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Are comfy heels a paradox? While flats have taken over the spotlight for many years now, there are some moments when you just need a killer heel. If your travels call for some heels, here are 18 practical styles to choose from!

Comfy Heels for Travel

Written By: Niki Landry

Most women have a love/hate relationship with high heeled shoes. These shoes are feminine, fashionable, and can make an outfit, but they can be painful especially if you’re not accustomed to wearing them.

Typically, heels are the last thing many of us would bring on a trip, but they do have their place. Trips to resorts, weddings, special events, and business trips all make a case for packing a pair of pumps. Also, some women prefer wearing heels over flat shoes – not everyone finds them uncomfortable.

To give the best shoe options for every type of traveler, below is a roundup of the most practical, comfy heels for travel:

Kitten

Ankle Wrap Pump | Leisa Leather Sandals | Glitz Sandal

Kitten heels are the original sensible heel, but they don’t have to feel dated or matronly. There are a few styles that are a nice addition to your travel wardrobe.

You can opt for a simplified silhouette like the nude version above, or choose an updated d’orsay pump with an ankle wrap. An ankle strap on any heel height will always be easier to walk in than one without, because it keeps the shoe in place and secure.

For the girl who wants comfort with a little height, kitten heels offer the best of both worlds.

Add one of these secret heel insoles for some added comfort!

Block

Irenee Heeled Sandal | Ellie Pump | Andrea Suede Pump

The block heel is having a moment right now, and it’s exciting for feet because they are super comfy and can be found everywhere! That means the price points are varied and they’re available in every color and style.

This is my personal favorite for travel because the wide heel ensures that they don’t get caught in uneven sidewalks. They’re easier on your feet because the solid base gives your feet more support for longer days of walking.

Read these tips about walking in heels on cobblestone streets!

Stacked

Hixon Bootie | Larise Bootie | Brynlee Leather Sandal

Similar in shape and style to the block heel, stacked heels are more casual. The stacked wood construction of the heel is often tapered. It makes for a solid base, which makes the shoes easy to walk in and more comfortable than a stiletto of a similar height.

Stacked heels are used frequently on booties and pair well with suede uppers. These are a perfect pairing for jeans and a casual button-down shirt when on the road.

Ankle booties are the perfect travel shoe for spring and autumn travels. Find out why!

Wedge

Baja Nubuck-Snake Wedge | Margie Velvet Wedge | Impo Jailene Wedge

The wedge has taken a backseat this year in terms of popularity, but it’s still a comfy heel for travel. The lower the wedge, the easier it is to wear, obviously, but even higher heights are manageable due to the support of your arch.

For added comfort and height, look for a style with the wedge continuing under the footbed, similar to a platform shoe.

I always equate a wedge shoe to summer time and beach travel, but the styles above are nice options for more urban destinations.

Find out the most comfortable wedge shoes for travel!

Platform

Gelabelle Dress Pump | Emmanuela Heeled Bootie | Ceecee Almond Booties

I typically don’t recommend very high heels for travel, but if sky-high shoes are your preference, then platforms are an option to make them a little more wearable.

If the look of platform shoes isn’t your style, sometimes you can find options with concealed platforms inside the shoe. 

This is the most versatile color for high heeled shoes!

Flatform

Hipsta Wedge Sandal | Sabbie Platform Sandal | Fabella Wedge Sandal

Sister to the wedge heel, flatforms give you height without the heel. A solid platform along the footbed is a comfortable and fashionable alternative to heels.

They can often be a bit stiff due to the solid bottom, but will usually soften up with wear. Flatforms are also much more comfy with a strap or enclosed upper to secure the shoe to your foot.

Check out our roundup of the most cute and comfortable walking sandals that don’t sacrifice style!

What are your tips on choosing heels for travel? Share in the comments!

For more tips on travel shoes, please read:

• 10 Steps to Packing the Best Travel Shoes for Any Trip
• Waterproof Boots for Cold Weather Travel
• The Most Comfortable Ballet Flats for Travel
• What are the Most Comfortable Travel Shoes for Older Women?

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Author Bio: Niki is an interior designer and artist from Louisiana. In addition to her design work, she writes for local and online publications sharing her experiences and passion for travel. Niki is currently adding stamps to her passport while building her design practice, Niki Landry Designs.