How to make heels more comfortable: the ultimate guide

Updated August 2026

Written by Lili, Founder & Footwear Designer at Luminous Assembly

Designing women's heels since 2020, heel lover, wearer of heels, every heel is put to the test for comfort by me before they are sold on our website. 

 

Love heels but hate the moment your feet start begging you to take them off?

You're definitely not alone. Most of us have a love-hate relationship with heels.

They make us feel fabulous, pretty, sexy, but they can be so uncomfortable. 

The good news is that comfortable heels aren't just about choosing the lowest heel you can find. Heel height, pitch, stability, fit, cushioning, straps and the materials used inside the shoe can all make a huge difference to how your heels feel after one hour. 

At Luminous Assembly, we've spent years designing heels around one idea: you shouldn't have to choose between looking and feeling amazing, and actually being able to walk in heels. 

Yes we know that there are flats and sneakers out there that are cute and mega comfortable, but nothing compares to the way high heels make you look and feel.  

So whether you're looking for heels for a wedding, work, date night, or an event where you'll be standing for hours, here are our favourite ways to make heels more comfortable.   

The quick answer: what makes heels more comfortable?

Look for:

• a heel height you can comfortably manage
• a stable heel base
• a platform if you're choosing a higher heel
• cushioned footbed
• arch support
• straps that hold your foot securely
• soft premium leathers 
• the correct size and fit
• enough room through the toe area
• a shoe that suits how long you'll actually be wearing it

Now let's get into the details. 

1. Choose the right heel height for how long you'll be wearing them

Heel height matters. Typically, you'll find three types of heel height: high heels (over 9cm), mid heels (6.5cm-8.5cm) and low heels (normally between 3-6cms). 

Common sense would probably tell you that low heels would be the most comfortable. 

But the "best" height depends on what you are used to wear and also what you are doing when wearing them. 

As a general guide: 

• Low heel: long days, lots of standing, heel beginners
• Mid heel: work, weddings, dinners and longer events
• High heel: dressier occasions and shorter periods of wear

For many women, a mid heel is the sweet spot: it's high enough to give you that extra length and fierceness but not too high that will make you feel ache by the end of the day.

If you want that balance, styles like our Alba Mid Heel Mules, our Lisa Sandals, or Ella Mid Heel pumps sit in this mid-height category. 

What heel height is most comfortable?

There isn't one perfect height for everyone. Foot specialists generally recommend lower heels because increasing heel height shifts more pressure towards the forefoot. But ultimately it is up to what you are used to too.

2. If you love high heels, look for a platform

High heels can make you feel sassy and fabulous, and they dress up literally any type of clothes that you are wearing and make you look better. Yes I said it, high heels make you feel and look better 😛 

Choose one that has a platform so that it offsets the heel height.  

A platform underneath the front of the foot reduces the effective pitch between your heel and the ball of your foot. That means you can get the visual height of a high heel without your foot sitting at quite as steep an angle. 

Platforms are commonly recommended as one way of making high heels easier to wear because they reduce that pitch. 

A great example is our Maya High Heel Pumps. They have an 11cm heel with a hidden 2.5cm internal platform, giving you the height (and look) you want with a less extreme effective pitch.  

3. Choose a stable heel: especially if you'll be standing or walking 

A slim stiletto and a block heel can be exactly the same height but feel very different to walk in. 

A wider heel base generally gives you more stability, which can make block heels easier to wear when you're walking, standing for longer periods or navigating uneven surfaces. 

For weddings, long lunches, date nights, events or when you have to walk a lot from place A to place B, a block heel like our Alba Mules can be very practical without sacrificing the dressed-up look. 

4. Look for heels that hold your foot securely

There is nothing worse than wearing a pair of heels that are slipping off. This is one of the major annoyances why heels can be uncomfortable.   

When your foot is sliding forward or lifting out of the foot with every step, your foot has to work harder to keep the shoe in place. 

Look for:

• ankle straps
• mary-jane style straps
• adjustable straps

Footwear experts also point to secure straps as a feature that can help hold the foot in place making it more comfortable to wear. 

This is why our comfortable heels range have straps. Like our Maya High Heel Pumps or Ella Mid Heel Pumps  both come with an ankle strap (which you can actually choose to take off if you want but we recommend keeping it.

Our Alba Mid Heel Mules and Lulu Mid Heel Sandals have adjustable straps to not only keep your foot secure but also customise the fit. 

5. Cushioning matters: especially under the ball of your foot

Heels naturally shift more load towards the front of the foot, which is why the ball of the foot is often the first place women start to feel discomfort.

This is exactly why we've built all our heels with our Lumisoft memory foam insoles. The cushioned footbed runs through the whole foot and are designed to make the shoe feel softer and more supportive underfoot. 

If you are comparing heels online don't just look at heel height but also check inside the shoe.

What should I look for in comfortable heels?

Cushioned footbed + arch support + leather soft lining + stable heel + secure fit. 

6. Choose soft material where the shoe touches your foot

PU leather shoes (PU = polyurethane) or other synthetic materials heels are cheaper for a reason. Whilst some of these materials are designed to mimic real leather, they don't feel the same and they most certainly not last the same. 

Stiff synthetic materials rubbing against your toes or heel can turn a beautiful shoe into something you can't even walk in. 

Look for soft premium leather linings and leather materials that can gently mould to your foot over time. Our Luminous Assembly heels use leather uppers and lining for this reason. 

7. Make sure you're wearing the correct size

We all have very different feet and fit! There are narrow feet, wide feet, high arch, low arch, flat feet, and the list goes on.  

A heel that's too small can compress your toes. A heel that's too large can allow the foot to slide forwards and the heel to lift out of the shoe.

Neither is comfortable.

When buying heels online:

• check the brand's size guide
• read the fit notes for that individual style
• make sure they accept exchanges if the fit isn't right

It is recommended to find a pair of heels that are secure, snug fit without heel slippage. 

You can have a look at our size chart to see the general size conversions from EU shoes to AU shoes and so on. Each of our product has it's own style fit notes within the product pages. 

8. Break new heels in before a big event 

Imagine this. You bought the cutest heels. You love them. You have a special night out and you can’t wait to wear your new heels out. Don’t. Please break them in first. 

Wear your new heels at home for short periods before taking them to a wedding, work event or big night out. Start with 15-30 minutes (watch TV, cook dinner wearing them) and gradually increase the time as you get used to the shoe.

This lets you:

• check for rubbing (hot spots)
• adjust straps
• identify any pressure points
• get used to the heel height
• make sure the fit is right
• and most importantly: leather softens and moulds to your feet better with time/with more wear. 

 9. Use inserts strategically

There are a multitude of inserts in the market including some that are specific for heels.  

Generally speaking, you will find gel or foam inserts.  

If you already own heels that could use some extra help, you can find:

• Forefoot/metatarsal pads: adds cushioning underneath the ball of the foot
• Heel grips: Can reduce movement if you're getting minor heel slippage.
• Slim insoles: Can add cushioning throughout the footbed.

We have a comfort kit that includes a pair of heel cushions to create a snugger fit if your shoes are slightly long and also some toe protectors that help prevent pinching and rubbing on hot spots.

10. Prevent rubbing before it becomes a blister

How do you stop heels rubbing and causing blisters?

Moleskin, blister patches or puspoe-made shoe tape can help protect areas where you know a shoe tends to rub.  

My top pick is moleskin tape, you can buy  in most pharmacies. They usually come in rolls and you can basically cut it to any size and put it on your foot where there might be uncomfortable friction hurting you.  

The trick is to deal the friction before you've developed the blister not halway through the evening. 

11. Match your heel to the occassion

Comfortable heels are also about choosing the right heel for the occassion

• Wedding or event: Mid heel like our Lisa Sandals or stable block heel. 
• Work to dinner: Mid heels with cushioning and secure fit ankle strap like our Ella Mid Heel Pumps 
• Cocktail/gala: You can wear a higher heel like our Maya Pumps (if you are used to high heels) or a block heel like Alba Mules
• Outdoor or garden event: Consider a mid heel block heel like Alba or our Luna Boots. 
• Lond days with lots of walking: Lower heel like our Elly Slide-In or our Thea Sandals. 
  

12. What actually makes a comfortable heel?

At Luminous Assembly, comfort isn't an afterthought. It is considered from first sketch, through to samples, and to the final shoes we sell. 

Depending on the style you like, you'll find features including:

• Lumisoft memory foam insoles
• Built-in arch support
• Soft leather uppers and lining
• Stable heel constructions
• Adjustable or secure straps
• Platforms on selected higher heel styles
• Thoughtful heel pitch heights. 

We still believe that a heel should look like a heel. We are not trying to sell sneakers that look like a heel. We design heels that feel as good as they look. 

Shop comfortable leather heels. 

Frequently asked questions about comfortable heels

What heel height is the most comfortable?

For longer periods of wear, lower or mid heels will generally be easier to manage than very high heels. But heel stability, pitch, cushioning, fit, also make a big difference (plus the heel height you are normally accostumed to). 

Are block heels more comfortable than stilettos?

A block heel provides a wider base, so many people find it more stable and easier to walk or stand in for longer periods. Our heels either have block heels or wider than normal stilettos (even the "stilettos" that we have are actually wider than your typical heel to provide with that extra stability when walking).

Are platform heels more comfortable?

A platform can reduce the effective pitch of a high heel by raising hte front of the foot which can make some high heels easier to wear. 

Why do the balls of my feet hurt in heels?

Higher heels shift more pressure towards the forefoot.  The more time you spend in that position the more pressure your foot will feel. Find the right heel elevation for you and look for good cushioning in the footbed.

How can I wear heels for longer?

Start with the correct size and heel height, choose a stable and cushioned shoe, break new heels in gradually and make sure your foot is held securely in the shoe. Having moleskin tape in your handbag can be handy if you have a hotspot. 

What are the easiest heels to walk in?

Many people find low-to-mid heels easier to walk in. Women rave about our how much they love our Alba Mules. We have women that said they thought they could never wear heels again until they found us, and women that have left a review saying they even feel better than sneakers!