20 Best Comfortable Heels, Tested & Reviewed for 2024

Publish date: 2024-06-05

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

a woman wears low sandal heels to illustrate a guide to the most comfortable heels 2023Jeremy Moeller//Getty Images

Most Comfortable Everyday Mules

BOTTEGA VENETA Quilted Leather Mules

Quilted Leather Mules

Most Comfortable Everyday Mules

BOTTEGA VENETA Quilted Leather Mules

A slip-on mule is an easy choice for days when you want the impact of a heel with the ease of a slide. This quilted pair from Bottega adds a sense of texture to any outfit.

Heel height: 2"

Material: Leather

Size range: 5–12

Most Comfortable Mary Janes

VIVAIA Square-Toe Mary-Jane Heels

Square-Toe Mary-Jane Heels

Most Comfortable Mary Janes

VIVAIA Square-Toe Mary-Jane Heels

VIVAIA’s Mary Janes include a padded heel patch which ensures complete comfort by reducing the shoe's overall break-in time. “[These shoes] have a short wide heel and our AdaptAll strap that fits your instep perfectly,” Chen explains. These retro-inspired shoes are so cozy, you might even forget that you’re wearing heels.

Heel height: 1.77”

Material: Recycled plastic, rubber

Size range: 5-11

Best Party Heel

Larroudé Ines Slingback Pump

Ines Slingback Pump

Best Party Heel

Larroudé Ines Slingback Pump

Shimmery, trendy, glamorous. This Larroudé heel is made for celebrating. But, thanks to the lower heel and mule silhouette, you won’t have to worry about sore feet.

Heel height: 2.5"

Material: Leather

Size range: 5-11

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Best Vintage-Inspired Heel

MANOLO BLAHNIK Maysale Buckled Suede Mules

Maysale Buckled Suede Mules

Best Vintage-Inspired Heel

MANOLO BLAHNIK Maysale Buckled Suede Mules

From the playful buckled detail to the soft sueded texture, Manolo Blahnik’s Maysale mules are an easy choice if you’re on the hunt for a vintage-inspired heel. These heels first appeared on the Spring '91 runway more than three decades ago, and their sharp silhouette has kept them in style ever since.

Heel height: 1.77”

Material: Suede

Size range: 4-12

Most Comfortable Ballerina Heel

Everlane The Italian Leather Day Heel

The Italian Leather Day Heel

Most Comfortable Ballerina Heel

Everlane The Italian Leather Day Heel

Now 42% Off

Credit: Everlane

A round toe and stretchy back make this shoe expertly designed for days at the office or running errands, when you’re on the move and need to be comfortable and dressy all at once.

Heel height: 2.25"

Material: Leather

Size range: 5–11

What reviewers are saying: "This shoe is true to size and is so comfortable to walk in. You can dress this shoe up or down, either way looks good. One of my favorites."

Most Comfortable Slingback Heels

Gucci Women's Slingback

Women's Slingback

Most Comfortable Slingback Heels

Gucci Women's Slingback

Credit: Gucci

Looking for the perfect workday shoe? Gucci's block-heeled leather slingback is a comfortable option for commanding meetings.

Heel height: 3"

Material: Leather

Size range: 4–12

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Most Comfortable Date Night Heel

Madewell Tayla Sandal

Editor’s ChoiceTayla Sandal

Most Comfortable Date Night Heel

Madewell Tayla Sandal

Credit: Madewell

These padded heels are invited to accompany you on all your upcoming dates. The straps won't rub or chafe, and the heel is a comfortable height for walking.

Heel height: 2.5"

Material: Leather

Size range: 5–11

What reviewers are saying: "I'm always nervous about purchasing heels like this. I have wider feet and Madewell shoes are the most comfortable for me. These are so comfortable and so chic!"

Most Comfortable Wedding Guest Heels

Reformation Elsie Heeled Sandal

Editor’s ChoiceElsie Heeled Sandal

Most Comfortable Wedding Guest Heels

Reformation Elsie Heeled Sandal

Credit: Reformation

Reformation’s comfortable heels have become a go-to for wedding season. They’re simple, strappy, and elegant—and won't leave you with aching feet after hours on the dance floor.

Heel height: 2.95"

Materials: Leather

Size range: 5–11

Most Comfortable Minimal Sandals

The Row Rai 65 Patent-Leather Sandals

Rai 65 Patent-Leather Sandals

Most Comfortable Minimal Sandals

The Row Rai 65 Patent-Leather Sandals

Credit: Matchesfashion

Leave it to The Row to design the minimal everyday heeled sandals that you need in your rotation. Patent leather is polished, and the brown hue happens to work with summery dresses and jeans alike.

Heel height: 2.5"

Material: Patent Leather

Size range: 35–42

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Most Comfortable Pump

Margaux The Heel

The Heel

Most Comfortable Pump

Margaux The Heel

Credit: Margaux

Sometimes simple is the way to go. If you want a streamlined everyday pump, this style has your name on it.

Heel height: 2.5"

Material: Suede

Size range: 33–45

What reviewers are saying: "I love the simplicity of the design. They are great to walk in. The height is perfect."

Most Comfortable Pointy Slingback

Zara Block Heel Slingbacks

Block Heel Slingbacks

Most Comfortable Pointy Slingback

Zara Block Heel Slingbacks

Credit: Zara

On days when you want to walk into that important meeting feeling on your game, consider these shoes a powerful statement. The pointy toe and snakeskin fabrication are a formidable combo.

Heel height: 2.8"

Materials: Polypropylene, polyurethane

Size range: 5–11

Most Comfortable Puffy Heel

Proenza Schouler Arc Grid Lambskin Mule Sandals

Arc Grid Lambskin Mule Sandals

Most Comfortable Puffy Heel

Proenza Schouler Arc Grid Lambskin Mule Sandals

Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

It’s hard to imagine these Proenza Schouler heels being anything but comfortable thanks to the pillowy design. While the heel height is steep, you’ll avoid blisters and discomfort along the top of the foot.

Heel height: 4"

Material: Leather

Size range: 6–11

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Best Comfortable Work Pump

M.Gemi The Lustro

The Lustro

Best Comfortable Work Pump

M.Gemi The Lustro

Credit: M.Gemi

With a wide range of colors, M.Gemi’s heels are great if you’re looking for dependability. You can stock up on this silhouette in multiple hues and wear it every day of the week.

Heel height: 2.75"

Material: Suede

Size range: 35–42

What reviewers are saying: "These heels are amazing! I lived in heels my entire life until I needed multiple foot surgeries. After surgery, I found it extremely difficult to find shoes that were comfortable, including flats. I took a chance on M.Gemi because I loved the design of every shoe. I picked the Lustro 70MM because I still need a lower heel for certain occasions. It is exactly as pictured. I wear a size 41, and they are unbelievably comfortable as soon as you put them on."

Most Comfortable Heel For Vacation

Brother Vellies Shoreline Sandal in Ivory

Shoreline Sandal in Ivory

Most Comfortable Heel For Vacation

Brother Vellies Shoreline Sandal in Ivory

Headed somewhere tropical? These heels, adorned with cowrie shells and tied at the ankle, are the perfect style for packing along for a romantic vacation or destination wedding.

Heel height: 3.75"

Material: Leather

Size range: 5–12

Best Designer Slide Heels

Prada Padded Leather Slide Sandal

Padded Leather Slide Sandal

Best Designer Slide Heels

Prada Padded Leather Slide Sandal

Credit: Prada

If you prefer a shoe to show off, try these heels, designed with the triangular Prada long prominently placed across the strap. They’ll peek out from underneath your jeans or dress every time you take a step—and instantly get noticed.

Heel height: 2.5"

Material: Leather

Size range: 5–11.5

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Most Comfortable Black Pump

Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump

Bianka Slingback Pump

Most Comfortable Black Pump

Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump

Credit: Sam Edelman

Simple, sleek, and elegant, a classic pointy-toed black pump is the perfect shoe for work and dressy occasions.

Heel height: 2.5"

Material: Suede

Size range: 5–14

What reviewers are saying: "These beauties are just as shown. They are surprisingly comfortable. The heel is just right at my age, 50’s, to be able to wear them all day."

Most Comfortable Sandal Heel

Saint Laurent Tribute 85 Leather Sandals

Tribute 85 Leather Sandals

Most Comfortable Sandal Heel

Saint Laurent Tribute 85 Leather Sandals

Credit: MyTheresa

Reimagine your woven leather sandals with this heeled iteration from Saint Laurent. The comfortable mule silhouette will keep rubbing and blisters far away from your feet.

Heel height: 3.3"

Material: Leather

Size range: 4–12

Best Statement Lace-Up Heels

By Far Alexander Pink Metallic Leather

Alexander Pink Metallic Leather

Best Statement Lace-Up Heels

By Far Alexander Pink Metallic Leather

Now 77% Off

Credit: By Far

Go bold with these sandals that intertwine all the way up the foot. The style is perfect for outdoor weddings and summer parties.

Heel height: 2.7"

Materials: Leather

Size range: 35–41

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Most Sparkly Comfortable Heels

Christian Louboutin Miss Jane 55 Glittered Leather Pumps

Miss Jane 55 Glittered Leather Pumps

Most Sparkly Comfortable Heels

Christian Louboutin Miss Jane 55 Glittered Leather Pumps

Credit: Net-a-Porter

Embrace a little shimmer and sparkle via these bold shoes from Christian Louboutin, complete with two cross-foot straps, a round toe, and a block heel.

Heel height: 2"

Material: Glittered Leather

Size range: 35–42

Most Comfortable Wrap Sandal

Aeyde Roda Leather Sandals

Roda Leather Sandals

Most Comfortable Wrap Sandal

Aeyde Roda Leather Sandals

Plan ahead for the warmer months with an elegant everyday sandal in a neutral hue. This style from Berlin-based Aeyde will become a fast favorite.

Heel height: 2.5"

Material: Leather

Size range: 5-12

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