Heels can, quite literally, elevate any outfit, but while they look stylish, they often times come at a price. I’m talking blisters, pinching, shooting pain, and in extreme cases, even sprains. Yeah, not very fun. Of course, slip-on sneakers, flats, and walking sandals are going to be nicer to your feet, but sometimes an ensemble just calls for a fun pair of heels!
Raise your hand if you can relate: You finally do find high heels that you can stand in all day, but they look downright orthopedic—i.e., like something your grandma would wear. (Sorry, G-Ma!) While it can seem next to impossible to find a heel that’s both chic AND comfy, they’re definitely out there—even if it takes endless internet searching to stumble across ’em.
Luckily for you, we’ve already done the work and compiled a list of the 21 most comfortable high heels in various silhouettes, textures, and heights, so you can find one that works with your style. Wave goodbye to achy, sore feet with these designs.
1. The Velvet Sandal
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Kaanas Edinburgh Knotted Open Toe Slide
You’ll look sophisticated while your feet comfortably rest in a pair of knotted slides. The low heel height is ideal for long days on your feet; plus, these’ll look so cute with sheer socks in colder temps. From Dhs173 on Amazon.
2. The heeled ankle boot
Sam Edelman Hilty Nappa Verona Leather
The soles of your feet will be so happy wearing these white-hot booties made with soft leather and a thicker block heel. One reviewer said they have a soft cushion, so you can wear these all day during the winter. (Bonus if you have warm socks to pair with ’em.) From Dhs302 on Amazon.
3. The slip-on platform
Topshop Richmond Platform
These bold croc-embossed platforms are perfect to take from day to night with the subtle texture and 4-inch heel. (The platform makes them feel lower than that, though!) Dhs96 0n Topshop.
4. The micro-heel
Charles & Keith Houndstooth Print Mules
Get the cool aesthetic of a mule with the demure touch of a kitten heel. This one’s micro-height is so minimal, you might as well be wearing flats. Dhs179 on Charles & Keith.
5. The modest heel
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Rebecca Minkoff Damona Too Mule
A lower stiletto will give you just what you need for all-day wear height-wise, plus a lot of sartorial flair. The elastic ankle strap also curves around the back of your heel, so there’s no pesky buckles digging in. Dhs704 on Rebecca Minkoff.
6. The funky heel
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Yuul Yie Paola Two-Tone Leather Pumps
Experimenting with style doesn’t have to come at the expense of comfort. Try testing out an architectural heel with a trendy two-tone color scheme, but keep it below three inches. Dhs737 on Amazon.
7. The pointy sling back
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Bella and Becks The Luna python
These pointy sling backs are the perfect accessory to wear with a skirt at the office or a pair of jeans on the weekend. The padded insole and soft pebbled leather will save your feet, while the design is way chic. Dhs1,769 on Bells & Becks.
8. The pvc mules
 Nicloe Saldana Sarah Mules
A low heel (this curved one is so cool?!) and slip-on silhouette makes this pair one you’ll want to wear 24/7. Dhs1,450 on Farfetch.
9. The heeled loafer
 M. Gemi The Scuola, 70 MM
A loafer is a go-to style, and with the added block heel it adds just the right amount of height. It also features a lightly-padded insole, and a couple reviewers loved them so much they bought multiple pairs. Dhs1,020 on M Gemi.
10. The glitter boot
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MMK Mandy Bootie
These glitter boots are completely lined on the inside so they won’t irritate your ankles, and the stretchy knit material molds to your ankle and calf. The cushioned footbed is pretty great too, TBH. Dhs253 on DSW.