Finding sophisticated yet non-painful shoes for big events usually involves a lot of trial and error. The most comfortable dress shoes for women eliminate the guesswork: They’re designed with innovative, pillow-top-like materials, cushioning and arch support but don’t look orthopedic or clunky. Our top pick for the most comfortable dress shoes for women is Everlane’s Leather Day Glove, a beautiful leather flat that’s crafted with flexible uppers and a cushioned insole. For an affordable pair, Naturalizer’s Kacy Slip-On is surprisingly versatile, and for dressy days at the office, we like Clarks’s Adriel Viola Dress Pump.
The most comfortable dress shoes for women should offer plenty of support, interior cushioning and … [+] style.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
Why should you trust us: Forbes Vetted is obsessed with comfortable shoes, whether it’s walking shoes or workout sneakers. As editors and writers, we test almost everything we write about firsthand, so we can offer informed recommendations. Here, all our picks (and for the most comfortable heels, we also have suggestions).
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 9 total, including Black and Tan | Materials: Leather
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 nine different colors, so you can find the shade that works best for your wardrobe.
Naturalizer
Naturalizer Women’s Kacy Slip-On
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 5 total, including Black and Navy | Materials: Leather
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.
Clarks
Clarks Adriel Viola Dress Pump
Sizes: 5 to 11.5 | Colors: 6 total, including Black Patent and Burgundy Croc | Materials: Leather
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
Our 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.
Nordstrom
Cole Haan Grandprø Topspin Sneaker
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 19 total, including Optic White and Irish Coffee | Materials: Leather
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
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
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.
What our editor says: “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.” —Katherine Louie, Forbes Vetted’s commerce editor
Sizes: 33 to 45 | Colors: 4 total, including Rose Nappa and Black Napa | Materials: Leather
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. Also great: The brand offers three widths and a wide range of sizes.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 10 total, including Hazy Indigo and Natural White | Materials: Eucalyptus fiber
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.
Vionic
Vionic Willa Slip-On Flat
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 21 total, including Brown Leather and Dark Taupe Suede | Materials: Leather, velvet, suede or synthetic
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.
Birdies
Birdies The Starling
Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: Pine Velvet and Cheetah Calf Hair | Materials: Velvet or calf hair
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 to 45 | Colors: 7 total, including Black Nappa and Saddle Nappa | Materials: Nappa or satin
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 a stylish block heel, foam padded insoles and well placed straps that won’t dig into your feet or ankles.
Naturalizer
Naturalizer Bay Waterproof Boots
Sizes: 6 to 12 | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Cider Spice | Materials: Leather or suede
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. Naturlizer’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.
Other Top Picks To Consider
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 7 total, including Black and Almond | Materials: PU (polyurethane)
With details like a stretchy seamless mesh upper that forms to your foot, added arch support and a quilted insole, the Melody Pro feels just as comfortable as your favorite pair of sneakers. The cushioned back-heel patch prevents blisters while the foam insole absorbs impact. As one reviewer said, this pair is “so easy to wear that I forget I even have them on.”
Sizes: 5 to 13, medium and wide | Colors: 17 total, including Camel Leather and Black Suede | Materials: Leather or suede
When a shoe receives the APMA Seal of Acceptance, you know you’re in good hands—er, feet. A panel of podiatrists deemed the Uptown Loafer as beneficial to foot health for its surprisingly flexible sole (it collapses flat), arch support and instant cushioned comfort. The deep heel cup also aligns the foot and the microfiber-wrapped Vio Motion footbed absorbs shock for hours of wear.
Sizes: 5 to 12, medium and wide | Colors: Black Leather | Materials: Leather
The Ambyr Shine is a great option if you’re looking for some serious height—3.3 inches, to be exact—without sacrificing comfort. It has a dual-density foam footbed that strategically targets the areas that most need support as you stand and walk—namely, the heel, arch and ball of the foot. The rounded toe won’t squeeze your feet like pointier styles and the strap keeps you firmly in place.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 11 total, including Black and Tan | Materials: TPU or Suede
A little height can make a big difference. With a 1.5-inch heel, the Mila Pump elevates your look and elongates your legs. The minimal silhouette features a sleek upper, a chunky heel for easy walking and stability, and a non-slip rubber outsole. Its padded latex footbed keeps things comfortable for all-day wear and the simple, elegant style easily works with any dressy—or casual—look.
Easy Spirit
Easy Spirit Caldise Leather Low Heel Dress Shoes
Sizes: 5 to 12, medium, wide, double-wide, narrow | Colors: 4 total, including Black Leather and Latte Leather | Materials: Leather
Easy Spirit has been making comfortable footwear for over 35 years and the Caldise Low Heel follows suit thanks to its built-in cushioning, easy-to-move-in low block heel and ultra flexible sole. This pick comes in four widths and an impressive size range, so finding your ideal fit is less complicated. The added arch support and strategic padding in the toe and heel also help with balance.
Sizes: 5.5 to 12, regular and wide | Colors: 5 total, including Black Milled and Poppy Nappa | Materials: Leather or suede
The Larisa flat might look minimal at first glance, but it’s packed with comfortable features. Unlike most flats, this pair has a removable EVA insole, so you can add your own orthotic if Dansko’s Natural Arch insole doesn’t provide enough arch support for your needs. With a leather upper and a leather-textile lining that molds to your feet with wear, this pair also offers breathability and odor control. Size note: Many reviewers say these run large and the brand recommends sizing down if you wear a half size.
Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 10 total, including Gardenia and Bubbly Pink | Materials: Recycled plastic bottles
This pair from Rothy’s—woven with thread made from recycled plastic bottles—combines lightweight comfort with an on-trend Mary Jane silhouette. The knit upper stretches for a custom fit, the footbed has cushiony foam and the thin, flexible straps add a touch of style—and security. This pair is also machine washable, and if you’re not a fan of the strap, try The Square flat for a more minimal look.
Sizes: 5 to 11, medium and wide | Colors: 7 total, including Black and Beige Suede | Materials: Fabric or leather
If you like a heel but want a more interesting silhouette, the Giovanna 2 offers a cross-foot strap style with a comfortable elastic band for a customized fit and an easy on-off back zipper. The 2.5-inch heel adds some height without sacrificing stability while the soft footbed provides extra cushioning and support for long days on your feet.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, we approach all of our product recommendations with transparency and a critical eye. Readers trust us to provide the most accurate information available, so we consider our own experiences in the field and weigh that against testimonials from others shoppers to find the most comfortable dress shoes for women.
As a team, we’ve tried on, evaluated and put a lot of clothing and accessories through the ringer to rate the performance, quality and value for your money. Our passion for high-quality footwear includes recommendations for the best loafers for women, as well as other topics, such as the most comfortable flats and the most comfortable sneakers for everyday wear. To make sure you get the most accurate information possible, we regularly update this list with relevant details. This story was last updated in August 2024 by contributing writer Becky Eaton.
How We Chose The Most Comfortable Dress Shoes For Women
To determine the most comfortable dress shoes for women, the author of this piece, Forbes Vetted commerce editor Katherine Louie, worked with our senior fashion editor to read hundreds of product reviews and evaluated options from both established and newer-to-market brands. They ultimately chose the most comfortable dress shoes for women by determining which pairs were consistently top-rated by customers, had attractive design elements and received excellent marks for comfort, support and durability. They also considered if the shoes were available in a wide range of sizes, widths, colors and price points. The final products on this list reflect several weeks’ worth of in-depth research.
How Do I Make Women’s Dress Shoes More Comfortable?
A proper fit is key to comfortable dress shoes but sometimes discomfort occurs even with a good-fitting pair. Heel grips can prevent slipping when you walk and invisible socks—we like this super low cut option from Peds—can help absorb sweat and prevent rubbing and blistering in the heel and toes. It’s also helpful to take the time to break in your dress shoes. Try wearing them indoors for a few days before your event, or some people like to soften the leather with a blowdryer before wear to encourage the upper to form to your foot’s unique shape.
What Are The Most Versatile Dress Shoes For Women?
Loafers are a versatile—and comfortable—women’s dress shoe worthy of your investment. They come in a variety of styles, colors and materials and can be easily dressed up or down to work with many outfits. A loafer tends to be lower to the ground than a heel, giving your foot more stability and balance. From chunky styles like Madewell’s Bradley Lugsole Loafer to sleeker versions like Naturalizer’s Kacy Slip-On, a loafer is a comfortable and versatile dress shoe for women.
Is It Better For Dress Shoes To Be Tight Or Loose?
Ideally, a dress shoe should have a comfortable fit without feeling too tight or too loose. If it’s too tight, your toes and foot might feel squeezed into the shoe and irritation and discomfort can occur. Likewise, if your dress shoe fits too loosely, you might slip as you walk, get a blister from constant rubbing or even risk injury by trying to keep your shoes in place. We suggest trying on your dress shoes at the end of the day for the most accurate fit, since feet tend to swell throughout the day.
