Comfy heels over 50? Yes, please. Here are the best, according to podiatrists (and my feet)

CNN

16-04-2025

Comfortable heels over 50 quick picks
Budget-friendly: Olivia K Pumps
Wedges: Andre Assous Farami
Pumps: Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps 85
Sandals: Scarlett Chase Cali 45 Sandals 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.
A post shared by CNN Underscored (@cnnunderscored) 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.
Frankie4 Coco
Slingbacks are in — and these Coco heels are classic and oh so comfy with their kitten heels, extra support and cushioned footbeds, designed by a podiatrist. They go with nearly any outfit, be it jeans, skirts or fancier dresses, and I had no problem walking many city blocks in them. I have them in black but you can get them in brown or off-white as well. And free shipping never hurts.
Andre Assous Farami
I love a good wedge, especially in the summer, and Andre Assous did me right with this platform number. Crafted from suede and raffia, these sandals are super lightweight and come with the brand's Sole Motion Technology, which features extra cushioning and flexible midsoles. 'Wedge heels are wider and have a solid base,' Yau said. 'These options promote more even weight distribution and reduce pressure on the balls of the feet.'
Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85
I know, I know, we're supposed to stay away from stilettos after 50. But if you are going to wear them, check out the Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85. Endowed with an anatomical arch support, serious molded padding on the footbeds and even a steel rod through the heels so there was no teetering, they also offered plenty of room in the toe boxes so my tootsies weren't squashed. Pro tip: Daughtry suggests wearing heels around the house, preferably with socks, to help break them in.
Olivia K Pumps
My budget pick hits all the sweet spots for comfort with 3.5-inch block heels, cushioned footbeds and non-stick, rubber soles. Crafted from faux leather and suede, they come in eight colors, including silver and patent red.
Scarlett Chase Cali 45 Sandals
Scarlett Chase was my first foray into heels when I was ready to start wearing them again, and I am completely smitten by the brand's entire line of shoes, including these more formal Scarlett 75 Pumps. I chose these strappy sandals for their warm weather look and feel, and I was not disappointed. They easily transition from weddings and parties to barbecues and garden soirées — and Yau especially likes open-toe shoes because they tend to eliminate pressure on the digits, which can help prevent trauma.
Ayelet by Naot Harlow
I could not resist these '80s styled Harlow shoes from Naot. I got them in silver and I threw them on for everything from dinner dates to dancing. The 2.5-inch heels make them easy to move in and the comfort insoles with arch cushioning are also super stabilizing. 'Shoes with additional arch support and cushioning in the balls of the feet will make issues with heels more comfortable,' Daughtry said.
Naturalizer Melody Dress Sandals
With warmer weather on its way, there's nothing like throwing on pretty platform sandals to dress up an outfit. These strappy peep toes add 4-inch heels (with 1-inch platforms), and they do it with style and comfort. Considering their height, they are still so easy to walk in because of the block heels and extra cushioning in the footbeds.
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.
Inez Sara Mule
Mules are the perfect partner for warm weather, and I chose these from Inez because they have the dual straps so my heels don't flop around when I walk. More importantly, however, the contoured arch and plush footbeds make them a breeze to go anywhere in — and a swath of hidden elastic makes them fit like a glove. It should come as no surprise that shoes which promote weight distribution on the feet are going to be more comfortable. Yau suggests sticking to block heels, platform heels and wedge heels, which are wider and have a solid base — all of which reduce the overall incline and strain on the arches. 'A wider or open toe box also provides more room for the toes, preventing cramping, toe pain, corns and bunions,' she said.
Another tip for what to look for in comfy heels? Check what the shoes are made of. 'Soft, high-quality materials like leather or suede that mold to your feet will always feel better than stiff synthetics,' board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Ebonie Vincent-Sleet said.
The following FAQs have been answered by podiatrists Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, Dr. Dana Figura, Dr. Ebonie Vincent-Sleet and Dr. Marion Yau.
Are block heels or platform heels more comfortable?
Are block heels or platform heels more comfortable?
Yau believes platform heels are more comfortable, because they have a gentler incline than block heels, which puts less pressure on the metatarsal area. Daughtry agrees, citing the wider soles in the heel area of platform shoes. 'This also helps with excessive distribution of body weight on the forefoot. Platform heels have the best option for comfort as the entire soles of the shoes are raised evenly,' she said.
What is the best way to make an existing heel more comfortable?
What is the best way to make an existing heel more comfortable?
'Add cushioning and insoles for increased support and stability while walking and change your heel materials: Rubber or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) heels offer better shock absorption than hard plastic or wood, further reducing impact,' Yau said.
Vincent-Sleet suggests using cushioned insoles or metatarsal pads. 'And consider having the shoe stretched if it feels too snug,' she said. Figura generally agrees with using external products to make existing heels more comfortable. 'Adding gel inserts, metatarsal pads or cushioned insoles can help. But the best thing is to make sure you find good shoes with a good fit to begin with,' she said.
Daughtry believes that additional padding can also make existing heels more comfortable, which can offset some pressure in the balls of the feet. 'Traditionally, most heels do not have enough space for the addition of entire arch supports; however, there are some arch supports and cushioning made specifically for women's dress shoes,' she said. 'Another option would be the use of moleskin in areas of excessive pressure or areas of friction in the shoe. Anti-blister bandages can also be used on the toes to avoid the formation of blisters.'
Dr. Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon based in North Carolina
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
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Health, fitness and food editor Tobey Grumet Segal has been reporting on, writing about and reviewing products for over 20 years, and as a mature woman, she personally tested these shoes and interviewed podiatrists.