Update: This is still a fun discussion on the best brands for comfortable heels, but 2012 was too long ago — check out our most recent roundup of the Top Ten Most Comfortable Heel Brands!
One of the top Corporette posts of all time, The Quest for Comfortable Heels, turned into one of the best resources on this site: our Guide to Comfortable Heels (which I’ll be trying to update today). But I’ve long wondered what the top brands, for the most people, truly were.
These are some of our favorite heels as of 2023, but check out our entire Guide to Comfortable Heels!
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Some of the shoes that I’ve worn into the ground were actually from random brands (such as a pair of red peep-toe Liz Flex heels that I bought on sale for $17!) while other much-lauded brands have sat in my closet, unworn.
And then there are some high-end surprises — after all, Tiffany of I-Am Styleish praised Miu Miu above other designer brands in her Newbie’s Guide to Designer Shoes.
So I want you guys to dig deep, and think: you know that amazing pair (or two? or three?) of shoes in your closet, the super comfortable ones? What brand are those shoes? We’ll also accept answers for “when it’s time to find a comfortable shoe, the first brand I check out is…”
I’ve arranged this as a poll — please write in if there are other brands and I’ll try to add them. You’re allowed up to 10 answers. If you know the style names, please add them in the comments!
(Pictured.)
Molly
My go-to heels are Vince Camuto. mine actually have a slight platform, but were so comfy that I bought the same shoe in a second color (black and nude-for-me). I’ve been wanting to try LK Bennets though!
t-dot
Second the Vince Camuto recommendation. I also bought a second pair of the same shoe (for my mom) because they were just so comfortable.
Other than my VC “nude-for-me” pumps, my go-to work shoes are Kate Spade (wedges), Coach, and Enzo Angiolini.
Z.
Simple 85 pump by Christian Louboutin is my staple go-to comfortable shoe.
Anon
Threadjack!
I’m a senior in college, and there’s an award given in the spring that I’m very well-qualified for. It’s an award given to students who have done exceptional service for the UG student body, and I would love to at least be in the running for some recognition for all of the volunteer work I’ve done. I want to be sure I’m in the running for it, when the time comes, but I realized that I have no idea how to approach the whole nomination process. Do I ask someone to outright? Do I casually mention it to an advisor? Thoughts?
Anon
Yeah sorry that got all repetition error in the middle there. It’s been a crazy morning.
Bluejay
You should probably repost this in the coffee break thread.
Lissa_m
I love Jessica Simpson, Bandalino and I’m really loving some Talbot pumps I picked up recently during their sale. Jessica Simpson is my go to brand though. Looking forward to trying Cole Haan and the LK Bennett during my next shoe shopping spree.
SoCal Gator
New favorite, made by New Balance — Cobb Hill.
Sugar Magnolia
Can I just be a big dork and say how proud I am that it was my email to Kat that was the catalyst for “the Quest?” I know, I know, I need to get out of the house more often and get a life. :)
zora
You need a “Corpor*tt* Celebrity” Tiara, with diamonds, STAT!! ;o)
Bunnycats
I adore the (now very hard to find) Cole Haan Carma pumps. High yet sturdy heel with a nice subtle platform. I own four pairs. The new Chelsea line is pretty good too though the platform is a bit higher than what I usually prefer.
Sycamore
You should add Anyi Lu to the list! Designed by a former professional ballroom dancer; beautiful and superbly well engineered.
WriterKate
I second this. Love love love my Anyi Lu Barbara pumps in black. Can’t wait to buy more. Easily the most comfy heels I have ever worn. And I have problem feet. Clarks, Ecco are only so-so for me.
Anonymous
Tory Burch–the wedges and lower heels; flexible soles, decent cushioning, good materials.
Miss Cellaneous
I refuse to wear uncomfortable shoes. Even my going-out shoes are comfortable even if they’re 4+ inches. Even though I’m extremely picky, I have a well-rounded, fashion-forward shoe collection.
I also refuse to wear frumpy shoes. I love Sofft, Naturalizer, and Aerosoles for their comfort, but I have to accept that I’m only going to like one or two of their styles each season. I also have to accept that the materials that make shoes comfortable degrade after a while, so shoes from these brands will wear out. I’d rather cycle through 4 pairs of comfortable $80 shoes than one pair of long-lasting but uncomfortable $360 shoes.
I will admit that I’m usually limited to mid-level brands rather than the upper tiers of designers. For me, that still works out because I can replace the lower-priced shoes more often than I could replace expensive designer shoes. I have very narrow feel, so shoes that aren’t boots, Mary Janes, or elasticized (like Tory Burch shoes) quickly become irreparably stretched and start to slip off my heels.
I prefer:
– A platform (must be flexible and cushioned)
Platforms can definitely be office-appropriate even in the most conservative offices. Most of the “comfort” pumps by Sofft, Naturalizer, and other comfort brands have platforms in order to fit the cushioning into the shoe. Beware of platforms that don’t flex, though. Flex is crucial. I learned the hard way (literally) with a pair of Franco Sartos that were banished from my closet after one wear.
– A stable heel
Stilettos simply aren’t stable enough- and I have very strong ankles and calves from many years of ballet. Constantly compensating for unstable heels by gripping your ankle muscles will quickly lead to fatigue and pain. Yes, they’re sexy- I have a few pair for nights that I know I’ll spend sitting in a theater or at dinner- but if you’re an active person, choosing stilettos over thicker heels is asking for pain. The heels don’t have to be super-thick, and fashion-forward shoes with stable heels do exist.
– Rubber soles
Any shoe repairman should be familiar with adding a thin rubber layer to the bottom of shoes. The store I visit calls them “power soles.” They both extend the life of the shoe and prevent any muscle-gripping due to slippery soles.
– A strap or a touch of elastic to keep the shoe on my foot (or boots/ booties)
Again- no muscle gripping allowed! Whether consciously or not, you’ll grip the muscles in your toes, feet, and ankles if your shoes are loose.
I’m actually not overly concerned with arch support since that seems easier to fix with an insole than cushioning. I haven’t had much luck with insoles to fix ball-of-the-foot issues.
Commuting in flats is essential to both keeping your shoes looking nice AND keeping them comfortable. Commuting is rough on shoes and causes wobbly heels and quicker erosion of the cushioning and supportiveness of good heels.
Finally, only buying shoes that fit well is essential. That tiny bit of discomfort in the store will become a major problem after 4 hours. Be picky! Pain ruins your mood and your day.
My favorite brands:
Cole Haan Air- reliable for basic shoes with both style and comfort. I’d love for this brand to make shoes with a little more personality since the build of their shoes works so well for me. I particularly like the fit of the Violet line even though they violate my stable heel preference.
“Comfort” brands- Sofft, Aerosoles, and Naturalizer. Like I said earlier- Finding styles that I like is rare, but when I do find one, the shoes are usually supremely comfortable. I love the idea of Isola, but I haven’t loved any of their designs yet.
Coach, Vaneli, and Banana Republic- These are “bubble” brands for me since they occasionally make shoes that fit my feet fantastically. I keep an eye out for the shoes they make with platforms and always bend the soles with my hands to check for flex before I even bother trying them on.
J Crew for their Cece flats- Excellent elastic placement (on the side so it doesn’t irritate my Achilles the way Tory Burch flats can), but I wish they were made of more durable leather.
I also want to try LK Bennett and Stuart Weitzman shoes soon.
Ines
I vote Naturalizer. Even the 3+ inch heels are comfy, and some of them are more fashionable than other comfy shoe brands. Clarks (new styles are less frumpy), Sofft (compared to Clarks & Naturalizer) is a little more expensive but also comfy. I also like Rockport. Some fashion shoe brands make sizes that run a little too narrow for my feet, but I buy a US 6 in these and they fit perfectly without pinching or pain 95% of the time, even off the internet.
Ines
Oh and I add Comme Il Faut tango shoes – they are the comfiest, sexiest stilettos (the Manolos of the tango world) – they were originally made for dancing but they are soft, sexy, and very very daring (NSFW – VERY SEXY). I’ll take 3 pairs of CIF’s instead of Louboutins, IMHO.
me
Blondo. awesomely comfortable.
recent grad
What brands do people recommend for narrow feet with high arches?
zora
I have a narrow feet and high arches, and like I said above: Indigo by Clarks, Born – the very few cute/classic looking heels, and Ecco’s Hope boots are my fave heeled boots, and every once in a while I find a Sofft heel i like. All of those have good arch support. And I especially like Indigo by Clarks, because they have a lot of styles with a really high vamp, or kind of unique looking mary jane styles, and I find that is the secret to my narrow heel, if i have something mary janeish, ankle strap, or with a high vamp, it stays on my foot better, even if it’s actually a medium width shoe.
These are my fave Indigo heels i wear the most: The Sylvie, altho i dont know if they’re for sale in the stores anymore, but they have come out with other similar styles.
http://www.shoesopia.com/shop/product/1/5620-119/Indigo-By-Clarks-Sylvie-Shoes-Black-Women.html
zora
also, i have often found mine on sale at Endless or Zappos, but even when they are full price they are completely worth it. They are so durable and hold up so well, i can wear them all the time and for years. So for my narrow feet, its so worth it to pay more to have shoes that aren’t going to mess up my feet, or make it hard to walk in.
L from Oz
I’ve said this before, but I love Think! shoes, particularly for those with problem feet. Most of my heels from them are the Aida line, and while you do have to wade through some rather odd looking shoes, it’s worth it for the ones that look good. I hate wearing heels, but I have two pairs of heeled loafers that are as comfortable as flats.
Now, if they didn’t only cost 150 euros a pair…
nonameplease
Paul Green
Ron White
Both at Nordstrom, both good on the bunions.
anon
Anyi Lu. On the spendy end, but lovely, made in Italy, and super comfy.
sabrina
Lauren by Ralph Lauren has the most comfortable, leather, pointed toe, 1-2″ heels. They are often on sale at places like Marshalls or TJMAxx. They are perfect for slim cropped work pants on a Friday. They also look nice with dresses, and pencil skirts.
Tensy
B.O.C (make some nice booties to wear with slacks and not as bulky looking as Born) and Nurture (sold at Dillards).
Anonymous
I have 2 pairs of heels and one pair of tall boots from The Walking Company’s brand Raffini. They fit like gloves! They’re not as fashion forward as many on your list, but they’re not clunky either. I like them best with tights or slacks. AGL’s heels are more fashionable, and the flats are fantastic.
Student4Life
I’m surprised no one has mentioned Ros Hommerson brand. I discovered it a few years ago and these are the comfiest work pumps I own, better than my Sofft, Naturalizer and Nike Air pumps! I own about a dozen in every color and finish, their classic pump style has been changed little over the years, this is the current incarnation:
http://www.zappos.com/ros-hommerson-racine-black-kid-patent
I just ordered 2 pairs at $99 each. The brand is not as ubiquitious as others, but Zappos usually carries the collection. I noticed with my newest ones the insole has been changed for the better and feel almost like memory foam- heaven for my feet! I work in a campus setting and walk considerable distances daily, not to mention I have flat feet and other podiatry issues. My feet don’t ache at the end of the day- these pumps are so comfortable, I could jog in them!
Kirsten@BarkingDogShoes
Yes to Ros Hommerson–their styles just keep getting better, more stylish, plus many come in multiple widths.
Anon
Vince Camuto Vickiy pump. I own them in 5 different colors. They are not terribly comfortable if you’re walking long distances, but for the stand-around cocktail reception they are amazing. I can wear them all night and my feet don’t hurt a bit.
Kirsten@BarkingDogShoes
Great list–I’ll vote for the lesser known Beautifeel as my number one and Oh! for second–super soft leather and supportive footbeds. Don’t forget Earthies :-)
Anon
I know this is a post about heels, but comfortable flats are hard to find too. I love, love, love the women’s skimmers from L.L. Bean. Regrettably, they don’t carry the tweed ones anymore, but the coastal rain ones are great for the not quite rain but still uncomfortably damp days, and the suede ones are super comfy. It is difficult to find ballet flats with arch support, but these fit the bill.
KG
Banana Republic! I love their heels. Aside from my CLs, they are my most comfortable, go-tos for work.
magpie
I’d add Vince Camuto. I have two pairs of the same pumps and lived in them ALL summer, walking (barefoot!) sometimes 2 miles a day. No blisters. Footpetals, but no breaking in.
ST
On the high end, there are certain styles that are super comfortable. I can (and have) walked a mile in Jimmy Choo Aimee pumps and YSL Palais (the 80 mm heel, not the 105). I find anything from Manolo Blahnik is comfortable as long as you buy half a size up.
NLMJ
I live in my Danskos. We’re business casual and I used to have to wear heels for all of my Express stilleto-length business pants. To my suprise, my Danskos are the perfect height for the pants, without the insane on my feet. (I stand about half the day.) I’ve also been complimented on them by my regional director, so I’ll say that’s a win.
JB
Shocked that no one has mentioned Banana Republic. If you haven’t tried yet, you must! BR is my go-to in addition to the Cole Haan Airs. They’re also at a lower price point and constantly on sale, and they always have attractive styles. I’m short and only wear at least 3-inch heels, but there’s memory foam or something similar in the bottom of the shoe so it’s like walking on air.
NYC
Glad to see Botticelli on the list, although I am probably the only one to vote for them! Seriously my best work shoes (I have two pairs). The first ones I got four years ago (basic brown pumps) and they still look amazing, with just a little bit of regular love from my cobbler. For those in NYC, definitely check them out. Lots of basic work styles, with a few more seasonable options. Price point is at the low end for italian shoes, I’d say.
It is interesting to see how much of this is foot specfic. Cole Haans just do not like my feet (size 10, high arches).
Glass Spider
The Tsubo Dufays are ah-MAY-zing! I have them three colors and can wear them in any weather, well unless it’s currently dumping down snow. I was a lot skeptical before I ordered them — some of the other shoes in that line are pretty clumpy, you know? But a few years back I was desperately hunting for a pair of heels that could see me through two weeks of interviews (East Coast and Midwest in early January) without having to wear boots with my interview suit. The grippy soles are more stable than most of my boots on ice, it’s true — but on the foot, the silhouette is cleaner than it looks in the picture — a pretty if rather unobtrusive almond-toed mid-heel pump. They stay perfectly on my feet, so they’re not at all clompy. Best, they are so comfortable I have no problem walking a mile or more in them.
Looking back at my raving fandom, I should say, I’m not connected with Tsubos in any way. I do wear other heels (Sofft, Kate Spade, and Ecco are other favorites), but none of the others make me so blissfully unaware that I’m wearing heels. The holy grail of heels, to my mind.
lizbet
Munro!!! Totally fabulous!
S
Naturalizer for my wide feet, but also Life stride at DSW and Talbots have been good.
April 9th
Literally wiping sweat from my forehead after doing
my best 90s dance moves to a memorable mix of old school joints from the likes of Special Ed, Eric B.
For instance i – Pod users will have difficulty syncing their devices with i – Tunes; the popular media player,
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