Amazon; Nordstrom; Loeffler Randall; Aldo
These tried-and-true shoes are a step above the competition.
While “comfortable” and “high heels” don’t often belong in the same sentence, our editors have made it their mission to find styles that are actually wearable — and that don’t sacrifice fashion in the name of function.
From mules to knee-high boots, we’ve put a dozen pairs through their (literal) paces to find the best of the best. Read on for all of our favorites, from a set of “perfect” sandals to the espadrilles one staffer danced in for four hours straight.
Best overall: Sam Edelman Daniella Ankle Strap Sandal
Pros:
- Sturdy and walkable
- Flattering on the foot
- Comes in plenty of colors
- Under $150
Cons:
- Some Nordstrom reviewers found the fit slightly narrow, which may prove problematic for wide feet
- Some noticed quality issues after multiple wears, such as footbed peeling
“When it comes to comfortable shoes, I really can’t say enough good things about Sam Edelman; I own a number of pairs, and they’re among the comfiest in my closet. I’m especially fond of these sandals, as the heel height is walkable (and danceable!) but still gives you a nice boost. It probably goes without saying, but comfort-wise, a sturdy block heel beats a skinny stiletto every time. These also come in a ton of colors and materials and are budget-friendly to boot.” — Elana Fishman, Page Six Style & Shopping Director
Size range: 5 to 14 | Color options: 10 neutral shades, including several metallics
Best budget: Susanny Rhinestone Kitten Heel
Pros:
- Under $50
- Come in over 30 colors
Cons:
- Some Amazon reviewers noted they run slightly small
“I got these sparkling heels in a pinch for a wedding and they honestly blew me away. Not only does the kitten heel make for more comfort, but the sole itself is super padded and soft. I truly could — and have — danced all night long in these shoes, which also happen to be a much more affordable dupe for a designer pair.” — Melissa Minton, Page Six Style Senior Writer/Editor
Size range: 6 to 12 | Color options: 34 different color and embellishment options
Best sandals: Sarah Flint Perfect Sandal 85
Pros:
- Features extra padding and arch support
- Comes in both suede and leather
Cons:
- Expensive
“‘Perfect’ is accurate — these have become my go-to heels for weddings, since I can comfortably dance in them for hours and they match pretty much any dress. The arch support and extra padding come in handy when you know you’re going to be on your feet for hours, and they’re flattering on the foot, too. If you’re torn between materials, opt for suede; it’s soft and flexible, and will typically be more comfortable than other types of leather.” — Elana Fishman, Page Six Style & Shopping Director
Size range: 6 to 12 | Color options: Black, gold, sand and gunmetal
Best espadrilles: Cynllio Espadrilles
Pros:
- Most reviewers found them true to size
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Some Amazon reviewers wished they were longer-lasting
“I needed a neutral, boho-style heel to go with a bridesmaid dress last May, and I danced in these for four and a half hours after wearing them for hours in the Alabama heat without a blister. It was a true miracle. I love wearing these with a short dress to run to brunch or a late dinner/dance moment in Miami. The platform is the true hero in making these a comfortable staple in my closet.”— Michelle Moezam, Page Six Senior Commerce Social Media Manager
Size range: 7 to 10 | Color options: Beige, with either a woven or pleather upper
Best block heels: Michael Michael Kors Serena Sandal
Pros:
- Comfortable block heel
- Comes in half sizes
Cons:
- Only one color option
“I swear by Michael Kors block heels. They are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn and I constantly restock this shoe. The original style I love — the Lena Leather Sandal — has been sold out, but this similar option’s available and I cannot recommend it enough. I’m absolutely obsessed.” — Lindsey Kupfer, Page Six Deputy Editor
Size range: 5.5 to 10 | Color options: Black
Best boots: Loeffler Randall Goldy Tall Boot
Pros:
- Made from soft, beautiful vachetta leather
- Padded footbed
- Easy to style with any outfit
Cons:
- Expensive
- Leather outsole isn’t the most durable in rainy and snow
“I love these boots so much, I wrote a whole ode to them on this very website. I own them in two different heel heights, and the higher ones are honestly almost as comfortable as the lower pair. Something about the soft, supple leather, sturdy heel and never-pinchy almond toe adds up to true footwear magic, no matter how many city blocks you’re trekking. I do highly recommend adding a rubber sole for added durability in inclement weather.” — Elana Fishman, Page Six Style & Shopping Director
Size range: 5 to 12 | Color options: Black, brown, beige and cognac
Best for work: Vagabond Shoemakers Giselle Boots
Pros:
- Comfortable for hours of wear
- Fits true to size
Cons:
- Over $200
“These are the best booties I’ve ever owned. They are so comfortable and can be worn from day to night — which I do! Regularly! I have jogged to catch the subway, stood during a long meeting and stayed out dancing in these shoes.” — Tori Schneebaum, Page Six Photo Director
Size range: 6 to 11 | Color options: Black, brown and cherry
Best platforms: Inez Camilla Sandal
Pros:
- Platform adds height without sacrificing comfort
- Proprietary insole with arch support
- Ankle strap keeps the foot secure
Cons:
- Not for those seeking a lower heel
- Over $200
“Inez prioritizes comfort in its designs, and it shows. I’ve been impressed by the several styles I’ve tried thus far, and am especially fond of these classic platform sandals. Hot tip: A platform will always, always be more comfortable than a single-sole shoe, especially for times when you anticipate you’ll be standing around for hours — like cocktail parties or baby showers.” — Elana Fishman, Page Six Style & Shopping Director
Size range: 6 to 11 | Color options: Black lizard, silver, tan, gunmetal and floral satin
Best water-repellent: Vivaia Regina Pro Square-Toe Water-Repellent Boots
Pros:
- Anti-slip soles
- Water-repellent design
- Comes in a wide range of heel shapes and colors
Cons:
- Some reviewers found they weren’t ideal for wider feet
“These are very comfortable for all-day wear, especially compared to pointy-toed boots. There’s cushioning in the sole and the bottom is anti-slip, which makes them stable, even when walking the city streets.” — Erica Radol, Page Six Commerce Writer
Size range: 6 to 11 | Color options: 11, including plaid and color-blocked versions
Best mules: Aldo Tisha Heeled Mule
Pros:
- Comes in five neutral shades
- Pillow Walk insoles feature dual-density foam for extra comfort
Cons:
- Slip-on style might not be as stable as pairs with straps
“Put simply, Aldo’s Pillow Walk line rules. I walked miles and miles in these babies last summer, and can’t wait to pull them out again this year. The extra-padded insoles makes them practically as comfortable as flat sandals, and unlike most mules, my feet actually feel snug and secure in them. I should probably order more colors, huh?” — Elana Fishman, Page Six Style & Shopping Director
Size range: 5 to 11 | Color options: Black, white, gold, beige and light blue
Best Mary Janes: Steve Madden Lisbon Heels
“As someone constantly running around the city (sometimes literally), I don’t often reach for high heels. I wore Steve Madden’s Mingle Mary Janes multiple times during NYFW last year, and the block heel was surprisingly stable and comfortable. While I wouldn’t recommend walking in them for hours on end, they’re far more wearable than the other pairs in my closet. While the Mingle is sold out in many sizes, this glossy pair offers a similar look. — Hannah Southwick, Page Six Commerce Writer
Best wedding shoes: Mia Shoes Mechelle Heels
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Pleated finish adds texture to any party look
Cons:
- Slip-on style might not be as stable as pairs with straps
“These are so, so comfortable and go with almost anything. I own several pairs of Mia shoes and they’re my go-to wedding shoes (and they stay on all night!)”— Jacquelyn Kozak, Page Six Senior Photo Editor
Size range: 6 to 11 | Color options: Black, white and gold
Why Trust Page Six Style Shopping
This article was written by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Writer/Reporter for Page Six Style. Hannah spies deals on actually affordable celebrity-worn styles, puts Hollywood’s favorite labels to the test and finds the beauty products that keep stars red carpet-ready. She consults stylists and industry pros — including celebs themselves — for firsthand product recommendations, trend predictions and more. In addition to writing for Page Six since 2020, her work has been featured in USA Today and Parade.