Comfortable High Heels? Here is What to Look For

"FASHION IS PAIN" USED TO BE THE MOTTO OF MANY A FASHIONISTA, BUT NOT ANYMORE.

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.

HOW TO FIND COMFORTABLE HIGH HEELS

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.

TO ENSURE COMFORT, BUY HIGH HEELS THAT ARE:

Shorter

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.

CHUNKIER

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.

CURVIER

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.

CUSHIONED

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.

A TIP FROM OUR BUYERS

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.

User Anecdotes

We've solicited a number of user anecdotes on this topic, and have hand picked some of the more interesting ones below. We feel that anecdotes can give a practical, human perspective on a topic.

"I've always loved wearing heels, but after a long day at work, my feet would be covered in blisters and feel completely sore. I thought I just had to endure the pain for the sake of fashion. However, I recently discovered that high heels can actually be comfortable if you know what to look for. For me, a wider toe box and cushioned insoles have been game-changers. I no longer feel like my toes are being squished together and the cushioning provides a bit of relief on the balls of my feet. I was also surprised to find that a slightly thicker heel provided more stability and less strain on my ankles. I never thought I'd be able to walk in heels without wincing in pain, but these little adjustments have made all the difference."
Michelle W.

"Let me tell you, I've tried every high heel trick in the book to avoid discomfort. Gel inserts, heel grips, you name it. But nothing seemed to work until I finally took the time to understand what makes a heel comfortable. Now, I always make sure to find shoes with a lower heel height and a sturdier heel shape. Trust me, it's made an incredible difference in my comfort level. I can actually wear heels all day without wanting to cry! It's also crucial for me to find shoes with a good arch support, as I have pretty high arches. I've since invested in a few pairs with these qualities, and I can confidently strut my stuff without dreading the consequences."
Simone D.

"As a man who occasionally wears high heels for special events, I've experienced firsthand the agony that can come from a night in ill-fitting, uncomfortable shoes. I've done my research and found that a key element to comfortable heels is proper fit. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or just not the right shape can create issues like blisters, calluses, and serious discomfort. A proper-fitting shoe should have no gaps or areas of tightness. I always make sure to get my foot measured by a professional before purchasing new shoes, and I've noticed a significant difference in how comfortable my heels are since doing this. It's also important to break in your shoes before a big event. Walking around your house in your new heels can help prevent discomfort later on."
Masaru T.

"I've been wearing high heels for years, and one thing I've learned is that quality matters. I used to buy cheap heels that would leave my feet aching by the end of the day. After suffering through too many painful nights, I decided to invest in some higher-quality shoes. I found that well-made heels with leather uppers and well-structured soles provided better support and comfort than their cheap counterparts. A shock-absorbing sole can also help reduce the impact on your feet and legs. It may be a bit more expensive upfront, but in the long run, investing in a good pair of comfortable heels is worth every penny."
Anushka P.

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