The 12 Most Comfortable Heels for Weddings, Brunches & More, Recommended by PureWow Editors
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It’s no fun wearing the cutest pair of high heels in your closet only to end up with a matching set of blisters on your feet at the end of the night. It’s time to prioritize comfort, people, which is why I’ve asked my fellow PureWow editors (many of whom are New Yorkers and average 10,000 steps a day…minimum) and referenced my own high heel collection to narrow down the top picks. Here are 12 of the most comfortable heels from brands like Vivaia and Rothys, Gucci and—my personal favorite—Sam Edelman, just to name a few, for every occasion, whether you’re commuting to the office and need extra cushioning, attending a garden wedding where block heels are a must or just looking for an everyday pair that can rival your ballet flats. (Psst: there are even some gems from Amazon in the list, too.)
How I Chose the Most Comfortable Heels
To pick the most comfortable heels, I probed PureWow editors, most of whom are New Yorkers, for recommendations they swear by. I also honed in on the styles within my own closet that have stood the test of time (I’m talking years) and have proven wearable, comfortable and have kept my feet blister-free. I also considered heel height—most pairs on this list range from around two to three inches in height—and walkability, which boils down to many factors, including platform features, height, cushioning and toe box widths, just to name a few, all measured into a digestible score out of ten that’s weighted on the editors’ reviews. At the end of the day, I know that shoe style can also be a very personal choice, which is why I found options ranging from kitten to stiletto to chunky.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS is a board-certified podiatrist with WakeMed hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, specializing in foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Daughtry holds a Bachelor’s of Science in biology with minors in chemistry and psychology from Meredith College and a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Temple University School.
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1. Vivaia Square-Toe Chunky Heels
These shoes come with pressure-relief insoles that should calm any worries about your feet feeling achy after wearing them all day. The chunky, mid-height heel and anti-slip sole also provide stability for when you're running around the office or want to feel cute and casual. According to our tester, these heels run true to size, though the brand advises those with wide feet or bunions to opt for a half size up. They have a knitted look that feels unique and still sophisticated, whether they're paired with a pantsuit or jeans. PureWow Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu, who’s prone to blistering, finds them non-irritating on her sensitive skin. She says, “I really appreciate the plush heel backing, and these didn't need any break-in time. The material is stretchy—hence it accommodates wide feet even at true to size. I’ve walked at least a mile in them consecutively and they are comfortable! (I am qualified to say that because, for me, comfort is above all, and every time I want to get on the subway, it's at least one mile of walking round-trip…so I walk a lot!)”
2. Dreamcia Silver Slingback Kitten Heels
“These Dreamcia kitten heels are a much more affordable version of the similar Aeyde, Sam Edelman and Reformation styles,” says Sally Herrod, senior director of SEO and product at PureWow. Equipped with a striking pointy toe and metallic finish, these sexy slingbacks are daring, fashionable and comfortable despite their lack of toe space. “The soles are a little slippery and slick at first so you have to mark them up, but the low heel means you can wear them for late nights,” Herrod adds. “I wore them at a beach wedding (on the sand!) and didn't have to take them off on the dance floor later.”
3. Sam Edelman Hazel Pumps
A classic pointy-toe pump will forever be a go-to heel, and PureWow’s Assistant Commerce Editor, Natalie LaBarbera, agrees. She says, “The Sam Edelman Hazel's are honestly my go-to for events like weddings and showers. They're surprisingly comfortable, despite their height and slim stiletto heel, thanks to the cushioned footbed that's slim but makes all the difference.” The style is sleek and polished and can easily be worn for a day in the office or out on the town at night. This pair has a leather upper, and the 4-inch heel is high, but not too high, as LaBarbera mentioned. Reviewers note that they take some time to break in, but once stretched out they're as good as gold. "After I wore them for a few times, they stretched out,” one shopper writes. “Now, they are my favorite heels and to my surprise, I’m wearing heels more often because of these.”
4. Gucci Marmont Block Heel Sandals
If you want to splurge on designer high heels, go for a pair that will keep your foot comfortable. PureWow Senior Editor Dana Dickey loves this Gucci option for the sleek look and easy wear. “These are a nice, walkable heel,” she says. “The festive gold sparkle and leather class up my fast fashion.” The Italian fashion house’s open-toed block heels are made in Italy with a premium leather that’s also used in the lining and sole. Plus, there’s an ankle buckle strap for a customizable fit that will eradicate any unnecessary squeezing or spaciousness. Reader note: According to the brand’s description and a few customer reviews, this style does run about a half to one size small.
5. Soludos The Marseille Wedges
Wedges pair perfectly with jeans or a breezy midi dress. This 3.5-inch wedge is padded for comfortable support, and the jute is biodegradable for a little environmentally friendly bonus. “I’ve been walking around in these, and I have to say, I was skeptical at first,” admits Wu, who prefers a two-inch heel maximum. “I think the platform does a great job of neutralizing the extra height, and they're surprisingly stable. When they first come out of the box the fabric is a little stiff and tight—which also was a worry because I usually take the wide size when available because of my bunions, and I’ve sent shoes back for being too narrow before—but the fabric stretches quickly and easily to mold to the foot.” Needless to say, with no blisters in sight, Wu is ready to wear her comfortable espadrilles on repeat come summertime.
6. Sam Edelman Yaro Block Heel Sandal
If you’re searching for heels that can work with almost anything in your closet, from wedding guest dresses to jeans to midi skirts and more, then allow me to introduce you to the Yaro heels from Sam Edelman. I, associate fashion commerce editor here, have owned not one but two pairs of this style for over six years, and I always gravitate towards these suede beauties when I want to wear a heel higher than three inches. Luckily, the block backing affords extra stability and makes them surprisingly comfortable. They’ve held up incredibly well, and while the steep height can make the soles of my heels hurt after a few hours of wear, there’s plenty of room in the sole to add a padded insert for more comfort. Plus, I find them a breeze to walk and run in…yes, seriously, I sometimes sprint in these if the occasion calls for it (hey, I’m always running late…pun intended).
7. Dolce Vita Paily Heels Stella
Not only are the braided straps trendy, but they also help keep your foot secure, and the 3-inch block heel won’t seem too steep or unstable like a stiletto would, and will make for a more comfortable walking (or dancing) experience. “Surprisingly, these are super comfy,” says Randee Cerota, senior director of brand partnerships at Gallery Media Group. “They’re inexpensive yet well-made, and I can wear them for long periods of time without the balls of my feet or back hurting.” Another buyer agrees, noting that the heels held up through hours of dancing.
8. Loeffler Randall Emilia Knot Slide Sandal
Looking for a dazzling heel to wear to your BFF’s bridal shower and sister’s graduation? Look no further than these gorgeous slides from Loeffler Randall, which feature a padded footbed that’s designed to cushion your step and are made with a delicate pleated fabric. They’re one of the few pairs of heels PureWow Director of Audience Development Mary Rogers trusts on her feet. She says, “After knee surgery, my high heel days are mostly behind me. I got these for my wedding, and they were the best purchase. They were the perfect accessory for my dress and my feet held up through the night. I’ve used them for so many events since then and love them to add a pop of fun to even a simple black dress.” Her parting advice? Size up as these are known to run notoriously small and narrow.
9. Stuart Weitzman Kitten-Heel Slingback Pumps
Command the boardroom in these slingback pumps. Crafted in Spain with calf leather, these pointed-toe heels are anything but boring, plus they come with a stretchy halter slingback strap that won’t irritate or compress the back of your heel into oblivion. “I wouldn't call them a heel I’d walk all day in, but they are the type of shoes I put in the drawer at work and walk around the office all day, or wear at a wedding,” says Wu, who finds the height to be both manageable and chic. She loves the versatility that the classic tan colorway affords, too. “Since the heel isn't high, they also take up basically no space when packing, so I took them to Milan for the opera and it was 10 out of 10.” If you want a little extra height beyond this 2-inch kitten heel, Stuart Weitzman has a similar slingback in a bedazzled champagne that’s fit for a wedding and a patent leather black version for the office.
10. M. Gemi The Lustro
With a lustrous patent leather finish, almond-shaped toe and padded insoles, there’s a lot to love about these M. Gemi beauties. “I am obsessed with M. Gemi's Lustro,” gushes PureWow’s Senior Director of Special Projects and Royals, Rachel Bowie. “I have worn them on numerous occasions and the block heel makes this shoe feel incredibly sturdy and balanced while keeping my feet blister-free and comfortable, too. I have worn them for multiple hours in a row without minding—to dinner parties, but also work events. I wish I had them in multiple colors!”
11. Katy Perry The Meadow Classic Platform
When PureWow’s Social Content Lead, Emily Brozyna, found herself in a pinch for the perfect last-minute high heel for a wedding, she scoured Amazon’s shoe selection for Prime eligible pairs, and the rest was history. “I came across this pair from Katy Perry's shoe brand (who knew?!). I find that shoes with a thick heel and a bit of a platform are the key to keeping my shoes on all night, and an added bonus with these are the crisscross straps that really keep your foot in place for optimal dancing capabilities (very important for me),” she admits. “I've worn these to four weddings, getting many compliments—but not a single blister.”
12. Bared Nene 2
Last but certainly not least is the Nene 2 heel from Australian-based footwear brand Bared. The company was created by a podiatrist, so they’re known for their comfortable and functional shoes crafted with a biomechanical footbed. According to Dr. Daughtry, “The footbed offers cushioned comfort yet all-day support with a perfectly shaped contour and includes features such as a deeper heel cup, a cuboid notch and metatarsal dome or pad to offload forefoot pressure.” What’s more, she explains that the arch shape is designed to aid foot function and reduce pressure on the heel, which Wu can attest to: “These are really comfy. I’ve walked a few miles in these and I’m serious when I say my feet don't hurt. The footbed is so supportive (not something I’d usually say for anything not a sneaker), but they don't look orthopedic.”
What Should You Consider When Shopping for Comfortable Heels?
When you’re searching for a pair of comfortable heels, it’s best to keep a few things in mind.
Behold: 25 Comfortable Kitten Heels That Won’t Make Your Feet Ache, Starting at $24
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
