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Platforms, pumps, sandals, and more.
Photo:Real Simple
The best heels look good and feel better, leaving you confidentandcomfortable.
For expert tips on how to shop for the best comfortable heels, we consultedDr.
Lori Weisenfeld, DPM, New York City sports podiatrist, and personal stylistYael Steren.
PHOTO: Amazon
Read on for our favorite picks, including stilettos, pumps, mules, and more.
The toe strap may hurt your feet if worn for longer periods.
Timeless and comfortable, the Dream Pairs Pump Sandals earned our title of best comfortable heels.
PHOTO: Vivaia
When we first began testing them, they were comfortable right off the bat.
They fit true to size and required no painful break-in period.
We found the 3-inch heel to be the ideal height, and the arch support felt perfect.
PHOTO: Real Simple
Given their impressive durability and classic design, we think these heels are here to stay.
They may cause blisters during the first few wears, but this will improve over time.
Luckily, the Vivaia Julie Pro Round-Toe Chunky Heels check all the boxes.
After several wears to the office and around the city, these heels were surprisingly comfortable.
The footbeds have a silky-smooth quilted cushioning that was soft on our feet and provided ample arch support.
These heels come in two versions: a basic version, and an option with upgraded pressure relief insoles.
The material has a lot of give, making this an excellent choice for those with wider feet.
After wearing them for six monthsin many inclement weather conditions, at thatthey still look as good as new.
However, once we started wearing them regularly, we no longer experienced any redness or pain.
In fact, we were eventually able to wear the shoes for seven-hour intervals with no discomfort whatsoever.
These classic black leather pumps are the closet staple youve been searching for.
As far as heels go, we found these to be pretty comfortable on the first wear.
PHOTO: Amazon
The toe box makes your toes look squished.
Despite their lightweight, sandal-like feel, these suede heels are equally suitable for the winter months.
The surprisingly breathable material kept our feet from sweating, even on hot summer nights.
PHOTO: Real Simple
After six months, the fabric still looks flawless.
We found these shoes to be comfortable right out of the box, requiring a minimal break-in period.
We wouldnt necessarily commute to work in these heels, but they were perfect for social events.
We were able to walk around and mingle all night long, without any blisters.
These shoes are on the snugger side, and we found them a bit uncomfortable with tights.
However, it comes in a2.8-inch version, which gives a nice middle ground.
They dont offer much arch support.
Besides sneakers, we consider these platform sandals to be some of themost comfortable shoes weve ever owned.
In fact, we were able to wear them consistently for over eight hours a day with zero pain.
We found the strap to be smooth to the touch and completely comfortable, even on muggy days.
That said, we didnt experience any arch pain while wearing them.
Even after six months of nonstop use, theyve suffered no more than a few scuffs on the bottom.
Plus, the material is easy to clean with a wet paper towel.
You may experience chafing over time.
Available in seven colors, these mules are sure to match any look.
Due to their thick and chunky style, we found these heels very stable and easy to walk in.
We especially appreciate the manageable heightjust 2.25 incheswhich provides a bit of lift without being too tall.
The padding on the soles has great arch and ball support, and we were impressed by the traction.
PHOTO: Inez
Plus, the open-toe and -back design make these a particularly breathable choice (perfect for summer heat).
Initially, we experienced no rubbing or chafing, nor did we suffer from any blisters or foot pain.
Still, we think theyre a comfortable, high-quality choice.
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They arent very breathable and require a short break-in period.
After six months of use, weve noticed no changes in quality in these Rothys The Lug Loafers.
Thanks to their rugged soles and washable fabric, we expect these shoes to last for years.
PHOTO: Amazon
We found them timeless enough to wear to brunch, dinner, work, and errands.
Given their sturdy construction, we expect these shoes to hold up well in rain or shine.
We recommend sizing up for added breathability and comfort too.
Real Simple
They chafe a bit on the right pinky toe.
Along with their comfort, the straps also proved to be surprisingly breathable.
Truth be told, these shoes didnt have much ankle support or traction.
PHOTO: Amazon
However, we think they fared well enough to wear to the office or an event.
The slightly cushioned sole was immediately comfortable, requiring minimal break-in time.
The 3-inch heel was the ideal height, and the arch support felt perfect.
PHOTO: Real Simple
Throughout this period, we noted their breathability, comfort, fit, and support.
We continued wearing the top-performing heels for six months, noting how well they held up long term.
When selecting the right heel for your needs, its important to first consider your comfort zone.
These heels often have a fancier appearance, though they do take some getting used to.
In addition to height, the shape of a heel also contributes to its comfort.
Plus, platform sandals also tend to have a wider base.
Shoes with a thinner, higher heellike stilettosare very chic but may require a bit more balance.
Most of the picks on our list have either a leather or synthetic exterior.
Vegan or faux leather offer a less expensive, cruelty-free option but are typically less breathable than genuine leather.
If you want a reasonably priced heel to wear once or twice, faux leather is adequate.
Dr. Weisenfeld suggests going with more natural materials.
When it comes to the sole of the shoe, traction is crucial.
Traction is what prevents you from slipping, allowing you to walk on different types of terrain.
While leather soles are often chosen for their sleek appearance, rubber soles offer the most traction.
Sizes do vary by retailer, so you should always check the brands specific size chart before you buy.
In addition to standard sizing, some shoes are also available in different widths.
For example, theInez Diana Heelscome in slim, standard, and roomy.
Due to the extra space, they are less likely to squish your toes.
PHOTO: Rothy’s
Questions You Might Ask
What throw in of heels are best for your feet?
For those with wider feet, she suggests trying a more open shoe with adjustable straps.
Take Our Word For It
This article was written byJamie Fischer, a writer forReal Simple.
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Nordstrom
PHOTO: Real Simple
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