Many women love the feeling of a jaw-dropping pair of high heels: they feel taller, more confident, and ready to take on the world. However, wearing them for prolonged periods can cause foot pain and alter posture and gait.
Fortunately, savvy shoe designers have been designing heels, prioritising comfort and support. Check out our round-up of the best ergonomic high heels. For more ergonomic high heels, check this out.
Pointed-Toe Pump
The team designs and manufactures its shoes in Spain with the utmost care and craftsmanship. Each pair of heels features a hidden cushion that distributes pressure evenly, making these heels one of the most comfortable high heels on the market.
This slingback heel is a sleek and modern take on the classic pointed pump, upgraded with a supportive footbed and grippy rubber sole. The low heel height means these shoes won’t cause calf strain and can easily be worn all day.
According to countless reviews, these heeled sandals are incredibly comfortable and easy to walk in. The chunky block heel and padded footbed offer support without feeling bulky or overly rigid, while the broad base of the shoe distributes weight more evenly than a traditional stiletto. They’re also easy to sling on and upgrade basic jeans or dresses. Inez’s shoes have a near-perfect customer rating, so you can feel confident buying high-quality footwear.
Slingback Heels
Slingbacks are an excellent choice for heels that don’t sacrifice style for comfort. These from Gentle Souls are made with a broad, non-buckled elastic strap for a snug fit without digging into your heel. And the 2.75-inch heel is designed with Poron, a cushy bright foam that helps absorb shock. For more ergonomic high heels, check this out.
Sleek and sophisticated, these black pointed-toe pumps upgrade even the cheapest jeans and work with any LBD in your closet. Plus, they have an ergonomic 2.5-inch angled heel and adjustable ankle straps for stability and support.
While it’s tempting to go for the hottest trend, versatility rules when it comes to office heels. Look for ones that are seasonless in material, heel height and toe box shape, recommends Christeson. For instance, raffia sandals might be ideal for summer but can feel too casual in the winter when suede and buttery leather are more appropriate. A rounded or softly squared toe is also more comfortable than a point, which can lead to squished toes.
Cloud Heels
Adding invisible insoles with foam padding is one of our favourite hacks to boost a comfy pair of heels. These heel pads fit like a bandaid and help absorb the shock from walking on hard surfaces for long periods. These from Naturalizer feature a contoured footbed and arch support designed to mould to your feet, so you’ll never feel like you’re wearing a clunky pair of heels.
If you’re looking for the most comfortable high heels for weddings (or any other event), look no further than these stunning brown leather clogs. Featuring a chunky block heel and a cross-over ankle strap that keeps them secure, these stylish heels are versatile enough for a casual lunch date or an elegant evening dinner. They’re also made with recycled rubber and ethically sourced suede for extra eco-friendly luxury. For more ergonomic high heels, check this out.
Peep-Toe Heels
These heels balance comfort and style with their wearable heel height and unique design. The breathable fabric kept our feet cool and comfortable throughout the day, and they were less prone to blisters than other brands we tested. The back fabric rubbed against our heels when we first tried them, but this lessened with regular use.
They have an embedded heel cushion that absorbs impact with every step, and the arch support stabilises your foot. They’re stylish enough to wear at a cocktail party and look great with jeans or a dress.
Shoes are crafted from super-soft yarn sourced from recycled materials and have traction on the sole, so you won’t slip when walking up or down stairs. They also come in wide sizes, which are great for those who struggle to find heels that fit their wider feet.