Comfortable heels may seem like a bit of an oxymoron, but they do, in fact, exist. I've been a heel wearer for a long time and have found myself in more than a few uncomfortable shoe situations that could've been avoided if I'd just shopped a little more carefully. These days, when I'm intentionally shopping for comfortable heels, one of the first things I look for is how cushioned the insole is. The more cushion, the more comfortable.
Cushioned insoles are hardly revolutionary, so I won't pretend I'm a genius for declaring them comfortable, but it is good to be reminded that it's smart to look for a cushioned footbed when shopping for new heels. The cushion acts as shock absorption against the hard ground with every step you take. After all, part of the reason sneakers are so comfortable is because of how much cushion they provide between your foot and the ground.
Since you probably get the message at this point, let's get to the shopping. Scroll to shop 27 pairs of cushiony heels you'll thank me for later.
Margaux
The Platform Sandal
These feature five millimeters of "plush foam padding."
Everlane
The Italian Leather Day Heel
This comfortable oldie but goodie has nearly 5000 glowing reviews.
Mansur Gavriel
Dream Pumps
"Dream" pumps is right.
Linea Paolo
Persia Pointed Toe Pumps
This cushioned-footbed pair is especially elegant (and on-trend with the mesh).
Jimmy Choo
Avenue 50 Knotted Leather Mules
The most comfortable thing about these Jimmy Choo heels is everything—from the padded footbed to the low heel to the soft straps.
M.Gemi
The Federica Heels
This fun pair is also majorly on sale.
Stuart Weitzman
Sleek 50 Slingbacks
There's a reason celebrities often wear Stuart Weitzman shoes for long events and long hours on their feet.
Reformation
Whitnee Slingback Heels
Ref heels are too comfortable to include just one pair.
Vionic
Jacynda Pointed Toe Pumps
Would you believe me if I told you that these are technically orthopedic shoes?
J.Crew
Violetta Made-in-Italy Thong Sandals in Leather
High-heel flip-flops aren't always all that comfortable, but J.Crew shoppers have been singing the praise of the cushiony details on these.
Sarto by Franco Sarto
Aela Flexa Comfort Pumps
These are incredibly chic for "comfort pumps."
Reformation
Elodie Block Heeled Sandals
Reformation's heels are too comfortable to not include another pair.
Staud
Brigitte Satin Mules
These satin mules are comfortable enough to wear to a wedding, and that's saying a lot.
Larroude
Margherita Block Sandals
I really need these comfortable beauties in my life.
Aeyde
Ingrid Pumps
Aeyde has gained the reputation of being some of the chicest, most comfortable mid-priced shoes on the market.
Prada
Antiqued Nappa Leather Sandals
Of the Prada heels I've owned and tried on, every pair has been wildly comfortable (these included).
Easy Spirit
Cyra Block Heel Mary Jane Pumps
Trendy shoes, comfort brand.
Alohas
Louise Heels
This lightly padded pair will come in handy when fall hits.
Madewell
Odin Double Strap Platform Sandals
I call these rustic chic.
Tamara Mellon
Absolute 40 Sandals in Nappa Laminata
All other shoes' cushioned footbeds can step aside.
COS
Toe-Thong Heeled Sandals
I can tell just by looking at these that the soles are squishy.
Neous
Pegasi Leather Wedge Heels
I apologize in advance if this stunning pair is sold out in your size.
Loewe
Toy Leather Drop Stiletto Mules
Don't you just love comfortable It shoes?
Vince
Vince Ceil Slide
Your feet will thank you.
Loeffler Randall
Margi Bow Heels
Since bows are trending and Loeffler Randall makes some of the most comfortable heels on the market, these made the cut.
Malone Souliers
Penn Mules
Whenever people ask me for my comfortable-shoe recommendations, I name this brand.
Vince
Margo Leather Block-Heel Slide Sandals
These look so comfortable I almost feel like it's cheating to include them.
Allyson is a senior editor forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.