The Most Comfortable Heels, According to Podiatrists as Designed by Elizée
Love Heels, But Want to Protect Your Feet? Here’s What Podiatrists Recommend and How Elizée Delivers.
At Elizée, we design heels for women who love wearing them. We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between style and comfort—or give up the confidence a beautiful heel can bring. That’s why every pair we create is built to support your feet with thoughtful design, advanced comfort technology, and handcrafted quality.
Whether you're heading to the office, attending an event, or simply enjoying a day out, the right pair of heels should feel as good as they look. Leading podiatrists agree: supportive features like cushioning, arch support, and a stable base are essential to protecting foot health—especially as we wear heels more often and over time.
From platforms to kitten heels, wedges to slingbacks, our collection combines podiatrist-recommended features with refined Italian craftsmanship—so you can keep reaching for your heels, knowing they’re made with your long-term comfort in mind.
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What Podiatrists Recommend
“Shoes with additional arch support and cushioning in the balls of the feet will make issues with heels more comfortable.”
— Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon
Heels that work with your foot’s natural structure—not against it—can make all the difference. That’s why all Elizée shoes feature a triple-layered comfort insole with shock-absorbing cushioning, supportive contouring, and pressure relief in sensitive areas. You’ll find this technology in every style across the collection.
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STRUCTURE MATTERS: GO WIDE AND STABLE
“Wider heels, like block heels, offer a larger surface area for ground contact, improving weight distribution... increasing stability and reducing the risk of ankle twisting and falls.”
— Dr. Marion Yau, podiatrist and host of The Bad Foot Clinic (Discovery+ UK)
The Solange block heel offers exactly that—stability, support, and wearability, without compromising design. If you love a sculpted heel that can handle a busy day or evening out, Solange is a go-to.
The Platform Advantage
“Platform heels have the best option for comfort as the entire soles of the shoes are raised evenly.”
— Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry
The Adriana and Fiorella high-heel platforms are two of our bestselling styles, praised by editors from Oprah Daily and Business Insider for delivering standout comfort. They provide height without a steep incline, thanks to a balanced platform and a secure ankle strap that helps distribute weight more evenly.
Closed-Toe and Versatile
“A secure ankle strap can help keep the foot in place and reduce strain.”
— Dr. Dana Figura, board-certified podiatrist
Sometimes you just need a pair of closed-toe pumps that go anywhere. Our Frecia pump is a modern Mary Jane—sophisticated enough for the office but still chic enough for events or a night out. It was recently praised by a CNN editor for its comfort and versatility. The secure ankle strap helps keep the foot in place, supporting long-term comfort and stability.
For Lower Lift and Everyday Ease
Prefer something a bit lower? The Portia kitten heel slingback offers just enough lift for polish, with a softly pointed toe and open back for breathability. It’s in line with podiatrist recommendations for a lower heel height (generally under 2.5 inches), which helps reduce pressure on the forefoot. Portia is a refined option for daily wear, travel days, or standing events where comfort matters.
Wedges for All-Day Wear
“Wedge heels are wider and have a solid base... These options promote more even weight distribution and reduce pressure on the balls of the feet.”
— Dr. Marion Yau
Our Brigitte wedge brings that balance into summer dressing—lightweight, supportive, and easy to wear from day to evening. It’s ideal for warm-weather getaways, garden parties, and anything in between.
Styles That Work Well with Bunions
If you’re dealing with bunions or sensitive toe joints, podiatrists often recommend styles with roomy toe boxes and soft materials that don’t create friction across the forefoot. Designs like the Fiorella, Ametista, Aria, Chiara, and Sophia all offer comfortable coverage that doesn’t rub—making them ideal for women looking for heels that are supportive yet gentle around the toes. The straps and vamps are carefully placed to avoid pressure on common problem areas while still maintaining a sculpted silhouette.
Can You Make Traditional Heels More Comfortable?
Some women try to improve comfort in their existing heels with gel inserts, cushioned insoles, or anti-blister pads. While those can offer short-term relief, most podiatrists agree: true comfort starts with thoughtful design.
“The best thing is to make sure you find good shoes with a good fit to begin with.”
— Dr. Dana Figura
That’s why at Elizée, every style is crafted from the ground up with foot health in mind—using sculpted platforms, balanced heel shapes, secure straps, and our triple-layered insole for lasting support.
Explore the Collection
Rediscover heels—without the pain. Whether you're dressing for work, a wedding, or dinner out, Elizée heels are crafted to support every move. Explore our full collection and find the perfect pair for your lifestyle.
Sources and Expert References
This article references expert commentary and product testing featured in the CNN Underscored article:
“Comfy heels over 50? Yes, please. Here are the best, according to podiatrists (and my feet)”
by Lindsey Hunter Lopez, published by CNN Underscored.
Featured podiatrists:
- Dr. Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon
- Dr. Dana Figura, board-certified podiatrist
- Dr. Ebonie Vincent-Sleet, board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeon
- Dr. Marion Yau, podiatrist and host of The Bad Foot Clinic on Discovery+ UK