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14 Most Comfortable Women's Dress Shoes You Can Wear All Day

Avoid blisters with these comfy loafers, kitten heels and ballet flats.

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Dress shoes need to look professional enough for work without getting uncomfortable and painful by the day's end. While there are many uncomfy styles, there are also plenty of more comfortable choices like trendy loafers that pair well with trousers, dresses and skirts; classic pumps that offer a polished look in a formal work setting; ballet flats that offer a similar dressiness without the balancing effort; or stylish booties with a lower heel and an office-appropriate style.

To find the most comfortable buys, we collaborated with Ira Deming, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Maryland who has been a three-time past chair of the Subsection of Podiatric Surgery at Suburban Hospital - Johns Hopkins Medicine, to give expert advice on how to find dress shoes that won't hurt your feet, even if you suffer from plantar fasciitis or bunions. "It can be a challenge, saying it mildly, to find a pair of dress shoes you like cosmetically and a pair you’ll be comfortable in," notes Deming.

We tested and vetted a variety of shoes with built-in arch support, cushion footbeds and lower heels, including options from our most comfortable shoe and best walking shoe guides. In these tests, we evaluate comfort, fit and support from testers' feedback, while podiatrists weigh in on the shoe's support and stability. Keeping these valued features top of mind, we rounded up the most comfortable women's dress shoes out there.

1
Best Overall Comfortable Dress Shoes for Women

Naturalizer Banks Slingback Pump

On Sale
Banks Slingback Pump
Now 22% Off
$86 at Amazon$100 at Nordstrom$100 at Zappos
Credit: Nauralizer
Pros
  • 1.25" heel
  • Offer narrow, normal and wide options
  • Cushioned footbed
Cons
  • Pointed toe too cramped for some

If the thought of high heels causes an inner twinge of pain but flats feel too bland, we introduce to you the middle ground, a.k.a. Naturalizer's Bank Slingback Pump. We like that the low-heel dress shoe works great for reducing foot pain thanks to its combination of a cushioned footbed and supportive arch. The slingback style is easy to slip on and off while the pointy toe keeps it on trend. Reviewers love the variety of designs that include suede and croc options, but some reviewers with wider feet found the pointed toebox too cramped.

Size Range: 4-13 with narrow and wide options | Materials: Leather

2
Best Value Comfortable Dress Shoes for Women

Amazon Essentials Women's Ballet Flat

Best Seller
Women's Ballet Flat
Credit: Amazon Essentials
Pros
  • Tons of colors and patterns
  • Rave Amazon reviews for its comfort
  • Under $25
Cons
  • Cheaper synthetic faux leather

For less than $25, get basic ballet flats that'll suit several dressy occasions. Our pros love that these are available in 20 colors and patterns, including cheetah, snakeskin and metallic, for every style and event. The shoes boast 4.3 stars out of five from 70,000-plus Amazon reviews for their support, comfiness and excellent value for the price. Reviewers say they run true to size and fit both wide and narrow feet alike.

Size Range: 5-15 with wide options | Materials: Faux leather or suede with microfiber lining

3
Most Comfortable Heels

Cole Haan The Go-To Block Heel

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The Go-To Block Heel
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Credit: Cole Haan
Pros
  • Added padding
  • Insole molds to feet
  • Stylish croc tip detailing
Cons
  • Some reviewers ordered a half size up

As one of our favorite brands for comfy yet stylish footwear, Cole Haan makes great dress shoes designed with comfort in mind. This pair has a short, wide block heel for added height with more stability than a thinner heel. This pair features a "super foam" insole that's reinforced with extra cushion for additional molding to feet and wide sizing options. Its croc toe tip adds stylish detailing to the classic silhouette. Many reviewers swear to be loyalists to the brand, with one Amazon reviewer saying, "I keep buying them because I know they will always fit, and they last forever."

Size Range: 5-11 with wide options | Materials: Leather upper with foam molded footbed and rubber outsole

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4
Most Comfortable Dress Ballet Flat

M.Gemi The Danza Ballet Flat

The Danza Ballet Flat
Credit: M.Gemi
Pros
  • Hidden wedge
  • Supple leather materials
  • Padded insole
Cons
  • Runs a bit big (especially if you have narrow feet)

A splurge that's designed to last, these M. Gemi ballet flats are made with high-quality, supple Nappa leather with a square toebox and bow for a chic look. There's a hidden wedge heel for about an inch of extra lift. One GH editor found this pair immediately comfortable right out of the box, loving the padded insole so you don't feel the ground below you. The brand notes that if your feet run narrow, you should go down half a size (our tester found them a bit big and then sized down half a size for a better fit).

Size Range: 35-42 | Materials: Leather upper and sole

5
Most Comfortable Dress Booties for Women

Vivaia Regina Pro Square-Toe Water-Repellent Heeled Boots

Regina Pro Square-Toe Water-Repellent Heeled Boots
Credit: Vivaia
Pros
  • Stretchy knit upper
  • Comfortable and stylish, according to testers
  • Cushioned foot bed
Cons
  • Not fully water repellent, according to testers

Stay warm while still looking professional and chic with this pair of reliable booties from Vivaia. Made with a stretchy knit material, these shoes are designed with comfort top of mind; this pair features cushioning in the footbed and ample arch support. The brand claims these shoes are water-repellent, but some testers noted that the knit material let some rain in. Multiple GH editors swear by these booties, loving how they're both comfortable and stylish. One tester said, "It's so easy to slip these booties on and immediately elevate any outfit."

Size Range: 5-11 | Materials: Recycled PET

6
Most Comfortable Dress Shoes for Wide Feet

Sole Bliss Ingrid Heels

Ingrid Heels
Credit: Sole Bliss
Pros
  • Wide almond-shaped toe box
  • Cushioning at arches
  • 10+ color options
Cons
  • Available in only one width

Sole Bliss designed these low block heels for women with wide feet or who have bunions. The deep V-shaped toe box prevents crowding and any pressure points from forming. Note that this pair is available in just one width. Built to last wear after wear with a quality Nappa leather upper that our experts love, the classic heel also offers ample triple-layer cushioning to prevent pronation and alleviate any pain from bunions. Plus, it's available in 13 shades with classic neutrals and fun shades too, like bright pink.

Size Range: 5-11 | Materials: Suede upper with leather lining

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7
Most Comfortable Booties Dress Shoes for Women

Clarks Women's Emslie Warren Slip-on Loafer

On Sale
Women's Emslie Warren Slip-on Loafer
Pros
  • Ortholite footbed
  • 100% leather upper
  • Wide and narrow sizing
Cons
  • Only available in black currently

These clog-like slip-on loafers from Clarks have over 15,000 reviews on Amazon. Made from 100% real leather, this pair has a rubber sole and a 2-inch heel for comfortable stability. Our pros appreciate its Ortholite footbed, which keeps things extra breathable and lightweight while offering ample support. Currently, this pick is only available in black, but we love that there are narrow and wide width options for a better fit.

Size Range: 5-12 with narrow and wide options| Materials: Leather

8
Most Comfortable Pumps for Women

LifeStride Saldana Pump

On Sale
Saldana Pump
Now 39% Off
Credit: LifeStride
Pros
  • Classic pump design
  • Flexible footbed with cushioning
  • Anti-slip rubber outsole
Cons
  • Less luxurious materials

Pumps are a must for your heel collection as they're versatile for a variety of occasions and outfits — and this one comes in four colors and wide-size options. GH pros love LifeStride for offering a comfortable feel for hours of wear. This pick features a chic d'orsay design and soft, flexible footbed that cushions your feet. GH experts appreciate that the rubber outsole helps prevent sliding on slick floors, ideal when striking a move on a dance floor. For less than $60, this pair uses synthetic materials that look less luxe than 100% leather options.

Size Range: 5-11 with wide options | Materials: Synthetic materials

9
Most Comfortable Loafers for Women

Sam Edelman Women's Loraine Loafers

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Women's Loraine Loafers
Now 22% Off
Credit: Sam Edelman
Pros
  • Huge variety of color options
  • Stylish hardware detail
  • Reviewers say they're comfy out of the box
Cons
  • Runs a bit big

Simple loafers are the ideal dress shoe for a variety of professional situations. These loafers from Sam Edelman feature a horsebit clasp on the front and are available in 26 styles, including playful animal prints and classic mattes. Our experts love this brand's loafers for their comfortable all-day wear prompted by non-restrictive, long-lasting designs. As for sizing, many online reviewers went a half size down from their true size.

Size Range: 4-14 with wide options | Materials: Faux leather

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10
Most Comfortable Casual Dress Shoes for Women

Birdies The Starling Flats

The Starling Flats
Credit: Birdies
Pros
  • Seven layer cushioning footbed with arch support
  • Velvet and suede fabric options
  • Celeb favorite style
Cons
  • Outsole is less durable than other styles

Originally designed as comfortable indoor slippers, these best-selling flats by Birdies double as dress shoes, making them a cult favorite (even Meghan Markle's a fan of the brand!). Available in trendy fabrics like velvet and leather, these shoes have rave reviews from our own Lab pros who praise the supportive footbed. Note that the outsole is less durable than other picks, so they're not ideal for commuting.

Size Range: 5-13 | Materials: Variety of upper materials including suede and synthetic velvet with a memory foam midsole

11
Most Comfortable Women's Dress Shoes for Weddings

Chinese Laundry Women's Theresa Platform Dress Sandal

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Women's Theresa Platform Dress Sandal
Now 50% Off
Credit: Chinese Laundry
Pros
  • Thick platform for extra comfort
  • 3.75" heel
  • Secure ankle strap
Cons
  • Bit of visible damage after extensive wear

After attending three different weddings in this pair of heels, one GH analyst swears that this is the ultimate wedding dress shoe. The wide heel, thick platform and ankle strap help keep your feet comfy and supported after hours of dancing. "I have narrow feet and loved the ankle strap to keep these heels perfectly in place even when tearing up the dance floor," raved a GH analyst. We love that this pick is available in a variety of color options to perfectly match your dress — even if you're a bridesmaid. After extensive wear, our tester noted a bit of visible damage as the materials aren't super durable.

Size Range: 5-11 | Materials: Synthetic suede upper

12
Most Comfortable Wedge Dress Shoes for Women

Clarks Women's Annadel Eirwyn Wedge Sandal

On Sale
Women's Annadel Eirwyn Wedge Sandal
Now 30% Off
Credit: Clarks
Pros
  • Cushioning rubber sole
  • Approachable heel
  • Soft leather materials
Cons
  • Better suited to more narrow feet

In warmer weather, wedges are the perfect summer sandal. With over 6,000 reviews on Amazon, these wedges from Clarks are popular for the cushioning rubber sole that reviewers call "absurdly comfortable: Soft, lightweight and breathable." Though our experts haven't tried this one, we appreciate that its 2.75-inch heel provides enough height without the risk of toppling over or twisting an ankle. Although this pick is available in wide sizes, some testers wish it was even wider.

Size Range: 5-12 with wide options | Materials: Leather upper with cork midsole and rubber outsole

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13
Best Oxford Shoes for Women

Dr. Martens 1461 Mono Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes

1461 Mono Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes
Pros
  • Trendy grooved edges and visible stitching
  • Anti-slip PVC outsole
  • Durable materials for long-term use
Cons
  • Not waterproof out of the box

For hectic work days, heels may not offer enough support or stability: this pair of oxfords from Dr. Martens is up for the challenge. With Dr. Martens's famous detailing like the grooved edges and visible stitching, this pair has a more formal, all black design. It features a cushioned sole that offers excellent slip resistance. Many GH pros have owned Dr. Martens for years and are always impressed by the brand's quality, durable shoes. Note that if you want to wear this pick in inclement weather, make sure to treat them with a water-resistant finish first.

Size Range: 5-14 (no half sizes) | Materials: Leather upper with PVC outsole

How we chose the most comfortable dress shoes for women

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The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab experts looked for the most comfortable shoe styles with excellent design features such as built-in arch support, cushioning footbeds or lower block heels. When testing footwear, our fiber scientists evaluate comfort, fit and support from consumer tester surveys; we also have podiatrists look at each footbed cut in half to determine if the shoe provides sufficient support and stability. In the Lab's latest test of walking shoes, experts analyzed hundreds of data points to find top-performing brands and features. We pulled picks from our past testing as well as brands loved by our Lab pros to recommend the most comfortable dress shoes for women.

What to look for when shopping for comfortable dress shoes

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✔️ Sizing: Deming suggests starting with sizing as "numerous studies have shown that more than 50% of women are wearing the incorrect size." Don't just consider the number size, but also the width. "Bunions or other deformities will be under pressure if your shoe isn't wide enough," cautions Deming. Try pairs with wide sizing if the toe box feels cramped. Deming notes that "shoe sizes aren't standardized and they vary by brand" with some running smaller/larger or wider/narrower.

✔️ Immediate comfort: While many people still believe you need to break in your shoes, the shoes really should be comfortable to wear right away. You cannot rely on the shoe stretching with wear to get comfier. No matter how trendy the pair is, if it's uncomfy from the beginning, it's not the right shoe for you.

✔️ Style: You may think you're stuck choosing from the same blah options, but there are a ton of comfy dress shoes that match your personal style well. The most common forms include loafers, ballet flats, booties, pumps and mules.

✔️ Features: When it comes to shoes, comfort is key. Prioritize built-in arch support, padding on the front of the foot or back ankle, soft interior materials like memory foam footbeds and enough room to wiggle your toes.

✔️ Fit: It’s best to try on shoes with any no-show socks or sheer tights you plan to wear them with. Then, walk around the store or your home to see how it feels. "There should be about 3/8-inch in the front of the shoe when you are standing and your foot is at the back of your shoe," according to Deming. Before committing to a new pair of dress shoes, try them on in both the morning and night, as your feet can swell during the day.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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The Good Housekeeping Insititute Textiles Lab is comprised of foowear experts who have tested and written about all types of shoes, including walking shoes, running shoes, ballet flats, loafers and more. The following pros worked on this story:

  • Emma Seymour, senior textiles product analyst at Good Housekeeping, tested or vetted all of the picks for this story and completed the most recent update. She pairs her industry knowledge with her degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design at Cornell University.
  • Jacqueline Saguin, GH commerce editor, has previously updated this story and has added more top tested picks and expert shopping advice.
  • Ira Deming, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Maryland who has been a three-time past chair of the Subsection of Podiatric Surgery at Suburban Hospital - Johns Hopkins Medicine.
    Headshot of Emma Seymour
    Emma Seymour
    Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst

    Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

    Headshot of Jacqueline Saguin
    Jacqueline Saguin
    Commerce Editor

    Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

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