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21 of the Most Comfortable Dress Shoes You Might Not Ever Wanna Take Off

Last one on the dance floor? You betcha.

By Maggie Griswold and Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
street style paris fashion week womenswear fall winter 2023 2024 day sixpinterest icon
Raimonda Kulikauskiene//Getty Images

Fancy restaurants, dressy events, formal business meetings—they all typically have a dress code (whether spoken or unspoken) that you're expected to follow. And while what type of clothes you actually wear to these occasions can vary, there's one thing every single outfit requires: a pair of dress shoes. Of course, if you've ever attempted to wear sky-high heels or brand-new flats to an event, you probably dread putting on a formal shoe any time it's necessary. They can be super uncomfortable, people! Alas, they're a bit unavoidable—which means you need a few go-to pairs in your wardrobe that won't have you taking 'em off after 30 minutes.

Enter: the most comfortable shoes for fancy events on le internet. No matter if you love a lil extra height or prefer a flat shoe, there are plenty of actually-comfy formal shoes out there. (Trust!) With these beauts, you can hit the dance floor all night, present a long business pitch with ease, or flit around like the social butterfly you are—all without wincing in pain. Ahead, the shoes you absolutely need for all of life's most formal settings!

Our top picks for the most comfortable dress shoes for women in 2023:

  • Noto Gold Heel

    these gold wonders

    Noto Gold Heel

    $240 at maguireshoes.com
    Read more
  • Shekudo Simone Rope Mule (Green)

    these gorge green ones

    Shekudo Shekudo Simone Rope Mule (Green)

    Read more
  • Andre Assous Coelest Espadrille Heel

    these slip-on espadrilles

    Andre Assous Andre Assous Coelest Espadrille Heel

    Read more
  • Farm Rio Marsala Monstera Mid heel Sandal

    these metallic stunners

    Farm Rio Farm Rio Marsala Monstera Mid heel Sandal

    Read more
  • Never Fully Dressed Raffia Buckle Mule Heel Court Shoes

    this crystal-embellished pair

    Never Fully Dressed Never Fully Dressed Raffia Buckle Mule Heel Court Shoes

    Read more

Speaking of comfort, you need these ballet flats in your life, too. No matter what you're looking for, all of our picks are seriously ca-ute. Worn with anything from formal gowns to power suits, you can't go wrong with these 21 pairs. I've got your back (er, feet), babe.

these gold wonders

Noto Gold Heel

Noto Gold Heel
these gold wonders

Noto Gold Heel

$240 at maguireshoes.com

These cuties are unbelievably comfortable and soft. Apparently, they are also the best heels to dance the night away! Reviewers rave about how this pair is perf for birthdays, weddings, and every momentous occasion.

Details:

Material: Upper: 100% leather Lining: 100% leather Outsole: Synthetic
Color: Gold
these gorge green ones

Shekudo Shekudo Simone Rope Mule (Green)

Shekudo Simone Rope Mule (Green)
these gorge green ones

Shekudo Shekudo Simone Rope Mule (Green)

They'll be green with envy when they see you in these mules!

Details:

Material:Upper:100% Cotton Aso Oke Insole and lining:100% Genuine remnant Leather
Heel Height:4 inches
Color:Green
these slip-on espadrilles

Andre Assous Andre Assous Coelest Espadrille Heel

Andre Assous Coelest Espadrille Heel
these slip-on espadrilles

Andre Assous Andre Assous Coelest Espadrille Heel

It'll be sweaty feet no more with the breathable leather lining on these espadrille heels. Plus, there's a cushioned footbed!

Details:

Material:Sole – Leather Heel – Raffia Footbed – Leather Lining – Leather Upper – Leather
Heel Height:2 inches
Color:Cream
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these metallic stunners

Farm Rio Farm Rio Marsala Monstera Mid heel Sandal

Farm Rio Marsala Monstera Mid heel Sandal
these metallic stunners

Farm Rio Farm Rio Marsala Monstera Mid heel Sandal

How fun are these metallic, mid-heel sandals?! Named after the Monstera plant (my fave), this pair has lil leafy motifs across the strap.

Details:

Material:N/A
Heel Height:N/A
Color:Metallic Rust
this crystal-embellished pair

Never Fully Dressed Never Fully Dressed Raffia Buckle Mule Heel Court Shoes

Never Fully Dressed Raffia Buckle Mule Heel Court Shoes
this crystal-embellished pair

Never Fully Dressed Never Fully Dressed Raffia Buckle Mule Heel Court Shoes

Bedazzled goodness and the color pink?! These pointed-toe pumps made of raffia are a dream!

Details:

Material:Upper: 40% Raffia, 60% Leather, Lining/Insock: 100% PU leather, Resin sole
Heel Height:About 2 inches
Color:Beige
this perfect pair

Vionic Shoes Vionic Shoes Brookell Heeled Sandal

Vionic Shoes Brookell Heeled Sandal
this perfect pair

Vionic Shoes Vionic Shoes Brookell Heeled Sandal

Now 23% Off

Rave Review: "The moment I tried these on I knew they were a winner so I immediately bought 2 pairs —black leather and cognac suede. I rarely wear heels any more (ok mostly never) but I’m starting a new job and it felt like the right time to up my wardrobe a little. I am very happy I found these! They are so cute and SO comfortable! The arch support is 10/10! Love them!"

Color:Cream Leather, Black,Gold Leather, Macaron Suede, Black Suede
Heel Height:3.25 Inches
Material:Leather, Suede
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these beaded platforms

Farm Rio Farm Rio Beige Beaded Heel Platform Sandal

Farm Rio Beige Beaded Heel Platform Sandal
these beaded platforms

Farm Rio Farm Rio Beige Beaded Heel Platform Sandal

Oh hello, sandals I am most definitely eying for my next vacay!

Details:

Material:N/A
Colors:Beige
Heel Height:N/A
these strappy stilettos

Aldo Docilla Strappy Heeled Sandal

Aldo Docilla Strappy Heeled Sandal
these strappy stilettos

Aldo Docilla Strappy Heeled Sandal

Now 39% Off

Don't judge a book shoe by its cover—this flirty stiletto is a part of Aldo's "Pillow Walk" collection, which has a whole bunch of killer shoes that feature plush foam and padded insoles, so your feet feel cushiony goodness at all times.

Details:

Material:Upper: Synthetic, Main: Snake Skin, Sole: Rubber
Heel Height:4.25 inches
Color: Snake skin
these colorful mules

Arch NYC Moscow Mule -

Arch NYC Moscow Mule -
these colorful mules

Arch NYC Moscow Mule -

For shutting down the dance floor, you can't go wrong with these funky, fuzzy mules.

Details:

Material:Faux Pony Hair
Size:6-11
Heel Height: 3.5 inches
Color:Pink, Orange, Green
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These sky-high stunners

ASOS DESIGN Peaked platform Jacquard high heeled shoes

ASOS DESIGN Peaked platform Jacquard high heeled shoes
These sky-high stunners

ASOS DESIGN Peaked platform Jacquard high heeled shoes

Call me crazy, but when I think comfort, I think platform heels. Apparently I'm onto something because all of the reviews rave that these dancefloor-approved stunners are super comfy and secure!

these luxe pumps

Brother Vellies Olivia Pump

Brother Vellies Olivia Pump
these luxe pumps

Brother Vellies Olivia Pump

If you have a job that keeps you on your feet, then these strappy pumps with a delicate chain detail will do you good. The selling point for me, though, is def that embossed leather!

Details:

Material:Embossed Leather
Heel Height:4 inches
Color:Stone
Size:6-11
These Suede Pumps

Dream Pairs Annee Blush Suede Low Heel Pump Shoes

Dream Pairs Annee Blush Suede Low Heel Pump Shoes
These Suede Pumps

Dream Pairs Annee Blush Suede Low Heel Pump Shoes

Talk about a truly ringing endorsement: just peep the reviews section for these popular pumps. "I walked 8.3 miles in these heels and have no regrets," says one reviewer. If these beauts can handle that, they can definitely handle a party or two.

Details:

Material:Suede
Heel Height2.25 inches
Size:5-11
ColorNude & Many Others
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If you look up comfortable heels in the dictionary (or at least on Amazon), you'll find these cuties. With over 15,000 reviews, this best seller is ready to make its way into your closet, STAT.

Details:

Material:100% Synthetic
Color:Champagne, Black
Heel Height4 inches
Sizes:5-11
These Minimalist Beauts

Everlane The Day Glove

Everlane The Day Glove
These Minimalist Beauts

Everlane The Day Glove

Now 52% Off

Looking for a more formal everyday shoe? Try these Italian leather flats on for size. "These shoes are SO comfortable and really fit well," one reviewer claims. "This is the fourth pair I’ve purchased in four colors."

Details:

Material:100% Italian Leather
Size5-11
ColorCream, Tan, Black, Caramel, Toasted Almond, Lilac
These Pointy Flats

Sarah Flint Natalie Shoe

Sarah Flint Natalie Shoe
These Pointy Flats

Sarah Flint Natalie Shoe

If you're not into heels, try a pair of formal flats that won't pinch or rub. "As a nurse, I’m on my feet ALL day, so when I’m not working, I want to wear comfortable (but cute and high quality) shoes," one reviewer notes. "The Natalie exceeds expectations! So comfortable and so chic." Plus, they come in a wide array of versatile neutrals, playful prints, and pretty metallics.

Details:

Material:Vegetable-Tanned Calf Leather Upper, Leather Lining & Insole,
Color:Lots of prints
Size:4-13
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These Party-Ready Heels

Ma'am Ruth in Cognac Croc

Ma'am Ruth in Cognac Croc
These Party-Ready Heels

Ma'am Ruth in Cognac Croc

Introducing: your perfect party shoe. "These are winners. I can’t believe I wore them from getting ready until the last guest left," one (very happy) reviewer wrote. Did I mention they come in five gorg colors?

Details:

Material:Embossed Leather
Color:Cognac Croc, Sky, Terracotta, Midnight, Lollipop Red
Size: 4.5-11
Heel Height:2 inches
These Classic Loafers

Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafer

Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafer
These Classic Loafers

Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafer

Loafers can be hit or miss when it comes to comfort, but according to reviews, these ones are total winners. "Absolutely the most comfortable loafers I’ve ever had the pleasure of putting on my feet," according to one review. "Doesn’t need any breaking in. I usually have to break in loafers...but these felt like they was custom-made for me."

Details:

MaterialLeather, Velvet, or Fabric
Size:5-14
Heel Height:.5 Inches
Color:A LOT
These Block Heels

Margaux The Heel

Margaux The Heel
These Block Heels

Margaux The Heel

JSYK, these heels mold to your feet as you wear them—meaning they get more comfortable with each step. They have plush foam padding, too, which is simply the cherry on top.

Details:

Material:Italian suede upper and leather lining
Size:3-14
Heel Height:2.5-inch
Color: SO MANY!
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This Versatile Pair

Birdies The Blackbird

Birdies The Blackbird
This Versatile Pair

Birdies The Blackbird

A mix between a flat and a loafer, these shoes ooze elegance. They're easy to dress up or down, and won't have you crying at the end of the night. Reviewers love how versatile and comfortable they are, so don't be surprised if you go back for another pair or two.

Details:

Material:Luxe calf hair, rubber sole
Size: 5-12
Color: Black, Camo, Cheetah Tassel
This Unexpected Option

ZOUXOUSHOES Trini Loafer

ZOUXOUSHOES Trini Loafer
This Unexpected Option

ZOUXOUSHOES Trini Loafer

Just a reminder that, yes, loafers can work as formal shoes. It's all in how you style them! Wear these luxurious cuties with a formal suit, or try 'em with sheer socks and a cocktail dress.

Details:

Material:Black Vegetable-Tanned Leather, Patent
Size:35EU-42EU
Color:Black
Headshot of Maggie Griswold
Maggie Griswold
Contributing Fashion Editor

Maggie Griswold (she/her) is a contributing fashion editor for Cosmopolitan and freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles, covering everything from the latest wardrobe must-haves to interior design trends. Along with Cosmopolitan, you can find her work on Oprah Daily, StyleCaster, Women's Health, and House Digest, among others. She's a big (read: ridiculously huge) fan of the '90s sitcom Frasier, all things Shakespeare, and a good romance-filled YA novel. Follow her on Instagram

Headshot of Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
Fashion Editor

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn

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