A good pair of heels will, quite literally, elevate your outfit but they don’t look quite as stylish when you’re hobbling around in pain after a few hours. So if you’re planning on wearing your heels for a longer period of time, you need to make sure they’re comfortable.
You could just remember to throw a pair of fail-safe flats or walking shoes into your bag… or you could sidestep the issue entirely by choosing the most comfortable heels in the first place.
Fortunately, the designers of today are one step ahead of the game, with comfortable pumps to match any occasion available in almost any style and colour under the sun. Whether you prefer a block heel, pointy toe, a classic nude, needle-thin stiletto or a timeless mule, we’ve tried and tested the most comfortable heels of 2021 to suit your every need.
The 17 most comfortable heels
| Rank | Brand | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | M.Gemi The Esatto | Best overall |
| 2 | Christian Louboutin Alminette | Best luxury |
| 3 | Steve Madden Irenee Sandal | Best value |
| 4 | Tod’s Suede Pumps | Best for work |
| 5 | Nina Genaya | Best for a wedding |
| 6 | M.Gemi The Lustro | Best for walking |
| 7 | Porte & Paire Sandals | Best for dancing |
| 8 | M.Gemi The Penna Concavo | Best for standing all day |
| 9 | Jimmy Choo Esther | Best designer |
| 10 | Gucci Leather Mules | Best black |
| 11 | Jimmy Choo Romy | Best nude |
| 12 | Eric Michael Sam | Best wedge pumps |
| 13 | Lucky Brand Nanika | Best platform |
| 14 | M.Gemi The M 55mm | Best ankle strap |
| 15 | Eric Michael Luna | Best for wide feet |
| 16 | Touch Ups Melanie | Best for flat feet |
| 17 | Christian Louboutin Championne | Most expensive |
M.Gemi The Esatto: Best overall comfortable heels
Day or night, you’ll dazzle wearing M.Gemi’s The Esatto. Classically elegant, this wear-anywhere style is delicate and timeless, offering a heel that you’ll run to in years to come. A trendy take without needing to splurge, your soles will thank you for choosing these heels thanks to a super-soft pump and attention-grabbing style.
The quintessential pointed-toe is a popular choice that dresses up any outfit and the 90mm (3.5″) heel is the perfect spot between flats and skyscraper heels. Beautiful and classy, these heels are a top transitional choice that will carry you through the seasons. A padded insole offers an extra level of comfort and a choice between black leather, black patent or two suede colourways means there’s an option for whatever you’re pairing them with.
Christian Louboutin Alminette: Best luxury heels
Not sure which heels to reach for tonight? Louboutins promise to pull any look together and few luxury shoe brands are quite as iconic as these. The red-soled Black Alminette 100s are a premium option that adds a touch of luxury to any outfit. Sculpted in Italy with a suede leather upper, set on a needle-thin 100mm (4″) heel and finished with a pointed toe, if you’re looking to invest in one pair of classic yet comfortable heels, you should make it these ones.
A signature style means the Black Alminette can be paired with virtually anything: the only rule is to ensure the red sole can be spotted when you’re out and about. The classic combination of black heel and red sole elevates even the simplest outfit effortlessly, making these heels the one to go for no matter what mood you’re in.
Steve Madden Irenee Sandal: Best value heels
Steve Madden is a go-to brand for any woman on the hunt for a sophisticated casual silhouette without a high price tag. The Steve Madden Irenee Sandal comes with an off-the-season block heel for comfort and a chic elevated final touch to your day to day wardrobe. Flattering and versatile, the low heel complements jeans through to dresses and the brushed ultrasuede material adds an extra level of luxury.
A slender ankle strap makes this sandal an effortlessly comfortable option for travelling from the office to the bar and a range of colours means the only difficulty you’ll have is choosing which pair to buy first. Opt for the black suede for a classic look, add a hint of colour with the blush pair or subtly elevate your outfit with a dash of red lipstick and the black croc leather sandals.
Tod’s Black Suede Pumps: Most comfortable heels for work
Take the stress out of outfit planning on a Monday to Friday basis with the addition of Tod’s Black Suede Pumps to your work wardrobe. Classy and stylish, this mid-height heel will easily take you from meeting to meeting and the Italian artisanal buttery black suede is proof enough that a comfortable work heel actually exists. A tapered toe takes no prisoners in the boardroom and a classic silhouette makes these heels easy enough to pair with any work outfit.
This pointed toe adds a modern look and provides more comfort than an initial glance would assume. The sole features the label’s signature pebbled traction grip, which means you can confidently stroll through your day without any fears of slipping when in a rush. Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge, is a fan of Tod’s, and the brand is known for its premium quality fabrics. Pair with cropped trousers to emphasise the streamlined toe.
Nina Genaya: Most comfortable heels for a wedding
Shoes can make or break a wedding outfit, thanks to their ability to keep you dancing for hours on end, or sat in the corner of the room nursing a glass of Champagne to ease the throbbing in your toes. The Nina Genayas are the perfect choice for any day to night occasion, with a strappy silhouette and a flattering fit. Available in six different colours, the silver reflective pair are a simple addition to any wedding outfit, promising a dazzling touch of elegance without the temptation to take them off halfway through the evening.
A bullseye midpoint of comfort and style means you can dance for hours while wearing the Genayas without even remembering you’re wearing brand new shoes. A 50mm (2.5″) heel is high enough to lengthen the leg without accidentally reaching for the stars or compromising your ankles. Prefer a more simplistic look? Go for the black and gold-lined option or the navy.
M.Gemi The Lustro: Most comfortable heels for walking
Leave the back up flats at home next time you’re wearing heels and walking all day because M.Gemi’s The Lustro combines everything needed from a high heel that’ll literally take the pain out of walking in heels. A 90mm (3.5″) heel might look intimidating if you know you’ll be on your feet for a while but a super-cushioned and flexible shape means you’ll almost forget you’re walking taller than usual.
With its gorgeous, delicate profile, these nude heels are beautifully crafted and supportive, with an elevated and flattering look without any kind of toe-pinching. The style and quality make these heels a pair you’ll treasure for years. An almond toe and slim block heel make these incredibly walkable with excellent workmanship. Pair the warm neutral patent heels with dark coloured clothing for a fresh look or keep it classic with the staple black patent heels.
Porte & Paire Black Knotted Sandals: Most comfortable heels for dancing
Barely-there heels are a staple to any woman’s wardrobe and a strong, black pair can be worn over and over for many an occasion. Porte & Paire’s Black Knotted leather sandals are chic and smooth, with a ’90s-inspired knotting and a cool black finish. Made from supple black leather and designed with thin, knotted straps that dance over your feet, these are the heels to grab for a night out with friends with the confidence that you’ll go home without any of the typical high heel pain.
Equal parts chic, stylish and comfortable, the knotted design means these heels can add a touch of fun to whatever you’re wearing. Available in black or off-white, either option adds a minimalistic look with a big style impact. Pair with a cotton slip dress for an easy summer look that’s perfect for whatever song’s playing next.
M.Gemi The Penna Concavo: Most comfortable heels for standing all day
If you’re in the market for a new pair of heels that refuse to let you down no matter what kind of stress you put them through, this pair from M.Gemi could be a winner. No one likes waiting around but what makes it even more unbearable is a relentless throbbing pain from your heels. M.Gemi’s The Penna Concavo has a softly pointed toe and low block heel that guarantees comfort for hours. Expertly crafted in genuine calf hair, The Penna Concavo is a desk-to-dinner staple. If you know you’ll be on your feet all day, this is the heel to go for.
Available in five colours, it’s a heel that effortlessly dresses up raw edge jeans, adds an extra layer of elegance to dress skirts or provides a contemporary pairing with cropped trousers. Pair the black heels with dark blue denim, add a splash of colour with the pecan option’s snakeskin heel or branch out from the norm with a smooth, chic and elegant grey pair.
Jimmy Choo Esther: Most comfortable designer heels
This no-nonsense wardrobe staple is a heel you’ll never regret spending money on. “Most comfortable” is certainly an impressive accolade in the vast and ever-expanding world of high heels but the Jimmy Choo Black Esther 85 are fully deserving of such a title. An instant classic, these heels were designed to look good and feel good, with a d’Orsay silhouette that creates the illusion of longer legs. Jimmy Choo’s timeless appeal is never more prominent than with the Black Esther, an Italian-crafted heel cut from supple suede and a pointed toe to round it off.
Jimmy Choo is the epitome of high-quality Italian craftsmanship and the soft material combined with stiletto heel makes the brand an obvious choice for those who love to add a bit of height to an outfit. The black suede heels are ageless and a great pair to invest in, while the tan croc-effect leather combines vintage and modern and fits right in with this season’s animal prints. Or, break up an all-black outfit with the addition of the White Esther.
Gucci Black Leather Mules: Best comfortable heels in black
It’s impossible to go wrong with a good pair of black heels and a comfortable yet stylish pair should be the first pair of heels you invest in. Find a classic pair that are versatile with a hint of playfulness and consider it one of your best fashion investments of all time. A firm favourite comes from Gucci and few shoes scream “luxe” quite like Gucci’s Black Leather Mules.
These GG-embellished mid-heel platforms are definitely worthy of the front row seat they’ll take in your wardrobe, ready to be pulled out at least once a week. Made in Italy from black leather and set on sturdy block heels, they’re comfortable in a way that only Gucci knows how yet exude class and style whenever they’re effortlessly slipped on. Let the gold logo do the talking by pairing these with an all-black outfit, or tap into Gucci’s sense of fun by mixing colours, textures and fabrics from top to bottom.
Jimmy Choo Neutral Romy 60: Best nude comfortable heels
Your classic nude pumps deserve an upgrade. Pulled out the wardrobe for weddings, dinner and drinks, important meetings or something in-between, a strong pair of nude heels is something you’ll thank yourself for buying in the future. Elongate your legs with Jimmy Choo’s Neutral Romy 60, letting the updated take on the pointed toe, high-shine finish and classic silhouette take the lead. Favoured by royals and fashion editors alike, these nude heels are made of cream patent leather and instantly polish up even the plainest of outfits.
A 60mm (2.4″) heel makes them the perfect midpoint for leg lengthening while allowing you to confidently go about your day. Beautifully handcrafted, expect compliments galore whenever you pull these out of your wardrobe. Timeless, trendy and ever-wearable, a good pair of nude heels will always save the day when the rest of your outfit needs a quick pick-me-up.
Eric Michael Sam: Most comfortable wedge pumps
True comfort comes in the form of wedge heels, thanks to the even distribution of weight throughout the foot. Luckily, they’re also one of the biggest summer footwear trends year after year, so if you’re thinking of investing in a pair of heels this month, Eric Michael’s Sam wedge pumps could be a great addition to your wardrobe. Sexy, comfortable and with a closed toe for those summer “off pedicure” days, these wedges feel luxurious, easy and smooth to walk in.
Available in four different neutral colours, they’re a brilliant addition to your suitcase for evenings spent strolling along the promenade or laughing with family and friends at a barbecue. With a leather lining and lace-up closure, they offer a higher level of support than many other heels, allowing you to relax and enjoy your day without worrying about foot pain. Pair them with blue jeans or airy summer dresses for an easy summer solution.
Lucky Brand Nanika: Most comfortable platform heels
Not only do platform heels never go out of style, but they’re also completely seasonless. You’ll throw them on for summer parties or wintery nights out, making them one of the most versatile styles of heel out there and therefore one of the best fashion investments you’ll make.
Our favourites are Lucky Brand’s Nanika, a pair of heels renowned for having a level of comfort as high as the heel itself. A memory foam insole provides an extra level of comfort and yet another reason to reach for these heels. Add a pair of these platforms to your wardrobe and you’ll feel like you’re strolling through the streets of LA every time you slip them on. Available in black, tan or yellow, there’s a pair to match whatever you fancy wearing.
M.Gemi The M 55mm: Most comfortable ankle strap heels
Reach for an ankle strap heel when you’re planning on dancing and you’ll never look back. Sure, a stiletto might be the traditional choice but once you’ve made the switch you’ll be a long-time convert. And it’s the strong vacchetta leather strap that you’ll likely notice first when you’re admiring M.Gemi’s The M 55mm (2″) sandal. The heel is exactly the right height to be dressed up or worn casually, making these the first thing you’ll add to your “to pack for holiday” list for evening strolls across the beach or Sunday morning brunch. The ankle strap adds an extra layer of support and a foam midsole combines comfort and style.
Classic, versatile and a pair to reach for in many years to come, the large range of colours means you’ll easily find a new favourite to wear during the warmer months. Choose black leather for a popular favourite, white leather for an ultra-modern addition, or black patent if you’re in the mood for dancing.
Eric Michael Luna: Most comfortable heels for wide feet
Finding stylish and flattering shoes for wide feet can be a case of trial and error without even taking into account shoes with a heel. Breeze past the fears of sacrificing squeezed toes or numb feet with Eric Michael’s Luna. With an elite comfort-level heel that’s ultra-chic and practical, these heels come with a chunky wooden block style with a crisscross accent and an adjustable closure at the ankle.
This style of closure offers extra support while still sufficiently dressing up your outfit. Keep it simple with a jet black pair, or add a splash of colour with a red pair. If neutrals are your thing, a tan coloured pair of these heels is an excellent final touch. Known for smooth leather linings and a cushioned footbed, these shoes take the stress out of finding wide-fit heels once and for all.
Touch Ups Melanie: Most comfortable heels for flat feet
It might seem easier just to forego heels entirely and stick to flats if you struggle with arch issues and the Roulette-style guessing game of whether your new heels will do their job or not is something that none of us want to tackle. Touch Ups’ Melanie heels might be the answer to your problems, helping you stay pain-free and fabulous even when your feet are determined not to play along. Gold glitter coloured and ready to party from the get go, these heels will breezily skip past all the frustrations out of shoe shopping.
Versatile enough to be worn to a wedding, day time event or a ball, they’re a go-to for comfort and style. A 44mm (1.75″) heel lengthens legs without any calf pain and a square-shaped toe leaves plenty of room for wider feet. Pretty and feminine, these heels are a joy to dance in whatever the occasion. Keep the party theme going with the silver colour way or go back to basics with a classy black patent option.
Christian Louboutin Championne Strass 80 crystal-embellished suede pumps: Most expensive pair of heels
If there’s one thing we can say for certain, it’s that you’ll dazzle any room with a pair of Christian Louboutin Championne Strass 80 crystal-embellished suede pumps. Glamorous from start to finish, these are the heels you’ll save for cocktail soirées and exclusive evening occasions. It’s hard to know what to focus on first with these Louboutins: you’ll flit between admiring the embellished scores of crystals, iconic lacquered red soles and elegant pointy toes.
Made in Italy from smooth, premium quality suede, these ultra-sexy heels demand attention everywhere they go. A 76mm (3″) heel is high enough to make an entrance without sacrificing comfort in favour of style and Louboutin’s dedication to quality means you can stand tall for as long as needed. In short, they’re the epitome of shoes that’ll brighten your day — both literally and metaphorically — before you’ve even put them on.
Buyers guide to comfortable heels
Do your feet a favour and choose wisely when it comes to investing in your next pair of heels. Before you click “checkout”, keep in mind these factors:
Choose your material wisely
Leather or suede heels might be more expensive but the premium quality means they’ll almost definitely outlive synthetic materials. Leather and suede are also more supple, molding to the shape of your foot a lot faster and also don’t tend to rub as much.
Buy the right size
It might go without saying, but you should never buy high heels that don’t fit properly — or beware the curse of slowly starting to resent ever wearing them. High-heels should fit snugly and hold the foot firmly in place to prevent blisters or ankle pain. For best results, try your heels on at the end of the day after a busy day of walking. Feet are generally less swollen in the morning, so this gives a good idea of how comfortable they’ll be after a few hours of standing up.
The heel style
If comfort is key, a wedge heel might be your secret weapon. You should also look out for heels with an ankle strap, pairs with a lower heel height and heels with plenty of space around the toes. If you can’t stay away from higher heels, choose a pair that have a sturdier and thicker heel for more stability to counteract the extra height. Spindly stilettos might look incredible, but offer the least support for your feet.
Wiggle your toes
Heels might feel slightly too big if there’s room to wiggle your toes but prioritise these over heels that cramp your feet. Long term, this can lead to arthritis if your toes are constantly pushing for more room. Round toe and almond toe shoes offer more space than classic pointy toes.
Heel height
Heels between 30mm and 90mm (1.2” to 3.5”) are thought to be the comfiest, providing elevation without being sky-high and putting too much tension on your legs and lower back. Opt for a smaller heel if you’re planning on standing or dancing for hours on end, or treat yourself to a higher heel if you won’t be on your feet for long.
Comfort and cushioning
Cushioned soles can be a lifesaver when it comes to comfortable heels and a memory foam sole can be the difference between throwing a favourite pair to the back of your wardrobe or putting them on just to wander around the house for fun. If you do accidentally buy a pair of heels that are akin to sleeping on a bed of concrete, invest in some memory foam insoles to bridge the gap.
Frequently asked questions about comfortable heels
The overall most comfortable heels are M.Gemi’s The Esatto, known for their classically elegant, wear-anywhere versatility and attention to detail. Read our full guide on the most comfortable heels of 2021 to find a pair that’s perfect for a wedding, a day at the office, or anywhere in between.
The most comfortable heel height is thought to be between 30mm and 90mm (1.2” to 3.5”). Heels higher than this don’t offer as much support or protection of the foot, which can lead to achiness and pain by the end of the day. Our full guide details the best high heels with comfort in mind.
The most comfortable evening shoes are Porte & Paire’s Black Knotted leather sandals, with a ’90s-inspired knotting and a supple black leather finish. Equal parts chic and comfortable, the squared-off footbed and curved heel ensure you can dance for hours without pain.
Wedge heels and those with a thicker heel are thought to be the most supportive and therefore the most comfortable. If comfort is key, avoid shoes with a thinner and higher heel in favour of those that are easier to walk in. Eric Michael’s Sam Wedge Pumps are a great option for comfortable wedge heels and M.Gemi’s The Penna Concavo promises effortless walking no matter where you’re going.
Some of our favourite brands for comfortable heels include M.Gemi, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin. These brands are all renowned for their high-quality workmanship, premium leather fabrics and ability to make even the highest heels an effortless experience. Check out our full guide to choose your next pair of heels with comfort in mind.
