They say you should never compromise comfort for style, but let’s face it, high heels are not the most comfortable thing in the world.
Thankfully, shoe designers are making their shoes more comfortable than ever before, and you don’t have to invest in Louboutin’s or Jimmy Choo’s to put your best foot forward.
In this guide to the most comfortable heels in the UK, we’ll help you find the perfect pair for your ever-expanding footwear collection. Chic, stylish, and oh-so-comfortable shoes start right here!
The Claudia court in smooth black leather, a pointed toe on a low kitten heel that sharpens tailoring and lengthens the foot line. The point sits ahead of the toes while the toe box stays wide over the bunion, so a sharp court doesn't pinch the joint. Fits EE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Black leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Kitten heel
Toe shape
Pointed toe
Fit
True to size, fits EE width feet best
Toe box
Wide toe box with hidden stretch panel over the bunion area
Browse more images of the Claudia - Black Leather Pumps:
Our Review
The black Claudia is my pointed court for formal days, the one I wear when a rounded toe feels too soft for a sharp suit. The point lengthens my foot and finishes tailoring cleanly, but the part that matters to me is that the width sits over my bunion while the point extends past my toes, so the shape doesn't crush the joint the way a normal pointed court does. The low kitten heel lets me wear it from a morning meeting into an evening dinner. With a pencil skirt or wide-leg trousers it does the sharp, polished thing I want. I take my true size, an EE.
Pros
Kitten heel gives a small lift suitable for full days on the feet
Pointed toe sits on a wide toe box so the bunion joint has room
EE width cap suits wider forefeet
Black leather pairs with workwear through to evening
Cons
Pointed toe shape narrows visually so very wide feet beyond EE may prefer a rounded toe style
Leather courts need conditioning to keep the upper looking fresh
The Sophia is Calla's high-heel court, a 3 inch (about 7.5cm) heel softened by a half-inch platform, in goats leather that flexes over the bunion. The platform reduces the pitch so pressure isn't concentrated on the big toe joint, with extra width through the forefoot. Fits up to EE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Goat leather upper, leather-lined
Heel
3 inch heel with a half inch platform
Fit
True to size, fits up to EE width
Toe box
Extra width and volume in the toe area, standard at the heel
Browse more images of the Sophia - Black Leather Pumps:
Our Review
Black Sophia is the high court I wear when I want proper height for an occasion, because the 3 inch heel still looks like a heel but the half-inch platform takes the edge off the pitch so my weight isn't thrown onto my bunion. The goats leather flexes where my forefoot is widest, and the leather-lined arch-supported insole means I can stand longer than I can in a normal court. It is a classic black court that goes with tailoring or a dress. Fits up to EE, true to size.
Pros
Goat leather flexes around the bunion joint as you walk
Half inch platform cuts the effective pitch of the 3 inch heel
Leather-lined padded insole sits under the arch
Extra width and volume in the toe area accommodates the joint without losing the court silhouette
Cons
EE the width cap so EEE feet will need a wider style
3 inch heel is at the upper end for all-day standing
Smooth leather sole needs grip pads on wet pavement
The Hallie Mary-Jane court in soft almond leather, a warm nude-tan that lengthens the leg where black would cut it short. A stable 5cm block heel and EEE toe area keep the bunion comfortable while the strap holds the foot. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Style
Mary Jane court shoe with pointed toe
Material
Almond patent leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
5cm block heel
Finish
Glossy patent
Fit
Fits up to EEE width
Toe box
Pointed toe over a wide toe box, bunion-friendly fit
Insole
Cushioned, arch-supported
Best for
Office, evening events, weddings
Origin
Designed in the UK, handcrafted in Porto, Portugal
Browse more images of the Hallie - Almond Leather Pumps:
Our Review
Almond is the Hallie I wear when I want a warm nude court that makes my legs look longer under a hem, since the soft tan tone blurs into the leg. The strap holds my foot and the 5cm block keeps me steady through a work day or an evening. The EEE width means the pointed toe sits ahead of my toes while my bunion has room. It pairs with cream, camel and tailoring. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Pros
5cm block heel sits in the all-day wearable range
Mary Jane strap holds the shoe on the foot without pressing the bunion joint
Pointed toe over Calla's wide toe last so the shape is slimmer than the foot inside
EEE width cap with lamb leather lining
Cons
Patent finish shows scuffs and scratches more visibly than matt leather
Pointed toe is a closer-cut shape than the round-toe styles in the range
The Ava court in a soft light beige that sits close to bare skin, so the leg reads longer under a hem. The 5cm heel and EE-EEE toe area give the bunion room, making it a nude court that actually fits a wide forefoot. Fits EE-EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Browse more images of the Ava - Light Beige Leather Pumps:
Our Review
The light beige Ava is the court I wear when I want my legs to look longer, because a nude close to my own skin lengthens the line under a midi or a tea dress where black would chop it off. It is the same comfortable court underneath, a low 5cm heel and an EE-EEE toe area that lets my bunion sit without pressing. The arch support carries it through a daytime wedding or a spring work day on my feet. I treat the pale leather gently, since light shades show scuffs at the toe. True to size for me across the EE-EEE width.
Pros
5 cm kitten heel keeps pitch low for all-day wear
Extra width and volume in the toe area accommodates the bunion joint
EE-EEE width range covers most wide feet
Neutral beige works across work and event outfits
Cons
Light beige leather shows scuffs more readily than darker shades
No E-width option for narrower wide feet
Court silhouette without a strap relies on the toe box fit to keep the shoe on
The Bridget strappy occasion heel in soft off-white leather, the bridal and summer version on a wide EEE so the toes sit naturally. The cushioned insole steadies the foot while the placed straps hold it securely. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Style
Strappy heel
Material
Off-white leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Kitten heel
Fit
True to size, fits up to EEE width
Toe box
Wide toe box, toes sit without pressure
Insole
Cushioned and arch-supported
Strap layout
Positioned for a secure fit around the foot
Best for
Workwear with tailored trousers, evening outfits with a midi dress, summer weddings
Origin
Designed in the UK, handcrafted in Porto, Portugal
Browse more images of the Bridget - Off White Leather Heels:
Our Review
Off-white Bridget is the occasion heel I'd suggest for a bride or summer-wedding guest who wants a strappy shoe with room, since the EEE toe box lets my toes sit naturally rather than pinched. The soft leather gives over my bunion, and the straps hold my foot for standing through a ceremony. The cushioned insole keeps me comfortable into the evening. I keep the off-white away from grass and marks. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Pros
Kitten heel pitch for those who want a small lift without a full high heel
EEE width cap with lamb leather lining over the bunion area
Off-white shade reads as bridal or summer occasion
Straps secure the foot through the gait cycle
Cons
Off-white leather marks and discolours more visibly than darker shades
Strappy upper covers less of the foot than a closed court for colder weather
Leather upper benefits from a protector spray before first wear
The Daisy is Calla's bow-detail occasion sandal, with super-soft straps and a little bow on a block heel, here in champagne metallic with a subtle shimmer. It is cut with more room than ever, so the soft straps and stretch fit give the bunion space. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Browse more images of the Daisy - Champagne Metallic Block Heels:
Our Review
Champagne Daisy is the occasion sandal I wear when I want a soft shimmer rather than a bright metallic, since the champagne reads gently dressed-up at a daytime wedding or a garden party. The super-soft straps and the extra room are what sell it for me, because most occasion sandals dig in and these give my bunion space. The little bow keeps it pretty without trying too hard. The block heel is steadier than a stiletto for a long event. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
A mixed-metallic kitten heel that shifts between gold and silver as you move, bright enough to carry a plain black dress or dark denim on its own. Underneath sits the same low heel, ankle strap and bunion-friendly stretch lining, so you can wear the shine through a long evening without the forefoot paying for it. Fits up to EE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region, designed in the UK
Material
Mixed metallic leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Kitten heel
Fit
True to size
Width cap
Fits up to EE width feet
Straps
Strappy upper with ankle strap
Toe box
Wide Calla last with hidden stretch panel over the bunion area
Browse more images of the Ria - Mixed Metallic Kitten Heels:
Our Review
The metallic pair has become a regular for me because it lets me get away with a plain outfit, dark jeans and a black cami, and still look like I made an effort, since the shoe catches the light and becomes the talking point. I have worn it to a Christmas party and a New Year dinner where I wanted shine without buying a new dress. The kitten heel and ankle strap keep me steady through the standing-around part of an evening, and the stretch lining eases my bunion so I'm not counting down to sitting. The finish shifts as I move, reading gold under warm light and silver under cool. True to size at an EE.
Pros
Mixed metallic finish pairs with gold
Silver and champagne jewellery so they work across outfits
Ankle strap holds the foot over the wider Calla last
Kitten heel sits below a typical evening heel height for longer wear
Stretch panel flexes over the bunion joint
Cons
EE width cap won't suit EEE feet
Metallic leather creases visibly at flex points after repeated wear
Strappy silhouette gives less coverage than a closed court
The Emily heeled sandal in teal metallic leather, the jewel-tone version on a 3.5 inch heel and half-inch platform. The straps conceal the bunion while the platform eases the pitch off the forefoot. Fits up to EE, true to size.
Style
Strappy high-heel sandal
Material
Teal metallic leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
3.5 inch heel with a half-inch platform
Fit
True to size, fits up to EE width
Toe box
Wide toe area, suits a narrow rest of foot with a wider forefoot
Insole
Arch-supported and cushioned
Strap layout
Positioned to conceal and accommodate the bunion joint
Best for
Weddings, parties, evening occasions
Origin
Designed in the UK, handcrafted in Porto, Portugal
Browse more images of the Emily - Teal Metallic Leather Heeled Sandals:
Our Review
Teal Emily is the tall sandal I wear when I want a colour rather than a plain metallic, since the jewel-tone teal stands out against black or navy. The 3.5 inch heel and half-inch platform keep the pitch off my bunion, and the straps conceal the joint rather than baring it. The arch support carries me through an evening of standing and dancing. It suits my wide-forefoot, narrow-heel shape. Fits up to EE, true to size.
Pros
Half-inch platform shortens the effective heel drop on a 3.5 inch heel
Straps positioned to sit either side of the bunion joint
Teal metallic leather pairs with neutral occasion outfits
Cushioned arch-supported insole for long evening wear
Cons
3.5 inch heel is at the upper end of Calla's pitch range
EE width cap is narrower than the brand's flat ballerinas
Metallic leather shows scratches more visibly than matt finishes
The Margot high block-heel sandal in smooth silver leather, the party version that catches the light. A stable block heel and secure straps keep you steady while the wide toe box and stretch lining give the bunion room. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Browse more images of the Margot - Silver Leather Block Heels:
Our Review
Silver Margot is the strappy heel I wear when an outfit needs some shine, since the silver catches the light against a dark dress at an evening event. The high block heel gives height on a stable base, and the secure straps hold my foot so I can dance and stand. The stretch lining flexes over my bunion and the toe box runs to EEE. It is the pair I reach for at Christmas and New Year. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Pros
High block heel sits on a wider base than a stiletto for added stability
Secure straps hold the foot in place across the instep
Fits up to EEE width
Bunion-friendly stretch lining widens over the joint
Cons
Silver metallic finish scuffs more visibly than smooth dark leather
High block heel sits at the upper end for hours of standing
The Petra is Calla's flat slingback, a square toe finished with a bow on a low heel, here in black leather. The cushioned insole and discreet stretch panel flex over the bunion, so a low slingback stays comfortable all day. Fits EE, true to size.
Style
Slingback with bow detail across the vamp
Material
Black leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Low heel
Toe shape
Square toe
Fit
True to size, fits EE width feet best
Toe box
Wide toe box with discreet stretch panel across the bunion area
Insole
Cushioned
Best for
Workwear with tailored trousers, midi dresses, denim and a blazer for evenings
Origin
Designed in the UK, handcrafted in Porto, Portugal
Browse more images of the Petra - Black Leather Slingbacks:
Our Review
Black Petra is the flat slingback I wear when I want the look of a court without the height, since the square toe and the little bow keep it smart while the low heel is kind to my feet. The stretch panel flexes over my bunion so the joint isn't pinched, and the cushioned insole supports a full day. The open slingback keeps it from feeling closed-in in warmer weather. I wear it with tailored trousers or a midi for work. Fits EE, true to size.
Pros
Square toe gives the forefoot horizontal room without widening the heel
Hidden stretch panel flexes across the bunion joint
Slingback strap holds a fit that does not need to grip the heel rigidly
Low heel pitch for full-day office wear
Cons
EE width cap is narrower than the EEE flats in the range
Slingback strap can slip on narrower heels and may need adjusting through the day
Leather upper benefits from a protector spray before first wear
Can You Buy Comfortable Heels?
Whether you are looking for comfortable heels for work, play, or a special occasion such as your wedding day, there are certain things you should look out for when trying them for size.
The world’s most comfortable high heels will have:
Luxuriously soft padding to relieve pressure on the ball of your foot
Carefully placed touch points to ensure a snug fit from heel to toe.
Without these components, your shoes will not be comfortable, and prolonged wear will cause you nothing but pain.
Heel height is another thing to consider when looking for comfort. While there is nothing sexier than towering 10cm stilettos, they might not be the best choice for a long day at the office or an even longer night out on the town. But alas, kitten heels don’t do it for many.
A great compromise is the platform heel. With elevation at both the front and back of the shoe, platform heels are much less demanding on the feet than stilettos, yet they provide the height that many of us crave (and need).
If you feel the pinch across the front of your toes when wearing heels, look for a pair with a wide toe box. They are much more comfortable than pointy toe designs, and if you have wider feet, they’ll provide the additional space you need.
Finally, when shopping for comfortable heels, make sure you buy the correct size. Sizes vary from designer to designer, and if your heels are too small, you may experience cramps, sores, and blisters. Wherever possible, try them on before you buy, and if in doubt, go up half a size.
Wearing High Heels with Bunions
Can you wear high heels if you have bunions? Yes, you can, many designers make heels for women with bunions, but not all off-the-shelf shoes will be a comfortable fit. Wide-fitting shoes with plenty of space around the toe box are the best option. Avoid heels with strappy fronts as they could put extra pressure on sensitive bunions.
When it comes to comfortable high heels, heel height is everything. The higher they are, the more pressure they will put on the ball of your foot and cause discomfort. 3-inch and 4-inch stilettos remain the most popular choice in the UK today, but mid-heels, typically measuring 2.5 inches, are ideal for all-day wear.
Kitten heels are making a comeback too, so if you're yet to try out these lower heel designs, it’s time to give them a go. They are the most comfortable heels of all and have just the right height to elevate your everyday looks.
How to Walk in High Heels
Walking in high heels is not as easy as it looks. If you are yet to master the art, start with a pair of platforms or shoes with block heels. With the additional support of a wide platform or chunky heel, you’ll be less likely to lose your balance. You’ll be strutting your stuff up and down the office in no time.
Top Tips on Shopping for Comfortable Shoes
Shopping for comfortable shoes online is not always the best option. Especially if you are between sizes or not used to wearing shoes with high heels. Trying shoes in-store is a much better option. Here are our top tips:
Buy heels in the afternoon: Our feet swell up throughout the day and are often at their largest in the late afternoon, making this the best time to try on any new shoes. If you are looking for comfort, avoid shopping for shoes in the morning.
Wear the correct hosiery when trying on heels: If you are buying comfortable heels for your wedding or another special occasion, and you intend to wear tights, stockings, or trendy knee-high socks, take them with you when you go to try on your new shoes to ensure an accurate fit.
Don’t compromise on comfort for style: If the heels you try on are not comfortable straight away, don’t rely on them breaking in after a few days. Chances are they won’t, and you’ll be stuck with shoes that hurt.
Take care of your feet: You can buy the best quality shoes in the world, but if you don’t look after your feet, you’ll never achieve the level of comfort you are looking for. Regular massage, stretching of the Achilles tendon, and exercises such as ankle circles will keep your feet in top condition and help you avoid the pain often associated with wearing high heels.
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