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While I keep my footwear choices pretty tame for most of the year—opting for my usual clogs or ballet flats—there’s something about the holiday season, and all of the parties and social gatherings it brings, that inspires me to whip out the most festive heels in my closet. Beyond weddings and nights out, there are few occasions that call for colorful and cheery heels, which is all the more reason to dress up for the end-of-year festivities.
That being said, a cool-looking heel isn’t enough: the best holiday party heels should be comfortable enough for standing, dancing, and being merry all night long, pain-free. And with countless styles available—from pumps, sandals, and booties to stilettos and platforms—finding a truly comfortable pair fit for holiday partying is no easy feat (no pun intended). To make finding the perfect party heel easy, we scanned the internet for the most comfortable, dazzling heels worthy of donning to every event on your holiday social calendar, from your office holiday party and family shindig, to your white elephant with friends and New Year’s bash.
The most comfortable holiday heels, according to reviewers
Sam Edelman, Brit Jewel Mule — $150.00
Available sizes: 5-9.5 (half sizes available)
These Sam Edelman mules give us major Carrie Bradshaw energy, and who better to tap for fashion inspiration? Featuring a bejeweled buckle, pointed toe, and a sophisticated baby heel, the Brit Jewel Mule is a classic and comfortable heel appropriate for all occasions. It comes in a range of velvety, jewel-toned color ways, but we’re partial to the black for a timeless look that’ll easily top off any holiday outfit. They’ve even passed the wedding test according to one 5-star review, “Beautiful shoes with soft velvet and interesting heels. I wore them to a wedding and danced all night without any pain!”
Colors: 6
Franco Sarto, Racer Pump — $115.00
Available sizes: 5-11 (available in half sizes)
With their stylish, slingback silhouette and elegant pointed toe, the Franco Sarto Racer Pumps will be the star of any holiday party outfit. The short, chunky heel delivers on comfort, while the eye-catching metallic upper brings instant wow factor. And if the sorbet-inspired colorway is giving you pause, think about it this way—the multicolored design makes the heels way more versatile than you’d think. Pair them with an all black outfit, or hone in on the pink, blue, and silver shades for a fun and festive look.
“I have two pairs of these shoes and they are not only extremely stylish but also very comfortable,” wrote one DSW shopper in a 5-star review. “I can wear them with jeans or a dress, [they’re] great for work or going out. Highly recommend!”
Colors: 8
Chinese Laundry, Theresa Platform Sandal — $80.00
Available sizes: 5-11 (available in half sizes)
Nothing says “holiday party” like a pair of candy red heels. These retro yet timeless platforms by Chinese Laundry have a tall yet chunky heel that offers plenty of height and stability for ease of wear. They even feature a cushioned footbed for a soft and painless stride. They’re so comfortable, in fact, that reviewers insist that you don’t feel their height. “These shoes are very comfortable and it doesn’t even feel like a 4 inch heel,” wrote one Nordstrom shopper in a 5-star review. “It feels like I am walking in a sandal.”
Colors: 9
Inez, Alta — $248.00
Available sizes: 6-10.5
Inez offers heels with its proprietary plush insole that has arch support, so if you have flat feet or plantar fasciitis (or just hate the way most heels are incredibly uncomfortable), this brand, whose primary focus in designing and engineering *actually* comfortable formal shoes, is a safe bet. We love the Alta in Deep Suede Red (it comes in seven other colors too, though) because it gives our holiday ensembles that pop of Poinsettia it needs to feel festive, and also because it’s so dang comfortable. The leather-covered heel makes it so there’s less friction on the back of your heel, and while the toe is pointed, it won’t feel like your toes are getting crammed. It also features a leather sole with a rubber no-slip insert. Consider snagging a pair in tan or black for an “everyday” heel.
Colors: 8
Jeffrey Campbell, Audrey Mary Jane Heels — $178.00
Available sizes: 6-11 (available in half sizes)
The chunky block heel on these Mary Jane Heels are the key to comfortable wear you can dance in for hours. The Mary Jane design offers more coverage—a plus if you’re trekking through the cold to get to your party—and has a playful, preppy look that pairs well with funky patterned socks or tights. Beyond the comfortable fit, reviewers love that the shiny leather material can be dressed up or down, making these a wardrobe staple for holiday parties and everyday wear alike. “These shoes are not only a great style, but very versatile and very comfortable,” wrote one 5-star reviewer.
Colors: 4
Vimisaoi, High Block Chunky Heel Sandals — $56.00
Available sizes: 5-14.5 (available in half sizes)
Warning: these block heels from Amazon are so easy on the wallet, you’ll want a pair in every color (and there are over 20). And yes, they’re a verrrrrry similar design to the coveted Loeffler Randall Camellia heel. The pleated silk design and knotted bow accent gives these holiday-ready heels a feminine touch, while the chunky block heel makes them an absolute breeze to walk and dance in (I even got a pair for my wedding reception).
Amazon shoppers agree that they totally surpassed their expectations, too. “The shoe is absolutely gorgeous, surprisingly comfortable for a heel, and definitely worth buying. You will not be disappointed,” wrote one shopper in a 5-star review. The Amazon seller even offers different heel heights to guarantee the most comfortable fit!
Colors: 25
Marc Fisher, Kylynn Chelsea Boot — $131.00
Originally $219, now $131
Available sizes: 5-11 (available in half sizes)
These heeled boots by Marc Fisher boast a flared block heel for extra support, and a bold pointed toe for a bold, edgy look. The luxe, ivory leather offers a chic contrast against your holiday party look, and ensures that it plays well with virtually any item in your wardrobe. In other words, these are heeled boots you’ll get wear out of well beyond the holiday season. What’s more, because they come up just above your ankle, they have an elongating effect which we love. “So stylish and comfortable,” wrote one 5-star reviewer.
Colors: 3
Jeffrey Campbell, Sydney Satin Wedge Heels — $168.00
Available sizes: 6-11 (available in half sizes)
Between the sky-high platform and square toe, the Sydney Satin Wedge Heels are giving true ’90s nostalgia. While the height in the heels might be intimidating to some, the platform wedge makes them super comfortable, making the Sydneys a fun and wearable footwear choice for regular heel-wearers and newbies alike. The high-shine satin material and bold fuchsia color gives them a festive, dressy look fit for any holiday party. One Free People shopper says she loves her Sydney Heels so much, she plans on getting another color: “I absolutely LOVE these shoes! They are gorgeous but more importantly, comfortable,” she wrote in a 5-star review. “It’s a pretty high heel but the platform makes it comfy. Purchasing the black immediately!”
Colors: 3
M.Gemi, The Mia 90mm Fiocco — $298.00
Originally $398, now $298
Available sizes: 35-42 (limited stock)
Anything with a bow on it is festive—especially if that bow is covered in shiny sequins. That’s only part one of 5,000 why we love this gorgeous slingback heel from Italian shoe brand M.Gemi (which our senior commerce editor, Gina Vaynshteyn, has been testing all month). Made with Italian suede and leather lining, the interior is soft and offers a bit of give for feet. The pointy toe adds elegance, but isn’t too narrow (so no squishing of toes), and the heel is just high enough to add length to your stance but not so high that it’s painful to walk. If your size is already sold out, we also recommend The Mia ($218), which is a similar style (but no bow, and the heel is shorter).
Colors: 1
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