Business

Most Comfortable Heels 2024

October 8, 2024

Sky-high stilettos may look good on your feet, but they often come at a price: Wearing them for too long can cause blisters and back pain. Thanks to modern cushioning and softer materials, there are smart alternatives to wobbly, pencil-thin heels—and they look just as sophisticated and stylish. After testing dozens of different pairs, we landed on the most comfortable heels for work, weddings and everyday wear. Our overall winner is the Cole Haan Grand Ambition Pump, which features a chic silhouette and an anatomically contoured footbed that cradles your foot.

Following extensive testing, we found the most comfortable pairs of heels for every occasion.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS

To find the most comfortable heels that don’t sacrifice style, we tapped the expertise of Forbes Vetted deputy fashion editor, Kari Molvar, who has written extensively about footwear and rigorously tested all eight of our top picks firsthand. We also consulted with New York City podiatrist Dr. Krista Ammirati Archer to learn more about which features to prioritize in a pair of foot-friendly heels. Read on to see the most comfortable heels that earned the highest marks in our testing process, along with four more highly rated picks we also recommend.

Most Comfortable Heels Overall: Cole Haan Grand Ambition Pump
Most Comfortable Dress Heels: Margaux The Heel
Most Comfortable Stilettos: Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85
Most Comfortable Heeled Sandals: Aerosoles Emmex Sandal
Most Comfortable Platform Heels: Naturalizer Joy Sandal
Most Comfortable Mary Jane Heels: Larroude Blair Block Pump

Cole Haan

Cole Haan Grand Ambition Pump

I’m an editorial contributor covering all things beauty and fashion. I write about my adventures in testing the latest in skincare, haircare and makeup, and exploring trends in clothes and accessories. I’m not afraid to stick needles in my face or straighten my hair on an airplane (true story!), and I gets a rush from copying the best celeb outfits on a budget. My bylines have appeared in Elite Daily, Hello Giggles, Brides.com, MyDomaine, Byrdie, Well + Good, Parents and more.

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I am a freelance writer and editor who has been covering lifestyle for more than 20 years. I have written about women’s and men’s fashion for publications such as Allure, In Style, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health and Details—and the highlight of my career so far has been hanging out with Taylor Swift one weekend for a cover story. Along with fashion, I cover topics around running gear and equipment; I’m a former track athlete and four-time marathoner who still logs 40 to 50 miles each week, many of them on the treadmill. In addition to my writing career, I also have a small interior design and gardening business, and have done some personal styling. I live in Connecticut with my husband and three sons, who are all obsessed with their sneakers.

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Our score: 9 | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 11 total, including Black and Soft Gold | Materials: Leather, suede | Fit: Runs true to size

What’s notable: There is a high level of padding and support and no pinching in the pointed toe—plus, the silhouette is stylish and versatile.
What could be better: The stiletto heel might be too high and narrow for some people.

Cole Haan’s best-selling Grand Ambition Pump was developed with the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Biomechanics Laboratory to deliver serious comfort. This pair has responsive cushioning to create the right level of padding, a contoured footbed and stabilizing traction pads on the outsole. For a pointed-toe pump, reviewers say these heels are incredibly comfortable and easy to walk in.

What our testers say: “These heels look deceptively narrow but once I put them on, I found that my foot had plenty of room. The leather is supple and buttery, and the cushioning in the sole is great—very plush and supportive,” Molvar notes. “This pair didn’t require any break-in time either. The only drawback is that the stiletto heel shaft is a bit thin, so it sometimes skidded to the side as I walked, which required me to catch my balance.”

Naturalizer

Naturalizer Michelle High Heel Pumps

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Our score: 10 | Sizes: 4 to 12; 6W to 12W | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Beige | Material: Leather, patent leather | Fit: Runs true to size

What’s notable: The rounded toe doesn’t pinch, they have a breathable lining and the price is affordable.
What could be better: The thicker stiletto heel isn’t as stylish as other options.

With over 3,600 5-star ratings on Amazon (and counting), these pumps hold their own in the world of comfort. They come fully loaded with Naturalizer’s Contour+ Technology, which includes foam cushioning, a breathable lining, sculpted insole and heel support. You can choose from a wide range of sizes (from 4 to 12) and both medium and wide widths.

What our testers say: “I was seriously impressed by these heels, which had the best internal padding of all the shoes I tested. These felt pillow-y soft, the sole absorbed moisture and the rounded toe eliminated any foot scrunching. The only negative is that the thicker width of the heel and overall silhouette felt not as stylish as some of the other pairs I tested, but this is still an excellent shoe.”

Our score: 9 | Sizes: 3 to 14; 3N to 14N; 3W to 14W | Colors: 11 total, including Black and Fawn | Material: Leather, suede | Fit: Runs narrow

What’s notable: Foam padding is built into the sole, the supportive fit contours to your foot, and the craftsmanship is impeccable.
What could be better: They fit a little narrow (if you need more room, order the wide), and they are on the more expensive end.

Long events and weddings make wearing heels a challenge, especially if you have to walk a fair distance between venues or you’re standing on your feet all night. Margaux gets that and builds comfortable features into the design of its beautiful, smart-chic heels. The 2.5-inch stacked block heel gives you maximum support, and the 5mm foam padding absorbs shock as you walk. This pick also comes in three widths—medium, wide and narrow.

What our testers say: “I was very impressed by the quality of the suede and comfort of this shoe. Reviewers say there is no break-in period, and I found that to be true. I wore these for hours, and didn’t even feel like I was wearing heels.”

Sarah Flint

Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85

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Our score: 9 | Sizes: 4 to 13 | Colors: 13 total, including Black and Taupe | Materials: Leather, suede, lamé, calf hair, satin, canvas or raffia | Fit: Runs small

What’s notable: These luxury, high-quality heels have a unique anatomical arch support and great traction.
What could be better: They are expensive and run a little narrow.

Stilettos often cause back pain and squeeze your toes within an inch of their life. But Sarah Flint’s shoes are specifically designed to be extremely comfortable and stylish: The wider front minimizes toe crowding and 6mm of extra padding on the footbed reduces leg fatigue. In addition, the inner sole is contoured and padded to fit the shape of your foot, a detail that definitely makes these stand out from your average heels. To deliver a nice lift, the stiletto is also crafted with an internal steel rod, which makes for a sturdy (and, ultimately, comfortable) base. Just note: These run a little small, so the brand recommends sizing up a half-size.

What our testers say: “These shoes are gorgeous. The materials are luxurious and sophisticated, which is hard to find in a comfortable heel. While they’re pointy and high, they’re very wearable. I even tested them on a slippery surface coated with snow and didn’t wipe out.”

Everlane

Everlane The Italian Leather Day Heel

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Our score: 10 | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Light Taupe | Materials: Leather, suede | Fit: Runs true to size, slightly wide

What’s notable: The elasticized back holds your foot in place, and they have a comfortable block heel.
What could be better: They aren’t available in wide sizes, and they’re only available in four colors.

Black heels strike the right balance between day and night looks, and are an essential part of any shoe wardrobe. Everlane’s ballet-inspired block heels happen to be especially wonderful: The elastic seam at the back provide a snug, chafe-free fit, and the round toe gives your feet room to spread out. This bestseller has 3,000 5-star ratings and is available in a pale pink, light taupe and blush tan—all of which can complement a variety of skin tones.

What our testers say: “I was skeptical about the elasticized back on these heels but was pleasantly surprised at how well it works—it really holds your foot in place without any rubbing. The block heel is perfect, just the right height, and the leather is smooth and not stiff against bare skin.”

Aerosoles

Aerosoles Emmex Sandal

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Our score: 9 | Sizes: 5 to 12; 6W to 12W | Colors: 6 total, including Black and Tan | Material: Faux leather, suede | Fit: Runs true to size

What’s notable: These shoes have a mid-height block heel, adjustable straps and great padding and traction.
What could be better: The open-toe design is not ideal for bad weather.

Aerosoles has long prioritized comfort in its heels. The top-rated Emmex Sandal has a supportive block heel and an ergonomically molded footbed that cushions your entire foot. It also features the brand’s signature diamond flex outsole (a diamond pattern on the bottom of the shoe that disperses friction and provides a better grip). This pair comes in both wide and medium widths.

What our testers say: “I found these open-toe sandals versatile to dress up or down and the adjustable straps let me customize the fit to my exact foot. Since these are made from faux leather, the material isn’t as soft as luxurious as other options, and the straps do have the potential to rub on the front of your ankle. But overall, the construction is solid and I walked around in these very happily.”

Naturalizer

Naturalizer Joy Sandal

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Our score: 8 | Sizes: 4 to 12; 6W to 12W | Colors: 18 total, including Light Bronze Leather and Berry Suede | Materials: Leather, suede or satin | Fit: Runs true to size, slightly wide

What’s notable: They’ve got a stylish, elevated look and plush padding—and come in a versatile range of colors.
What could be better: The back heel could be better designed.

A platform is surprisingly comfortable because it gives you plenty of height but minimizes the incline, thus easing the strain on the balls of your feet. Naturalizer’s Joy sandal is well cushioned and breathable, featuring a lightweight base and an adjustable ankle strap to secure your foot in place. Also great: This pick comes in dozens of colors (plus a wide width).

What our testers say: “I loved the height of these platform heels, and the suede lining felt soft and smooth against my bare skin. The back of the heel could have been a little tighter to hold my foot more securely in place, but other than that aspect, these platforms are well designed and comfortable to wear to an event or party.”

Amazon

Dream Pairs Annee Pointed Toe Low Chunky Heels

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Our score: 8 | Sizes: 5 to 11; 7W to 10W | Colors: 24 total, including Floral and Black | Materials: Suede, nubuck or faux leather | Fit: True to size, slightly wide

What’s notable: The adjustable straps and spacious design accommodate wider feet—all for an affordable price.
What could be better: The materials aren’t as high quality as others.

When you want some height but can’t be bothered with a pencil-thin heel, this block-shaped alternative makes for a comfortable option. This 2.25-inch heel features an anti-slip outsole and a latex insole that provides plenty of cushion. The adjustable strap also allows you to create a snug fit to reduce friction and rubbing. If you want affordable heels to wear occasionally or as a back-up pair, these Dream Pairs sandals fit the bill.

What our testers say: “Between the modest heel height, adjustable straps and roomy design, they’re comfortable and no-fuss. They’re not the most stylish of the options I tested, and the material is not as high quality as some of the more expensive shoes on this list, but this is a good pair to toss in your bag or travel with.”

More Top Picks To Consider

In addition to the heels we recommend above, we also tried—and loved—the below pairs, all tested by Forbes Vetted contributor Molly Calhoun. If the above styles don’t work for you, check out these other great options.

Larroude

Larroude Blair Block Pump

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Our score: 9 | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 3 total | Materials: Patent leather | Fit: True to size, slightly narrow

What’s notable: The high-quality construction and chic silhouette make this shoe a standout.
What could be better: The shiny patent leather, while sleek and elevated, is stiffer than lots of more supple leathers and suedes.

Founded by Marina and Ricardo Larroude in 2020, Larroude is known for shoes that blend fashion and comfort so you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. This pair is a combination of good-looking and practical: With a 1.9-inch square stacked heel and Mary Jane strap across the bridge, this shoe is a comfortable height, it provides great stability and it stays on feet securely.

What our tester says: “This shoe wears more like a flat than a heel—I loved that I didn’t feel lots of pressure on the ball of my foot. Style-wise, it dresses up everything from black pants to midi dresses to minis, and the shiny finish adds polish to any outfit. My only issue was that the outside portion of one of the shoes rubbed uncomfortably beneath my ankle at first.”

Marion Parke

Marion Parke Block Heel Pump 60mm

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Our score: 10 | Sizes: 35 to 42 | Colors: 6 total | Materials: Suede and patent leather | Fit: True to size

What’s notable: This shoe has a patented invisible insole that provides significant cushion and support. Plus, the color options are chic and versatile.
What could be better: The price is high, so this would be a significant investment.

Marion Parke shoes are the answer to not having to suffer for fashion. Founder Marion Parke—who is also a foot and ankle surgeon—fittingly describes her shoes as “tastefully and discreetly comfortable.” This pair’s technology increases stability while standing and walking, it reduces uncomfortable pressure on the ball of your foot and the cushioned design adapts to the natural shape of your foot over time.

What our tester says: “This shoe is so beautifully made and a pleasure to wear. I loved that it is both cushioned and flexible for long hours on my feet, but it also has a pretty rounded toe with a low vamp that shows off some toe cleavage, making it a good transitional pair for going out at night, too. I have a narrow foot, and this shoe worked well without gapping on the side while walking.”

Tuckernuck

Tuckernuck Black Mesh Darcy Wedges

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Our score: 4 | Sizes: 6 to 11 | Colors: 2 total | Materials: Suede with a mesh upper or croc embossed leather | Fit: True to size, narrow

What’s notable: The mesh is discreet, stylish and offers an element of breathability. Also, the wedge shape can be worn on grass where stilettos tend to be tricky.
What could be better: These could be difficult for those with wider feet.

Tuckernuck’s shoe offerings are sophisticated and versatile for different occasions, and this modern wedge is a great investment for everything from cocktail parties to weddings. The three-inch heel adds lift without putting excessive pressure on the sole of your foot, and the minimalist ankle strap helps keep these shoes on your feet securely.

What our tester says: “While it can sometimes feel as if you’re cramming toes into pointy toe shoes, the mesh on this pair was forgiving. I also loved the classically beautiful cap toe shape, which could be dressed up or down depending on my outfit. The wedge sole provided some stability, although I still had to pay close attention when navigating uneven terrain like bumpy sidewalks.”

Dolce Vita

Dolce Vita Blakly Heels

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Our score: 4.5 | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 4 total | Materials: Leather or patent leather | Fit: True to size

What’s notable: The footbed is padded and nicely flexible.
What could be better: While the forefoot straps are soft and accommodating, the heel strap can rub slightly.

Think of this as a go-to wedding guest shoe or event shoe that will keep you pain-free while, standing, walking or dancing. It features a 2.1-inch block heel and a wide base at the forefoot, without putting excessive strain on the ball of your foot or toes. It also comes in four wearable colors—beige crinkle patent, gold distressed leather, midnight crinkle patent and silver distressed leather—that pair well with formalwear.

What our tester says: “I typically avoid strappy shoes because they usually give me blisters, but these were especially comfy on the balls of my feet and across the bridge—and I didn’t need Band-Aids after wearing them. This pair also looks much more expensive than the price tag. My only complaint was that I had to make the ankle strap pretty tight in order to have more heel stability.”

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched, tested and written extensively about fashion and footwear topics.

Deputy editor Kari Molvar has experience testing a variety of shoes, including the most comfortable walking sandals and the best walking shoes for women. She formally tested all eight pairs of heels that we recommend as our top picks.
Co-authors Stephanie Montes and Lesley Rotchford are both regular Forbes Vetted contributors and have several years of experience covering lifestyle and fashion.
For this guide, we enlisted the advice and expertise of New York City-based podiatrist Krista Ammirati Archer, a Doctor of Podiatry Medicine (DPM) and an Associate of the America Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry (ABMSP).
This story is continually reviewed to ensure all products and prices are accurate. It was last updated in October 2024 by Forbes Vetted fashion contributor Molly Calhoun, who tested four of the pairs herself.

Senior fashion editor Kari Molvar tested a variety of options to find the most comfortable heels you … [+] can wear for hours.

Kari Molvar For Forbes Vetted

How We Tested The Most Comfortable Heels

We first considered a variety of shoes in different styles, heel heights and price levels. We narrowed down the top picks based on those that received the highest scores for comfort, grip and traction, quality of materials and overall value for the price.

Molvar and Calhoun then tested each of the top contenders, wearing them on different surfaces, including hardwood floors, concrete and stone. Molvar also road tested a few pairs during a snow storm to see how the heels held up in inclement weather.
In addition to our own scoring and evaluation, we read independent user reviews to ensure each of the picks on this list earned high marks (at least 4 out of 5 stars) from other testers with different foot types, conditions and needs.
To mimic the friction and rubbing caused by long-distance walking, Molvar also tested certain pairs by wearing them on a treadmill to do a final check on any pairs where there was the potential for discomfort or blisters.

What To Look For In The Most Comfortable Heels

Although the style and look depend on personal preference, certain factors provide a variety of comfort levels. Height and incline, as well as fit and materials, all play a role in how your feet feel at the end of the day.

Height

When it comes to heels, the higher the back, the more pressure it places on the ball or front of your feet and toes. A platform in the front can help lower the incline, which alleviates the pressure on the ball while still giving you plenty of height. Block heels and kitten heels are great options for lower heel heights.

Heel Type

Certain heel types are more comfortable than others. Archer says in order of comfort, she would recommend starting with a wedge or a platform, then a block heel, a kitten heel and then a stiletto. Wedges and platforms offer the most comfort because they distribute your weight evenly across your foot. In addition, the more cushioning a heel has, the longer you’ll be able to wear it without experiencing pain. However, you always have options. If you love a certain heel without any cushioning, you can always add a separate sole insert for extra support.

Materials

When it comes to your comfort, the materials are just as important as the heel height and design of your shoe. Dr. Archer recommends investing in shoes made of soft leather without any seams in the forefoot toe box. Genuine leather is easier to break in than other materials; it softens over time and conforms to the shape of your foot, ultimately resulting in a more comfortable fit. Breathability is important, too. “In general,” she says, “leather, cotton mesh or canvas allow the best circulation.”

Fit

One of the main culprits of an uncomfortable shoe is a poor fit. “Shoe sizes vary depending on the designer,” Archer says. She recommends getting your feet measured regularly, as your size can change over time. “Most women’s shoe size changes after having kids, and with the progression of deformities like bunions or hammertoes.” She notes that a proper foot measurement includes both your length and width sizes.

Deputy editor Kari Molvar picked Cole Haan’s Grand Ambition Pump as the most comfortable heels … [+] overall.

Kari Molvar For Forbes Vetted

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Grand Ambition Pump earned all-around praise for its soft cushioning and soft, buttery leather upper. It’s no accident that Cole Haan’s heels are superior in the comfort department: This style was developed with the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Biomechanics Laboratory to ensure it delivered maximum support.

What Are The Most Comfortable Heels For Wide Feet?

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What Are The Most Comfortable Heels For Wide Feet?

As you’d imagine, heels that come in wide-width options are best for those who want extra room. Not all heels offer this fit option, though. In that case, your best bet is sometimes to size up and use an insert to eliminate any extra space at the back of your heel. Why this works: Often, a larger size gives you more width and more length. If you only want the width, you’ll need to make adjustments to fill the gap in the back toward your heel, which an insert can help with (while also providing nice padding in the sole). Also look for strappy heels that can be adjusted on the sides and fully enclosed pumps with a low vamp—the cut-out at the front of a shoe—which naturally fits a wider foot more comfortably.