The Most Comfortable Heels You Can Wear, According to Testing

One of our favorite brands for comfortable shoes including sandals, flats and heels, Vionic's shoes are just as functional as they are fashionable, thanks to their orthotic design. The shoes are meant to stabilize your heel, support your arches, cushion the ball of your foot and reduce the amount of pressure on your foot overall.

A feature we particularly love is the ankle strap that utilizes a Velcro-like material for easy adjusting, so you don't have to fumble over a buckle. One GH analyst who owns and frequently sports this style is impressed by just how comfy the heels are, sharing, "I normally develop knee pain after just a few hours in heels or platforms, but I forgot I'm wearing heels when I put these on." She added, "I love that they're orthotic shoes, but no one would ever know because they're so cute!"

Some online reviewers have experienced issues with finding the right size, including shoppers who said the shoes are too wide and too narrow. They come in both wide and regular sizes, along with half sizes, and returns are free for 30 days through Amazon.

Sizes: 5–13 with half and wide sizes | Colors: 13 options | Heel height: 2.5" | Material: Leather upper

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Whether you're headed to a casual brunch or a special event, you're sure to find footwear to coordinate with whatever outfit you have in mind with these affordable heels from Dream Pairs that come in more than 25 colors. Simple yet stylish, the shoes have a short 2.75-inch block heel for stability, and the ankle strap is adjustable to help you achieve the best fit. Plus, the open-toe design allows your toes some space to breathe without being crammed inside.

One GH analyst who has worn these shoes said they're great for a wedding (as a guest or a member of the bridal party). Our analyst shared that she wore them all day long and was able to comfortably do everything from standing during the ceremony to dancing the night away. She noted that the shoes aren't as high-quality as other styles she has worn, but the low price point can't be beat, and they've lasted several seasons.

If you prefer something slightly taller, more than 10,000 Amazon reviewers also love the three-inch version, which comes in just as many fun hues and finishes.

Sizes: 5–11 | Colors: 26 options | Heel height: 2.75" | Material: Not listed

While most pointy pumps tend to feel uncomfortable because of the extra pressure on the the front of the foot, these heels from Rockport are surprisingly roomy inside. Made of flexible leather, the heels aren't stiff and won't restrict your feet. According to the brand, the shoe's footbeds are breathable and designed to absorb impact while walking or standing. You also have the option to remove the footbeds and add your own favorite insoles for even more support.

A GH expert who loves her Rockport heels shared, "I find them comfortable to wear for long periods and they're versatile enough to match a variety of outfits and different occasions." She explained that she prefers to wear these heels during her TV segments because she knows she'll be on her feet for long stretches.

Online reviewers commented that the sizing can be inconsistent among the different colors, but Amazon thankfully offers free returns for up to 30 days if you order a size that doesn't fit quite right.

Sizes: 5–12 with half and wide sizes | Colors: 23 options | Heel height: 3" | Material: Leather upper

These shoes from Naturalizer are the most comfortable heels for a wedding or big event. Available in fun metallic shades and dazzling silver and gold glitter (along with basic black and tan), the shoes are sure to stand out. Naturalizer's heels utilize the brand's Contour+ technology, which incorporates flexible foam cushioning and a sculpted insole that allow for all-day comfort.

With a 3.25-inch heel height, the shoes are still easier to walk in than other heels, thanks to the slightly elevated platform that helps to reduce stress on the arch of the foot.

One online reviewer commented, "They look great, and I have literally been able to dance in them for hours without discomfort of any kind." A GH editor who wears Naturalizer heels to all kinds of events shared that they "give great height and are dressy, while feeling as comfy as any flat."

Some online reviewers have shared that the heels run narrow, which can create discomfort around the toes, but wide sizing is available. For a more subtle style that's equally as comfortable, we also recommend the brand's Joy sandal, which comes in a variety of cool colors and quirky designs.

Sizes: 5–12 with half and wide sizes | Colors: 5 options | Heel height: 3.25" | Material: Fabric upper

Vivaia's shoes are a favorite of GH staffers, including analysts and editors, and the brand's Melody Pro heels are cute and comfy. The shoes are chic and on-trend, thanks to the square toe detail and the chunky heel, which actually lends some extra stability and support. The versatile shoes work from day to night – from the office to the bar — and come in several neutral color options that are easy to incorporate into your wardrobe.

Made with an elastic knit upper, the shoes are impressively flexible and mold to your foot without feeling too tight. One GH analyst with self-proclaimed "problematic feet" said, "I found the material able to stretch and conform, instead of constricting my feet."

The material continues to stretch out a bit with regular use, so some GH staffers recommended sizing down, while others said sizing down by half a size can lead to painful blisters. Along with a comfy upper, the heels feature a silky smooth padded insole with built-in arch support and extra padding around the heel.

Sizes: 5–11 with half sizes | Colors: 7 options | Heel height: 1.77" | Material: Fabric upper

READ OUR VIVAIA SHOES REVIEW: Are the Trendy Shoes Worth It?

Stylish for summer, these strappy heels from LifeStride will feel great on your feet from sun up to sun down. According to the brand, the shoes combine flexibility, support and cushion, thanks to design features like a brushed insole, breathable foam, built-in arch support and a bendable outsole that create the ultimate comfort. While some strappy shoes dig into your upper foot, leading to blisters and pain, the straps on these heels are actually cushioned.

Online reviewers said the shoes are great for all-day wear, with one who shared that she was able to wear them to a wedding without breaking them in. Another reviewer commented that her "feet don’t hurt at the end of the day!" One online reviewer complained that the shoes felt too tight, but the ankle strap is adjustable for a roomier fit, and the shoes come in wide sizing, so your toes don't have to feel cramped.

Sizes: 5–12 with half and wide sizes | Colors: 5 options | Heel height: 2.125" | Material: Polyurethane upper

A thick platform may seem like it would be more painful to walk in than a traditional pump, but it actually helps to decrease the amount of stress on your foot. This pair from Aerosoles has a heel height of 3 inches but a platform height of 1.25 inches, making them easier to walk in.

One GH analyst who has worn other platform heels from Aerosoles described the shoes as "ridiculously comfy" and said that she could easily walk around the city in them pain-free. And while they're a chunkier style, they're lightweight, so they won't hold you back.

There are plenty of neutral shades available, but we particularly love some of the trendier options like light green faux snakeskin, bright red suede and textured rose gold. Because the shoes are meant to be less-restrictive than some other strappy styles on the market, the straps over the toe run a bit wide, and some online reviewers recommended sizing down for a better fit. If you end up choosing a size that doesn't work, the shoes can be easily returned for free through Amazon.

Sizes: 5–12 with half and wide sizes | Colors: 19 options | Heel height: 3" | Material: Polyurethane upper

While Clarks may not be known for trendy designs, the brand is famous for comfy and supportive styles, and these timeless heels will work well in a traditional office setting. The real leather upper and pointed toe create a chic feel. According to the brand, the heels have a foam cushioned insole, built-in arch support and a flexible rubber sole for grip and stability.

Many online reviewers, which included office workers and flight attendants, said the shoes are easy to stand in all day long. One reviewer commented, "Can’t say enough how I love these shoes. They are so comfortable. No foot pain after wearing these shoes on 12+-hour days."

A GH analyst who has worn several styles of Clarks shoes over the years described them as "practically perfect" in terms of comfort, although did note that the shoes aren't as fashionable as she normally prefers.

Sizes: 5–11 with half and wide sizes | Colors: 9 options | Heel height: 1.9" | Material: Leather upper

Ideal for everyday wear in the warmer months, these sandals from Margaux have a luxe look and versatile design. Dress them up or down and don them all day or night — or both since they're so comfy. The shoes are available in narrow, medium and wide sizing and also come in half and even quarter sizes, so you're able to achieve the perfect fit. With so many options, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose the best size, so Margaux offers free virtual consults to help you make your selection.

Though the shoes are pricier than the other styles we featured, we're regularly impressed by the quality of Margaux's shoes, including its flats and loafers. Handmade with a genuine leather upper and lining, the heels are designed to mold to the shape of your foot over time. For a little more height, opt for the brand's City Sandal, which has the same chic style but features a 2.5-inch heel instead of the 1.5-inch heel on the Lena Sandal.

Sizes: 3–14 with half, quarter, narrow and wide sizes | Colors: 6 options | Heel height: 1.5" | Material: Leather upper

Wedges are a great option for those who struggle to find comfy heels because the uniquely shaped heel extends beneath the entire shoe for balance and support. These wedges are ultra comfy because they feature a supple and soft suede upper and a Bounce footbed, which the brand says helps to redistribute shock so there's spring in each step you take. While we've found some of the brand's shoes run narrow, this pair has an open-toe design that won't restrict your feet and an adjustable slingback strap that you can loosen for comfort.

One GH editor who frequently sports heels from Hush Puppies said, "They make the comfiest everyday heels that take me from work to a night out and beyond. They’re more comfortable than even my flat sandals!" Another GH expert compared walking in Hush Puppies shoes to "walking on a cloud." For a more delicate style, choose the brand's Rottie Wedge with a floral laser-cut upper.

Sizes: 6–11 | Colors: 4 options | Heel height: 3" | Material: Suede upper