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The 20 Most Comfortable Pairs of Heels, According to People Who Know
What do you get when you combine the knowledge of a celebrity podiatrist with that of ELLE editors? The ultimate guide to wearable heels, that’s what.
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Summer is nearly here, and with it comes a robust social calendar. From rooftop happy hours to garden baby showers, we know you’re going to be out and about over the next several months. What we also know: You care about comfort now more than ever, as evidenced by the rise of athleisure, matching sets, and literally any pants that aren’t rigid denim. Based on the summer 2023 shoe trends, we know heels aren’t going anywhere, but comfort has definitely shifted to the forefront. So, we set out to find which styles and brands make the most comfortable high heels to be had.
We know “comfortable heels” sounds like a bit of an oxymoron. Even the patron saint of pumps, Sarah Jessica Parker, admitted that no heel will last you for hours on end. But has that ever stopped you from wearing a pair of strappy stilettos to a swanky party? Our guess is no. With that in mind, we spoke to celebrity podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Levine, DPM about what makes a comfortable high heel, from heights to materials. We also got her insight on bunions and different foot concerns that can be aggravated by heel-wearing. Lucky for us, Levine is a heel lover herself and doesn’t discourage them. On the contrary, she enables us: “High heel shoes are not good for you, but we love them anyway.”
All feet are different. You should try on each shoe, walk around in them, and make sure they are comfortable for your own feet. The key is moderation, and alternating heel heights depending on your activity. For standing up to eight hours, your ideal heel height should stay at two inches; increase the height, and you limit the time you can spend on your feet. “It’s like having your cake, but not making it a daily activity,” says Levine. “It doesn’t have to be done every day or in excess, but there is nothing wrong with wearing a fabulous pair of heels.” Amen to that.
Also, remember to stretch and exercise your feet, use creams, and take breaks. It is helpful to buy over-the-counter metatarsal pads for the balls of your feet for extra cushion. “My patients don’t give [heels] up, but you have to do something to counteract them," she adds.
Ahead, our edit includes tips for finding the best heels that will last you all night (or until that acceptable hour when every woman removes their heels on the dance floor). Read on for more intel from the pro, along with ELLE editors’ personal favorite heels that strike the balance between style and comfort, below.
Megan Soria is a writer and stylist based in New York City. She covers fashion, music and beauty. You can find her in Queens, where she has easy access to Filipino food.
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoys unpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.
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