16 Most Comfortable Heels for Every Occasion, Tested and Reviewed

“Wedges and block heels can help distribute body weight more evenly and provide stability,” says Dr. Pidich. These wide-block platform sandals do just that if you’re looking for a cute, high-heeled shoe that won’t make you stumble or wobble, even while strolling on cobblestone streets or uneven sidewalks. This shoe comes in a handful of bold colors (we’re talking everything from jewel tones to hot pink and ivory) and has an adjustable (and very comfortable) buckle ankle strap. The footbed of the shoe is lightly cushioned to help distribute weight, and the square toe provides a lot of room.

Sizes: 5–11 (in M) | Material: Satin | Heel height: 3.75 in. | Colors: 10 options

• What we love: Doesn’t slip or slide
• What’s worth considering: Might cause a little irritation at the back of the heel (because of the ankle strap)
• Our reviewer says: These Nina platforms are my go-to going-out heels. I have worn these all night dancing at a bar, walking around as a bridesmaid, and dressing up with girlfriends. I have a few of the colors and love them all. They’re comfy, cute and versatile. —Audree Kate López, NYC-based fashion stylist

This shoe is from McCulloch’s shoe brand, Frankie4, which puts support at the forefront of every style. The footbed has a dual-layer system that works to add extra cushion to the front of the shoe to help balance weight. The straps are also adjustable, and have a comfortable foam lining that helps alleviate pressure and rubbing on skin, a must have if you find that most shoes give you blisters.

Sizes: 6–13| Material: Leather| Heel height: 2 in. | Colors: 2 options

• What we love: Stylish yet comfortable and cushiony; very easy to walk in
• What’s worth considering: The shoe is a little tight so it’s important to adjust the straps before wear
• Our reviewer says: I love the look of a pointed shoe, especially under a pair of jeans, so I was excited to give these a go on a recent night out. I loved how easy this shoe was to slip on and how roomy the toe was. I actually wore these over chunky socks so I needed to adjust the strap a bit to fit, but was immediately pleased at how comfortable they were as soon as I got them on. I wore them out to multiple locations for about six hours and didn’t get any blisters (which often happens when I break in new shoes). I’ll definitely be incorporating these into my rotation moving forward! —Glamour commerce writer, Alanna Martine Kilkeary

“Heel height can definitely factor into comfortability, but heel width can have more influence,” says Audree Kate López, an NYC-based fashion stylist. And these Messa heels from Steve Madden pretty much prove her point. They have an extremely wide heel without an extra platform under the sole, which actually makes the shoe more comfortable than it looks. They have quite a high heel for comfort at 3.75 inches, but don’t feel too heavy or clunky when walking around. Probably our favorite part is how well they pair with everything from ripped denim to a wedding-guest dress—the options are endless with the classic black and neutral styles.

Sizes: 5–12| Material: Leather, synthetic | Heel height: 3.75 in. | Colors: 5 options

• What we love: Classic block style; easy to pair with different outfits for various occasions
• What's worth considering: The buckle is tiny, so it might take a few minutes to put them on
• Our reviewer says: These are nothing short of your classic, strappy black heel that goes well with just about anything from baggy denim to a maxi skirt. They’re quite flexible and easy to walk around in, and you won’t feel unsteady. I actually love that there’s no platform on the sole area because it gives the illusion of a regular stiletto-style heel without compromising comfort. Will I wear these over and over again? Yes, and will I also snag a pair in denim for the warmer months? Also yes. —A.M.K.

Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary swears that these trendy knee-high boots are among the most comfortable in her collection. “I’m quite short at 5'1'', so I always like to wear a shoe with a heel, no matter what style, including boots. I love that these have a tiny kitten heel that gives me a little more elevation without making it uncomfortable to walk,” she says. Kilkeary has walked miles in these boots, over cobblestones, and throughout the NYC subway (just watch her journey on Glamour’s Tiktok), and she’s never had a blister, shoe bite, or toe pinch once with these.

Sizes: 5–13 (in standard, wide calf, and extra-wide calf) | Material: Leather, suede | Heel height: 2.4 in. | Colors: 6 options

• What we love: Extremely comfortable; easy to walk in; fun to style
• What’s worth considering: Stiletto heel might get caught in places
• Our reviewer says: These are my go-to pair of shoes for when I’m headed out to dinner. At 2.4 inches, the heel is high enough to feel dressy, yet low enough for adventures walking around the city. Plus, the long length adds an extra layer of warmth (which I especially appreciate when wearing tights) on colder days. —W.S.

If you have a wedding coming up then you know comfortable formal heels are a must. This pair of four-inch stilettos might not have foam cushioning, but our tester managed to wear them all night long for a wedding. Despite having a pointy toe, these heels are flexible, won’t suffocate your feet, and are available in half sizes.

Sizes: 6–11 | Material: Rubber, mesh | Heel height: 4 in. | Colors: 6 options

• What we love: Stylish; removable bow detailing
• What’s worth considering: Heel is quite high; no cushioning
• Our reviewer says: I prefer a higher heel, and at four inches, these were super comfortable for a night of dancing and posing for photos during a wedding. Dream Pairs is one of my go-to Amazon brands for affordable shoes for special occasions, since I’d rather not spend a ton of cash on shoes I won’t wear often. I also like that the little bow in the back is removable. —Andrea Navarro, Glamour contributor

Espadrilles are one of the most comfortable heels. This version from Soludos offers lift with its wedge and comfort with its shock-absorbent footbed that molds to your soles over time. The crisscross ankle ties are a flattering touch, adding adjustable support and fit, and it’s made of breathable linen and cotton.

Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Linen, jute, cotton | Heel height: 3.5 in. | Colors: 5 options

• What we love: Extremely comfortable; breathable; lightweight
• What’s worth considering: They’re not the most water-resistant, should you attend a rainy-day event
• Our reviewer says: This wedge sandal is the shoe that I wear with all of my dresses. A stylist friend recommended it to me years ago, and I’ve been impressed with how durable, cushy, and cute it is. The footbed molded to my foot with time, and its lace-up straps provide extra support to my ankles (while looking pretty). It’s a super lightweight, easy-to-wear shoe, and I love that the wedge offers some height and support to my flat feet at the same time. —Malia Griggs, Glamour commerce editor

Sorel’s collection of walking sandals is a hit among Glamour staff, and this cushy, lightweight pair of chunky heels is a welcome addition to the family. “Sorel’s wedges are insanely comfy,” says Nena Farrell, product writer and reviewer at Wired, who owns a similar pair from a previous season. The thick outsoles cushion each step, while the thick Velcro straps ensure you’ll get the perfect fit. We also love that the color choices will please everyone; choose from classics like black and brown, or go bolder with cherry red and lime. These will pair well with everything from straight-leg jeans to midi-skirts—and they’re great for saving your feet during vacation (especially when you need a cute option that’s also breathable).

Sizes: 5–12 | Material: Leather, textile | Heel height: 2.5 in. | Colors: 4 options

• What we love: Supportive soles and midsoles; great for walking
• What could improve: Might run too wide
• Our reviewer says: Thanks to an old injury, I only wear comfortable—borderline orthopedic, if I’m honest—shoes. Unfortunately, it can be a struggle to find options that still look cool without always relying on sneakers and Birkenstocks. So I was happily surprised when I found these platform sandals by Sorel, a brand best known for its weatherproof boots. Wearing these is like walking around in open-toe sneakers—in fact, I find them even more supportive than a lot of the tennis shoes I own. I’ve worn them to work, on vacation, and out with friends, and I love how they pair well with (almost) any outfit. And because they have a unique look, I get compliments every time I wear them. They also come in a lot of fun colors so you can find the vibe that best matches you. I own a white pair currently, but I’m debating between adding the black or beige to my closet. —Anna Moeslein, Glamour deputy editor

We love a pair of Mary Janes (they’re a popular style right now, especially in ballet flats). Here’s a decidedly edgy take on the silhouette, which adds a thick platform and would be as at home at a ’90s grunge show as they would be at a formal event (paired with the right pants or dress, that is). Our tester has worn them for years—even going so far as to purchase a second pair. Soften the overall look by layering the shoes over frilly socks.

Sizes: 5–13 | Material: Faux leather | Heel height: 3 in. | Colors: 1 option

• What we love: Platform heel; vegan; under $75
• What’s worth considering: They scuff
• Our reviewer says: I have bad knees and ankles so almost never wear heels above two inches, but these conveniently give you the height boost and illusion of heels with the chunky platform. I’ve worn them everywhere—to Glamour’s Woman of the Year awards, the Met Gala, through fashion weeks, as a bridesmaid, and even just casually to work. I’ve owned two pairs in the past six years, and the fact that I bought them again after so many years speaks to the timeliness of the Mary Jane style and chunky silhouette. —Anastasia Sanger, Glamour social video producer

The most glamorous of outfits call for showstopping heels to finish them off—and these designer shoes deliver. Our editor calls them “truly iconic.” The heels are wrapped in festive metallic lamé (champagne or gold) with a knotted bow at the toe that evokes an Old Hollywood vibe. Their three-inch heel makes the shoe elegant enough for formal attire but is thick enough to stabilize the ankle.

Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Textile, leather | Heel height: 3.25 in. | Colors: 2 options

• What we love: Many different colors and heel-height options
• What’s worth considering: Pricey
• Our reviewer says: I’ve coveted these Loeffler Randall bow-heeled sandals since the first time I saw them in a neighborhood boutique. They are whimsical yet polished, and unique yet easy enough to pair with many different outfits. I’m also a fan of how comfortable they are—their heel is not too high and easy to walk in, and they don’t hurt your feet like many other shoes you’d wear to a fancy event. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour senior editor

These top-rated low heels from Naturalizer—a brand that prioritizes comfort and style—feature its signature cushioned footbeds for long-lasting comfort. (Over time they’ll literally mold to your feet.) Standing at just over two inches, they have a slightly cushioned insole and offer three widths, which is a major plus for anyone with narrow or wide feet. They also come in a huge range of colors, including an impressive selection of nudes and metallics. Keep these in your closet all season long; you’ll be able to wear them everywhere with a white T-shirt and denim skirt or a romantic dress.

Sizes: 4–13 (in N, M, W) | Material: Leather | Heel height: 2.5 in. | Colors: 20 options

• What we love: Three widths offered; range of colors
• What’s worth considering: Buckle could be a hassle
• Our reviewer says: I rarely wear heels, but every now and then I like to throw on a low-heeled sandal for work. These block-heel shoes are low enough for me to wear them all day and not feel like my feet are suffocating. Naturalizer also has the most customizable sizing I’ve seen thus far, and my feet tend to be on the more narrow side. —Maria Navarro, Glamour reviewer

Under $50 will net you Glamour editorial assistant Monique Wilson’s tried-and-true high heels (super high!). They have strong, stable heels, dressy platformed soles that are padded for comfort, and buckles that adjust to fit the ankle for a snug fit. Choose from a wide range of shades to match your various looks.

Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Polyurethane, rubber | Heel height: 4.5 in. | Colors: 19 options

• What we love: Many color options
• What’s worth considering: Material scuffs easily
• Our reviewer says: Ask any of my friends, and they will tell you that I love these shoes. They’re classy, classic black platform heels. The first time I wore them was for a fashion show that I was preparing for. Practice entailed constant walking and spinning and standing in these heels for a long period of time. I had no trouble doing any of this, which is why I swear by them. They are the perfect height to elongate my legs, and I really like the chunky heel. I’ve worn them to black-tie events, for night outs, and everything in between. There really are no cons with these shoes. I just bought my second pair after four years, and for good reason. —Monique Wilson, Glamour editorial assistant

A boxy toe adds modern edge to these Everlane sandal-heels, which have two simple, slightly puffy straps. The straps are thoughtfully framed in elastic that stretches with the foot as you walk—no chafing—and its footbed is lightly cushioned. Once spring arrives you can style them with capri pants.

Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Regenerated leather (black and canvas); suede (blush tan) | Heel height: 2.15 in. | Colors: 3 options

• What we love: Squared toe; easy to walk in
• What’s worth considering: Show wear quickly
• Our reviewer says: I recently got these Everlane leather strap heels in black and they quickly became a staple of my wardrobe. They are classy enough to wear to dinner or work while still being cool and breezy. My favorite thing about them is you can walk in them all day. I recently wore them to a work event where I was on my feet for hours, including walking down the streets of New Orleans, and I felt as comfortable as if I were in flip-flops. Can’t beat that. —S.M.

These ankle-strap heels are a great choice for older women who want extra support while walking. They have a roomy, open toe block that won’t compress or pinch toes, and they also have an adjustable hook-and-loop closure for easy accessibility, and can be dressed up or down in both leather and suede styles. The deep heel cup makes the shoe extra supportive, especially for those who need more arch and contour support.

Sizes: 5–13 (in W) | Material: Leather, suede| Heel height: 2.5 in. | Colors: 10 option

• What we love: Suitable for older women who have trouble walking
• What’s worth considering: A little pricey compared to other options on Amazon
• Our reviewer says: I own these and love them! They contain podiatrist-designed arch support and a cushioned footbed that helps reduce foot fatigue and enhance stability. —Casey Pidich, DPM

If you prefer the look of a square toe but want to stay comfortable, this strappy sandal will give you just enough room and has two supportive straps to keep your foot from slipping or sliding. This pair is under $20, making it one of the most affordable picks on this list, and comes in over 20 colors and styles to fit just about any preference.

Sizes: 5–13 | Material: Polyurethane| Heel height: 2.75 in. | Colors: 20-plus options

• What we love: Compact and easy to pack, making them perfect for travels
• What’s worth considering: Can cause blisters when first wearing them
• Our reviewer says: These are the sandals I always recommend when someone asks me for a great shoe for a wedding or event. They’re super comfy—I’ve even worn them traipsing around cobblestone squares in Savannah. —S.P.