“Life is just too short to be uncomfortable all the time or expect shoes to magically become more comfortable with time,” states Dr. Earnest Isaacson, D.P.M,FACFAS, a New York-based podiatrist and podiatric surgeon.
Many women develop a variety of foot issues that can include hammertoes, bunions, plantar fasciitis, loose fat pads at the bottom of their feet and more. So finding a shoe that fits and is stunning at the same time can be difficult, but you don’t have to have a future of only flats. In fact, heels might even be a better option. “It’s always shocking to hear from a podiatrist that heels are better for you than flats,” said Dr. Isaacson.”Many of the foot pains that limp into my office are due to shoes that are flat and unsupportive. Use a comfortable shoe with a good orthotic and plenty of room, or a low heel.”
As a high-heeled shoe lover, you’ll be happy to learn that more and more shoes are being built with arch supports and more! Some brands have even been developed by orthopedic surgeons (Dr. Taryn Rose of Taryn Rose, Dr. Joan Oloff of Joan Oloff Shoes, Dr. Phillip Vasyli of Vionic,), so these shoes baby your feet.
Dr. Isaacson advises that the best time to try on shoes is at the end of the day. ”Your feet are a bit swollen, so you’ll have appropriate room for your toes.” If you’re eyeing sandals, Dr. Isaacson suggests using foot care products that contain lactic acid and urea-based products, as they ”Debride and exfoliate thick, cracked skin.”

Who said heels had to be uncomfortable? From leg-toning pumps to strappy sandals you’ll never want to take off, there are more comfortable heel options out there then you think. Keep scrolling for Woman’s World’s picks of the most stylish heels that won’t hurt!
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Most Comfortable High Heel Pumps
Classic high-heeled pumps add a dash of polish to every outfit. Well, except pajamas.
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Open Toe Pumps
DSW Clarks Adriel Phyllis Open-Toe Pump
Where to buy: $59.98 (Originally $69.99), DSW
This pretty peep-toe has a sturdy 3.25-inch heel, 0.5 inch platform and Clarks’ Cushion Soft™ Ortholite® for all day comfort.
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Black Block Heel Pumps
Bloomingdales Joan Oloff Shoes Riley Black Patent
Where to buy: $295, Bloomingdales
This sexy patent leather pump stands a hair under three inches, has a double last, antimicrobial lining, and podiatrist-created insole that evens out weight distribution. It also has arch support, shock absorption, and reduces pressure off the ball of the foot.
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Suede Pumps
Amazon Taryn Rose Gabriela Pump
Where to buy: $220, Amazon
The Gabriela, which comes in suede, leather and animal print, is the classic pump. This pointed-toe heel is also water resistant, has contoured arch support, and cushioned PORON footbed.
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Strappy Pumps
Nordstrom 27 Edit Abilyn Ankle Strap Pump
Where to buy: $134.95, Nordstrom
This sexy pump has a rubber outsole that absorbs shock. Lined in leather, it has the brand’s signature contour, fit, and extra cushioning for long wearing comfort. It’s 3.5 inches and comes in four colors.
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Most Comfortable0low Heel Pumps
Low-heeled pumps are a classic style that can go with jeans and a tee on the weekend or a classic suit during a board meeting on Wednesday, and beyond.
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Cheetah Heels
Margaux The Heel
Where to buy: $295, Margaux
Alexa Buckley and her business Partner Sarah Pierson started Margaux because they couldn’t find their dream shoe. They wanted a shoe that could be worn everywhere, was stylish, and comfortable. This shoe is a classic 2.5-inch block heel, has a supportive insole, 5 mm of padding, and comes in leopard print and eight colors.
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Blue Suede Heels
Natrualizer Naturalizer Beverly Kitten Heel Pump
Where to buy: $49.99 (Originally $99)
Naturalizer has a reputation for crafting comfortable shoes. They’re made with lots of interior padding, and designed for stability, with flexible soles, and breathability.
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Green Slingbacks
Nordstrom Taryn Rose Michelle Slingback Pump
Where to buy: $83.87-$105.27 (Originally $169.95), Nordstrom
Dr. Taryn Rose pioneered the concept of chic footwear that cradles your tootsies. Her shoes have shock absorption, arch supports, molded insoles, are flexible and padded. This water-resistant 2.5 inch slingback pump has Rose’s signature rose detail that gives this suede slingback a classic, feminine style.
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Red Pumps
DSW Abella Sealy Pump
Where to buy: $39.98 (Originally $49.99), DSW
This pair of low-heeled (only 2.75 inches) pumps have a “True Comfort” footbed that has customers leaving love notes to the pump on the DSW site. It has sexy cutouts on the side, faux leather heel, and a fabric front.
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Most Comfortable Wedges
If you like a higher heel shoe that provides a bit more stability, try a wedge. Similar to a platform in construction, wedges provide comfort, height, and less stress on the ball of the foot.
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Comfortable White Wedges
DSW Cliffs by White Mountain Esther Wedge
Where to buy: $49.99 (Originally $60), DSW
This lightweight wedge has a slightly wide base that adds stability to the shoe, and a soft honeycomb insole for additional comfort. It’s 2.75 inches high and comes in two shades.
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Cork Wedges
Avenue Cloud Walkers Claire Comfort Perforated Wedge
Where to buy: $45.50 (Originally $65), Avenue
Cloud Walker shoes are specifically designed for wide feet. These wedge sandals have a memory foam insole for all day and all-night comfort. It's practically weightless, and the three-inch faux cork heel is shot with gold for a hint of glitter.
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Suede Wedges
Amazon Nalho Amara Wedge
Where to buy: $89, Amazon
Nalho shoes are made with a yoga mat memory foam insole that’s designed to alleviate stress from the ball of the foot, and creates continuous comfort. A portion of each Nalho shoe sold goes to Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, an NGO that holds special status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
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White Wedges
Amazon Rialto Cleo Wedge
Where to buy: $22.99, Amazon
This T-strap low wedge sandal, only 2.25 inches high, has a faux cork covered wedge heel, a padded insole, and an elastic section that makes walking a breeze.
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Most Comfortable High Heel Sandals
Just because you want to go high, doesn't mean you have to sacrifice comfort.
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Comfortable Preforated Sandals
Avenue Cloud Walkers Rory Perforated Sandal
Where to buy: $27.60 (Originally $69), Avenue
A sexy sandal made especially for wide widths that’s also comfortable? Say yes! This sandal has a cushiony memory foam insole and a non-slip rubber outsole. You can also pick it up in black.
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Snakeskin Sandal
Vionic Blaire Strappy Sandal
Where to buy: $99.99 (Originally $139.95), Vionic
This strappy sandal in on-trend snakeskin, has a three inch block heel that can go from desk to dinner. It’s made with an insole that has a deep heel cup which stabilizes the foot, and there’s arch and ball of foot support also built into the sole. It comes in five other colors, too.
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Suede Heel Sandal
Shoes.com TOMS Majorca Cut-Out Sandal
Where to buy: $59.95-$108.95 (Originally $89-$109), Shoes.com
TOMS became famous for its flats, now its heels are becoming popular, too. This three-inch sandal has an OrthoLite X40 insole that’s cushioned and protects your feet all day.
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Most Comfortable Low Heel Sandals
Sandals that are two Inches or a little lower can give your height a boost, have lots of style, and are made to cradle your feet against pain and damage.
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Mule Sandal
Dillard's Katy Perry The Landon Mule
Where to buy: $79, Dillard's
This cute low-heeled mule, only 1.9 inches, has a sturdy and chic lucite block heel. It’s an easy on and off shoe that has a padded insole for lots of comfort. It also comes in black and white.
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Velcro Sandal
Zappos Taryn Rose Stephanie Sandal
Where to buy: $90 (Originally $150), Zappos
Embrace the ugly sandal trend with a sandal that’s so strange that it’s cute. This lug-soled flatform has a 2.5 inch heel, elastic criss cross straps that move as you do, a contoured arch support, and PORON shock absorbing inserts.
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Block Heel Sandal
Margaux Margaux The City Sandal
Where to buy: $275, Margaux
When the owners of Margaux wanted to create shoes that could go with everything you own, and take you from work to play. This sandal, with its clean, classic design does just that. It has a 2.5 inch heel, and like their other shoes, comes with a supportive insole, 6mm of padding, and can be customized to fit your feet.
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Gold Slide Sandal
Avenue Cloudwalkers Rose Embellished Slide
Where to buy: $18 (Originally $60), Avenue
Add a little sparkle to any outfit with these wide width slides. They have a memory foam insole, non-skid rubber outsole, and also come in black.
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