The 7 Best Comfortable Heels of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Say goodbye to blisters and bruises.

In This Article

InStyle

Phone, wallet, cute dress—mark these items off your night-out checklist, and you’re ready to slip on your favorite high heels. But to avoid feeling an ache in the balls of your feet or late-night blisters, go with a pair that’s as comfortable as it is stylish. “When wearing a shoe with a heel—or for that matter, any shoe—one must make sure that it fits correctly in order to be comfortable,” says Ira H. Kraus, D.P.M., a podiatric physician and surgeon and regional medical director at Upperline Health. “Having shoes that fit comfortably will prevent pain and discomfort from bony deformities (bunions, hammertoes), soft tissue deformities (blisters, neuroma), or biomechanical issues (ankle sprain).”

That said, finding a chic, easy-to-walk-in high heel can be a difficult mountain to climb (even in the cushiest of footwear). But after speaking with a shoe designer and four podiatrists—who emphasized the importance of thick heels, solid arch support, and extra padding—we researched popular, highly rated heels from top brands at different prices, choosing 28 pairs to test. After wearing them through long office days, vacations, and nights out, we found the most comfortable heels based on fit, comfort, support, quality, and overall value. Read on to discover your new favorite pair.

The minute we slipped on the Vivaia Julie Pro Round-Toe Chunky Heels, we noticed they felt different from typical pumps or strappy sandals. With a roomy toe box and plenty of silky soft cushioning in the footbed, they immediately impressed us. We also loved the fit—made from recycled plastic bottles, these shoes have plenty of give that rivals our favorite ballet flats. During testing, we wore these heels everywhere. From eight-hour days in the office to running around New York City in the rain, they kept us feeling light on our feet (and still looked brand new at the end of the test). The thick, 1.77-inch tall block heel also felt incredibly stable, even on cobblestone streets. And just when we thought the Julie had it all, we noticed the foam arch support for even more comfort. Another bonus? Celebrities such as Naomi Watts, Katie Holmes, Selena Gomez, and Scarlett Johansson have been spotted in this brand.

Anyone constantly on the go who doesn’t want to sacrifice style for comfort will be impressed by this do-it-all shoe.

Even though these heels gave us blisters the first time we wore them, the break-in period ended after the first wear—a fair trade-off for new everyday staple heels.

Material: Plastic bottles, foam, rubber | Heel Height: 1.77 inches | Size: 5–11

Anna, tester: “The second I put my foot into these shoes, I knew they would be comfortable for all-day wear. The footbeds have a silky, soft, quilted cushioning for comfort and my toes had plenty of space to wiggle around, while still feeling tight enough that the shoe wouldn't fly off when I walk.”

A glittery, dressy sandal you don’t want to fling across the room at the end of a night out? The Dream Pairs Chunk Low Heel Pump Sandals check every box. During testing, they surprised us with great arch support and a blister-free fit. Considering they’re one of the taller pairs on our list with a 3-inch heel, we were stunned that we didn’t have to break them in. The chunky heel is easy to walk in, and both straps kept our feet firmly in place with each step.

Dressy but simple, these sleek sandals are ideal for anyone who needs a shoe to fit special occasions or brunch with friends.

We noticed after longer wears, the strap across our toes started to irritate our skin a bit.

Material: Vegan leather or suede, latex, rubber | Heel Height: 3 inches | Size: 5–12

Beth, tester: “The shoes were comfortable right away. The front strap over the toes is really the only part of the shoe that could get uncomfortable if you wore them longer than a few hours. The heel is a nice height, so I felt comfortable.”

Loafers are one of the most versatile shoes in any closet, and if you’re looking for a pair with a little extra lift, we can’t recommend Rothy’s The Lug Loafer enough. Made from warm Merino wool, these are a great fall or winter basic that can be worn with everything from oversized blazers to chunky sweaters. Meanwhile, the lug sole and 1.5-inch heel provide some extra height without putting too much pressure on the balls of your feet. They’re on the pricier side, but we instantly felt the extra dollars were worth it when we realized how padded they are inside. Plus, the outsoles have great grip—we never slid across a tile floor or tripped going up the stairs during testing.

Those who love the comfort of loafers but are looking for a more elevated style (pardon the pun) will enjoy this shoe. Like other Rothy’s styles, these loafers are machine washable, so you can throw them in for a cycle whenever they start looking a little worse for wear.

This pair seems to run a half size small compared to other shoes we’ve tried from Rothy's.

Material: Merino wool, plastic bottles | Heel Height: 1.5 inches | Size: 5–13

Ivy, tester: “My arches and feet overall felt incredibly supported in these shoes. The quality is incredibly high, especially with padded insoles and very durable, rugged outsoles for probably the best grip and traction I've ever seen in a loafer. There are even lugs in the heel and outsole to bolster their sturdy appeal.”

Sick of blisters cramping your style? Give these mules a try. These sandals earned high scores during testing for their simple silhouette and extra padding in the arch and forefoot. On test walks, we were worried the wide band would chafe our toes. But we’re happy to report that the Aerosoles Entrée Sandal was a delight to wear from minute one. We also appreciated the textured outsole that kept us from sliding around. With a 2.25-inch block heel, they have a dressy feel but still fit in at the office or out to lunch.

This simple sandal looks just as elegant at work as it does at the beach, making it great for those who value a versatile heel.

Unlike some of our other picks, this shoe has no straps or buckles to keep your feet in place.

Material: Faux leather | Heel Height: 2.25 inches | Size: 5–12

Sophie, tester: “These have really good arch support and feel very high quality. The padding on the arch and sole is great for making me feel really supported, and the heel isn't too high, so they felt really stable.”

If you have the budget to splurge on a forever heel, go with the Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85. The midsole has extra padding you can see and feel, creating a stiletto that’s built for all-day wear. We also love the heel's placement. It’s positioned directly underneath your heel bone instead of the back of the shoe. This is key because it distributes your weight more evenly, creating a more comfortable shoe overall, says podiatrist and high heel designer Mika Hayashi, D.P.M.

Handcrafted from genuine leather and steel, these pumps are perfect for anyone who pays attention to detail. When you’re looking to invest in a high heel you can wear for years, we highly recommend this timeless style.

We found the pointed toe box squished our toes together a little bit, but the sensation faded the more we wore them during testing.

Material: Leather, steel, rubber | Heel Height: 3.3 inches | Size: 4–13

Alena, tester: “These shoes are probably the highest quality heels I've ever had. They are so beautiful and well-constructed. On the bottom of the shoe, it says that they were handcrafted in Italy, and you can definitely tell.”

Stuart Weitzman, a celebrity- and InStyle-approved brand, does it again with its Nearlynude Sandal. If a strappy sandal is your go-to for a night out, your feet will thank you for adding this pair to your rotation. Even though they’re one of the taller pairs on our list, the chunky block heel and high-quality leather construction make them very easy to walk in. Plus, when we compared the Nearlynude Sandal to similar styles from Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin during testing, we found that these were the most comfortable and supportive pair by far.

Those who want easy-to-walk-in heels will appreciate this durable pair.

They are pricier than some other heels on our list, and we did have to break them in to loosen up the leather.

Material: Leather | Heel Height: 3 inches | Size: 3.5–13

Anna, tester: “These are the highest-quality pair of heels I own. They are next-level when it comes to quality since the leather material looks and feels durable but soft, and the soles and hardware look and feel hardy, too.”

Espadrilles are traditionally summer shoes—and this pair is so comfortable that we considered it the perfect wedge. The Castañer Carina Ankle Tie Espadrille Wedge Sandals are made from soft canvas that you don't need to break in. We also love that the ankle ribbon is highly adjustable, giving you the perfect fit (even when your feet swell). With firm, springy cushioning throughout the entire midsole, these 3.25-inch heels are built for long periods of walking or standing. Plus, the reviews are unbeatable: Kate Middleton is a fan of the brand, and one of our testers has worn these espadrilles for 10 years because of their durability and stability.

These easily adjustable straps are perfect for those with dexterity issues.

We wish these heels came in more than one width to accommodate more foot sizes and shapes.

Material: Textile, jute, leather, rubber | Heel Height: 3.25 inches | Size: 5–11

Elena, tester: “This is my second pair of these exact shoes—my first pair I had for over 10 years, and you would think they were still brand new. They never showed any fraying or fading. I could walk for super long periods of time without any visible wear.”

InStyle

To determine which heels were truly the comfiest, our InStyle team of writers and editors stepped out in 28 top-rated heels, putting them to the test against vacations, long days at the office, and nights out. Only the cushiest heels made this list.

According to Dr. Hayashi, the most comfortable high heel has a low, chunky heel that’s positioned directly underneath your heel bone (instead of underneath the back of the shoe) to distribute your weight evenly. When it comes to sandals, look for supportive straps, Veney adds. Avoid high heels with any stitching, straps, ribbons, or buckles across the top of the toe box since they don’t allow the shoe to stretch out over time, Dr. Alani explains.

The thinner the heel, the more pressure the shoe places on your foot, Dr. Hayashi says. Thicker heels and wedges bear more of your weight, making them more comfortable, she adds.

Wearing high heels pain-free requires some preparation before and after each wear, according to our experts. Before slipping your shoes on for the day, place moleskin padding or an adhesive bandage inside the shoe anywhere you might feel a blister start to form, like inside the back of the heel, Dr. Alani says.

She also suggests adding a metatarsal pad for more support. Take three fingers and line them up sideways, with your index finger resting at the base of your toes. Place the metatarsal pad directly behind your third finger, so that it rests behind the ball of your foot—not underneath it, which can make your pain worse. This position will help reduce the amount of pressure on the front of your foot, Dr. Alani says.

And at the end of every day spent wearing high heels, Dr. Hayashi recommends stretching your feet out. Wear toe separators (think the foam sets you get during a pedicure) to spread your toes out, in the opposite direction from being pushed together inside the front of your shoes. Make sure to wear your separators for as long as you wore your heels that day to get the full benefits, she says.

Not necessarily. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to find well-made high heels, Dr. Alani says. Plenty of companies make high-quality shoes for under $150 a pair, she adds. No matter how expensive they are, look for heels made from natural materials that will stretch over time, like real leather and suede. Although these materials can be pricier, Dr. Alani notes that the trade-off is worth it for a comfier shoe.

Allison Lax, an InStyle writer with a penchant for comfortable heeled boots, covers beauty and lifestyle. She is a longtime fan of all things beauty and skin care, and spends her free time reading up on the latest skin care products. She pulled from tester insights to determine the top comfortable heels across various brands and price points. In the end, 28 top-rated heels were selected and put to the test against vacations, long days at the office, and nights out.

The following experts spoke to InStyle for this story: