I Found The Most Comfortable Dress Shoes That Are Stylish And Supportive

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 14 total, including Black and Tan | Materials: Leather or suede

• What’s notable: These have a clean, minimalist look that goes with almost anything, and reviewers love the high vamp and supple-but-structured leather.
• What could be better: Some say these run tight so you may have to go up a half size.

For a pair of dress shoes that are great for the office, formal events, dinners and even weddings, Everlane’s The Italian Leather Day Glove are a solid choice. Made in Italy with Tuscan leather, this shoe has plenty of comfortable features, from the cushioned insole to the back pull tab to the flexible side vents for extra airflow. This pick has racked up more than 6,000 reviews for its soft, flexible leather and cushy footbed, and it comes in 14 different colors, so you can find the shade that works best for your wardrobe.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Navy | Materials: Leather

• What’s notable: This pair requires no break in period and is comfortable right out of the box.
• What could be better: Some say the heel can run wide on these, causing them to slip.

With plush padding, enhanced arch support and an affordable price tag, Naturalizer’s Kacy Slip-On deserves a spot in your rotation of dress shoes. The design, which is reminiscent of a loafer, is classic and minimalistic so you can pair this with just about anything. As an added bonus, it has an antimicrobial sock lining and rubber traction on the bottom, providing grip for any surface.

Sizes: 5 to 11.5 | Colors: 6 total, including Black Patent and Burgundy Croc | Materials: Leather

• What’s notable: These come in medium and wide widths. The rubber sole will also give you extra traction on a variety of surfaces, from the boardroom the the break room.
• What could be better: The sizing on these can be tricky, with some saying they run small.

Clarks are known for their stylishly comfortable materials and craftsmanship, and the Adriel Viola (also known as Ambyr Joy) pump is no exception. The modest, 3-inch heel is walkable and supportive (the heel itself is wider than a typical stiletto), and the Ortholite footbed offers all-day cushioning to reduce leg fatigue. It’s a shoe you can pair with a tailored blazer or dress for a night out.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 3 total, including True Black and Cherry Wood | Materials: Leather

• What’s notable: The sole adds height and offers shock absorption while walking and standing.
• What could be better: According to reviewers, this style runs a little bit big. Plus, many sizes sell out quickly.

My top pick for the most comfortable loafers (read the full review here), Madewell’s Bradley Lugsole is a bestselling design, with a chunky lug sole and extra padding so you can stand all day without sore feet. Note, the leather uppers feel snug at first, but over time they will mold to your feet for a custom fit. This stylish basic is also reasonably priced, as an added bonus.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 31 total, including Optic White and Irish Coffee | Materials: Leather

• What’s notable: This is a lightweight shoes that comes in a wide variety of subtle and sleek colors.
• What could be better: They can be stiff at first and the toe box is too narrow for some.

Cole Haan’s GrandPro TopSpin shoes combine the comfort of a sneaker with the slick style of a dress shoe, which explains their hugely popular appeal. The modern profile includes a luxuriously padded footbed inside and enhanced traction outside so you can walk for miles to work or an event and not have to change your shoes.

Sizes: 4 to 13 | Colors: 23 total, including Taupe Suede and Leopard calf hair | Materials: Leather, suede, textile, calf hair, canvas, raffia or lamé

• What’s notable: This style offers extra room in the forefoot, allowing toes to splay comfortably without giving you blisters.
• What could be better: It’s only available in a medium width—according to reviewers, it would be helpful for the brand to offer a wide option.

If you want a dress heel that transitions seamlessly from work to formal events, Sarah Flint’s stiletto pump has a sleek design. Crafted in Italy with comfort in mind, this pick has a padded footbed with arch support and a wide toe box. Note, the calf material tends to run small, so you might want to size up if you choose this option.

Sizes: 35 to 41 | Colors: Black | Materials: Leather

• What’s notable: The versatile heel height works well with pants, dresses and skirts.
• What could be better: The heel strap isn’t adjustable, and it can stretch out over time.

Block heels tend to be more comfortable than stilettos because the wider heel provides more stability. Theory’s Slingback Pump is made in Italy with smooth lambskin leather to prevent blisters and has a suede-wrapped elastic strap and fully cushioned insole. I felt a noticeable difference the first time I wore these shoes—the slingback design kept my foot in place and the 1.5-inch wood heel was easy to walk in. I’ve been wearing these pumps consistently for more than 13 months, including to weddings, where I’ve danced for hours without blisters.

Sizes: 33.5 to 45 | Colors: 7 total, including Rose Nappa and Black Napa | Materials: Leather and suede

• What’s notable: This shoe checks the box on both style and comfort. Plus, the brand offers three widths and a wide range of sizes.
• What could be better: Reviewers report these can require break in time, and they can run more snug that other styles from the brand.

Dress flats have a reputation for being stodgy and boring. Margaux’s The Point Flat, however, is slick and stylish, with an ultra-comfortable design. It’s made from Italian leather with a pointed toe that’s tapered to prevent pinching or scrunching your toes. The grosgrain trim around the opening of the shoe is smoothed so it doesn’t cause chafing. 

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 10 total, including Navy Night and Mist | Materials: Eucalyptus fiber

• What’s notable: This pair’s construction can help prevent feet from sweating, and the ribbed collar keeps these securely on feet without causing rubbing.
• What could be better: Some wish these had more support in the arch for all-day wear.

Allbirds’s popular Tree Breezers have a contoured sole for arch support and a sleek, no-fuss style you can dress up or down. Like all of the brand’s footwear, this pick is made with sustainable materials—specifically wool and eucalyptus tree fibers—so it’s breathable and moisture-wicking. It’s a favorite of Forbes Vetted editors who praise how light, cool and comfortable this flat feels for all-day wear without aches and pains.

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 5 total, including Brown Leather and Dark Taupe Suede | Materials: Leather, velvet, suede or synthetic 

• What’s notable: These support your midfoot so that your ankles don’t collapse inward, and they come in two different widths.
• What could be better: Some say these can be tight through the bridge and instep, so that’s something to consider, especially if you have bunions.

Despite being low to the ground, not all loafers are actually that comfortable. Vionic’s are designed in collaboration with podiatrists and feature a custom footbed for arch support. This pick also carries the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance and come in dozens of stylish prints and polished colors.

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 5 total, including Black and Stone (but the brand carries a wide variety of colors) | Materials: Suede, leather or velvet

• What’s notable: The almond shaped toe is sleek, feminine and updated without being so tapered that it crushes toes.
• What could be better: If you have extremely narrow feet these may gape open slightly when walking.

With a 7-layer responsive cushioned footbed, elegant design and two different widths, these slip-on dress flats are great if you have a wide foot. They’re tricked out with all kinds of comfortable details, including high-density memory foam, elevating arch support and a pressure-reducing heel pad as well as a non-slip sole. If you have a narrow foot, go for the standard width and size down.

Sizes: 33.5 to 45 | Colors: 6 total, including Black Nappa and Gold Crinkle Nappa | Materials: Nappa, suede or satin

• What’s notable: The well-placed, wide straps on this sandal offer support and stability without causing blisters.
• What could be better: The ankle strap is too loose for some, so you may need to have a cobbler punch extra holes in the strap for a tighter fit.

A wedding is one of the most challenging situations for your feet—you’re standing for long hours, dancing and treading on different surfaces (from slippery wood to pebbled gravel or cobblestones). Margaux’s City Sandal can handle them all, with supple-but-supportive leather, a stylish block heel, and generously foam padded insoles.

Sizes: 6 to 12 | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Cider Spice | Materials: Leather or suede

• What’s notable: It comes in medium and wide widths, the rubber sole provides lots of traction and there’s a reflective lining for added warmth in cold months.
• What could be better: Some say they’re gappy at the ankle. Also, you may want to size up slightly if you’ll be wearing thicker winter socks.

Dress boots are not the kind you’re going to shovel the snow in. Still, you want to be able to walk comfortably in them all day, no matter the weather. Naturalizer’s Bay Boots are top-rated for being waterproof, comfortable and stylish. The round toe, stacked heel and padded insole make for a pain-free experience, and the smooth leather provides a sleek look you can pair with dresses, skirts and slacks.