Heels Can Damage Your Feet *and* Your Back, but These 13 Podiatrist-Recommended Pairs Are Gorgeous and Comfortable
Raise your hand if you have had to take off a pair of heels during a wedding reception. What about during a long night out? On the way to work as you hobble to the subway station? Yep, you're not alone. This is often what ends up happening to high-heel wearers, considering a lot of them aren’t the most comfortable heels. And over time, you stand the risk of damaging your feet if you're not careful, which is why choosing comfortable heels is essential to foot health and long-lasting comfort.
- Best pointed pumps: Michael Kors Alina Flex Pump ($115)
- Best classic pumps: Sarah Flint Perfect Round Toe Pump 70 ($550)
- Best block heel: Cole Haan Women's Go-To Block Heel Pump ($180)
- Best budget: Kelly & Katie Eimira Pump $50)
- Best wedge sandal: Blondo Women's Waterproof Marylee Wedge Sandal ($45)
- Best size range: Naturalizer Everly Pump ($125)
- Best slide: Franco Sarto Pisa Slide ($40)
- Best mules: Pedro Garcia Napa Dual-Band Mule Sandals ($257)
- Best washable: VIVAIA Round-Toe Chunky Heels ($139)
- Best color range: LifeStride Parigi Pump ($68)
- Best dressy: E'MAR Ari ($375)
- Best Espadrilles: Castañer Chiara 100 Satin and Canvas Wedge Espadrilles ($175)
“Wearing heels impacts gait and changes pressures throughout the lower extremity, starting from the lower back to the feet,” says board-certified podiatrist and founder of E’MAR Italy Dr. Najwa Javed. “Most commonly cited in medical literature, an increase in heel height forces the foot to an increased plantar flexion, which increases knee flexion and leads to excessive curvature of the lower back.”
- Najwa Javed Mohammad, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and founder of E’Mar
- Suzanne Levine, DPM, aesthetic podiatrist and podiatric foot surgeon
What to look for in choosing the most comfortable heels
Though a lot of things can determine a heel’s comfort level and wearability (including material and tolerance level), heel height, shape, and the amount of arch are the most important features to consider if you want to minimize the risk of walking around with blisters the day after. According to Dr. Javed, anything between one to three inches is preferable “because there is less pressure on the ball of the foot and lateral leg at this height.” However, if you do opt for a heel higher than three inches, Javed recommends going with a platform style heel to help shift pressure off the balls of your feet.
“Anything greater than four inches should be paired with a platform to help reduce the ball-of-foot pressure," says Dr. Javed. "As the heel height increases, the more the foot slips forward. This causes the toes to grip harder for balance, inverting the foot, and causing the ankle to become unstable. To help with ankle stability, a lower heel height is imperative.”
At the same time, it’s important to pay attention to the unique shape of your foot and the shoe's toe box. For example, many heels have a pointed toe box, which can put unnecessary pressure on the sides on your feet, particularly your pinky toes. This can potentially lead to corns, calluses, and even more painful bunions if you have them. Those with narrow feet should look for a toe box with an almond shape to better outline your foot. On the flip side, those with wider feet should look for a square toe box to allow your toes more space as you step.
For some of the most comfortable heels to wear this summer, take a look at some of podiatrist-approved picks below.
The most comfortable heels to walk in
These stylish Michael Kors heels feature a classic pump silhouette with a flexible design that provides long-lasting comfort. Designed with a lower 3-inch heel, the high heels are easy to walk in and don’t leave your soles throbbing by the end of the day. In addition to design details, customers love these for the way they fit, especially in the toe box, which is spacious enough to provide comfort without forgoing the pointed toe style.
Sizes available: 5-11
Colors available: Black, light blush, peanut, mocha
For more stability, block heels do it better, according to Dr. Levine. Case in point: these Sam Edelman Petra Pointed Toe Slingback shoes. With a heel height of just 1.2 inches tall, these heels make strutting down your office hallway and standing up for hours on end a breeze (well, breezier). Their slingback design is also super functional, and allows you to slip them on with ease.
Sizes available: 5-11
Colors available: Black, nude
Made in Italy, these leather pumps are some of the few heels that Dr. Levine says prioritizes comfort just as much as style. They have a built-in arch support, and a round toe box to give your feet more room to breathe. Plus, there’s a padded insole to help better support your feet as you stand.
Sizes available: 4-13
Colors available: Cognac, gunmetal, almond, black
Cole Hahn shoes are known for their comfortable styles and these block heels are no different. These comfortable heels feature a classic block heel silhouette with design details such as a molded food bed for better cushion, a sweat-wicking lining, and a durable rubber outsole for traction and stability. Additionally, the heels are constructed from a waterproof leather so they work well in virtually any season.
Sizes available: 5-11
Colors available: Black
When it’s time to hop on the dance floor at your BFF’s wedding reception, these Kelly and Katie Eimira Pumps have got your back. According to multiple reviewers, these heels make the perfect dancing shoes, thanks to the cushioned footbed and adjustable ankle strap that helps to keep your foot secure as you one, two, step.
Sizes available: 6-11
Colors available: Red, black
For Dr. Javed, Blondo has some of the most comfy and easy-to-wear heels on the market. And these Blondo Marylee Wedge Sandals are no exception. The thicker straps provide a snug fit and keep your foot from sliding when you pick up your stride.
Sizes available: 5.5-12
Colors available: Coral, pink, black, bone
Classic, versatile, and highly walkable is the name of the game with these Naturalizer Everly Pumps. They’re the kind of shoes you can rock from day to night without tiring out your feet because of the Contour+ Comfort technology. This is the brand’s unique open-cell foam that forms to the natural shape of your foot and makes it easier for you to break them in. Another plus? The shoes come in narrow, standard and wide lengths to accommodate every foot size.
Sizes available: 4-13 with narrow, medium, and wide options
Colors available: Creamy nude, cocoa brown, black, French navy, black patent, silver
Franco Sarto is another brand that Dr. Javed says is teeming with comfy heels to round out your wardrobe. And these 2.36 inch sandals are the perfect heels to pair with all your summer looks. What makes them stand out is their InFORMA comfort technology, which includes ergonomic insoles and contoured padding at key pressure points to keep your feet happy all day long.
Sizes available: 5-11
Colors available: Black, cream, brown, light yellow
Made in Spain, these Pedro Garcia Napa Dual-Band Mule Sandals are the stiletto heels that won’t make you feel like you need an ice bath after you wear them. They feature a 3-inch heel and buttery soft leather material that feels super smooth against your skin.
Sizes available: 5-10.5
Colors available: Black, nude
If you’re looking for comfortable heels with a timeless, designer-inspired style, consider the VIVAIA Round-Toe Chunky Heels, which we think resemble some of the most iconic Chanel heel styles. These comfortable heels are designed with an anti-slip sole for support and feature a comfortable cushioned insole that is also antibacterial and deodorizing. They’re also constructed for a durable knit material that is easy to scrub clean when you get a scuff.
Sizes available: 5-11
Colors available: Golden almond, navy beige, beige and black, black, black and beige, multi natural, navy
If you just need a simple, reliable pump that you can wear for any occasion, these LifeStride Parigi Pumps check all the right boxes. Heel height is 2.5 inches and the toe box is slightly round to keep your toes from jamming together as you walk. There’s also a bit of cushioning to help give your feet some extra support. Pair them with your fave maxi dress or pair them with jeans to dress up a casual look.
Sizes available: 7-12, wide and extra wide sizes also available
Colors available: Taupe, red, black, navy, white, nude, and 36 other colors
If you want to help minimize your risk of foot issues wearing heels, go with any pair of E’MAR shoes. They’re both podiatrist-approved and podiatrist-made. Dr. Javed created the line with comfort and style in mind. All the shoes have a longer toe box to allow more space for your foot as well as multi-layered foam padding in the insole for max comfort.
Sizes available: 6-11
Colors available: Gray, pink
With warm weather in full effect, these Castañer Chiara 100 Satin and Canvas Wedge Espadrilles are ones you’ll be wearing through summer and at every tropical vacay. Not only do they go with every dress in your closet, but they also provide a lot of support. The wedge heel naturally gives you more stability while the longer canvas straps allows you to tailor your fit.
Sizes available: 35-41
Colors available: White
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