Do comfortable heels exist? It’s a question as old as heels themselves. While it’s unlikely that a pair of heels is going to provide as much all-day comfort as a pair of flats would, there are a few key design features that can make all the difference when it comes to finding those elusive comfortable heels. Keep these expert tips in mind next time you’re shoe shopping and you might just find your most comfortable heels yet.
Think outside the (toe) box
When your heel is lifted, gravity dictates that your foot will slide forward into the toe box. To avoid crushed toes, take some time to find the perfect toe-box shape for you. The most comfortable heels will have enough room for your toes to be comfortable which unfortunately leaves pointed-styles out in the cold if you often struggle with narrow designs. However, if a sleek look is what you’re after, almond toes are a perfect blend of a slimline point with a roomier rounded toe so you can get the look you want without sacrificing on comfort.
For the most comfortable high heel option, look to modern square - toe styles that give your toes enough room to spread out as you walk. If you’re not sure where to start, check out Each x Every’s square-toe boots, courts and sandals as your first port of call.
The golden height to width ratio
A good rule of thumb when searching for comfortable high heels is to make sure that heel height is balanced out with heel width. So, if adding height is your main priority, a chunky block heel will help to keep your weight distributed evenly so you can stay balanced and comfortable all day. Likewise, if the small heel trend is calling your name, you can play around with heel widths and shapes to find comfortable high heels that bring comfort and style in equal measure.
Remember that the most comfortable heels are the ones you can easily walk in, so if you don’t feel confident striding in a higher heel, consider a mid or low heel instead. Each x Every offers a wide range of heel heights and styles so you can find your perfect match without compromising on the look you love.
Cushioning is key
An important marker of whether a heel is going to be comfortable or not is how much cushioning it has in the footbed. The most comfortable heels start with a supportive, cushioned footbed to ease foot fatigue whether you’re standing, sitting or walking all day. If you're not sure what to look out for when it comes to footbeds, simply look out for cushioning or padding around the toe box, heel and arch as these are areas where you need the most support.
Our signature Each x Every stiletto is handcrafted using a special, artisanal technique (called a sachetto construction) which creates unbeatable footbed cushioning. It’s also worth investing in styles which have full leather linings. Not only do they let your foot breathe, but a supple leather lining will add an extra degree of flexibility(read: comfort) as you move.