A great pair of heels can take your look to the next level. But the best ones don’t make you feel like you’re walking on stilts, which doesn’t mean sacrificing style.
According to podiatrists, a few key features make a heel comfortable enough to wear all day. Check out some of our favourite comfortable high heels:
Cushioned Insoles
High heels add a lot of sass to your outfit but also come with painful shoe bites, heel pain and toe numbness. Invest in a pair of cushioned high-heel inserts to prevent these discomforts.
These insoles are clinically proven to relieve and prevent heel pain by shifting pressure off the football. They are also super soft and slim, making them easy to slip into any pair of high heels.
Blister Cushions
If you love the look of heels but hate ending the day with blisters and welts, try adding a pair of these self-adhesive blister cushions to your shoes. The cushioning helps reduce rubbing and shoe pressure, while the hydrogel technology is moisture-infused to start hydrating blisters immediately.
If your feet irritate easily, consider picking up a pack of these protective blister cushions from a drugstore or online retailer like Amazon. They’re easy to slip into your favourite high heels and provide all-day comfort for your feet.
If you’re planning to wear a new pair of comfortable high heels for an important event or workday, ensure the fit is comfortable by wearing them in the office before stepping out. Also, avoid pointy stilettos that create excessive pressure and stick with a style with a broader toe box. You can filter your search by size to find a pair that fits well.
Adjustable Straps
The slingback straps on these comfortable high heels are adjustable so that you can tailor the fit to your feet. They’re also made with sustainable leather that was responsibly sourced and adheres to the California Supply Chain Act. Plus, the three-and-a-half-inch heel has a jute platform to even out the weight distribution and make them more comfortable for walking.
This heeled sandal is so comfy you can wear it all day long. The slouchy-toe design will look fabulous with your favourite summer dresses. The padded insole and contoured arch support take some pressure off your feet so you can focus on all the other essential things on your to-do list.
A good place to shop for a comfortable pair of heels is Nordstrom, which has tons of heel styles (including kitten heel mules) that are both stylish and supportive. Just remember that heels can run small, so it’s a good idea to order a half size up. And if you do end up with a pair that’s too big, the retailer offers free shipping and a lenient return policy.
Soft and Malleable Materials
The most comfortable high heels will have soft and malleable materials, especially those with a forgiving stretch and rounded toes. (Pointy toes increase pressure on the balls of the feet and can worsen bunions.)
Yau explains, “A well-made, properly sized heel should fit snugly and comfortably, but not too tightly.” She suggests looking for shoes with slight arch support to prevent flat feet from collapsing or rolling and a thick block heel or platform to reduce foot tilt.
If you’re looking for comfortable high heels that don’t skimp on style, look no further than Lulus. The retailer has a great selection of affordable heels, from chic kitten heel mules to casual wedges. Plus, the brand teamed up with podiatrists and orthopedists to develop its heeled sandals that feel as good as they look. Check out the full line here. The splurge-worthy pair below are made from premium leather and feature a contoured footbed, layers of cushioning, and stabilizing traction.
The Most Comfortable High Heels For Women
Heels can, quite literally, elevate any outfit. They can make petite women appear taller, curvy women look slimmer and even improve posture.
However, heels don’t always provide the best fit and can lead to blisters and sore feet. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the most comfortable high heels for women who love to wear them.