Warm weather brings with it the opportunity for all sorts of fun occasions, from weddings to barbecues. While many people have grown accustomed to snow boots (or maybe just fuzzy socks for those who work from home), now is the time to dust off your strappy heels as you gear up for the season of celebration.

Since the dawn of time, high heels have been a fashion favorite for women, offering a flattering elongating effect and coming in a variety of styles, colors, and trends. But no sooner did they steal the spotlight in the fashion world than women were wondering how to choose comfortable heels.

Though heels may never be able to compete with flats on the comfort scale, comfortable women’s heels are available. All it takes is a little strategy when it comes time to shop, and you will feel secure, supported, and stylish at your next event.

First Things First…

Your shoes need to fit properly. You could have the most comfortable high heels known to man, but if they’re half a size too large or small, they’ll pinch in all the wrong places. Ill-fitting footwear can have serious complications, including hammertoes, bunions, and ingrown toenails.

Some of the most common consequences of poorly fitting shoes include:

• Feet corns, and calluses
• Blisters
• Knee and ankle problems
• Plantar fasciitis

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, or if your shoes become more uncomfortable as the day goes on, it might be time to ditch them and find a more comfortable heel style or opt for shoes designed for conditions such as our plantar fasciitis shoes for pain relief. Another sign of improperly fitting shoes is uneven wear in the soles.

When buying new shoes, there are a few steps you can take to measure your shoe size for the perfect fit:

1. Have your feet measured.
2. If your feet are uneven, fit your shoes to the larger foot.
3. Check the width and depth of the shoe, in addition to the numerical size.
4. Make sure there is a finger-width of space between your toes and the end of the shoe.
5. Stand and walk in the shoes.

Heel Width

Most people focus on heel height when selecting their next pair of pumps, but heel width is just as important from a comfort perspective. Stiletto heels, for example, provide very little support, whereas platform heels or block heel styles will allow you to walk without feeling like you might topple over.

So, when it comes to choosing comfortable high heels, opt for chunky heels rather than something rail-thin.

Why Not Wedges?

If you need a stylish heel to dress up your look, whether you’re headed to the office or a formal event, consider opting for women’s wedges over traditional high heels. When it comes to wearing wedges, these shoes still give the appearance of a heel, but they allow you to evenly distribute your weight across your entire foot, just as you would in flats.

The added support will help keep you balanced and secure, and the chunky heel will make a fashion statement all on its own.

Material

Stiff, unforgiving materials can cause too much friction and result in discomfort or worse. When picking your heels, choose a pair made of flexible material that can be broken in for a more natural fit.

Leather

Leather is a breathable, flexible material that will break in naturally after a couple of wears and mold to your foot shape. It’s also durable and stylish, so you can rest assured that a pair of leather pumps will last you for many seasons to come.

Suede

Suede is another quality option, especially if you pair your heels with a cushioned insole. Their soft texture and flexible nature will make them a fast favorite in your closet. They will mold to your feet, so you won’t have to deal with rigid edges or too-tight toe boxes.

Not All Materials Are Created Equal

Suede and leather are great options because you break them in—and relatively quickly, too. Avoid materials like perspex, which has become trendy in recent years. The material won’t stretch or breathe at all, keeping your feet locked into little pinching prisons.

Toe Box

Sometimes, you can tell how comfortable a shoe will be just by looking at it. A pointy toe, for example, is a recipe for blisters. The narrow shape will pinch your piggies until you’re begging to sit down.

When reviewing the different types of heels to choose from, opt for round or square-toe boxes to allow your toes to lay flat.

Heel Height

This is an obvious one, but it bears repeating. Super high heels are hard to balance in, causing you to put excess pressure on the balls of your feet rather than equally distributing your weight across the entire foot.

Sky-high heels may look cute, but as every woman knows, the cuteness comes with a cost. If you’re going to be walking, dancing, or standing for extended periods of time, opt for a height that you know you can handle. For most women, 4 inches is probably pushing it.

Insoles, Foot Petals, and Other Pain-Relief Products

If you just have to wear a cute pair of strappy stiletto heels, there are a variety of products on the market that can help you avoid high-heel pain. Many women swear by gel insoles for added arch support and extra padding. You can also find anti-blister sticks and sprays to apply to your feet before you strap on your heels, which will help prevent friction from your shoes.

When All Else Fails, Fall Back on Emergency Flats

Even if you’re wearing the most comfortable heels in the world, you always want to be prepared, especially if you’re gearing up for a long night or wearing a pair of shoes for the first time.

Slip a pair of ballet flats or sandals into your purse in case things don’t go according to plan. It beats hitting the dance floor barefoot, and your feet will be grateful for the relief. At Vionic, we even offer a pair of collapsible shoes that go with everything and fold right into your bag.

Discover Vionic’s High Heel Haven

If you thought comfortable high heels were the stuff of legend, it’s time for you to explore the fashion and function that comes with every Vionic shoe.

Chardonnay Heeled Sandal

Prepare to be impressed by a high heel that you can basically forget you’re wearing.

The Chardonnay Heeled Sandal is a year-round shoe featuring a deep heel cup for full-body alignment and maximum stability, along with added arch support and a meta dome to distribute pressure evenly. Its flattering toe shape won’t pinch or poke, and its ankle straps are fully adjustable. Choose from either leather or suede in a variety of versatile colors.

Uptown Sunset Slide Wedge Sandal

The Uptown Sunset’s 2-inch heel and 1 ¼-inch platform constitute the perfect hybrid of comfort and style. This sandal features a lightweight, flexible sole and extra cushioning, along with leather cross straps and arch support to keep your foot stable and secure. The adjustable hook-and-loop strap guarantees the perfect fit so you can stay comfortable all day (or night) long.

Available in seven stunning shades, the Uptown Sunset Wedge Sandal will go with any variety of spring or summer outfits, from shorts and a T-shirt to a sundress and a wide-brimmed hat.

Calera Wedge

The perfect summer shoe, the Calera Wedge’s stretchy core allows for a seamless slip-on feel, while its tasteful 2 ½-inch height will have you walking tall without throwing you off-balance. This wedge heel is biomechanically designed to hug your arches and foster natural alignment from the ground up. And the leather straps will wear in smoothly so as not to pinch your feet.

Choose from six summery or neutral shades for a shoe that will go with just about anything and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Maia Heeled Sandal

The Maia Heeled Sandal is an elegant choice that features a leather upper knot and feminine tie detail, as well as an adjustable ankle strap and buckle for maximum comfort. The stacked and stylish heel is both chic and walkable, while the footbed is perfectly contoured for arch support and stability.

The Maia is versatile to boot, with the ability to be dressed up for a night out or worn all day for a sophisticated and put-together office look. In fact, if you’re looking for a heeled sandal for business casual outfits, the Maia is an excellent choice for everyday wear. Wondering, “Are sandals business casual?” The answer is yes—when styled correctly, like with the Maia, sandals can perfectly complement a business casual wardrobe. No matter where you wear this heeled sandal, your feet will thank you.

Set Yourself Up for All-Day (or All-Night) Success with Vionic Heels

The last thing you want during a night out or a long day at the office is to be held back by your footwear. Ill-fitting high heels are, at best, uncomfortable and, at worst, the source of serious foot pain and damage.

But as every woman already knows, not all high heels are created equal. Vionic was founded on the idea that stylish footwear shouldn’t compromise your comfort, balance, or performance. Our exclusive Vio Motion technology guarantees free movement and proper alignment, whether you’re wearing our loafers, sneakers, or comfortable heel styles.

Gone is the “beauty is pain” mentality of yesteryear; this season is all about moving, dancing, and exploring with footwear that enhances rather than hinders your journey.

Sources: 

The Foot and Ankle Center of Maryland. Understanding the Risks of Poorly Fitting Shoes. https://www.footanklecentermaryland.com/blog/2019/10/10/understanding-the-risks-of-poorly-fitting-shoes

American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. 10 Points of Proper Shoe Fit. https://www.footcaremd.org/resources/how-to-help/10-points-of-proper-shoe-fit

BoulderCentre for Orthopedics and Spine. Choosing a Healthy Shoe Size.

https://www.bouldercentre.com/news/choosing-healthy-shoe-size#:~:text=A%20square%20or%20round%20toe,(i.e.%20curved%20or%20straight)