From Hangisi to Oasis: The Most Comfortable Luxury Heels

Even when they have all the makings of a comfortable shoe like an adjustable ankle strap, heel support, a round toe, and beds designed for wide feet, wearing heels can be painful. From kitten heels and mules to block heels and pumps, we are always on the search for a new pair of comfortable designer heels. But that’s easier said than done! It sometimes feels as if we have tried on all the shoes in the world. Thankfully, our team has rounded up the best luxury heels for all-day comfort. You might not find a pair of affordable heels on this list, but whether you’re getting married or presenting at a conference, these are the most comfortable designer heels available today.

18 of the Most Comfortable High-End Heels

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Pump

The Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Pump has become a symbol of sophisticated luxury and timeless style, beloved by fashion enthusiasts around the world. Famed for its ornate embellished buckle, which features eye-catching crystals, the pump gained iconic status after being featured in the “Sex and the City” movie, where it was presented as the perfect engagement shoe. These pumps are crafted with a comfortable design that includes a carefully contoured insole and a manageable heel height, making them suitable for both formal events and daily wear.

Manolo Blahnik, the Spanish fashion house founded in the 1970s, is renowned for its classic craftsmanship and elegant designs that fuse traditional touches with a modern aesthetic. The Hangisi Pump, often rendered in luxurious satin and available in various vibrant colors, embodies the brand’s commitment to beauty and quality. For those looking to purchase, the Hangisi Pump is available directly from Manolo Blahnik’s website or through high-end retailers.

Hurry to save an extra 25% on selected clearance styles, now through October 14 at Nordstrom!

Malone Souliers Maureen Mule

Malone Souliers’ Maureen Mule is cherished for its unique and artistic design, which features curved side panels and contrasting straps that not only ensure a secure fit but also add a dramatic flair to its silhouette. This footwear is renowned for its craftsmanship and comfort, designed with a cushioned footbed and constructed to support the natural arch of the foot. Malone Souliers, a relatively new player in the luxury footwear scene, has quickly established itself for its innovative and meticulously crafted designs.

The Maureen Mule stands out with its pointed toe and stiletto heel, making it a staple in high fashion contexts while remaining versatile enough for various occasions. The blend of bold and classic colors, along with the use of different materials like leather and velvet, appeals to a contemporary audience that values both aesthetics and practicality. Available for purchase, the Maureen Mules can be found on the Malone Souliers’ official website and select luxury fashion retailers.

Jimmy Choo Bing Mule

The Jimmy Choo Bing Mule is highly favored for its glamorous and edgy appeal, characterized by its crystal-embellished strap across the foot that delivers a touch of sparkle with every step. This mule not only exemplifies luxury but also offers significant comfort with a well-designed structure that supports prolonged wear, making it a popular choice for evening events and special occasions. Jimmy Choo, a British high fashion house known for its shoes and accessories, was founded in the 1990s and has since been synonymous with red carpet luxury and elegance.

The Bing Mule, with its sleek silhouette and sharp pointed toe, captures the essence of the brand’s daring yet sophisticated style. These mules are available in different finishes, including patent leather and suede, ensuring versatility and style. To own a pair of Bing Mules, shoppers can visit Jimmy Choo’s official website or major luxury department stores.

Saint Laurent Tribute Sandal

The Saint Laurent Tribute Sandal is celebrated for its iconic interlocking straps design and platform heel, which combine to create a look that is both striking and comfortable enough for all-day wear. This sandal is a testament to Saint Laurent’s ability to blend functionality with haute couture, making it a beloved choice among fashion-forward individuals.

Established by Yves Saint Laurent, a legendary figure in fashion, the brand continues to push boundaries under the creative direction of various designers, maintaining its status as a pioneer in the industry. The Tribute Sandal, available in a variety of colors and materials, including patent leather and velvet, showcases the brand’s flair for upscale and daring designs. The sandal’s durability and timeless appeal make it a worthwhile investment, available for purchase on Saint Laurent’s official website and through select luxury retailers.

Best Feature: While not exactly platform pumps, these heels include a platform under the forefoot, which complements its high heel and avoids putting pressure under the toes and ball of the foot, providing a more comfortable incline and a distinctive style that has been popular for many years. Its thick straps and lower heel also help improve comfort.

Hermès Oasis Sandal

The Hermès Oasis Sandal epitomizes the French luxury house’s commitment to elegance and simplicity. This sandal is favored for its sleek and minimalist design, featuring a single strap and a block heel that ensures comfort without sacrificing style. Hermès, renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and high-quality materials, designs the Oasis Sandal with exceptional leather that ages beautifully.

The sandal’s refined look makes it versatile enough for casual outings and sophisticated enough for more formal gatherings. Its understated charm reflects Hermès’s ability to create timeless pieces that resonate with a discerning clientele. These sandals are available through Hermès boutiques and their official online store, where they offer a variety of color options to complement any wardrobe.

Chanel Slingback

The Chanel Slingback is a classic that has been adored since its debut in 1957. Designed by Coco Chanel herself, this shoe is celebrated for its two-tone design, which visually elongates the leg and complements its chic and understated cap toe. The comfort of the Chanel Slingback is enhanced by its low block heel and elastic back strap, making it suitable for long periods of wear.

As a testament to Chanel’s iconic status in the fashion world, these slingbacks blend timeless elegance with practical functionality. They come in various materials, including leather and tweed, each adding a different aesthetic appeal to the wearer’s ensemble. Chanel’s slingbacks can be purchased at Chanel boutiques and the brand’s official website, appealing to luxury shoppers looking for a piece of fashion history.

Valentino Rockstud Pump

Valentino’s Rockstud Pump has captured the hearts of many with its bold yet sophisticated styling, characterized by its pyramid studs that outline the luxurious leather. This design merges edgy modernity with traditional craftsmanship, making it a standout piece in the fashion industry. The pumps are not only visually striking but also engineered for comfort, with a sturdy heel and carefully structured support.

Founded by Valentino Garavani, the brand is synonymous with glamour and elegance, and the Rockstud Pump is a perfect emblem of this. Available in a variety of colors and finishes, these pumps can be suited to a wide range of personal styles and are available for purchase through Valentino’s retail channels and luxury department stores.

Gucci GG Marmont Fringe Mule

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Consigner’s Closet (@consignerscloset)

Gucci’s GG Marmont Fringe Mule is celebrated for its playful yet luxurious design, featuring a fringed detailing and the recognizable GG logo. This mule combines Gucci’s rich heritage with contemporary fashion trends, making it a popular choice among both younger and older fashion enthusiasts. The comfortable slip-on style and block heel make it a practical choice for everyday elegance.

Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci has been a fashion powerhouse known for its innovation and influential designs. The GG Marmont Fringe Mule is a testament to the brand’s ability to reinvent itself while staying true to its high-fashion roots. These mules can be found on Gucci’s official website or at high-end retailers, offering a stylish addition to any outfit.

Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 70

The Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 70 is designed with the professional woman in mind, offering an optimal balance of luxury and functionality. This pump is renowned for its tailored fit and 70mm kitten heel, which provides a comfortable elevation suitable for all-day wear. Sarah Flint emphasizes meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design, incorporating features like extra padding and a wider toe box to enhance comfort.

The Perfect Pump is a direct response to the demand for stylish yet wearable shoes, made from premium Italian materials. Available directly through Sarah Flint’s website, these comfortable heels appeal to those seeking elegance without compromising on comfort or durability.

Stuart Weitzman Dancer 95 Sandal

Stuart Weitzman sandals are known for their versatile and stylish designs, appealing to a broad demographic. The brand focuses on both aesthetic appeal and practicality, offering sandals that feature innovative materials and comfortable fits. Stuart Weitzman’s commitment to quality and detail makes its footwear a popular choice for both casual and formal occasions.

These strappy heels often incorporate elements like an adjustable strap and cushioned insole, emphasizing wearability and fashion-forward design. We particularly love the Dancer 95 Sandal. Available in various styles and finishes, Stuart Weitzman sandals can be purchased from their official website and major luxury retailers, catering to those who value both comfort and style.

Prada Pointy Toe Pump

Prada’s Pointy Toe Pump is a quintessential piece in the professional wardrobe, known for its sleek and polished appearance. These pumps feature a sharp, pointed toe and a slender heel, offering a silhouette that speaks to Prada’s minimalist yet bold aesthetic. The brand is renowned for its innovative approach to luxury fashion, blending high-quality materials with cutting-edge design.

Hurry to save an extra 25% on selected clearance styles, now through October 14 at Nordstrom!

The Pointy Toe Pump, often crafted in luxurious patent leather or soft suede, is a staple in Prada’s footwear line, embodying the sophistication and modernity of the Milanese fashion house. These pumps are available through Prada’s boutiques and official online store, ideal for those seeking to make a refined and powerful style statement.

Margaux The Heel

Margaux’s The Heel is celebrated for its custom fit and classic design, which provide both comfort and timeless elegance. Designed with an attention to detail, this elegant pair features a spacious toe box and adjustable straps to ensure a perfect fit. Margaux, known for its direct-to-consumer model, focuses on delivering high-quality, tailor-made shoes that do not sacrifice style for comfort.

These high heels are available in a variety of colors and materials, making it a versatile option for everyday wear and special occasions alike. Customers can purchase these shoes directly from Margaux’s website, where they can also access services for customization, ensuring a perfectly tailored look and feel.

Bottega Veneta Lido Mule

The Bottega Veneta Lido Mule is beloved for its luxurious and bold aesthetic. Featuring the brand’s signature Intrecciato weave on a wide, padded ankle straps, these mules exude elegance and artisanal craftsmanship. Bottega Veneta, known for its understated luxury and emphasis on high-quality materials, creates the Lido Mule with exceptional attention to comfort and style.

The shoe includes a sturdy yet sleek block heel and a softly squared toe, combining contemporary design with classic comfort. The mules are available in various rich hues, enhancing their allure. Shoppers looking for a blend of iconic design and practical wearability often turn to Bottega Veneta’s official website or select luxury retailers to purchase these mules.

Christian Louboutin So Kate Pumps

The Christian Louboutin So Kate Pumps are celebrated for their dramatic and sleek silhouette, characterized by a pointed toe and a vertiginous stiletto heel. The pumps are renowned for their striking red-lacquered soles, a signature mark of Louboutin’s footwear, adding an instant pop of color with every step.

While known more for their style than comfort, these pumps are a staple in the fashion industry for their ability to elongate the legs and add a sophisticated touch to any outfit. Christian Louboutin, a French fashion designer, has been synonymous with luxury shoe design since the early 1990s. The So Kate Pumps can be found on the Christian Louboutin website and are a favorite for their quintessential glamour and boldness.

Alexander McQueen Sculpted Heel Sandal

Alexander McQueen’s Sculpted Heel Sandal stands out for its avant-garde design and architectural beauty. These sandals feature a unique, sculpted heel that often resembles a piece of modern art, complementing the McQueen brand’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of fashion. Made with premium materials, these sandals offer a secure fit with a combination of straps or enclosures that ensure both style and functionality.

Giuseppe Zanotti Harmony Sandals

The Giuseppe Zanotti Harmony Sandals are iconic in the world of high fashion for their minimalist yet bold three-strap design. These sandals feature slender straps that elegantly frame the foot, providing a secure and flattering fit. The Harmony Sandals are designed with both aesthetics and night-long wearability in mind, featuring a reasonable heel height that offers a balance of elegance and comfort.

Giuseppe Zanotti, an Italian luxury footwear brand, is known for its innovative and sleek designs. These sandals often come in metallic and patent finishes, making them popular choices for red carpet and glamorous events. Available through Giuseppe Zanotti’s official website and luxury department stores, they are a testament to chic, timeless style.

Tod’s Kate Leather Pumps

A good pair of comfortable pumps can make all the difference, and Tod’s Kate Pumps are renowned for their classic design and exceptional comfort. These block heels are crafted with luxurious leather and feature a chic, polished appearance with a square toe and a modest heel. Tod’s, an Italian company known for its high-quality craftsmanship and timeless designs, focuses on durability and comfort, making these pumps ideal for everyday wear (even on uneven ground).

These shoes epitomize the brand’s commitment to functionality and elegance, making them a staple in the professional wardrobe. Shoppers can purchase these pumps directly from Tod’s website or through selected high-end retailers, appreciating the blend of Italian craftsmanship and practical luxury.

Bally Janelle Loafers

Bally Janelle Loafers are loved for their sophisticated design and versatility. Featuring a distinctive gold-tone buckle and a convertible heel, which can be worn up or folded down, these loafers offer both a classic and contemporary look. Made from high-quality leather, the Janelle Loafers provide comfort and durability, suitable for both formal and casual settings.

Hurry to save an extra 25% on selected clearance styles, now through October 14 at Nordstrom!

Bally, a Swiss luxury brand established in 1851, has a long-standing reputation for its refined leather goods and commitment to craftsmanship. These loafers are particularly popular among those who value traditional luxury with a modern twist. Available on Bally’s official website, the Janelle Loafers continue to be a favorite for their stylish yet practical appeal.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Break-In Period for Designer Heels?

The break-in period for designer heels can vary widely depending on the brand, materials, and construction of the shoe. Typically, this period can range from a few days to a couple of weeks. Bear in mind that leather shoes often have a longer break-in period compared to synthetic materials, as leather tends to be stiffer initially but molds better to the shape of your foot over time. High-quality leather, like that used in many designer shoes, will eventually conform to your feet, offering a more customized fit after several wears.

The complexity and design of the heel can also influence how long it takes to break in. For example, shoes with higher heels or thinner soles may feel uncomfortable initially and take longer to get used to. The overall structure, including whether the shoe has straps, can also impact the comfort and break-in time.

How often you wear the heels will also affect how quickly they break in. Wearing them around the house for short periods can help the material stretch and mold without causing too much discomfort. Using accessories like shoe stretchers, cushioned inserts, or heel grips can help speed up the break-in process and make the shoes more comfortable sooner. But take care to treat the shoes gently—especially if they have a square toe or pointed toes that might be altered by the stretchers.