“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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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