14 Most Comfortable Heels for Every Occasion, Tested and Reviewed
Stepping into a pair of heeled shoes shouldn’t come with the possibility of blisters, bunions, or zero arch support. To help you find the the most comfortable heels, Glamour editors walked and danced in all sorts of styles to see if they had supportive features and looked chic enough for all your summer events. Though no heel can truly rival your trusty walking shoes, these options can keep the focus on the on the experience itself and away from your achy soles. Below, find the most comfortable heels we've ever worn including high heels, platforms, wedges, slingbacks, and espadrilles.
TL;DR: Our very favorite overall heels are the Naturalizer Vera Sandals, which have a manageable 2.5-inch heel, cushioned insole, and come in three different widths.
The most comfortable heels, at a glance
- Best Overall: Naturalizer Vera Sandals, $104
- Best Stiletto: Dream Pairs Strappy Closed-Toe Stilettos, $50
- Best High Heel: Jessica Simpson Immie Platform Sandals, $129
- Most Supportive: Sorel Kinetic Impact Y-Strap High Sandal, $125
- Best Slide: Everlane The Double Strap Heel, $158
- Best on Budget: Dream Pairs High Heel Platform Pump Sandals, $45
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- 1/14
Naturalizer Vera Sandals
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 summer 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
- 2/14
Sorel Kinetic Impact Y-Strap High Sandals
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 fare insanely comfy,” says Nena Farrell, a 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 work 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
- 3/14
Madewell The Gwenn Block-Heel Sandal
Some of us prefer sandals to super high heels and these Madewell sandals are a nice in-between. Their block-heel shoes have a sensible size block, come in two classic colors, and have criss-cross, asymmetrical straps at the ankle and toe. Pair them with any outfit—evening gowns included.
Sizes: 6–10 | Material: Leather | Heel height: 1.75 in. | Colors: 2 options
- What we love: Comfortable; low heel; versatile
- What's worth considering: Limited sizing; not super cushioned
- Our reviewer says: I got these for my 35th birthday party and wound up wearing them for 10 hours straight—during setup, for endless standing, and even while hosting a talent show. I love that they’re a little dressy (enough that I wore them under a sequined evening gown) but versatile enough to wear to work. The block heel provides a good amount of ankle support, and the straps didn’t leave me with blisters—a godsend. Highly recommend. —Malia Griggs, Glamour commerce editor
- 4/14
Vagabond Shoemakers Lykke Slingback Pumps
Slingback heels are the trendiest shoes of the moment, and you need not punish your feet to hop on the look. This genuine leather pair from Vagabond Shoemakers—a leather brand behind some of our favorite loafers—features an adjustable strap, a manageable kitten heel, and an on-trend pointed toe.
Sizes: 6–11 | Material: Leather | Heel height: 1.85 in. | Colors: 2 options
- What we love: Trendy; low heel
- What's worth considering: Pricey; heel is not super supportive
- Our reviewer says: To say I struggle with closed-toe, pointy heels is an understatement; I wouldn’t even wear them to my own wedding. But after years of trial and tribulation, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve finally found a pair that don’t just go with and elevate every outfit but are actually comfy. So comfortable, in fact, that when I brought this pair to Mexico City and planned to wear them only at the wedding I was there for, my feet loved them so much I just kept wearing them. By the end of my trip, they—and my feet—had survived several dinners, cocktails, walks across CDMX, and more. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour associate beauty editor
- 5/14
Dream Pairs Strappy Closed-Toe Stilettos
Wedding season is upon us, which means comfortable formal heels should make their way into your lineup. 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. Dreampairs 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
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- 6/14
Soludos Marseille Wedge Espadrille
Espadrilles are one of the most comfortable heels for summer—year after year. 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 (a must during sweaty summer).
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 my sundresses come summer. 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. —M.G.
- 7/14
M.Gemi The Lizza Nuova
Our editor called these platform heels “absurdly comfortable”—so much so that she bought a second pair. “I never struggle with foot pain, blisters, or any of my usual high-heel troubles,” she says. The secret’s in the design: a thick, flared heel for support under the ankle; an adjustable Y-strap buckle and wide upper strap; and soft leather footbeds that’ll help you cut up the dance floor but not your feet.
Sizes: 35–41 EU | Material: Italian patent leather | Heel height: 2.75 in. | Colors: 9 options
- What we love: Comfortable; supportive; fun colors
- What's worth considering: Pricey; open-toe; high instep
- Our reviewer says: I needed a pair of metallic, chunky, and, most important, extremely comfortable heels to wear to my good friend’s wedding, and the Lizza Nuova aced the assignment and then some. I kid you not, I wore and danced in these for 12-plus hours, walking up and down multiple flights of stairs, across grass, stones, and bumpy driveways along the way. By the end of the night—I want to say it was around 1 a.m.—I realized everyone was barefoot but me! If that’s not proof of their comfort, I don’t know what it is. I will never not recommend them to friends and family as the comfiest, cutest heels you can find. —D.S.
- 8/14
Loeffler Randall Penny Knotted Lamé Sandal
The most glamorous of outfits call for show-stopping 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 just the perfect wedding or summer fancy shoe. 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
- 9/14
Jessica Simpson Immie Platform Sandals
This one’s for the girl who loves—nay, arguably needs—the highest of high heels to add that extra oomph to an outfit. Shockingly, these genuinely tall heels aren’t just wearable—they’re downright comfy for all-day wear and are lightweight (no dragging your feet). The event-ready pair is released in new colors each season; there’s bound to be one to pair with your next wedding guest dress—or a pair of wide-leg jeans.
Sizes: 5–12 | Material: Faux leather, rubber | Heel height: 5 in. | Colors: 12 options
- What we love: The adjustable ankle strap; splashy colors
- What's worth considering: Height like this isn't for everyone; they’re also not cushioned
- Our reviewer says: I’ve said for years that Jessica Simpson makes the most comfortable heels in the world, and these are no exceptions—even with a five-inch heel. Yes, they have a one-inch platform and a block-shaped heel, so those help, but I’m also convinced she has some kind of magic cobbler on staff. My rainbow-and-cork pair is from a past season, but I’m definitely buying the new all-denim version too. (Our digital director called these sandals “very Chrissy from Three’s Company,” which I took as the highest compliment.) —Kim Fusaro, Glamour global executive director of brand marketing
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- 10/14
Dream Pairs High Heel Platform Pump Sandals
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
- 11/14
Everlane The Double Strap Heel
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. Style them with capri pants or a linen sundress.
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 summer wardrobe. They are classy enough to wear to dinner or work while still being cool and breezy for summer. 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 was in flip-flops. Can’t beat that. —S.M.
- 12/14
Draper James Preston Sandals
Bow accessories are absolutely everywhere right now—so why not add them to a pair of heels? These preppy low sandals from Reese Witherspoon’s brand Draper James feature sweet bows across the front strap and are perfect for dressed-up events, especially summer weddings (or to any other party to offset a white dress). Its low heel adds a little formality to the versatile sandal.
Sizes: 6–12 | Material: Cotton | Heel height: 2.25 in. | Colors: 5 options
- What we love: Low heel; bow detailing
- What's worth considering: They don’t have a lot of cushioning
- Our reviewer says: I wore these to a 12-hour (no, that’s not a typo) wedding, and I didn’t get a single blister. They’re so comfortable and easy to walk and dance in (or in my case, jump in) thanks to the block heel. I also wore them a few days later to the Glamour Women of the Year event (the red carpet was a sea of bows), and they felt great—no pinching or rubbing. —Brie Schwartz, Glamour commerce director
- 13/14
Koi SAI Black Mary Jane Shoes Faux Leather Edition
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, 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
- 14/14
Lisa Says Gah Margot Rosette Sandal
How adorable are these rosette-adorned sandals? They have long ankle straps you can wrap around your ankles for extra support (and which are also dotted with satin rosettes) and a low block heel. Pair them with a bright red or black dress—and consider adding socks for an unexpected nostalgic twist.
Sizes: 5.5–11 | Material: Leather, satin | Heel height: 2 in. | Colors: 2 options
- What we love: Detailing; low heel; ankle straps
- What's worth considering: Sizes at the brand run out fast
- Our reviewer says: Heels and I don’t get along, but this pair from Lisa Says Gah are a major exception. Obviously, they’re adorable. But that’s not what we’re here to discuss. Somehow, despite how chic and high-fashion they look, they are super comfortable and problematic-foot friendly, too! I’ve worn them from day into night (a daytime birthday party, then a high school reunion, then the after party, to be specific), so for probably 10-plus hours, and my feet didn’t hurt at all by the end of the night. I will be wearing these to every wedding this summer. —D.S.