The comfortable heel is the working woman's Holy Grail, and I have spent years testing countless pairs, searching for ones that don't kill my feet.
I sometimes carry my heels in my work-bag and wear flats on the way to the office, even though my walk to work lasts about two minutes. I occasionally (okay, most of the time) tote an emergency pair of flats just in case that day's heels are too much.
But, there's a part of me that wishes I was the girl who could wear very high heels all day. My friend, Caitlin, is always in at least three-inch heels. She swears her feet hurt more when she wears flats. I am infinitely jealous of her heel-wearing ability. Or pain tolerance.
Thankfully, I have found a few pairs of comfy heels, and learned that the two features to look for when buying all-day heels are a platform and a chunkier heel. These Talbots sandals may be four inches high, but their wider heels mean you'll last in them. Nine West makes some of my favorite shoes (like this red pair) and include a cushioned foot-bed. (I just ordered these leopard pumps because one cannot have enough leopard shoes). I'm newly obsessed with Target's five-inch platforms that I swear are all-day walkable.
If pumps aren't your style, wedges give height without sacrificing comfort. I own these Target wedges in black and gray (I couldn't decide!) and wear them all day without pain.
I'd love to hear if you've found some comfortable (or even simply bearable!) heels of your own. After all, part of the fun of the comfortable heel hunt is the many pairs you have to buy and try to find the perfect ones.
Catherine Hageman dispatches fashionista tendencies fit for a corporate career on Small Town, Big Wardrobe.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Meryl Streep Reveals That Skinnydipping at 5 O'Clock In the Morning Is Something Her ‘Big Little Lies’ Co-Star Nicole Kidman Apparently Enjoys
Streep presented Kidman with a lifetime achievement award on Saturday, and said it was “impossible not to be in awe of her" (referring more to her work than her early morning dips in the Pacific).
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Katie Holmes Finds the Least Basic White Button-Down
Hers has a playful illustrated twist.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
There’s A Poignant Reason Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Upcoming Visit to Nigeria Will Be Especially Meaningful to Them
The couple will travel there next month, following a stop for Harry in the U.K. to mark the Invictus Games’ 10-year anniversary on May 8.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
This Under-the-Radar Jacket on Amazon Is My Newest Winter Obsession
And, no, it's not the "Amazon coat."
By Jaimie Potters Published
-
Found: 10 Sandals on Amazon You'll Love
Throw 'em on and go.
By Katie Attardo Published
-
11 Graphic T-Shirts From Amazon You'd Actually Wear
Cheeky, not cheesy.
By Marina Liao Published
-
What I Wear on Repeat: Ray-Ban's Wayfarer II Sunglasses
The Wayfarer II comes in a variety of colorways, though I chose black frames (KMidd on the other hand favors tortoise) for ultimate throw-them-on-and-go capabilities.
By Sally Holmes Published
-
The 16 Best Shirtdresses to Wear With Everything
Refresh your wardrobe with a single item.
By Aya Kanai Published
-
The 10 Best Espadrilles for Spring and Summer 2023
Your chunky-phobia, cured.
By Sara Holzman Published
-
The 11 Most Comfortable Shoe Brands, According to Editors and a Podiatrist
The only shoes more comfortable than our house slippers.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 13 Sandals Brands We Can't Get Enough Of
Your go-to list for sandals you can rely on.
By Julia Marzovilla Published