As an editor, I love a black heel. But they don’t always love me back, with many leaving blisters on my toes, scrapes along my ankles, or sore arches that take days to relieve. So when I find a pair that is chic and comfortable, I hold on tight.
If you know what to look for, finding the most comfortable black heels becomes a bit easier. When I emailed Paule Tenaillon and Marine Braquet, co-founders of the Parisian footwear brand Nomasei, they emphasized stability. “One should always look out for a stable heel,” they tell Bazaar. “Whether it is a low, high, chunky, or skinny heel, it has to be stable to be comfortable.”
Typically, the closer to the ground you are, the more stable the shoe is, so heel heights ranging from 1.57 to 2.95 inches tend to hurt the least. While a block heel will always feel more comfortable than a narrower one, it’s not impossible to find a stiletto that works. Tenaillon and Braquet have a tip for that, too: “If the heel is a stiletto, it should be placed at the exact center under the heel of the foot to support the body weight.”
Look for natural materials like leather and suede, as they tend to be more breathable than synthetics while molding to the foot for a custom fit. As for fit, sizing up will not pay off down the road. You should buy heels true to size. “If bigger, the foot can slip in front of the shoe and cause discomfort,” the Nomasei founders caution.
Lastly? First impressions do matter. If the heel doesn’t feel comfortable out of the box, it isn’t going to get better with wear.
I am all too familiar with the lessons above—and so are the other editors on my team. Below, we share the black heels that feel so good, we actually hate to take them off.
Heel: 1.5"
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 5½/6–10½/11
From the chic ruching along the vamp and “decade of decadence”–esque sharp toe to the long straps that allow me to style these heels a multitude of ways, the Rafael is full of details that have made me fall in love with it. The low heel height combined with the cushioned insole ensures they feel just as good as they look—and they do look exceptional, poking out from underneath a calf-skimming dress or pin-straight denim.
Heel: 1.58"
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 5–12
“I am not one for high heels—anything above two inches and I feel I’m walking on stilts—so these kitten heels have been my go-to shoe this summer, for everything from the office to dinner to summer weddings,” says senior social media editor Faith Brown. “They’re so comfortable, even after long days working and even longer nights dancing!”
Heel: 2.25"
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 6–11
“As someone who wears flats 99 percent of the time, I think these Toteme kitten heels are a nice change of pace, while still being ultra comfortable to walk in all day,” says senior features editor Ariana Marsh. “I love how the pointed toe elongates my silhouette and how the curvature and placement of the heel lends a unique sculptural effect that sets it apart from other similar styles.”
Heel: 2.5"
Materials: Lancaster leather
Sizes: 5–11
Heels that’ll actually let you get your groove on. Larroudé has built a reputation for miraculously comfortable footwear that lifts you up and keeps you there for hours, courtesy of a plush memory-foam insole. The Flora pump, a standout, is equal parts sweet and tough, thanks to a whimsical floral appliqué set atop a razor-sharp toe box. It look greats with a silky pencil skirt or faded, wide-leg denim.
Heel: 1.75"
Materials: Grained nappa leather
Sizes: 5–12
Don’t let the pointed toe scare you. These heels are sexy, daring, and comfortable. The straps along the ankle and vamp keep my foot secured to prevent slippage, while the soft leather has molded to each foot for a custom fit.
Height: 1.18"
Material: 100% smooth calf leather
Sizes: 35–42 EU
I’ve been wearing the Nono heels for years now, and each time I slip them on I’m reminded why. The heel is the perfect height for elongating the leg, while the plush insoles allow me to enjoy said lengthening effect for hours on end. And the little design details—a smart, square toe and a golden emblem—lend a level of sophistication to any look. Simply put, they make me feel rich!
Heel: 1.97"
Materials: Naplak leather
Sizes: 6–10
If you live in ballet flats but occasionally prefer a lift, Eledera’s Rossana is a dream come true. The slim ankle strap feels dainty yet keeps the foot stable, while the patent leather adds just the right amount of shine to polish up a look. When I need a pair of shoes that can take me from dinner to an evening event without a set end time, I grab these.
Heel: 2"
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 5–12
“The Carolyne—the classic, the best!” says executive digital director Lynette Nylander. “Named after designer Carolyne Roehm in 1986, made popular by Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and a classic shape all these years later. I’ve had mine for many, many years and the style endures.”
Heel: 0.6"
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 6–10½
“These streamlined strappy sandals are the perfect summer shoe,” says associate beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson. “Not only are they comfortable enough to wear to the office, for date night, and during weekend brunches, but their low chunky heel also helps differentiate them from a more casual flip-flop or sandal. And since the leather is so durable, they’ll last through many more summer seasons to come.”
Heel: 1"
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 6–13
If they’re podiatrist-approved, you know you’re heading in the right direction. The Julliett II heel features Frankie4’s trademark Sole Hero footbed, which cradles the bottom of the foot to ensure proper alignment and alleviated pressure points. It’s a slingback that means business—and has the science to back it.
Heel: 1.38"
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 5–12
“I was not sold on the thong sandal heel until I slipped into these babies,” says senior news editor Rosa Sanchez. “They’re suspiciously comfortable and so chic and versatile. I’ve been wearing them everywhere this summer—from the Hamptons to the subway.”
Heel: 1.5"
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 6–11
I like a funky shoe, but wacky, off-kilter designs don’t always prioritize comfort. This chunky loafer kitten heel from Loewe features a spacious toe box and slick cushioning along the insoles, while the slanted heel kicks in additional support.
