New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links.Featured pricing is subject to change.We know how tough it can be to find the most comfortable heels, stylish and comfy enough to last through a night of dancing and celebrating.
Whenever you were introduced to the painful world of heels, it may have made you forever fearful of any shoe over 1 inch tall.But fear not because beauty is not pain.You can still look fabulous without ending the day with blisters, sores, welts, and red toes with the most walkable shoes.
post wanted picks Best Overall : Dream Pairs Wonder Cloud Kitten Heel Sandals Best Budget : LifeStride Parigi Pumps Best Splurge : INEZ Sara Heels Most Flattering : Vince Camuto Retsie Pumps Most Comfortable Low Heels: Vice Versa The Publicist Pump Most Comfortable Heels for Work : VIVAIA Square-Toe Water Repellent Heeled Boots Best Leather Heeled Boots : Sam Edelman Paige Ankle Boot Advertisement
Post Wanted put dozens of heels to the test — big and small — in this comprehensive review.Here, you’ll only find the comfiest options that you’ll want to wear all day long.Let me repeat that — all day long .
Below, find the bonafide picks I’d wear any day of the week.
Best Overall : Dream Pairs Wonder Cloud Kitten Heel Sandals
Amazon Pros: Truly dreamy to walk in Great for any occasion The ankle strap and toe band offer added security and comfort Cons: Some may prefer the sculpted heel to be a bit straighter One of my most-recommended heels to my friends, family members, work colleagues and *literally* people on the street is the Dream Pairs Wonder Cloud Aphrodite Ruched Square Toe Kitten Heel Sandals.Impressively, they’re less than $50 and truly feel like a dream.
The brand, much like LifeStride, is well-known for its affinity to plush comfort at accessible price points.
This wins the award for best nude heels because they’re the ones I typically reach for that work with a variety of outfits.Even better, they’re great for driving, commuting and partying alike.
Victoria Giardina I love wearing these shoes to weddings where I’ll dance the night away as I find they’re the perfect nude heels .
The strap around the ankles is incredibly comfortable and not restricting, and the thicker band by the toes makes them blister-proof.They’re the ideal height and have plush material.
Seriously, everyone *needs* these shoes.
The ankle strap allows them to feel even more secure when worn.Plus, the thick band near the toes prevents blisters and offers another layer of support.
Size Range : US 6 to 11 | Color Options : 5 | Heel Height : 2.36 inches | Material: PU leather
AMAZON $42.99 $26.99 Best Budget : LifeStride Parigi Pumps
Amazon Pros: Offered in a variety of colors (side note: you’ll want to pick up everyone!) Comfortable insole and equally as comfortable heel Cons: The rim of the heel will become scuffed over time with frequent use I’m not going to lie, I’ve had the LifeStride Parigi Pumps in my closet for a while.
And, rightfully so, as they’re comfortable and look like a stock image of what a high heel should be.
Victoria Giardina At only $50, this pair of heels may be one of your best values yet.I wore them on several extracurricular formal activities (job fairs, interviews, you know the drill) and they never let me down.
In fact, I ran to DSW to pick up another pair because they’re my most-worn pumps — and the most comfortable “true pumps” I own.
Size Range : US 5 to 12 | Color Options : 20 | Heel Height: 2.5 inches | Material: Faux leather
AMAZON $69.99 Best Splurge: INEZ Sara Heels INEZ Pros: Excellent for days of long walking Trending brand, thanks to its durable construction and comfort Supports the heel and arch well Cons: Price point may be unreachable for some Heel height may be too tall for some wearers Commerce Reporter Emma Sutton-Williams recently had the chance to test out a pair of Inez 3.5-inch heels, which claim to be a comfortable option for women — a phrase you don’t often hear.She has been tempted to try them for a while, too.“I’d seen the ads, heard a friend-of-a-friend rave about them and watched other women say they worked great.But who are these women? Do they normally wear heels? And do they have bunions like I do?” Sutton-Williams shared.
Well, she decided to try them out firsthand.Most women wear heels from the car to an event, but she took the Sara in black with 3.5-inch heels all around the Upper West Side.“I was walking with two dudes who have no idea about the pressures or pace a woman faces while walking — and I’m proud to say I outpaced them without any pain,” Sutton-Williams shared.
Was it blissful and cushioned like a Birkenstock? Not exactly.It’s still a heel, but a very well-balanced one, with a cushion in the toe box that supported the frame of her foot the entire night.“We went out to dinner, and in New York, that means trying three different restaurants before finally settling in if you don’t have a reservation,” Sutton-Williams noted.
“I logged about two miles on my feet and felt like a supermodel.For the first time, I had the height I’ve always wanted, with a solid structure that didn’t make me wobble or feel unsupported.”
Emma Sutton-Williams There’s an option for slim, regular and roomy.Sutton-Williams opted for regular, and they fit her size 9.5 foot just fine.“At first, I felt the need to curl my toes down a bit to make sure they didn’t slip off — but they won’t,” she said.“Once I got used to wearing them, I relaxed my feet and strutted around the city with ease.”
The consensus? They’re worth the $268, per Sutton-Williams.“In fact, I liked them so much, I bought another pair with a 2.5-inch heel to wear at the office — and I’ll pull out the super high ones for sexier moments or days when I want to tower above everyone.Trust me, it’s really fun.”
Overall, you really do need to try these handcrafted shoes from Spain.They’re beautifully made, and Sutton-Williams looks forward to wearing them for years to come.
Size Range : US 5 to 10.5 | Color Options : 3 | Heel Height: 3.5 inches | Material: Luxe Italian Leather
INEZ $265.00 Most Comfortable Designer Heels: Vince Camuto Retsie Pumps Amazon Pros: Affordable, for the comfort and look Polished, subtly retro design Comfortable at the back of the heel Cons: Not entirely practical for everyday wear Vince Camuto truly knows how to architect a heel, as evident with the designer’s Hailenda Pump.
I love its polished design, with its pointed toe, which is surprisingly comfortable for my subtly wide feet.Seriously, they look so good.
I don’t know why, but these heels make me feel like I’m on the cast of “Pretty Little Liars” (in other words, I feel like a chic Ally from Rosewood).They’re available in a wealth of shades you’ll want to snatch up and they slip on like a glove.
While a bit taller than what I normally wear, they aren’t restricting.
Victoria Giardina Because of their height, I anticipated that these shoes would be not-so-comfy.But after years of wearing them, I can say that these are a pair of black heels I love.While I only reach for them on special occasions, this is kind of my reminder to style them more — with jeans, maxi skirts and whatever else I find in my closet.
Size Range : US 5 to 11 | Color Options : 3 | Heel Height: 3.25 inches | Material: Leather
AMAZON $76.00 Most Comfortable Low Heels: Vice Versa The Publicist Pump Vice Versa Pros: Shoe converts from flats to heels Well made with a sturdy structure to walk in without fear of the heel collapsing Four shades to choose from Cons: Takes a little time to break in, so I suggest bringing some bandaids along just in case There is a slight heel-to-toe rocking motion when in the flat position If you’re the gal who walks to work in flats and changes to heels upon arrival or behind a flower pot (guilty), these heels are for you.And perhaps the most intriguing shoe on the market today.
The Publicist Pump is a chic heel that converts to flats with the click of a button.It was designed in Los Angeles.
It allows you to pop open the sole, where a button clicks the heel into place.When you’re done, click the button, and it collapses back into a flat without anyone knowing the difference.
Emma Sutton-Williams “Honestly, it’s been a real game-changer running around the streets of Manhattan,” Emma Sutton-Williams , commerce writer/reporter, shared.“I enjoy a pop of red, but these shoes also come in black patent, black silk and gold patent.”
Size Range: US 5 to 12 | Color Options: 4 | Heel Height: 3.7 inches tall and 1.3 inches flat | Material: Leather or Silk
VICE VERSA $385.00 Most Comfortable Heels for Work : VIVAIA Square-Toe Water Repellent Heeled Boots VIVAIA Pros: True-to-size fit Comfortable, stretchy fabric that are great comfortable heels for work Vast size range Cons: Seasonal shoes, so may not be the best pick for summer and hot climates For a sublime pair of comfortable heels, turn heads with these chic-heeled booties.The VIVAIA Square-Toe Water Repellent Heeled Boots are offered in a vast shade range and are a beloved, trusty pair.
“My regular size fits perfectly and the square toe leaves plenty of wiggle room,” Erica Radol , Page Six commerce writer/reporter, shared, naming them the shoes she swears by for the office, specifically.
“The upper is a comfy, secure, stretchy fabric, so these would likely fit a variety of foot widths.
I have other pairs of Vivaia and found consistent sizing across styles (the Mary Jane flats are another favorite).I appreciate that the Regina Pro booties pull on, making them a cinch to take on and off.”
Since these booties comfortably work from the office to dinner plans, are water-repellent and breathable, and can be spot-cleaned, they justify the price tag of $150.They also have a herbal, antimicrobial insole that counters any potential odor.
“Based on use so far, I expect the pair to last a very long time,” Radol added.“They garner compliments, too!”
Erica Radol Everyone from Oprah to Julia Roberts has been spotted in the brand.They’re also made from recycled water bottles but you would never know it to look at them! “I love that they are a vegan, planet-friendly and stylish pair all in one,” Radol highlighted.
Radol noted that her foot is very comfortable in them all day, especially compared to pointy-toe boots.“There is cushioning in the sole and the bottom is anti-slip, which makes them stable, even when walking the city streets,” she reviewed.
As heels that “feel as comfortable as flats,” per Radol, this VIVAIA pair is worth the buy.
Size Range: US 5 to 11 | Color Options: 19 | Heel Height: 2.16 inches | Material: Water-repellent yarn
VIVAIA $199.00 Best Leather Heeled Boots: Sam Edelman Paige Ankle Boot Sam Edelman Pros: True-to-size fit Quality leather material Doesn’t take long (if at all) to break in, based on testing Cons: The price point may be unreachable for some The Sam Edelman Paige Ankle Boot is a sleek and versatile ankle bootie designed to elevate everyday outfits with effortless style — and it’s one our Commerce Partnerships Associate Brooke Parker loves.
“As someone who’s never been one to wear heels, these are extremely easy to walk in and wear all day without any pain,” Parker described.“There was no break-in period and were comfortable from the first time I put them on.”
Crafted from supple black leather, it features a flattering almond-shaped toe and a minimalist silhouette that pairs beautifully with everything from denim to dresses.The boot’s stacked block heel offers just the right amount of lift for a polished look without compromising on comfort, while the inside zipper closure ensures easy on-and-off wear.
“They have a chic look that differentiates them from from the average work ankle boot while still going with just about any work outfit,” she added.“Bonus: I played an hour of the soccer simulator game at the company holiday party in these and didn’t roll an ankle.”
Size Range: US 5 to 13 | Color Options: 10 | Heel Height: 1.73 inches | Material: Leather
SAM EDELMAN $160.00 How we tested
Some of the heels tested, from Dream Pairs to Steve Madden.Victoria Giardina Some of these shoes were worn for at least one month while others we’ve owned for as long as six years and are tried-and-true staples on my shoe rack .
Ahead, here’s the testing criteria we kept in mind while waltzing around in each of them:
Comfort : This wouldn’t be a comfortable heels roundup without placing comfort at the forefront of what we were looking for.Dialing it down to the basics, if any heel tested provided an ounce of discomfort, it didn’t make the final cut.Versatility : Of course, some heels are positioned to be worn for special occasions while others have a penchant for everyday wear.We kept this characteristic in mind while testing.Value : The saying, “ You get what you pay for ” is usually true, but there are some affordable options on this list that blow that expression out of the water.You can rest assured that every pair on this list is comfortable for all-day wear.These shoes were worn to work , to weddings, to weekend brunches and everything in between.I know the struggle of ordering shoes online, so this is dedicated to everyone who wants an easy shopping experience.
What are comfortable heels for standing all day? Regardless of your personal style, there are some key things to consider when selecting a shoe you’re going to be standing all day in.
Heels with a round or square toe, for example, may be preferable to those that are pointed.
The reason for this is that they tend to be more breathable.
No one wants to deal with sweaty, squished feet, right?
Heel length is another thing to look at.Higher heels generally mean more pressure on calves, ankles and feet.
What is the most comfortable heel height for work? The most comfortable heel height is whatever you feel good standing for long periods in — obviously.However, as a rule of thumb, the shorter the height, the easier on your tootsies.
According to our research, podiatrists tend to recommend forgoing anything above 3 inches when foot health is concerned.However, as we’ve already discussed, this still leaves a lot of options.
What brands make the most comfortable shoes? There are a variety of brands that make high-quality, comfortable shoes that you can walk around all day in.Here are some we always look to when craving a new pair:
The other heel brands on our radar — and why It’s impossible for the Post Wanted team to try *every* single pair of comfy heels out there, especially as some are seasonal styles that go out of stock within only a few months.
However, that doesn’t mean our team of shopping pros didn’t do our research.Here are the best ones that are on our radar that we haven’t tested quite yet, and why:
Dolce Vita : Dolce Vita is known for blending fashion-forward design with thoughtful construction, using cushioned insoles and quality materials that prioritize all-day wearability.
Its heels — like the Yella Heels ($150) — often feature manageable heel heights and supportive silhouettes, making them a reliable choice for stylish yet comfortable footwear.Tory Burch : Tory Burch combines timeless, elegant design with well-crafted construction, often incorporating padded footbeds and ergonomic shapes for enhanced comfort.The brand uses premium materials and thoughtful detailing — like the Ines Heeled Sandal ($325) — making their heels both stylish and suitable for extended wear.
Vionic : Vionic is renowned for its podiatrist-designed footbeds that offer superior arch support, alignment and cushioning, making its heels exceptionally comfortable for prolonged wear.Its heels — like the Merlot Heeled Sandal ($150) — seamlessly combine orthopedic technology with stylish designs, catering to those who prioritize foot health without sacrificing fashion.Dansko : Dansko is a trusted brand for comfortable heels thanks to its focus on ergonomic design, featuring contoured footbeds, excellent arch support and shock-absorbing soles.
Its durable construction and supportive fit — as seen in the Taytum Milled Nubuck Heels ($97) — make them ideal for people who are on their feet for long hours but still want a polished look.Kate Spade : Kate Spade offers comfortable heels by blending chic, feminine design with thoughtful touches like padded insoles and well-balanced heel heights.
The brand focuses on quality craftsmanship and materials, making its heels — like the Bunnie Pump ($222) — stylish enough for events while still offering decent comfort for extended wear.Naturalizer : Naturalizer is known for designing heels specifically shaped to fit the contours of a woman’s foot, offering features like cushioned insoles, arch support and breathable linings for all-day comfort.With a long-standing reputation for combining comfort and classic style, its heels are a reliable choice for both work and social settings.Cole Haan : Cole Haan is praised for its innovative use of comfort technology, such as Grand.OS cushioning and lightweight construction, which makes its heels exceptionally wearable throughout the day.The brand combines sleek, professional design with performance-inspired comfort — like the Hansell Slingback Pumps ($160) — ideal for those who need both style and support in one shoe.
Sarah Flint : Sarah Flint is renowned for creating luxurious heels that prioritize comfort without compromising on style.Each pair is handcrafted in Italy using premium materials and features thoughtful design elements such as anatomical arch support, a wider toe box and 6mm of extra padding to ensure all-day wearability, as shown in with the Perfect Kitten Pump 50 ($495)..
