Don’t let high heels get you down.
There’s something about a few extra inches of height that makes you feel svelte, lighter, and statuesque even if it means teetering around precariously on spikes that are guaranteed to leave your feet as bruised and torn as a prima ballerina’s during Nutcracker season. Comfortable heels are hard to find, but the good news is that you can get the height without the hardship if you choose your shoes strategically. At ELYSIAN, we’ve been experimenting with different heel types and made this list just for you. Word to the wise: we still recommend breaking in new heels around the house for at least a week before wearing them to an event.
PLATFORMS
Talk about the best of both worlds: platform shoes add inches to your stature, but are devoid of pointy heels that can snap or snag.
Veronica Beard Welda Platform Wedge Slide Sandals
As comfy as your house slippers, but two inches higher!
$295, neimanmarcus.com
Tibi Dimitri Baby Calf Platform Sandals
Dress them up with a LBD or wear them with jeans. These sandals are meant to dance the night away.
$495, neimanmarcus.com
Teva Women’s Flatform Ceres Embroidery-Fringe Platform Sandals
Super cute with a mini or shorts. The lug sole gives you superpowers to avoid slips on muddy fields at music festivals or wet floors at a party (who spilled their drink?).
$52.50, bloomingdales.com
Coliac Platform Loafers with Pearl Detail
Beautifully crafted in Italy with leather and pearls, you can rock Coliac’s platforms with sundresses, jeans or tailored shorts.
$791, farfetch.com
Burberry Icon Stripe Platform Sandals
As comfy as a pair of flip flops but they come with an extra inch of height. Your must-have for summer music festivals.
$540, farfetch.com
Marni Crisscross Platform Sandals
With a foot-molded sole and velvet upper, these slides are a perfect mix of business and pleasure.
$375, farfetch.com
Gabriela Hearst Bradley Platform Sandals
Colorful cork and silver accents make these platforms perfect for a jaunt around town.
$778, farfetch.com
WEDGES
When searching for comfortable heels, wedges are probably the first place you look. They provide a gradual height lift without the danger of falling over; almost like you’re standing on a hill.
Chloé Lauren Scalloped Leather Wedge Espadrilles
The Lauren wedge with its cork heel and rubber soul provides 4 inches of height while being mercifully easy to wear.
$261, neimanmarcus.com
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Leather Wedge Espadrille Sandals
Get ready to rock and roll in these punk-adjacent Rockstud wedges.
$745, neimanmarcus.com
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Olympia wedge pumps
A color-block heel paired with clear straps give these wedges a mod look.
$310, farfetch.com
Bally Open Toe Wedge Mules
In buttery Italian leather with an intricate metal-work design, these Bally mules will become your new best friend.
$750, farfetch.com
Simon Miller Women’s Level Wedge Sandals
These croc-embossed calfskin wedges are as comfortable as they are beautiful.
$244, bloomingdales.com
Nicole Saldaña Karina Colour-Block Wedges
Nicole Saldaña’s color-block wedges were made for walking pretty.
$270, farfetch.com
BY FAR Lex Crocodile-Effect Wedge Pumps
The transparent wedge on these platforms as refreshing as a summer breeze.
$217, farfetch.com
BLOCK HEELS
Stilettos have a way of getting caught in sidewalk grating, but this new generation of comfortable heels have the sleek cache of a stiletto design with the stability of a block-shaped column.
Fendi Croc-Embossed Leather Block-Heel Pumps
Equally compatible with jeans and sundresses, these Fendi Block Heels are destined to be your new BFF.
$890, neimanmarcus.com
Miu Miu Suede Mirror Block-Heel Pumps
Pair with a sleek suit or a jeans/blazer ensemble for a work-day look that’s cool and casual.
$850, neimanmarcus.com
Maison Margiela Tabi Toe Block Heel Sandals
These toe block heels give this classic silhouette a modern twist.
$830, farfetch.com
Jacquemus Block Heel Pumps
These Jacquemus pumps are a geometric masterpiece that will spice up any outfit.
$704, farfetch.com
Chloé Women’s Lauren Scalloped Block Heel Pumps
Add a classic sweetheart accessory to any outfit for immediate compliments.
$575, bloomingdales.com
Botkier Women’s Ross Block-Heel Sandals
You won’t find beautiful wooden accents like these Botkier sandals anywhere else.
$158, bloomingdales.com
Proenza Schouler Grommet Block Heel Mules
These clear block-heel mules are perfect for work or play.
$516, farfetch.com
COMFORT PUMPS
Comfort pumps may seem like an oxymoron, but with new innovations in shoe-design happening everyday, comfortable heels are easier to find than ever before.
Marion Parke Must Have Napa Pumps
A shock-absorbing rubber sole and cushioned insole give these pumps a leg up on comfort.
$495, neimanmarcus.com
Malone Souliers Brook 85mm Sheer Mesh Stiletto Pumps
These sheer mesh pumps with napa leather trim are great for a day at the office turned night on the town.
$262, neimanmarcus.com
BY FAR Alla 80mm Pumps
Made with royal blue satin and crystal detailing, these pumps are fit for royalty.
$451, farfetch.com
Stella McCartney 45 Chain Pumps
Slip on these pumps to add some flair to your next outfit – they go with everything!
$745, farfetch.com
Tory Burch Jessa Medallion Pumps
These classic pumps with a gold accent make comfort look chic.
$396, farfetch.com
The Attico Lace-Up Velvet Pumps
While their height may seem daunting, these lace-up pumps provide stability and style.
$574, farfetch.com