The 11 Most Comfortable Heels to Wear All Day, According to Podiatrists and Editors — Starting at Under $50

From Dr. Scholl’s, Clarks, Cole Haan, and more

Whether you’re hopping on the kitten heel trend or attending another wedding, reaching for a pair of heels is a love-hate relationship. Although comfortable heels might sound like an oxymoron, finding a stylish pair that lasts all night is indeed possible.

Celebrity podiatrist and The Bad Foot Clinic star Dr. Marion Yau tells PEOPLE that a spacious, open-toe box can allow your toes to move freely and reduce pressure, which lessens the risk of nail deformities, corns, calluses, and pain in the toes.

We consulted with podiatrists and footwear experts, raided our editors’ closets, and researched shopper reviews to find heels you can comfortably wear throughout wedding season, nights of dancing, or commutes to the office.

Ahead, the most comfortable heels of 2024, according to podiatrists, editors, and shoppers.

The Annee pumps are designed for ultimate support and comfort. The sturdy block heel and non-slip outsole provide stability with each step, while the cushioned latex insole pads your foot. Plus, the exterior is covered in a soft, suede material and has a buckle to adjust the fit —with more options in wide and half sizes. Over 11,800 shoppers have rated these shoes five stars, praising their comfort and versatility. With the low price, these shoes are the ideal pairing for summer wedding outfits.

Size Range: Women’s 5–11 (normal and wide) | Material: Leather, thermoplastic elastomers, suede, and rubber | Heel Height: 2.25 inches | Colors: 20

Dr. Yau recommends these Clarks sandals that "feature ankle support for a secure fit, a block heel for stability, and cushion soft foam layers for comfort." Constructed of rich suede and a cushioned Ortholite footbed, these heels are an ideal option for office days and nights on the town. With classic neutrals like black and unique patterns like snakeskin, these heels pair well with casual and dressy outfits alike. That said, reviewers say the ankle strap is tight, so these might not be ideal for those with thicker ankles or who are prone to swelling. 

Size Range: Women’s 5–10.5 | Material: Leather outer, synthetic inner | Heel Height: 2 ¾ inches | Colors: 15

Whether you’re styling a tropical vacation outfit or summer evening getup, these Clark’s wedges are the go-to for achieving the perfect "coastal girl summer" look without sacrificing comfort.

Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, podiatrist and Innovation Lab Member at Vionic Shoes, highly recommends these wedges for their comfort and safety benefits compared to stilettos or pumps. "A wedge provides more stability by distributing body weight across a larger surface area," she explains. The foam footbed and featherlight soles ensure cushioning that lasts all day. These wedges also have a buckle for customizable sizing, ensuring a good fit.

Size Range: Women’s 5–12 (medium and wide) | Material: Nubuck, textile, thermoplastic rubber | Heel Height: 2.9 inches | Colors: 3

Carrie Bradshaw knows a thing or two about stylish shoes, and actress Sarah Jessica Parker was seen ditching her Manolo’s for Dr. Scholl's wooden sandals on the set of And Just Like That.

And she’s not the only one opting for comfortable and stylish footwear. Dr. Yau also recommends Dr. Scholl’s, and specifically the Maya Block Heels Sandals, which she says "combine the comfort of a sandal with the height of a heel.” She appreciates the “lightweight block heel for stability” as well as the odor-reducing antimicrobial insole that cushions your foot and provides arch support. Some shoppers don’t recommend these heels for narrow feet as they tend to slide more in the shoe. That said, the retro open-toed heel is a good value.

Size Range: Women’s 6–11 | Material: Fabric upper, recycled microfiber | Heel Height: 3.5 inches | Colors: 3

Striving for comfort shouldn’t mean sacrificing on style. Dr. Sutera says you can achieve that “classic high heel style” while staying comfortable with these Cole Haan pumps. The timeless silhouette has a supportive contoured footbed that doesn't require multiple wears to break in, and the layers of cushioning softly pads each step. Additionally, the Grandfoam traction on the outsole prevents slipping and keeps you steady while walking.

For those with narrow-width feet, it's recommended to size down half a size for a more ideal fit.

Size Range: Women’s 5–13 (medium width) | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 3 inches | Colors: 2

These Melissa platforms have become a warm-weather go-to for PEOPLE shopping writer Alyssa Brascia. The pair of platforms has a robust heel that makes a statement but is lightweight enough to catwalk around in. And if you like a slip-on shoe style, this platform is easy to throw on for daytime and night events.

“The block heel keeps things comfortable while I’m roving around New York City thanks to its memory foam-like insole (seriously, I’ve walked for blocks and blocks in these shoes). Plus, I feel like I’m still in my 2023 Barbie era when I slip these on, which is always a perk.”—Alyssa Brascia, shopping writer

Size Range: Women’s 5–10 | Material: Ethylene vinyl | Heel Height: 3.5 inches | Colors: 4

As statement-making platforms with a strappy design, these heels are an elegant addition to any outfit. The adjustable buckle ankle strap and contoured design ensure they mold perfectly to the shape of each foot. One reviewer, late to her graduation, had to run in these heels, and even after four hours of wear, she found them "so comfortable" and felt secure throughout the entire occasion.

Size Range: Women’s 5–12 (medium and wide) | Material: -

M. Night Shyamalan Says Daughter Saleka ,...

Metallic synthetic upper | Heel Height: 3⅜ inches | Colors: 5

Looking for a pair to keep up on the dancefloor? As a former dancer with lingering foot pain, I swear by the Valora Steve Madden heels. I’m always the first to swap my heels for socks on the dance floor at any wedding or special event, but I was so thrilled to find a pair of heels that didn’t make my feet cramp up.

The stability and comfort of these heels can be credited to their thick, three-inch block heel and criss-cross straps, which are stylish and supportive. The wide, open toe box allows your toes to breathe, ensuring maximum comfort through the night. While the heels aren’t adjustable, they are easy to slip on and can be worn all night without discomfort.

Size Range: Women’s 5–12 | Material: Leather upper material, synthetic lining, sock, and sole | Heel Height: 3 inches | Colors: 4

PEOPLE shopping editor Madison Yauger swears by these block heels as her go-to for weddings, after-work events, cocktail hours, and dinners with friends. Their comfort can be credited to the flared block heel and wide straps. With a waterproof leather material and shock-absorbing cushioned insoles, the heels are as durable as they are comfortable.

Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 2.5 inches | Colors: 3

Dr. Sutera suggests this heeled sandal as a year-round option for its stability, arch support, and flexibility. “It features a Metdome metatarsal pad, ensuring even contact to reduce pressure on the ball of the foot,” she explains. Like most shoes, these sandals require a break-in period. Vionic recommends wearing the heels for a few hours at a time for several days to allow your feet to adjust to the level of orthotic comfort and support.

Size Range: Women’s 5–13 (medium and wide) | Material: Leather or suede, thermoplastic rubber insole, durable synthetic rubber outsole | Heel Height: 2.5 inches | Colors: 7

The Kennedy heel boasts a sophisticated silhouette and provides built-in arch and forefoot support. According to Caroline McCulloch, Australia-based podiatrist and founder of Frankie4 shoes, this technology offers "a streamlined footbed contoured and molded with varying densities to deliver slimline, targeted cushioning and support without compromising on style."

This modern square-toed slip-on delivers a sandal-like feel that’s ideal for tropical getaways and effortlessly elevates any outfit for a sophisticated evening out. McCulloch guarantees comfort and style, describing the heels as "a chic, modern square-toed mule designed for walking (and dancing).”

Size Range: Women’s 6–13 (medium width) | Material: Leather upper and lining/synthetic sole | Heel Height: 2.75 inches | Colors: 3

PEOPLE shopping writer Cai Cramer typically despises heels due to discomfort with her high arches, but she swears by the Reformation Maize Platform Sandal and says they are well worth the price. These are also suitable for people with bunions, as they have an open, wide-square toe box that provides ample room for toes to breathe. Though they’re comfortable enough to walk long distances in (according to Cramer), these heels also excel in style and design.

Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Material: Varies by color, soft foil metallic leather upper | Heel Height: 3 inches | Colors: 5

The exciting part about heels is there are plenty of styles to choose from: block, wedges, platforms, pumps, kitten, and for the brave souls (or should I say soles?), stilettos. But your choice will directly impact how long you can comfortably wear them. “Blocked heels, wedges and platforms provide height and distribute weight across a greater surface area,” Dr. Sutera says. “This makes them more stable, comfortable, and safe.” 

Dr. Yau agrees: “With a wider base, there is a better surface area for contact with the ground, which results in better weight distribution and reduced pressure on the forefoot, decreasing the risk of pain and various foot conditions.” As a result, they are more comfortable for standing for longer periods, she explains.

The best part of wearing heels is the elevated inch (or two or three) that they add to our legs, but that doesn’t mean we should always go for the pumps. “The higher the heel, the more pressure on the forefoot,” Dr. Sutera says. “The entire skeleton has to compensate to keep from falling forward.” She explains that our knees and hips shift forward, while our back begins to hyperextend. She advises sticking to heels below three inches to prevent foot pain and injury.

Dr. Yau says open-toe heels are overall better than closed-toed shoes: “They allow the toes to move freely and reduce pressure on the toes and nails, while also promoting breathability and preventing moisture buildup, which minimizes the risk of athlete’s foot.” As a result, the risk of nail deformities, calluses, pain, and athlete’s foot are all minimized. 

Jordana Comiter is a contributing freelance writer for PEOPLE who grew up as a dancer, and after years of staying on the balls of her toes for hours on end, comfortable footwear is a must. Although she once had a high threshold for foot pain, she now consistently reaches for boots or sneakers rather than withstanding the pain that comes with her most stylish heels. In her pursuit of the elusive “comfortable” heel, she spoke with podiatrists and shoe experts to uncover the key factors that determine heel comfort and tapped PEOPLE shopping editor Madison Yauger and writers Cai Cramer and Alyssa Brascia for their comfiest pairs.

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