The Truth About Wearing Chunky Heels for Less Foot Pain

If you've ever spent a night wobbling around in a pair of high heels that caused major cramping, you're not alone—we've been there too. Whether it be from walking, standing, or even just sliding them on, it can often seem like high heels are an ongoing source of pain and misery.
But, not all heels are created equal, and as chunkier heel styles have risen in popularity, we've begun to wonder what are the best type of heels to wear? While our team suspected that a block heel is superior to a stiletto, we needed experts to weigh in once and for all. Are chunkier heels actually better for your health?
We talked to DPM and footwear designer Dr. Joan Oloff along with Dr. Jackie Sutera, a podiatrist and Vionic innovation lab member. Together they broke down the science behind painful heels and offered tips for surviving a night in a painful pair.
Read on for a look at how they broke it all down below, then shop heels that won't kill your feet!
When We Experience Pain While Wearing Heels, What Is Happening?
First things first, we asked the doctors to explain exactly what causes discomfort. "Most heels are produced on an insole construction that pushes the center of gravity forward." Notes Dr. Oloff. By moving the bulk of your weight to the ball of your foot, it can cause pain and inflammation in your feet as well as in your leg muscles and joints.
Is a Chunky Heel Actually Better for Your Foot?
Both doctors agree that a chunkier heel offers better stability, ultimately offering more support. [A] chunky heel is better for your foot than a stiletto because it has a greater surface area to distribute your body weight across," Dr. Sutera says. "It is also more stable for people who are prone to ankle sprains and have balance issues."
And If the Pain Persists?
As careful as we may be to choose comfortable shoes, the bottom line is that sometimes a great pair of shoes just hurt. Dr. Oloff suggests icing the ball of the foot, or looking into cushions, which "provide a softer surface, but don’t aid in offloading the pressure." Dr Sutera adds that limiting the amount of time standing or walking in heels helps as well.
Shop Chunky Heels
A sleek mule for those who don't wear color.In need of more advice? Here's a trick to make heels more comfortable!

-
I Love the Sweaters at J.Crew, COS, and Zara RN—40 Worth Adding to Your Cart
These will elevate your fall outfits.
-
Hello, 5-Star Wardrobe: Meet 30 Stylish New Zara Items
From stunning jackets to cool knits.
-
5 Street Style Trends From Milan Fashion Week That Will Be Everywhere This Fall
Take notes.
-
I Officially Have a Zordy Closet—31 Zara andReplica Store Standouts That I'm Living In Straight Through Fall
Plus, chic fall 2025 outfit ideas that I plan on re-creating ASAP.
-
Cool-Girl Fall Era Loading—31 Picks From Zara, J.Crew, and Gap That Fit the Bill
I'm a senior shopping editor and these have my stamp of approval.
-
At This Precise Point, I'm Shopping for Sweaters and Jackets—35 Zara Finds That Are Hitting Just Right
Cozy season is upon us.
-
My Friends Tell Me I Have Good Style—I Predict These 29 Chic Zara Finds Will Sell Out This Fall
Semisheer long-sleeves, funnel-neck jackets, and more.
-
I Stopped Into Zara Twice This Week—31 Chic Fall Styles I Recommend Buying Before They Sell Out
Let's talk about it.