We’ve all experienced that moment in the night when your soles just can’t take it any more. You’re either someone who kicks off their heels and happily dances in stockinged feet, risks be damned, or someone who wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing, and instead calls it a night.
Perhaps it’s an age thing, perhaps it’s a post-pandemic thing, but I’ve noticed fewer and fewer women are prepared to suffer for style – even at a party. For footwear brands, comfort has become a make or break design element that can significantly impact their bottom line. An uncomfortable pair of heels will be worn a handful of times, before being relegated to the back of the wardrobe to gather dust. A comfortable pair will be worn to death, and may even be acquired in multiple colourways.
Nobody is as wise to this as Lisa Kay, the founder of Sole Bliss, which specialises in shoes for those with bunions or wide feet. Kay spent five years working with podiatrists and artisans to develop the “specialist comfort technology” built into all of her brand’s shoes.
“Every pair features three layers of underfoot cushioning for shock absorption, custom support and pillowy softness,” she says. “A wide toe-box gives the front of your feet plenty of space to relax. And our ‘Bunion Bed’ is a hidden stretch panel which cushions, comforts and conceals any difficult joints.”
Need height? No problem. Helen Mirren and Julia Roberts wear Sole Bliss platforms on the red carpet. “Our ‘Ruby’ has a stable block heel whilst the platform sole elevates the front of your foot, which reduces the pitch and means your feet sit at a much less severe angle,” Kay explains. “It allows you to achieve towering height whilst tricking your feet into thinking you’re wearing much lower heels.”
Not that high high heels are a requirement for a party look. Mid-heels are all over the catwalks and look very elegant, as my colleague Sarah Bailey attests below. And then there’s the allure of the fancy flat – whether they’re trimmed with an oversized bow or studded with crystals they still have a certain nonchalance about them. Or perhaps you prefer the support and warmth of a party boot?
So, pick your player – and there’s no wrong answer, because every single shoe on this page is both comfortable and fashion desk-approved.
– Tamara Abraham
The platforms
Platforms provide the elegance and leg-lengthening benefit of heels without the discomfort. For inspiration, look to 80-year-old Helen Mirren, who is known for her love of sky-high platform heels. London-based Esska is another name to know if you’re in search of a pair you can realistically wear all night without longing to switch to flats. There are also plenty of pretty, party-ready velvet and metallic options out there on the high street at the moment, so there’s no need to sacrifice comfort for style this year.
– Jessica Burrell
The party boots
If, like me, you get cold feet in the winter, and think blue skin looks a bit bleak at a party, then jazzy boots are the cover-all solution. You could do fully metallic legs in a bronze knee high from River Island (wear with black jeans and a black cashmere knit), or keep it to twinkle toes-only in Aeyde if you’re wearing a more outré ensemble. You can even wear cosy (or glittery) socks beneath.
– Caroline Leaper
The mid-heels
I adore a mid-heel shoe and find them a lot more comfortable to wear than a dead flat pair (easier on the lower back). And as much as I love the look of a pointy kitten heel, they can be deadly on the toes if you want to dance the night away. Mary Janes are a great alternative – a pair with multiple straps always looks decorative. If you typically feel the strain of a night out in the balls of your feet, look for brands with extra cushioning in the sole (like M&S’s Insolia). French brand Sézane has some of the chic-est mid-heels around, happily for their many fans they tend to repeat hit styles and add new colourways every season. One purse-friendly party footwear hack of mine is to buy dancing shoes from traditional dance shoe outlets (like Block and Freed). I jazz them up with sparkly socks (of course).
– Sarah Bailey
The flats
There’s no shame in wearing a flat shoe to a party these days. In fact, it has the potential to be the chicest option. Make sure they look suitably dressy though: patent, velvet and satin all look the business. Bows and sparkles also work well on party flats – I love Loeffler Randall’s oversized adornments, and Dear Frances’s crystal-studded mesh ballerinas.
– Tamara Abraham