15 most comfortable heels for day-long wear no matter the occasion, tested
While searching for the most comfortable heels ten years ago would have likely turned up some rather uninspiring options (orthopaedic styles that even my grandmother wouldn't be seen in, for example), I'm pleased to report it's a completely different story in 2026.
In fact, comfortable heels have now made their way onto the runway, with wide-block heels, lower heel heights and more generous foot coverage all becoming key design details in chic new styles — just look to Chanel and Celine as prime examples.
Meet the experts:
| Farah Lakhram | Doctor of Paediatric Medicine. |
| Lisa Kay | CEO and founder of Sole Bliss. |
But what exactly should you be looking for in your quest for the perfect comfy heel? According to board-certified podiatrist Farah Lakhram, a well-cushioned footbed is essential, especially since the balls of your feet take on the most pressure. “Every type of insole feels and works differently,” Lakhram explains. “Foam or padded footbeds are the most cushioned insoles and offer the most support overall. Cork offers a little lighter support, and gel reduces pressure and has the best shock absorption”.
The most comfortable heels, tested by editors:
- Most comfortable high heels: Dune
- Most comfortable heeled sandals: Sezane
- Most comfortable party heels: Mango
- Most comfortable high-heeled flip flops: Topshop
Georgia Trodd is currently testing Dune.
Lisa Kay, CEO and founder of Sole Bliss — the comfortable heel brand regularly spotted on the red carpet, with Julia Roberts, Lucy Liu and Drew Barrymore all fans — adds a few more key pointers. “Avoid narrow toe boxes and hard soles that don’t offer support,” she says. “Platforms are best if you’re not used to wearing heels, as they offer great height but your feet sit at a less severe angle,” she adds. And, crucially, “always spend a good amount of time trying on new heels in your house before wearing them out. If they’re uncomfortable from the first time you try them on, then the likelihood is that’s not going to change.”
So, whether you're in the market for comfy courts to wear to work, sleek slingbacks that double as comfortable wedding shoes, or low-heeled sandals that can support you on long evening strolls down cobbled European streets, we’ve got you covered with this carefully curated edit. Thank us later.
A version of this story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
From slingbacks to stilettos, keep scrolling to discover our favourite comfy heels.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
Heel height: 2.3 in. / Sizes: UK 3–8 / Fit: True to size, available in standard and wide fit / Colours available: 2 / Cushioned soles: Yes.
Iris Snaffle Block Heel Sandal
Heel height: 2.5 in. / Sizes: UK 3.5–8.5 / Fit: True to size / Colours available: 3 / Cushioned soles: Slightly.
Save when you shop for the most comfortable heels with these Boden discount codes.
Heel height: 1 in. / Sizes: UK 2–9 / Fit: True to size / Colours available: 3 / Cushioned soles: No.
Save when you shop for the most comfortable heels with these H&M discount codes.
Loeffler Randall Camellia Bow Embellished Organza Sandals
Heel height: 3.5 in. / Sizes: UK 3–10 / Fit: True to size / Colours available: 3 / Cushioned soles: Slightly.
Save when you shop for the most comfortable heels with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Heel height: N/A / Sizes: UK 2–9 / Fit: True to size / Colours available: 1 / Cushioned soles: Slightly.
Heel height: 2.8 in. / Sizes: UK 2–9 / Fit: True to size unless between sizes, then go up / Colours available: 3 / Cushioned soles: Slightly.
Heel height: N/A / Sizes: UK 3–9 / Fit: True to size / Colours available: 2 / Cushioned soles: Slightly.
Heel height: 2.7 in. / Sizes: UK 2–9 / Fit: True to size / Colours available: 1 / Cushioned soles: Slightly.
Heel height: 1.6 in. / Sizes: UK 1–8 / Fit: True to size / Colours available: 3 / Cushioned soles: Yes.
ASOS DESIGN Heartfelt Barely There Kitten Heel Sandals
Heel height: 1.9 in. / Sizes: UK 2–9 / Fit: True to size / Colours available: 4 / Cushioned soles: Slightly.
Save when you shop for the most comfortable heels with these ASOS discount codes.
Manolo Blahnik Allurasan 50 Suede Slingback Pumps
Heel height: 2 in. / Sizes: IT 36–43 / Fit: True to size / Colours available: 3 / Cushioned soles: Slightly.
Light Green Faux Leather Braided Block Heel Sandals
Heel height: 2.7 in. / Sizes: UK 3–9 / Fit: True to size / Colours available: 3 / Cushioned soles: Yes.
Save when you shop for the most comfortable heels with these New Look discount codes.
Heel height: N/A / Sizes: UK 2–9 / Fit: True to size / Colours available: 2 / Cushioned soles: Slightly.
Save when you shop for the most comfortable heels with these Mango discount codes.
Heel height: 1.5 in. / Sizes: UK 2–9 / Fit: Run big / Colours available: 3 / Cushioned soles: No.
Be Mine Bridal Ammie Low Block Heeled Sandals
Heel height: 2.1 in. / Sizes: UK 3–9 / Fit: True to size / Colours available: 3 / Cushioned soles: Slightly.
How I tested the comfiest heels
I'm just as obsessed with footwear as the next lady, and I understand more than anyone that comfy heels are like gold dust – yet a total essential if you're ever dressing up or looking to add some height to an outfit. Which is why I wanted to compile an edit of styles to save you from the search. With that, I asked my fellow colleagues and editors to style them and test them too – so you can rest assured there's not a pair in this edit that would go un-bought by us. We've taken trends like colour, shape and material into consideration, along with price and wearability, and have provided you with 15 pairs from the high-street as well as designer brands. Read more about how we choose and test things here.
Why you can trust me
I'm 6ft tall and work in the fashion industry, so finding the most comfortable heels (and wearing them) is kind of my speciality. I love a flat, don't get me wrong, but there's just something so confidence-inducing about the click-clack of a heel. Whether it's block heel sandals or kitten heel slingbacks to go with your wedding guest dresses, comfy platforms or wedges for daytime events, I've found them all. And the best part is, I've also taken into consideration the styles that you'll get the most wear out of – i.e. the ones that'll suit a black tie event just as much as your jeans and a nice top outfit.
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