The perfect pair of comfortable high heels should feature a heel height no higher than 3 inches, superior arch support, soft padding to reduce pressure on the feet, rounded toes to prevent bunions from worsening and arch support to keep feet comfortable all day long.
1. The Right Heel Height
A pair of comfortable high heels can elevate any ensemble, but if they leave you hobbling around in discomfort after an evening wearing them, it could be that the heel height wasn’t optimal. Heels that are too high may put too much strain on the balls of your feet, leading to painful bunions or corns on either of your feet.
High heels should measure 3-4 inches (7.5-10 centimetres), and most comfortable designs feature a platform to offset their height and prevent them from twisting when you walk. A higher heel height may cause ankle instability and make walking for extended periods difficult; these factors should all be considered before purchasing shoes with higher heel heights.
If you’re new to heels, gradually increase the heel height until you find an optimal combination of comfort and style. In addition, pay attention to how each heel shape fits on your foot; pointed toes can be more uncomfortable than rounded ones, while stiletto heels may feel tight in your toe box.
2. Supportive Sole
Nothing can add a boost of style and confidence like wearing towering pumps; however, their presence can come with some discomfort and pain. Luckily, there are ways you can use to make them more comfortable.
First and foremost, look for heels with stable soles that won’t slide forward as you walk – this can help protect against blisters forming on the soles. In addition, look for shoes with adjustable straps so they can be loosened or tightened depending on how your feet feel throughout the day.
Add insoles to your shoes for additional support. The ideal insoles for high heels should be clear gel, making them easily transferrable between shoes. Dr Scholl’s Stylish Step inserts for high heels offer excellent support with cushion flex technology that helps redistribute pressure and reduce foot fatigue; their 3/4 foot length design helps avoid crowding the toes and raises sections that physically prevent your feet from moving forward.
3. The Right Toe Box
Squished toes can be uncomfortable, so finding heels with wide-toe boxes is crucial. These will give your feet more room, helping prevent bunions and other foot conditions. Try square-toe styles instead of pointed ones, and select ones with a wide fit for the best results.
Naturalizer Joy pumps are one of their best-selling styles, featuring a block heel with an ankle strap and Contour+ technology for superior comfort. One reviewer even reported wearing these heels for 11 hours straight without experiencing any discomfort! These pumps also come in various skin-tone shades to add flare to everyday outfits, such as tights, pencil skirts, or fitted jeans.
These blush suede heels with beautiful ribbon ties add effortless elegance to any ensemble and feature a thick block heel for stability and luxuriously padded insoles for maximum comfort – ideal for everything from work events and dates to dinner with your friends!
4. The Right Width
If your heels are too small, they will soon rub and cause pain within minutes. To avoid this scenario, purchase shoes in their proper sizes, even if there are questions regarding whether a brand offers wider options. Another quick solution to prevent shoe friction would be moleskin adhesive tape, which can be found at most pharmacies – it works wonders!
Leather or suede high-heel shoes offer superior comfort to polyurethane options due to their ability to stretch and breathe more comfortably, providing your feet with healthier options. Thin-soled shoes may cause pain as their weight shift forward, placing pressure on the toes.
5. The Right Material
No amount of beauty is worth the discomfort caused by unsupportive heels. Instead, opt for soft materials like leather and suede (vegan options also available!), which will adapt to the shape of your feet over time and avoid painful rubbing or blisters.
Consider styles with adjustable straps to keep your heels secure as your feet swell throughout the day. Finally, ensure that the shoes you select fit well – tight heels can lead to bunions or plantar fasciitis issues!