankles, stock up on bandaids, and/or buy extra inserts to relieve the pain. Ever want to take a pair of shoes off the second you put them on? Same. Not very fun. Thankfully, there are plenty of pretty pumps that won't cause any suffering!
Dr. Robert K. Lee, board-certified podiatric surgeon and chief of podiatric surgery at the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, says some common injuries from wearing heels include ankle sprains, bunions, tailor's bunions, or hammertoes from narrow toe boxes, as well as metatarsalgia, which is essentially pain in the ball of your foot from the increased pressure. Dr. Lee recommends seeking out certain features for maximum comfort: Platforms put "less pressure on the forefoot when walking," he says, heels with wider bases "provide more stability when walking and reduce risk of twisting the ankle," and open-toed designs "don't apply that same pressure to the toes" as closed-toe styles, so they're a little better comfort-wise.
We know, it can be overwhelming to find a heel that’s both chic AND comfy. Luckily, we’ve found the most comfortable heels, from mules to platforms to kitten heels. Wave goodbye to achy, sore feet and say hello to your new fave heels, ahead.
Our top picks for the most comfortable heels to shop in 2024:
For even more heavenly shoes that won't hurt your feet, click the links for the best sneaker brands, the best flats, the most comfortable overall shoes, and the most comfortable sandals.
Sam Edelman Pieta Kitten Heels
Sam Edelman Pieta Kitten Heels
Pros
- mule slide on style
- low heel
- comes in pink
Cons
- doesn't come in black
Prepare to be sick of us in these pretty princess-like kitten heel mules! They'll go with everything, dress 'em up or down, you'll never want to take them off.
Heel height: 2.5"
Material: Fabric upper, Synthetic polyurethane insole
Size range: 5-11
Brandon Blackwood Dai Platform Sandal
Brandon Blackwood Dai Platform Sandal
Pros
- open-toe style
- comes with two dust bags
- i mean, it's brandon blackwood
Cons
- does run narrow
The only thing better than being in a super cute platform? Being in a plush, pillowy platform!
Heel height: 3.3"
Material: Insole nylon lycra padded, Upper: nylon lycra straps
Size range: 35-44
kate spade new york Bowdie Slingback Pump in Pale Vellum
kate spade new york Bowdie Slingback Pump in Pale Vellum
Pros
- comes in black
- sling back style
- perf for a breakfast at tiffany's vibe
Cons
- how cute would this be in cream?
The perfect slingback shoe does exist!
Heel height: 2 3/4"
Material: Leather upper, lining and sole
Size range: 5-11
Rave Review: "Love my new shoe; it's very comfortable."
Dolce Vita Avery Platform Sandal
Dolce Vita Avery Platform Sandal
Pros
- you can dance all night in 'em
- perf for both casual and special occasions
- available in black and brown
Cons
- may run a lil narrow
Apparently, these cute sandals are so comfy, a reviewer said they were the only shoes she could wear post-surgery. A trio of dainty, padded straps hold toes in place, while the ankle strap provides stability, and the chunky heel gives ya some height without being wobbly.
Heel height: 4"
Material: Faux leather
Size range: 6-11
Rave Review: "I wore this for the first time at a wedding and they were so comfy and easy to dance in all night."
Arch NYC Moscow Mule - Tropic
Pros
- chunky heel
- fun texture
- playful bright hue
- slight platform under toes
Cons
- not available in black
Safe to say: You have never seen mules like these! They're textured, bright, and v fun. Get into the Western-inspired heel, platform, and funky faux pony hair.
Heel height: 3.5"
Material: Faux fur
Size range: 6-11
Aldo Kat Gold Strappy Sandals
Aldo Kat Gold Strappy Sandals
Pros
- a striking stiletto
- extra cushioned
- comes in eight colors
Cons
- heel may be a tad bit high if you're not accustomed to walking in 'em
Got a wedding comin' up or heading out to dinner? These gold stilettos will be the perf addition to your fab outfit, I'm sure. And despite that hiiiigh heel, these are part of Aldo's "Pillow Walk" collection, so the footbed is so plush and cushioned.
Heel height: 4.25"
Material: Synthetic
Size range: 5-11
Arch NYC A-Line Lace Up - Zebra
Arch NYC A-Line Lace Up - Zebra
Pros
- detachable straps
- foam lining
- comes with two pairs of laces
Cons
- no other animal prints
I have this pair myself and omg, these are a look. I get compliments every time I wear 'em. And they're so good to my feet, I actually never wanna take them off.
Heel height: 4"
Material: Pony hair
Size range: 6-11
Shekudo The Oby Patch
Pros
- real leather
- fashion-forward cylinder heel
- creative color palette
Cons
- shipping may take a lil while
A color-block heel moment will add a little something extra to any summer outfit, and that chunky heel provides added stability. Slip on this pair with a crop top and your fave pair of jeans. Heads up: These shoes are made-to-order (good for mama earth—yay!) so they can take a while to ship.
Heel height: 3.5"
Material: Leather
Size range: 36-42
Gigi Gigi 70 Platform | Bottle Green
Gigi Gigi 70 Platform | Bottle Green
Pros
- buyer and editor fave!
- adapts to your foot
- multiple colors
- contoured insole
Cons
- no cream or white option
Another stunner with tons of secret support from podiatric surgeon-turned-shoe designer, Marion Parke: This croco-printed platform heel has an insole that increases stability and reduces the pressure on the balls of your feet. Want the lil mule instead? Get it here.
Heel height: 4.3"
Material: Croco-printed leather
Size range: 35-42
Pros
- even cuter in person
- will go with everything
Cons
- strap is a lil fragile
How about these woven, breezy-chic wedges? The resorts are calling and I'm running there in this gorge pair.
Heel height: 4"
Material: Textile, Clear vinyl
Size range: 5.5-10
Rave Review: "These are so amazing they go with everything! They were a total hit at Tulum."
Zou Xou Zou Xou Una Thong Sandal
Zou Xou Zou Xou Una Thong Sandal
Pros
- Handmade with quality leather
- chic design
- easy to
Cons
- Shipping may be slow
Looking for a shoe to complete your 'fit? Look no further than these stunners with under-2-inch block heels. The straps perfectly hug your toes, so you'll glide around all day with these beauties securely on your feet.
Heel height: 1.77"
Material: Leather
Size range: 36-42
Top Moda Over the Toe Strap Ankle Wrap Strap Heel
Top Moda Over the Toe Strap Ankle Wrap Strap Heel
Pros
- budget-friendly
- super versatile
- rear zipper makes 'em easy to slip on or off
Cons
- Back of the ankle straps may chafe
This bestselling style on Amazon is wallet-friendly, comfortable, and such a versatile, simple silhouette. Besides, you can never go wrong with a two-strap design featuring a sturdy block heel.
Heel height: 2.75"
Material: Synthetic
Size range: 5-11
Rave Review: "I have owned many heels in my life but I have never had as comfortable of a pair as these. They look exactly like they do in the advertisements. The zipper works perfectly fine. I have worn these to a mix of events including weddings, funerals, etc. Now, when I wore them to an outdoor funeral, I did notice lots of fraying on the bottom. This could be because of the terrain, but also could be a defective design. They are true to size, velvety (in feeling and appearance), functionable, classy, and comfortable. Overall, 100% recommend this purchase."
Pros
- has plush foam padding
- so many styles and colors!
- molds with wear
Cons
- some say it runs narrow
These classic heels come in a variety of shades and will keep your feet so, so happy. Just peep all the rave reviews if you need further convincing.
Heel height: 2.5"
Material: Suede, Calf-Hair, or Leather
Size range: 3-14
Rave Review: "Gorgeous leopard heels; they stand out in my shoe collection! The calf hair is especially soft and the pattern is timeless. It's a nice complement to solid-colored clothes. The block heel is great for day-to-day wearing."
Stuart Weitzman The Nudistsong Sandal
Stuart Weitzman The Nudistsong Sandal
Pros
- sturdy ankle straps
- sleek and spicy
- minimalist silhouette
- four diff width
Cons
- no extra padding
“Nudist” sandals are truly icons when it comes to high heels. They’re a designer piece worth the $$$ because they’ll be in your closet forever thanks to their classic, elegant silhouette.
Heel height: 4.1"
Material: Lamé or Leather
Size Range: 3.5-13
Rave Review: "This is my 3rd pair of Stuart Weitzman Nudistsong high heels. I love this shoe! I have it in black, silver, and gold. They are the just the right height and very easy to walk and wear all day/night. I don't know—there is something about Stuart Weitzman. They just fit perfectly!"
Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 100
Pros
- Has a wider toe box for more comfort
- lots of styles to choose from
- move over louboutins! these are classics in their own right
Cons
- Fits a half size small, size up
A classic pump is one of those shoes we all need in our closet. This pair has a little extra padding, so no need to worry about getting the Band-Aids out. BTW, Meghan Markle is a huge fan of these, just in case you needed extra convincing.
Heel height: 4"
Material: Leather
Size range: 4-13
Rave Review: "I love these heels. I get so many compliments whenever I wear them out! The heels are very stable and comfortable. The leather quality is amazing."
Kendall Miles Racy Sandals
Kendall Miles Racy Sandals
Pros
- Double padded leather insole
- unique strap style
- versatile color
Cons
- Fits a half size small, size up
Double padding makes this pair feel utterly heavenly, and that cutout silhouette is gorge. These babies also come in black, burnt orange, and glitter colorways, FYI.
Heel height: 3.35"
Material: Leather
Size range: 36-44
Rave Review: "These are such comfy heels to slide on and off, even with my wide feet. The heel height is comfortable enough to wear all day. I get compliments every time I wear them."
Rebecca Allen The Two Strap, Nude I
Rebecca Allen The Two Strap, Nude I
Pros
- Cushioned heel
- gorgeous brown hue
- secure ankle straps
Cons
- Patent leather can scuff easily
You'll look so sleek in this simple yet bold heel. These also come in other shades of brown, for a more inclusive range of "nude" shades so you can find a hue to truly match your skin tone.
Heel height: 4"
Material: Patent leather
Size range: 6-11
Brother Vellies Tuesday Mule
Brother Vellies Tuesday Mule
Pros
- Has a lower heel
- so so sleek
- peak '90s minimalism
Cons
- Suede can be hard to clean
The mustard yellow hue of these mules is just so pretty, no? The squared silhouette keeps things trendy, but you'll love the breathing room your toes get in these knockouts, as well as the manageable one-inch kitten heel.
Heel height: 1"
Material: Suede
Size range: 5-12
Nisolo All-Day Heeled Mule
Pros
- Has a shock-absorbing insole
- ideal for running errands
- comes in five other colors
Cons
- Some say the leather insoles wear down quickly
Nisolo’s customer-favorite shoes are mostly flat, but there are some heeled options, like these mules with 2.5-inch block heels, that are just as popular. Slip these waterproof leather beauts on, and you’ll be able to wear ‘em all day long.
Heel height: 2.5"
Material: Leather
Size range: 5-11
Rave Review: "I have searched high and low. These are the perfect mules. Full stop. They feel great. They look great. The quality is insane. You won't be sad about this buy!"
Larroude Miso Platform Sandal In Ivory Leather
Larroude Miso Platform Sandal In Ivory Leather
Pros
- Insole has memory foam
- available in the most eccentric prints
- larroude is basically the platform queen
Cons
- No ankle support
Larroude’s “Miso” shoes are bound to be some of the most delightfully squishy platforms you’ve ever worn while still looking v chic. Want to make even more of a statement? Great news: These 3.6-inch- high slides also come in tons of other colors, and prints, too!
Heel height: 3.6"
Material: Leather
Size range: 5-10
Rave Review: "The leather and shape were very nice and the footbed had good cushion. Unfortunately, I had to return because they were far too wide - even at a half-size down from my normal size. My feet are a bit narrow for this style."
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn.
Alexandra Ilyashov is the former interim Fashion Features Director at Cosmopolitan and a longtime freelance editor and writer, covering the fashion, food, lifestyle, cannabis, and wellness industries for over a dozen years for outlets like New York Magazine, Glamour, InStyle, Fashionista, Eater, WSJ. Magazine, The Knot, and Saveur. The native New Yorker and alum of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism was previously an editor at Refinery29 and The Daily Front Row, and has also held contributing editor roles at V Magazine, Paper, and Well+Good. Her work ranges from expert-vetted shopping guides to reported features about topics like retail’s size inclusivity issues or eczema’s impact on mental health, plus buzzy chef profiles, dining guides, and (much!) more.
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