Comfortable Pairs of Heels, According to People Who Know

Regardless of your background, the extended daylight hours of summer bring forth a plethora of soirées, from weddings and vacations to graduations. The bottom line: Get ready for occasions that might require a pair of heels. I understand that “comfortable high heels” may seem like an oxymoron, but optimism is my forte. With this in mind, I sought the expertise of celebrity podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Levine, DPM, to discern what transforms a stiletto into a wearable shoe. Exploring criteria such as heel heights and materials, as well as addressing bunions and other foot issues worsened by wearing heels, I was happy to get Dr. Levine’s insight and find that, as a heel enthusiast herself, she doesn’t shy away from them.

The key is moderation, taking sitting breaks, and selecting the right heel, depending on your activity. For standing up to eight hours, your ideal heel height should stay at two inches, so go for a cute kitten heel. Increase the height, and you limit the time you can or should spend on your feet. The higher the heel, the more helpful a comfortable platform sandal can be. Of course, we always love opting for a comfortable ballet flat, too. “It’s like having your cake but not making it a daily activity,” says Levine. “It doesn’t have to be done every day or in excess, but there is nothing wrong with wearing a fabulous pair of heels.” Amen to that.

Naturally, everyone’s feet are different. What causes blisters for one person may not affect you in the same way. Additionally, purchasing over-the-counter metatarsal pads for the balls of your feet can provide extra cushioning and support. “My patients don’t give [heels] up, but you have to do something to counteract them,” she adds. And because we care about doing our due diligence, we’d like to take a moment to emphasize the importance of stretching and exercising your feet, keeping them well-moisturized, and opting for podiatrist-approved shoes when you’re not dressing up. Below, we’ve curated tips to help you discover heels that will endure throughout the night (or at least until that universally accepted moment when every woman kicks off her heels on the dance floor). Keep reading for expert advice, as well as George V Magazine editors’ top picks for heels that effortlessly blend style with comfort.