I Tested 25 Pairs of Block Heels — and These Are the Most Comfortable to Walk In

Meghan Markle, Cindy Crawford, and Amal Clooney are all fans of Sarah Flint heels, and after slipping into these sleek mules it was easy to see why. Each pair of the handcrafted shoes boasts six millimeters of extra padding in the footbed and the perfect amount of arch support for all-day comfort. From the first moment I put them on, the heels were surprisingly comfortable — and honestly exceeded my expectations.

Let’s start with the design: The plush cushioning immediately molded to my feet, and the leather lining was super soft and cozy. The 3.3-inch heel added just the right amount of height but was still totally walkable. (I didn’t get a single blister.) I was worried at first because these mules only come in whole sizes, and I’m usually a size 8.5. But I sized up as suggested and, not only did they fit like a glove, they also didn’t slip or slide around like most mules do on my feet. While these shoes do have the highest price point on this list, they won’t disappoint in comfort or style.

To buy: $395; sarahflint.com

If you’re looking for a great pair of heels that can be worn both inside and outside the office, these slingbacks from Naturalizer rose to the top of my testing. Along with extra cushioning, the chic kicks feature a rubber outsole that provides excellent traction and shock absorption. The three-inch heel was super easy to walk in, while the slingback strap added stability.

I liked that the strap had an adjustable buckle closure so I could customize the shoe to fit my foot perfectly. While these polished slingbacks would look great with a pencil skirt or shift dress, I paired these suede heels with cropped jeans and a silk top for a night out with friends and got tons of compliments. But the best part was that my feet weren’t aching after a full night of standing and walking in them.

To buy: $140; naturalizer.com

After seeing so many Everlane customers call these block heel sandals their new “go-to shoe,” I knew I had to give them a try. These minimalist shoes feature two front straps as well as an adjustable back strap that helps keep them in place. The simple sandals are versatile enough to be worn with everything from shorts to jeans to LBDs and everything in between.

I wore them on my hour-long commute and through an entire day at the office without a single blister, thanks to the supple Italian leather straps that don’t dig in or rub into your skin. The two-inch heel gave me some lift but without any unwanted pain. Compared to other sandals I tested, their comfort level was unmatched. In fact, these were so comfy it felt like I was wearing a pair of flats.  

To buy: $145; everlane.com

These adorable strappy sandals by Vionic were designed by a team of podiatrists to give you the comfort and support you need to be on your feet all day. I already own a pair of espadrille wedges by the brand that are crazy comfortable, so I wanted to put their heels to the test. Spoiler: They lived up to the hype and then some.

Along with a durable rubber outsole, the block heels also boasted the most comfortable padded insole my feet have ever worn. The strappy silhouette not only looked fashion-forward, but they also helped me feel more stable in the 3.1-inch heels. What’s more? The trendy block heels come in both regular and wide sizes so you can find a pair that fits you perfectly, in six different colorways ranging from classic black to trendy blush.

To buy: $150; vionicshoes.com

Cole Haan is known for producing high-quality shoes that are equal parts functional and fashionable, so I was not surprised that I fell in love with these cute and comfy sandals so quickly. The leather block heels are made with the brand’s signature Grand.ØS technology, which supplies ample arch support and responsive cushioning.  

Whenever I’ve worn shoes with an elasticized strap in the past they’ve always dug into my heels, leaving them bloodied and blistered, but I wore this pair to a five-hour long bridal shower and  dinner afterward without any issues. Along with the plush padded insole, I loved that the 2.5-inch heels are lightweight and easy to walk in.

To buy: $150; zappos.com

Direct-to-consumer brand M.Gemi makes shoes that are so comfortable they are constantly selling out. And after wearing this pair of open-toe mules by the brand, I finally understood why they are so popular. The 2.75-inch heels were not only super walkable but incredibly comfortable too, thanks to their smooth leather lining and padded insole.

The sleek slip-ons feature a two-strap design and a trendy square toe that make them the perfect summer shoe. I really loved that the open-toed mules had a simple, minimalist design because it made them incredibly easy to dress up and down. I’ve worn them several times with laid-back jeans and tees, but I also plan to wear them to a wedding later this summer — because they’re that versatile.

To buy: $135 (originally $248); mgemi.com

These polished pumps from Margaux are so comfortable they not only quickly sold out, but they also amassed a 1,000-person waitlist when they first launched. The work-perfect viral heels boast a timeless round-toe silhouette and a 2.5-inch walkable block heel. Besides featuring five millimeters worth of comfortable padding, the shoes also have a sturdy footbed that provides all-day support.

I was immediately taken by how sleek they were, and while they were very easy to walk in, the sides of the shoes did dig into my feet at first. But once I broke them in, they were insanely comfortable. I also appreciated that they came in narrow, regular, and wide sizes and are available in nine stylish colors. I’ve been sporting the black suede pair, but since it’s so hard to find pumps that are this comfy and cute, I’m definitely going to add another colorway to my closet soon.

To buy: $245; margauxny.com