The Most Comfortable High Heels That Won't Leave Your Feet Achy

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High heels have long had a bad rap for being uncomfortable and difficult to walk in, but many modern styles are anything but that. More and more shoe brands are putting extra thought into height-boosting silhouettes by designing heels with increased stability and insoles to better support arches and ease pressure on the balls of your feet.

Because we know a comfortable and stylish pair is hard to come by, team T&C tested several styles on the market—from classic pumps to touch-the-sky platform shoes and easy-to-walk-in mules—so you don't have to. Ahead, the most comfortable heels for walking, dancing, running, and beyond.

Perfect Pump 100

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

105 Leather Pumps

The Princess of Wales is frequently sporting these classic stiletto pumps from Gianvito Rossi while carrying out back-to-back engagements, and 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

Lorenzo 105 Suede-Trimmed Mesh Pumps

The Duchess of Sussex, Kate Middleton, and Queen Rania of Jordan are just a few of Jennifer Chamandi's famous fan. 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

Classic Pump 85 | Bordeaux Suede

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: 6

Size Range: 35-42

Women's Sandal

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: 15

Size Range: 5-12

The City Sandal

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: I 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 sister style that's just as comfy.

Heel Height: 2.5 inches

Colors Available: 8

Size Range: 34-43.5

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.

(I, too, have a pair that I've owned for years, and am in total agreement that they are among some of the best, thoughtfully made walkable heels on the market that are actually worth it.)

Heel Height: 3.2 inches

Colors Available: 4

Size Range: 3.5-13

Maysale 50 Buckled Suede Mules

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

Penny Platinum Pleated Bow Heel

These Loeffler Randall open-toe mules also get T&C's stamp of approval 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

The Italian Leather Day Heel

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: 4

Size Range: 5-11

Hazel Pointed Toe Pump

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: 20+

Size Range: 4-14

Vita Platform Suede Black

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

Diana

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: 3

Size Range: 6-10.5

The Lustro

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

Hangisi Crystal Buckle Pump

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

Keefa Platform Sandal

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

Remy

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

Colors Available: 11

Size Range: 37EU-41EU

Bow Tie Pumps 85mm

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. 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

Larroudé x Altuzarra Pump In Black Patent Leather

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 hot 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

Round-Toe Chunky Heels (Running Heels Julie Pro)

These ballet pumps are so comfortable, they're dubbed as 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

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