By Tobey Grumet Segal, CNN Underscored
Published 10:23 AM EDT, Wed April 16, 2025
I miss high heels. When I was in my 20s, I lived in 3-inch stilettos. I practically ran in them. No working girl sneakers on the subway for me, I powered through the entire day. Yet, when I had kids in my 30s, those days seemed like a dream. As my 40s gave way to my 50s, Covid-19 hit and I pretty much lived in sneakers. But now, I’m back. And this time, I’m putting away my Manolos and concentrating on comfortable heels with a side of style.
Though most podiatrists still don’t suggest wearing heels over 2.5 inches high, I’m not ready to give it up just yet. However, there are a ton of great options that can offer extra comfort along with sophistication, and Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry suggests styles with a wedge or platform to give you height. “Shoes with additional arch support and cushioning in the balls of the feet will make issues with heels more comfortable,” she said.
Thick heels are also a good consideration because, as we age, our feet age with us. “The fat pad in our feet becomes thinner, which can make wearing heels uncomfortable,” Dr. Marion Yau, podiatrist and host of “The Bad Foot Clinic” on Discovery+ UK, said. “Wider heels, like block heels, offer a larger surface area for ground contact, improving weight distribution compared to thinner heels. This reduces pressure on the metatarsal area, increasing stability and reducing the risk of ankle twisting and falls, allowing you to wear heels for longer periods. Thicker heels may also increase a person’s confidence and enhance proprioception (your sense of body position), which helps with balance.”
So, are you with me? Ready to throw caution to the wind and strap those heels back on? Below are the comfortable heels I love that still feel pretty.
Elizée Frecia Pump
Sometimes you just need a pair of closed toe pumps that go anywhere. I love these from Elizée because they are sophisticated enough to go to the office but still chic enough for events or a night out. I got the black/blush color combo and was blown away by the comfort allotted by the triple-layered cushion insoles and stability of the shoe. “A secure ankle strap can help keep the foot in place and reduce strain,” Dr. Dana Figura, board-certified podiatrist, said.