13 Most Comfortable Heels for Every Occasion, Tested and Reviewed

• What we love: Compact and easy to pack; great price
• What could improve: Can cause blisters at first

“These are the sandals I always recommend when someone asks me for a great shoe for a wedding or event,” Pernas, the fashion blogger, says. “They’re super-comfy—I’ve even worn them traipsing around cobblestone squares in Savannah.” Two supportive yet barely there straps keep your foot from slipping or sliding. This pair usually hovers around $20, depending on your color and size, making it one of the most affordable pairs of comfortable women’s shoes on this list. You can also choose from additional finishes like faux suede.

• Sizes: 5–13
• Material: Polyurethane
• Heel height: 2.75 in.
• Colors: 20+ options

• What we love: Affordable; great everyday option
• What could improve: Sizing runs small

If you’re looking for the perfect all-day pair of shoes for work and loafers aren’t quite your cup of tea, these under-$50 gems are comfortable to walk in and look great with work clothes. They have a Mary Jane–style buckle that instantly adds elegance to your look and an insole with light cushioning that provides support, especially if you’re on your feet a lot of the day. “These kitten heels look formal yet feel like flats,” says Wendy Sy, a New York City-based content creator and founder of the blog Style Meets4 Story. “I wore them from morning until night and was happily surprised that my feet felt fine after a long day. The not-so-secret is the brand’s soft cushion sole that’s supportive and flexible, and it lives up to the hype.” These low heels may just make you forget that you’re not wearing sneakers.

• Sizes: 5–12 in regular and wide
• Material: Polyurethane
• Heel height: 1.6 in.
• Colors: 5 options

• What we love: Stylish look; removable bow detailing
• What could improve: No cushioning

If you have a big event coming up, comfortable formal heels are an absolute must. This pair of four-inch stilettos might not have foam cushioning, but our tester found them plenty comfy: “I prefer a higher heel, and at four inches, these were super comfortable for a night of dancing and posing for photos during a wedding,” says Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro. “Dream Pairs is one of my go-to Amazon brands for affordable shoes for special occasions, since I’d rather not spend a ton of cash on shoes I won’t wear often. I also like that the little bow in the back is removable.” Despite having a pointy toe, these heels are flexible, won’t suffocate your feet, and are available in half sizes.

• Sizes: 6–11
• Material: Rubber, mesh
• Heel height: 4 in.
• Colors: 6 options

• What we love: Great for standing; dressy enough for events
• What could improve: Only two colors available

“I bought these heels for a wedding and cannot say enough good things,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “I always choose a sandal with a thick heel because I find they’re the most supportive. I wore these for six straight hours, with a couple of hours of dancing in there, and never felt like I needed to take them off. They didn’t leave me with blisters or pain, and they’re truly so stylish—the perfect, old-Hollywood gold that’s not too yellow. I’m looking forward to wearing them again.” These slip-on sandals will go with everything. Plus, there’s a 3.5-inch heel version if you want a little more height.

• Sizes: 6–10.5
• Material: Leather
• Heel height: 2.2 in.
• Colors: 2 options

• What we love: Relatively affordable; height-boosting design
• What could improve: Material scuffs easily

You can snag Glamour editorial assistant Monique Wilson’s tried-and-true high heels for well under $50. They have strong, stable heels, dressy platform soles, and ankle buckles for a snug fit. “Ask any of my friends, and they will tell you that I love these shoes. They’re classy, classic black platform heels,” Wilson says. “The first time I wore them was for a fashion show I was preparing for. Practice entailed constant walking, spinning, and standing in these heels; I had no trouble doing any of this, which is why I swear by them. They are the perfect height to elongate my legs, and I really like the chunky heel. I’ve worn them to black-tie events, during nights out, and at everything in between. There really are no cons with these shoes. I just bought my second pair after four years.”

• Sizes: 5–11
• Material: Polyurethane
• Heel height: 4.5 in.
• Colors: 15 options

• What we love: Sleek look; four adjustable buckles
• What could improve: Can take a while to break in

Strappy slingbacks are everywhere right now, and Steve Madden’s faux-patent leather take features four separate buckles and a just-high-enough heel—perfect for work or dressy events. “These heels were uncomfortable at first, but they got much better as they broke in. I’d recommend sizing up to avoid this,” says Anastasia Sanger, Glamour’s senior manager of social creative development. “It’s the perfect height and width of heel—low enough to be walkable and not too thin that I get stuck in subway grates. They’re so incredibly cute, and I get endless compliments. These instantly elevate my looks. They also feel sturdy for a reasonably priced pair, and they’ve never given me blisters, even while breaking them in.”

• Sizes: 5–12
• Material: Polyurethane
• Heel height: 2.5 in.
• Colors: 3 options

• What we love: Suitable for older women who have trouble walking
• What could improve: Slightly pricey

These ankle-strap heels are a great choice for older women who want extra support while walking. They have a roomy, open-toe design that won’t compress or pinch your feet, and they also have an adjustable hook-and-loop closure for easy accessibility. The deep heel cup makes the shoe extra-supportive, especially for those who need more arch and contour support. “I own these and love them! They contain podiatrist-designed arch support and a cushioned footbed that helps reduce foot fatigue and enhance stability,” says Dr. Pidich.

• Sizes: 5–13
• Material: Leather
• Heel height: 2.5 in.
• Colors: 10 options

• What we love: Timeless silhouette; true to size fit
• What could improve: Outsole can be a little slippery

You can feel good about heading straight to checkout with this pair of classic pumps that will instantly become a closet staple. This block-heel style from Marc Fisher is a great way to get additional support with a pump silhouette. “As a millennial, I do love a block heel. I think the pointed toe and curve on the block heel elevate these and keep them timeless whereas other styles can quickly feel outdated,” says Chicago-based creator Caitlin Patton. “They’re extremely comfortable, which is a must for any shoe that has a place in my closet, and also come in a few different colors and fabrics. I am partial to the suede for fall and winter.” The vibes are right with this pair!

• Sizes: 5-12
• Material: Leather upper, lining, and sole
• Heel height: 3 in.
• Colors: 5 options

• What we love: Works for any season; flattering silhouette
• What could improve: Runs a little small

It’s easy to see why fashion girls turn to Reformation time and time again for closet staples that also feel trendy. Take the Petunia Heeled Sandals as the prime example: They come in different fabrics and styles ranging from simple gold metallic to a showstopping animal print like snakeskin. An added bonus? They are truly comfortable. “Reformation is my secret go-to for heels,” says contributor Aemilia Madden. “Even though the heels are a bit higher and skinnier, I can wear them all day comfortably. They’re perfect for weddings.”

• Sizes: 5–11
• Material: Leather
• Heel height: 3 in.
• Colors: 5 options

• What we love: Platform gives added comfort; adjustable ankle strap
• What could improve: Sizing runs a little small

Larroude was founded with a goal of creating standout shoes and their customers continually praise them for durability, comfort, and style. The Dolly Verona Low Sandal is one such shoe that impressed us. Jersey City-based creator Lauren Rueter raves about these platform sandals and shares, “As a short girl living in the city, I need cute heels that I can also walk around NYC in! These Larroude sandals are always first on the list to grab when I’m dressing up. I’ve packed them for upstate weekends and worn them for date night or drinks with friends and they are a crowd favorite.” She also notes that she doesn’t have to bring a separate pair of commuter shoes because these are comfy enough on their own. “They are very high-quality so they can last me for years to come,” Rueter says.

• Sizes: 5–11
• Material: Leather, suede, velvet, raffia
• Heel height: 3 in.
• Colors: 10 options

• What we love: Wide range of sizes; lots of color options
• What could improve: Outsole can be a little slippery

Stuart Weitzman is known for creating all kinds of best-selling shoes from booties to pumps, but these block heels may just take the cake when it comes to comfort level. The block heel helps to alleviate the weight under your feet so you won’t have to worry about how long you’ll last in your heels. The adjustable ankle strap also helps ensure that the fit is not too snug, not too loose, but just right. Whether you’re hosting and running around or attending an event as a guest, these shoes will be with you every step of the way.

• Sizes: 4.5–12
• Material: Leather upper, lining, and sole
• Heel height: 3 in.
• Colors: 6 options