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Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
We haven't gone on a hunt for basic pumps for work in far too long — so let's see what are in stores right now.
Over the years, the toes have changed (almond, pointy, square), heels have changed (block, kitten, stiletto, architectural), and even how much foot is exposed (higher or lower vamp) is something that changes with trends.
If you're back in the office and pondering which heels to buy to refresh or build your working wardrobe, these are some of the latest styles we're seeing. Note that after a lot of hunting it seems like the reader-favorite heels are still in style right now:
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Hunting for comfortable work heels? We've got a whole guide just for that, but some of our favorites include Marc Fisher LTD, Sam Edelman, M.M.LaFleur, and Cole Haan. On the pricier side, check out Ferragamo, Stuart Weitzman, and Sarah Flint. For comfort-first styles, look to Vionic, Sofft, and Naturalizer.
- Hall of Famers: Sam Edelman, Vionic, Marc Fisher LTD, Rockport, Cole Haan, Calvin Klein (3.25″ and 1.5″), M.M.LaFleur
- Under $100: Sam Edelman, Vionic, Marc Fisher LTD, Rockport, Cole Haan, Calvin Klein (3.25″ and 1.5″), Naturalizer, Comfort Plus by Predictions
- Worthy Splurges: Christian Louboutin, Ferragamo, Manolo Blahnik, Prada
- Extended widths (AA, C, W): Sam Edelman, Vionic, Trotters, Walking Cradles
- Extended sizes (4–13): Sam Edelman (4–14), Calvin Klein (5–12), Calvin Klein (5–12), Prada (4–12), Manolo (4–12), Naturalizer (4–12), Rockport (5–13)
- 2″ or Under: Vionic, M.M.LaFleur, Ferragamo, Cole Haan, Sam Edelman, Calvin Klein
- Comfort: Ferragamo, Naturalizer, Comfort Plus by Predictions (don’t forget to check out our entire guide to comfortable heels!)
These are some of our favorite comfortable low heels for work as of 2024… also check out CK Calvin Klein, Trotters, Sam Edelman, and Sarah Flint!
(Curious for our previous roundups of black heels for the office? In addition to the several specific shoes mentioned in our Guide to Comfortable Heels, here are our roundups from 2021, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2016, 2015, 2013 (interview pumps AND our low heel roundup), 2012 (under $250) and 2008, as well as our comfort-focused roundups of 2016 and 2010 and our posts on extended sizes for professional women's shoes.)
Trendy Pieces: The Best Black Heels for the Office in 2021
These suede pumps are bestsellers at Ann Taylor, and I like the very wide vamp and pointy toe. They're $128 full price, available in multiple colors in half-sizes 5–11 — but as always, watch Ann Taylor for sales.
Other affordable shoes in this price range include Sam Edelman, Vionic, Rockport, and Cole Haan.
The affordable Marc Fisher LTD “Zala” style is STILL one of the bestselling heels for the office at Bloomingdale's — and it's still highly ranked at Nordstrom and Zappos also. (It's been in our Workwear Hall of Fame for years now!)
The shoe is $168 full price, but you can frequently find it on sale for well under that. (Also check DSW and other discount stores for this verrrrrry similar style around $60.)
At a slightly higher price point are the lovely Elsie shoes at J.Crew — they're available in suede, leopard, and napa for $248 in sizes 5-12.
Net-a-Porter is featuring these Gianvito Rossi heels, and they look classically sleek and beautiful. They're just under $700, available in 15 colors — some of which are on sale for 50% off ($347). Nice.
The other splurgey heels we've featured in the past are still around — the Manolo BB, the Louboutin Kate, Ferragamo (Vara or Carla), and the pointy-toed Prada.
Hunting for investment heels? Some of the bestselling, highest-rated designer heels for work in 2024 include Ferragamo, Stuart Weitzman, Sarah Flint, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, and Prada.
Readers, have you recently been on a hunt for the best black heels for the office? What did you end up buying, or what are you happy to wear again this year?
Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!
Anon
How is the quality of Ann Taylor footwear these days?
Anonymous
I have had great experiences with AT shoes of all kinds. They are worth their (sale) price, in my opinion. I own nicer shoes bought for more money, but I have never ever felt I did not get my money’s worth from a pair from AT. I typically buy something more “trendy” or specific from AT. The pumps have been very comfortable for me, as well.
Anon
Dang those Rossi heels are gorg. Champagne taste on a beer budget over here.
waffles
Kat, the links for the naturalizer wide width shoes is broken and the rockport link also breaks if you select wide widths. I have had trouble buying rockports in wide widths for a while now… a couple years….
Anom
Makes my feet hurt just looking at these. Haven’t worn heels since March 12, 2020…
Anonnymouse
Yeah, same – the idea of heels + work holds no appeal to me right now.
Anon
Same. I’ll keep a pair for date nights and dressing up, but never again to the office on a regular basis.