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Yes, you can wear heels and not be in pain.
If you love heels but hate how they make your feet feel, you’re not alone. It can take many purchases and tons of blisters to find comfortable heels that keep your feet supported after literal hours of wear. By contrast, the wrong heels won’t just leave you limping at the end of the day; they can also cause painful foot and posture conditions. Thus, investing in a quality pair is essential.
"A great shoe will disperse the pressure of standing and walking across a series of touchpoints, not just the ball of the foot, and will allow the heel to sit back into the shoe, reducing the pitch from heel to toe," explains Sandra Powers Murphy, the founder of Scarlett Chase, a luxury footwear brand created alongside foot care specialists.
Before you give up on heels for good, we asked the specialists what heel options they would suggest for people who struggle to wear them. Ahead are six styles they agree are the most comfortable out there.
Block Heels
Block heels are a supportive, stable option, particularly with a modestly sized heel (three inches or lower). “These provide more stability and support than stiletto heels, reducing the strain on your feet and ankles,” says Dr. Miguel Cunha, board-certified foot surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare. Fashion expert and stylist Naina Singla explains that block heels are “helpful if you’re walking on uneven surfaces or if you need to walk for a long period of time,” adding that they’re also “great for work travel and conferences.” Her clients who normally hate heels have worn and loved block heels, especially since they’re versatile. She recommends brands like Bernardo, Larroudé, and Sézane for shopping these styles of heels. I’ve also found Aerosole, Nomasei, and Vivaia block heels I can wear to the office.
Kitten Heels
Kitten heels usually have a low heel (one to two inches maximum), which means you can get the feel of a flat with the look of a heel. “They offer a good balance between style and comfort, making them a safer choice for prolonged wear,” says Cunha. They’re also a nice option for everyday activities, explains Singla, easily replacing a higher, less comfortable pump. She cites Ally, Reformation, and Marion Park as “beautifully made, classic, and versatile” brands that carry kitten heels. I have an M.Gemi kitten heel pump that works for just about every occasion.
Wedge Heels
If you’ve not tried wedges before, you might be missing out on a stable, comfortable shoe that comes in many different styles, from sneaker wedges to espadrilles. “Wedges distribute your weight more evenly across the foot, providing better support and reducing pressure on the forefoot,” says Cunha. You can also get away with a higher heel height since there’s usually an inch or two of platform in the front as well (meaning that if the back platform is four inches and the front platform is one inch, that’s only a three-inch height for your foot). Because these shoes will be heavier, make sure the weight is neither too light nor too heavy. Wedges are my favorite heeled shoes, and I love my espadrilles from Reformation and Sézane.
Platform Heels
More broadly, platform heels are a stable shoe option that still allows for a higher, more substantial profile. “Platforms can reduce the effective heel height, making them more comfortable to wear by minimizing the angle at which your foot rests,” says Cunha. Choose a shoe that doesn’t have a high back heel (or a higher effective heel height) and make sure the straps are substantial enough to secure your foot and ankle. As with a wedge, consider the weight carefully, and try walking around inside before you step outside in the more uneven terrain.
Ankle Boots
A dressy ankle boot (including a kitten heel version, like the above) is extremely supportive of the foot and ankle and is thus a good option for anyone who feels wobbly otherwise. “It’s such a great option for women who hate heels, but want the sophistication from elevated footwear,” says Singla, adding, “It’s also the perfect option for work. You can pair up ankle boots with trousers or even midi or maxi dresses and skirts.” She recommends Vince as a particularly supportive boot brand. You can go for something higher up the calf, but I’ve found the lower options to be more versatile (and have Everlane, Franco Sarto, Frankie4, and Bruno Magli options I wear a lot).
An Elevated Flat
Essentially, take a classic flat silhouette, like a Mary Jane, and add a couple of inches on the back: the result is an “elevated” flat that’s nearly as comfortable, and in some cases, even more so. “Often clients presume that a flat will be the most comfortable, but most flats lack any cushioning and support, resulting in even greater foot distress,” says Powers Murphy. “We recommend clients ensure their footwear has sufficient elevated support under the heel and ball of the foot to provide cushioning, rebound, and literal distance from the ground, even in a flat.” An elevated ballet shoe is a nice alternative if you don’t like straps. I have Vivaia, Alohas, and Jonak elevated flats that work well for a day when I’m walking a lot.
What to Look For and Avoid
Because heels disrupt the pressure points of your foot as well as your gait, the wrong heels can do substantial damage. According to Cunha, bunion, corns and calluses, plantar fasciitis, hammer toes, and even back pain can result from wearing high heels regularly without taking care of your feet. He cites Naturalizer, Aerosoles, Cole Haan, Everlane, Inez, Vivaia, and Margaux as good shoe brands his patients have liked, but notes that you'll want to look at several factors when you're considering options, including heel height, the toe box, arch support, and the material. For the latter, Cunha recommends going for leather, which can "conform to the shape of your feet over time," adding that adequate cushioning can also "absorb shock and reduce pressure on the balls of your feet."
Pay attention to the specifications of the shoe, specifically as it pertains to your foot. "Make sure the width of the shoe matches the width of your foot," says Cunha. "A shoe that’s too narrow can cause blisters and other foot issues." Adds Powers Murphy, "Focus on heel shape: a particularly narrow heel will require the wearer to walk toe to heel, striking on the ball of the foot instead of the heel to ensure a stable landing. Alternatively, a particularly angled, wide-based heel can make walking heel to toe a challenge. Finally, heel weight, whether the heel is light and easy to maneuver in or heavy and clunky, will impact the wearer's comfort. Ensure that each step can comfortably occur heel to toe." Stay away from slippery outsoles, or improve grip with non-slip pads, traction sprays, an abrasive surface, or sandpaper. "Consider consulting a cobbler for professional adjustments," adds Cunha.
How to Maximize Fit and Comfort
When you're actually trying on shoes, Cunha advises trying them on in the evening, since your feet swell throughout the day. "Trying on heels in the evening will give you a better sense of how they’ll fit during prolonged wear," he explains. Your foot should feel snug, without any gaps, but not tight. Don't just stand in them as you're trying them out; walk up and down stairs, and even take them outside on different surfaces and inclines. We recommend customers wear their new shoes for 1-2 hours, then 2-3 hours, then a half-day, and so on, working up to extended wear, allowing the shoes to mold to their feet," says Powers Murphy.
There are also several ways to make high heels more comfortable, according to Cunha, including gel inserts and making sure you take time to stretch the shoes before you wear them out.
If you have a foot condition, like flat feet or high arches, it’s important to consult a podiatrist and seek out lower heels with proper support, as well as orthotics wherever necessary. And, if you’ve tried all this and still struggle with wearing heels, it’s okay to wear them less and swap them out with other options. “I have a lot of clients who don’t wear heels, but they still want to look chic and be comfortable. So I recommend pointy-toe flats for them, especially my petite clients,” says Singla. “They can still get a little bit of elongation and lengthening with a pointy toe flat, but just don’t get the additional height.”