Women around the world have spoken and fashion has listened. At last, leading luxury labels are creating high heels that are comfortable enough to wear all day and still look great.
Despite the focus shift towards comfort when designing high heels, there are still plenty of painful options out there, which is why you need to be careful when shopping for a new pair of shoes.
Make sure you buy heels that are no higher than 3-4" if comfort is important to you. These Italian made Nappa leather pumps are a brilliant example.
A 6-7" heel might look great, but they'll take their toll on your feet after an hour or two.
The thinner the heel, the harder it is to walk and stay balanced, and the more pressure you put on your heel. Buy shoes with a chunkier heel, like these Laura Biagiotti sandals, for optimum comfort. These heels are much easier to walk in, too.
Heels with a pointed toe restrict the shape of your foot and, in turn, create pressure points which can cause blisters. Choosing round toe heels, like these Stuart Weitzman pumps, will make blisters a thing of the past.
Typically, the higher the heel, the less cushioning there is, which is why it is beneficial to wear shorter heels.
High heels with a cushioned sole, like these Made in Italy ankle pumps, prevent rubbing and reduce the amount of pressure you're putting on your heel or arch, so the heels are more comfortable.
Remember that when you try on a pair of heels in the store, you are not experiencing what it is like to wear those same heels for hours. That is why it is so important to consider the size of the heel, the shape of the toe, and how cushioned the shoes are when shopping.
Also, by law, you can return a pair of shoes if they are not heavily worn. Therefore, always try on your heels when you get home and wear them for an hour to make sure they will not cause you problems later. If they are not comfortable after an hour, consider returning them.
Ready to find a pair of comfortable high heels? Discover our full collection of women's heels.