There’s a certain excitement that comes with dressing up for work or special occasions — but for many women, it’s often counteracted by the dread of squeezing into too-tight pumps or those beautiful but stiff leather loafers that always leave behind blisters.
Truth of the matter is, dress shoes have earned a reputation for being uncomfortable.
Beyond temporary soreness and abrasions, wearing ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes can negatively impact not only the health of your feet but also that of your entire body. According to a report from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), high heels place the foot at an angle and often throw the joints and muscles there out of alignment. This leads to poor posture, which in turn can result in pain in the lower back, neck and shoulders. What’s more, sporting styles with too-tight toe boxes can cause you to develop painful and unsightly bunions.
Nowadays, however, dress shoes are more wearable than ever — and not only when it comes to offerings from traditional comfort brands. A range of on-trend, affordably priced labels like Everlane and Birdies to designers like Sarah Flint offer chic styles you can actually wear for hours without hobbling around in pain. These looks offer perks like hidden cushioning, soft, chafe-reducing linings and expanded toe boxes.