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We're all in favor of the revival of sneakers and flats for anytime wear, but there's no denying that a good high heel is an essential part of any woman's footwear wardrobe. For a very long time, unfortunately, heels have been synonymous with foot pain, but in recent years, a new generation of designers have dedicated themselves to crafting shoes that are as high in comfort as they are in style.
From prime pumps for the office to the sandals to wear to all of you summer fetes, T&C editors understand the value of a chic-yet- comfortable heel that can keep you feeling as good as you look. With that in mind, we've put plenty of styles through their paces and brought together some all time fan- and editor-favorites to elevate you and your outfit at the same time. Ahead, the most comfortable heels for walking, dancing, running, and beyond.
The T&C editors are unanimously behind the idea that every woman needs a classic black pair of pumps in their wardrobe. Allow us to introduce you to a black pumps OG: these aptly-named Sarah Flint Perfect Pump stilettos with a timeless skinny heel, supple leather construction, plush padding, and specially-designed insole for extra arch support. Even Meghan Markle is a fan.
Heel Height: 4 inches
Colors Available: 8
Size Range: 34-43
Behold, the most comfortable flatforms that can be taken from day to night without a second thought. And the fact that they're less than $150? That makes them all the more worth it.
Heel Height: 2.5 inches
Colors Available: 20
Size Range: 5-13
The Princess of Wales (not to mention Queen Mary of Denmark, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, and just about every other stylish royal you can name) is frequently seen sporting these classic stiletto pumps from Gianvito Rossi while carrying out back-to-back engagements. If they're good enough for her to walk around in all day, they're good enough for us. Bonus: they come in an endless range of stunning colors, all of which you'll want to add to your shoe collection.
More: Where to Buy Kate Middleton’s Favorite Shoes
Heel Height: 4 inches
Colors Available: 9
Size Range: 34-42
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If you're a dedicated T&C reader, you'll know how much we love Margaux—especially these block heel sandals. With a not-too-short, not-too-high stacked heel and a specially-designed padding insole, the strappy shoes are super easy to walk in and never dig into ankles and toes.
Just to give you an idea of how comfortable these bad boys are: T&C Associate Shopping Editor Sophie Dweck wore them for 13 hours straight at the Kentucky Derby without experiencing a single ache or pain. None. Zero. And if you want a higher option, the brand has a platform sister style that's just as comfy.
Heel Height: 2.5 inches
Colors Available: 8
Size Range: 34-43.5
Best Block Heels
Stuart Weitzman NearlyNude Strap Sandal
For a comfortable and chic shoe that won't wreak havoc on your feet, look no further than Stuart Weitzman. T&C's Senior News Editor Emily Burack has long been a fan of this cult-favorite block heel style and wore them for a whopping 12 hours straight on her wedding.
Heel Height: 3.2 inches
Colors Available: 4
Size Range: 3.5-13
These Loeffler Randall open-toe mules also get because of their easy-to-walk-in silhouette and the hard-to-resist bow detail. According to Digital Director Caroline Hallemann, "The thicker heel makes outdoor receptions more manageable as there’s no sinking into the grass, and a padded footbed ups the comfort factor."
Heel Height: 3.5 inches
Colors Available: 8
Size Range: 5-12
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For a pair of heels that you can wear everywhere and every day, Everlane's ballet-inspired heels are your best bet. The chunky mini heel adds walkable height, while the elasticated back ups the comfort.
Heel Height: 2 inches
Colors Available: 6
Size Range: 5-11
Looking for a pump with extra stability? The stacked heel on these M. Gemi's make it easier to stand in, while the almond-shaped toe silhouette delivers the classic pumps look you know and love.
"My work entails lots of museum tours, and long hours standing at fancy networking events and these shoes never fail to support me and my feet for hours on end," writes a shopper. "They are my go-to staple and I wish I could have them in every color."
Heel Height: 3.5 inches
Colors Available: 4
Size Range: 35-42
With a chunky, sky-high heel, and lush outer texture, Alexandre Birman's platform style is comfortable, versatile, and just downright chic. What more could you need?
Heel Height: 4.75 inches
Colors Available: 4
Size Range: 35-42
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Podiatrist-Backed Brand
Marion Parke Classic Pump 85
These suede pumps were designed by a surgically-trained podiatrist, so right off the bat, you already know they were made to be wearable. Featuring a science-backed cushion, the heels were made to adapt to the natural curvature of your foot, help increase stability while walking, and reduce any fatigue. Oh, and the eggplant color? Let's just say you'll be eliciting head turns wherever you walk.
Heel Height: 85mm
Colors Available: 7
Size Range: 35-42
Want to make a statement without having to sacrifice comfort? These sky-high chunky platforms are comfortable, lightweight, and best part of all, versatile. Wear them with jeans for a date night or pair them with a gown for a wedding—they look great no matter how you style them.
Heel Height: 4 inches
Colors Available: 6
Size Range: 5-11
Fancier occasions call for fancier footwear, and these embellished Manolo Blahnik's are an all-time classic. Equal parts beautiful and comfortable, they're the kind you'll wear forever.
Heel Height: 4 inches
Colors Available: Many
Size Range: 5.5-13
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These ballet pumps are so comfortable, they're dubbed 'running heels'. The shoes, which boast more than 2,000 positive reviews, are made of sustainable knit and feature a mid-heel height and pressure-relief insoles that are perfect for the businesswoman who's always on her feet.
Heel Height: 1.77 inches
Colors Available: 11
Size Range: 5-11
With sleek, skin-baring cut-out details at the sides and a darling bow accent at the back, these are what we like to call showstoppers (no wonder both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have worn them.) Wear with cropped pants or midi skirts to let the shoes be the star of the outfit.
Heel Height: 3.25 inches
Size Range: 34-42
The duch*ess of Sussex, Kate Middleton, and Queen Rania of Jordan are just a few of Jennifer Chamandi's famous fans. All of the designer's heels feature an innovative removable strap that loops through the heel to provide extra support, so you're not wobbling around.
Editor's note: I gave these a go at a wedding, and can assure you that they're not just great for walking in, but I was able to dance for hours in them, too, without my feet hurting at all.
Heel Height: 4 inches
Colors Available: 4
Size Range: 35-42
MORE: 15 Stylish Mary Jane Shoes to Wear for Every Occasion—And Season
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Want the red carpet look but without the price tag? Sam Edelman's cult-favorite pointed toe pumps have more than 2,200 reviews on Nordstrom, with shoppers raving about their expensive-looking appeal, the variety of colors to choose from, and how the extra cushion in the footbed provides the perfect level of comfort. Many reviewers also note how ideal they are for the office.
Heel Height: 4 inches
Colors Available: 10
Size Range: 4-14
In case you missed it, slingback heels are having their moment in the sun again. Inez, a New York-based brand that prides itself on designing comfortable high heels, is the designer to turn to for the strappy silhouette. The Diana features a flattering v-shaped topline, a not-too-high, not-too-low heel that provides the perfect boost of height, and a signature plush insole that makes for distinctly cushiony steps.
Heel Height: 3.5 inches
Colors Available: 2
Size Range: 6-10.5
Name a more iconic heel—go on, we'll wait. As T&C's Deputy Digital Lifestyle Director Roxanne Adamiyatt points out, Manolo Blahnik's sultry kitten heel mule with a distinct buckle "is in a class of it's own." But looks aside, it's comfortable too. "I can wear my kitten heel a whole day with no foot pain," says Adamiyatt, "and gosh do my feet look damn good wearing them."
Heel Height: 50mm
Colors Available: 5
Size Range: 34-43
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What do you get when it-girl shoe brand Larroudé teams up with one of the most iconic designers of the 21st century? The sexiest shoe possible. With a sexy patent leather upper, sky-high stiletto, and memory foam insole, Joseph Altuzarra's style is the epitome of a killer heel.
Heel Height: 4.1 inches
Colors Available: 3
Size Range: 5-11
Sole Bliss designs its high heels specifically for bunions and wide feet. The shoes are handcrafted in Italy and Spain with the finest of leather and feature three layers of underfoot cushioning and a special stretch panel for painful joints. Not only that, this style is known to be a red carpet go-to for several celebrities, including Viola Davis and Julia Roberts.
Heel Height: 5 inches (1.25 inch platform)
Colors Available: 11
Size Range: 37EU-41EU
Sophie Dweck
Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.
