Take a glance beneath boardroom tables, scan bar stools around the city, or watch the fashion parade down the aisle at your next wedding—there’s something noticeably absent: the sky-high stiletto heel.
Today, women are stepping away from the impractical heels of seasons past and embracing styles that blend practicality with polish. Think cushioned insoles, micro platforms, block heels, and sculptural wedges. Comfort is no longer an afterthought—it’s a design principle.
The Best Comfortable Heels, According To marie claire:
- Best Comfortable Mules: Aeyde Danielle Pony Hair Mules, $660
- Best Comfortable Mary Janes: Coach Winsley Slingback Mary Jane, $350
- Best Ballet Pumps: Everlane The Ballet Pump, $109
- Best Comfortable Thong Heels: St. Agni Flip Flop Dome Heel, $269
But what exactly makes a heel comfortable? Contrary to popular belief, not all heels are instruments of pain. A heel under 7cm eases pressure on the ball of the foot, while a block heel offers stability and balance. Materials matter too—quality leather and clever cushioning can make all the difference.
From relaxed kitten heels and tactile mules to reimagined Mary Janes and structured ballet pumps, today’s comfortable heel can elevate both your outfit and your confidence. Whether you’re dressing for a long night out or a long day on your feet, these carefully curated styles prove you don’t need to compromise on style for the sake of comfort.
Textured Mules
Stepping straight off international runways and into our winter wardrobes, the textured mule is having a serious moment. Fluffy, fuzzy, woolly or plush, these statement heels aren’t for the faint-hearted—they’re made for the playful sartorial risk-takers.
With a touch of Sesame Street chic, they’re guaranteed to turn heads and deliver an unexpected dose of elegance when paired with a power suit or mini and tights.
ALIAS MAE
Tallulah Heels
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Turnlock Shearling-Trimmed Mules
CAMILLA AND MARC
Rhys Pump
AEYDE
Danielle Pony Hair Mules
Mary Janes
Is there a shoe that embodies a classic femininity quite like Mary Jane? Universally adored for its girlish charm and understated sophistication, this timeless staple belongs in every women’s seasonal rotation.
If you’ve yet to slip into a pair, you’re missing out on a world of dapper—and delightfully versatile—possibilities. From glossy patent leather to soft suede, with a single strap or double buckle, the humble Mary Jane has cemented itself as a modern it-girl essential.
MARNI
Leather Mary Jane Pumps
BARED
Cayuga
TONY BIANCO
Wynnie Mary Jane
COACH
Winsley Slingback Mary Jane
Ballet Pump
Thanks to influential designer labels like Miu Miu and it-girl endorsements from the likes of Alexa Chung, ballet pumps are enjoying yet another well-deserved revival. Returning to the spotlight every decade or so—with a modern twist each time—it’s clear we can’t get enough of these nostalgic staples.
This year’s take is all about timeless textures and bow embellishments. Both transeasonal and practical, the ballet pump proves once again that style and comfort go hand in hand.
MAISON MARGIELA
Tabi Ballerina Metallic Pumps
A.EMERY
Amos 70 Leather Pumps
EVERLANE
The Ballet Pump
DIOR
Black Quilted Cannage Ballet Pump
Thong Heel
Minimalist, comfortable and effortlessly chic, the early-2000s thong heel is back—and it’s firmly cemented its place as a modern style staple. This season, the throwback silhouette gets a fresh update with sculpted heels, square toes and a luxe, pared-back sensibility.
Forget the bodycon bandage dress of the Y2K era, today’s thong heel pairs perfectly with a demure midi skirt or slouchy tailored trousers and a bomber jacket for a look that’s both refined and relaxed.
BOTTEGA VENETA
Marella Thong
A.EMERY
Hardie Leather Thong Sandals
SENSO
Elvie IV
ST. AGNI
Flip Flop Dome Heel
Metallic
Metallic is magnetic—there’s something inherently human about our attraction to all things shiny. And your footwear should be no exception. From sparkly silver and gunmetal grey to dazzling fuchsia and regal golds, adding a pop of metallic to your step is an instant mood-booster.
There’s always a brilliant new pair gleaming from the shelves, but this lineup of comfortable, eye-catching clacks will also lower your cost per wear.
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Metallic Leather Wedge Mules
ALLSAINTS
Grace Buckle Heels
ALOHAS
Amar Pumps
GANNI
Ruffled Metallic Sandals
Peep Toe
Once dismissed as a dated trend unlikely to return, the peep toe has clawed its way back into the fashion spotlight—revived with reimagined silhouettes and asymmetrical accents. From Chloë Sevigny stepping out in the Jude Peep Toe Mule a few months ago to the sky-high peep toe clogs on the Chloé runway earlier this year, exposed toes are having a moment.
But choosing the right pair is key: while towering heels may painfully push your toes through the peephole, a lower block heel offers all the style without the blisters.
REFORMATION
Winnie Peep Toe Heeled Mule
ARRANGE
Agnes Leather Heeled Mules
PHILIP LIM
ID 65mm Slingback Sandals
BURBERRY
Checked Linen Mules
