How To Pick The Best High Heels For Comfort Wear

Pain, discomfort, bunions, and corns, just a few of the side effects of wearing uncomfortable high-heeled shoes. Aren’t you sick of torturing your toes in poorly fitted high heel shoes?

Every woman loves a good pair of heels. Many women feel beautiful, glamorous, and bossy when they strut in their favorite pair of stilettos. Some outfits just aren’t the same without the perfect heeled sandal or boot.

Finding the best high heels that do not compromise comfort for style can be a huge challenge, but looking good and being comfortable is not as complicated as it seems. One solution is investing in very expensive pairs of shoes that guarantee quality with a custom fit. However, if you’re looking for solutions that won’t break the bank, we’ve got you covered.

Consider multiple factors when you’re choosing your ideal heel. The shape of your foot and the height of the heel are really important, but that’s just the beginning of the process.

Whether you like big heels or modest 3-inch heels, there is always a comfortable option. It’s all about finding the ideal types of heels for your feet.

We’ve put together the perfect guide on how to pick the best high heels for comfort. Check out below for a description of 20 types of heels and some suggestions on the ideal high-heeled shoe for comfort based on the occasion and the foot type.

Types Of High Heels

So many of us just stick to a basic stiletto heel, a block heel, or a wedge, but there are so many others to choose from!

Whether you’re looking for the most comfortable heels for work, arch support for high heels, or high heels for wide feet, your best bet is knowing all of your options for different types of heels. Prepare to expand your horizon and discover the perfect pair of comfy high heels.

High, Mid and Low Heel Types

• Kitten Heels

  Some people say that kitten heels are the most comfortable heels for women. These cute short stilettos are small high heels and they are typically 1-inch heels, but they can range between 3.5 centimeters (1.5 inches) to 4.75 centimeters (1.75 inches). Stilettos are signified by their slight curve from the back end of the shoe. People love kitten heels for their comfort and fashion, their great for parties or work events where you have to stand for a long time.

• Pumps

  Who doesn’t love a sexy pump paired with just about anything? Pumps are also the traditional high heel, they are usually a wider shoe with a heel between 2-3 inches. Pumps are usually low cut around the front and their modest design makes them an option for comfortable heels for women. Pump it up! Pumps are versatile and timeless.

• Stilettos

  If you’re the type of girl who keeps your head high and your heels too, you probably love a stiletto. Stilettos are usually the highest of all heels, the sleek classic shoe can be as high as 8 inches. Stilettos aren’t for everyone, and they may not be for every day, but they’re perfect for a sleek classy look.

• Ankle Strap Heels

  Ankle strap heels are all the rage this year. An ankle strap heel can come in various heel heights, but the design with the strap around the ankle separates it from other heels because of the additional support added by the strap. An ankle strap heel provides extra support and stability for very high heels.

• Wedge Heels

  Wedges can be shoes or sandals. A wedged shoe provides height like a regular high heel but there is no separation between the heel and the sole. Wedges are great for outdoor events because the heel does not dig into the ground. Wedges also provide comfort because of their shape.

• Wedge Sandals

  A sandal with a wedged heel features the same connected heel design with an open upper. Sandals are always a great way to let your feet breathe.

• Cone Heels

  A cone heel features a heel that has a narrow base and a wide sole. These cute comfortable heels create a cone shape for additional support on your foot. It’s just like it sounds, the cone heel creates a look like your shoe is being held up by an ice cream cone! Yum!

• Sling Back Heels

  Slingbacks feature a heel that attaches to the back of the Achilles heel. The slingback heel is classic and timeless, they also offer more stability in the shoe.

• Platform Heels

  If you’re familiar with the Spice Girls you know about the tall chunky platform heel. Platforms come in all different sizes, you can’t miss them, once you see that the under the sole of the shoe is thicker than the sole, you’ll recognize a platform shoe. Platforms are super comfy and considered easy walk shoes because of the flat surface with a straight height difference between the front and the back of the shoe.

• High Heel Sandals

  A high, stiletto, or kitten heel with a sandal upper. Perfect to wear with gowns and in warm weather.

• Peep Toe Heels

  Peek-a-boo! The peep-toe heel is any of the aforementioned heels with just a little peek of the toes showing. walking in high heels gets just a little bit easier when you have some toes out.

• Cork High Heels

  Put a cork in it! That’s what cork heel manufacturers do! The cork high heels are made with a cork material and tend to be thick high heels. Cork high heels may vary in size, style, and height, but the cork material creates a softer step, even in really high heels.

• High Heeled Boots

  High heeled boots are a classic favorite on the market. They offer a versatile style that can be worn with a pair of jeans or a super cute skirt. The heel size may vary, but the boot upper may offer additional support on the foot if sized correctly.

• Spool Heels

  Spool heels get their name from their resemblance to a spool of thread. The shoe has a heel that is thick at the sole of the foot with a narrow middle.

• French Heels

  Similar to a spool heel, french heels are short with a small curve.

• Oxfords

  Oxfords are a traditional heel design with a thick flat heel. These heels can be associated with schoolgirl uniforms and they are typically not super high heels, usually ranging between 2 to 3.5-inch heels.

• Chunky Heels

  Most women love a chunky heel for comfort. Chunky heels are true to their name, any heel that has a wide square base. Typically chunky heels are not tall heels, they are usually short or medium.

• Espadrille Heels

  Espadrille heels are a new spin on the traditional flat. These heels have a braided fibre sole and a fabric upper.

• Mules

  The classic mule design can come in any height or size, they can be a short heel or a tall heel. They come up high over the top of the foot and feature an open back.

• Ballroom Dance Shoes

  Ballroom dance shoes are special because they are made with extra support for the foot and the ankle.

Most Comfortable High Heel Shoes

Finding the most comfortable high heel really depends on the occasion and how long you will be standing or walking around. Ask yourself what is the most comfortable heel height? Once you can answer that, you’ll be able to figure out what shoes will work best depending on the size and shape of your foot. While one person may be able to stand for hours in a pair of stilettos, another may need a practical pair of wedges for their all-day heels.

Although the ideal, most comfortable shoe depends on your foot and the event you are attending, we do recommend some heel types that offer additional support for the foot and the heel. What should you look for when buying heels? Here are our top four choices of the kind of heels you should buy for ultimate comfort. Also check out our cheap and comfortable high heels post for our top high heel picks for buying heels online.

• Wedge

  Great for walking outside in grass or dirt. The wedge also helps maintain an even weight of your foot on the shoe for complete support.

• Platform

  A platform shoe can be considered easy walking shoes and they can come in low and high heel types. A platform on a stiletto or high heeled shoe helps to elevate the foot and offer an illusion of additional height on a smaller shoe. If you’ve ever asked yourself how do I stop the balls of my feet hurting in heels? Platforms are the answer. Platforms are great options for heels for teens.

• Cone Heel

  The cone heel features a thick heel that offers more support than thin high heels.

Most Comfortable Heels For Work

Finding the most comfortable heel for work depends on your hours and your job environment.

If you’re working in a club that requires you to wear a fashionable heel you should definitely consider a heel with a platform.

Waitresses and jobs that require constant walking may want to consider a low heel or a wedged heel for maximum comfort.

If you work at a desk job where you’re sitting all day you may want to be bold with your shoe choice and strut in a high heel or even a stiletto.

Arch Support For High Heels

Adding cushions to your heels is a great way to find comfort when wearing high heels. Cushioning the arch or anywhere that has pressure or friction can give you extra support throughout your shoe and prevent problems with your feet in the future. Some people have asked if taping your toes helps with heels. We say cushioning is a better option.

If you have a really high arch you can work with higher heels with a lower sole. If your feet are flat you may want to choose a thicker heel that offers extra support like a cone heel or a block heel.

High Heels For Wide Feet

Having wide feet can be problematic but remember that you can purchase shoes in wide sizes as well. Settling for squished toes in your shoes could be detrimental to the health of your feet. Remember that your shoe size may vary based on the design of the shoe. You may have to ask yourself, which brand of heels are most comfortable?

If you have wide feet and you are wondering how to wear high heels without pain, you may want to consider these tips.

Always remember to measure your feet. Even as an adult, your feet may grow. Knowing the measurements of your feet will help you find the perfect fit shoe.

Unfortunately, you shouldn’t buy pointed shoes if you have wide feet. It can get really painful, and even worse, it could cause bunions.

Purchase leather shoes. The beautiful thing about leather is the stretch. A good pair of leather shoes will, over time, stretch to fit your foot shape.

Heel Sizes

How do you make your feet not hurt in heels? Choosing the right size is key. Different manufacturers size their shoes differently. Don’t get stuck thinking you know your exact shoe size. If you’re asking yourself, why are heels so uncomfortable? You may be choosing the wrong shoe size.

Be sure to try on your shoes before you purchase them and measure your feet to make your shoe selection easier. Should heels be tight or loose? If you are in doubt, go with a slightly larger size, it’s always better to have extra room than to have tight shoes.

How To Make High Heels Comfortable

We all ask ourselves the same question. How can I get better at walking in heels? Practice makes perfect. Walk around your house in your new shoes and make sure you made the right choice for the fit.

Be sure to take shorter strides when walking in stilettos and higher heels. The higher the heel, the more short and cautious your stride.

Break your shoes in. If it’s your first time rocking your new pumps, wear them out to dinner or somewhere you know you will be able to sit down and relax for most of the time.

Invest in padding for the pressure points of your foot. Adding padding and cushions to your shoes can make a huge difference! See our post on wearing high heels painlessly for top tips on comfortable heels.

 

Tips For Walking In Heels

If you want to strut your stuff in a pair of heels you need to be mindful of the length of your stride and the speed. Thicker heels allow you to move with longer stride more easily, but you may want to shorten your stride for a higher stiletto style.

Wearing shoes with straps and platforms allows for your foot to have extra ankle support and additional support at the base of your foot.

Take your time and walk at your own pace, especially if you’re wearing a new pair of nice high heels, whether its a pair of 6-inch heels with no platform, 5 inch high heels or 4-inch heels with a platform, be mindful of how you feel when you take a step. Check your balance and make sure you are not walking on the balls of your feet or putting too much pressure on one side of your heel.

There is such a thing as a comfortable shoe. It’s just about taking the time to find the right one. Happy shopping!