Contributed by Korina Rossi, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru
Women have been donning high heels for thousands of years, coveting a few extra inches of height or curvy calves.
But lately podiatrists have accused high heels of causing bunions, poor circulation, and other foot ailments. Fortunately, there are dozens of heels that can be worn for the both comfort and style.
Here are the top ten most comfortable high heel shoes:
10. Platform pumps
Platform heels are the magicians of the shoe world giving the illusion of high heels without the aches and pains. Because both the toe box and the heel are raised by the platform, you’ll feel like you’re wearing flats.
9. Clogs
High heel clogs, much as their Dutch ancestors, have spacious toe boxes allowing your toes some range of motion. Though once popular as street shoes, clogs have enjoyed a reincarnation as designer footwear.
8. Sandals
Wear a pair of high heel sandals, and you’ll eliminate most of the discomfort that plagues women in traditional pumps. The sandal style lets your feet breathe while giving your toes a wider berth for movement and circulation.
7. Espadrilles
Espadrilles, for centuries the everyday footwear in parts of Spain, have found their place in fashion as being cozy platform shoes. Since the uppers are made of canvass and the soles of rope, these shoes will stretch to let tired feet breathe.
6. Mary Janes
Mary janes, which are wider and more stable than most high heels, are a great option for women who are on their feet all day.
5. Wedges
The antipode of stiletto heels, wedges are the most stable high heels, especially important for those who walk or take the subway to work.
4. T-straps
Any high heel that let’s you wiggle your toes is a winner: t-straps, which are a godsend for women with foot ailments, lack the restrictive toe box that makes most pumps impossible to wear all night.
3. Booties
During the winter months, high heel boots become an attractive option, offering the height of a normal pump with the warmth and protection of a boot.
2. Slides
Popular with women who work in offices, your feet can “slide” in and out of comfortable slides at a moment’s notice.
1. Straps
Shoes with straps are a mainstay of comfy footwear, but choose straps that are either generously proportioned or made from materials that will stretch. Be especially wary of vinyl or plastic straps, though patent leather is also known not to be unforgiving.
If all else fails, a sturdy pair of rain boots will get you where you want to go.
