THE BIRKENSTOCK GUIDE TO COMFORTABLE HEELS

Many of us have a love/hate relationship with heels. They look effortlessly elegant – but often at the expense of comfort. How many times have you pushed through pinching toes, aching arches and sore soles in the name of fashion?

KEY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN COMFORTABLE HEELS 

Finding comfortable and supportive heels is easy when you know what you’re looking for. Here are the key features to prioritise when shopping for a new pair of heels: 

ARCH SUPPORT  

One of the main reasons why heels can feel uncomfortable is their lack of proper arch support. Without it, your feet aren’t held in their natural alignment, which can lead to aching arches, tired legs and even tension in your lower back.   

Good arch support helps distribute weight evenly across the foot, reducing pressure on the ball of the foot and supporting better posture overall. Look for styles with contoured footbeds or built-in arch support that mirrors the natural shape of your foot. 

CUSHIONING 

Suffering from heel pain or an ache in the ball of your feet? That’s usually down to a lack of cushioning. A cushioned insole acts like a shock absorber for your feet, softening the impact of every step and helping to prevent soreness.  

Foam padding, memory foam and latex inserts are all excellent options. Look for styles with extra padding in pressure zones – especially under the ball and heel – to keep your feet comfortable from morning to night. 

HEEL HEIGHT AND SHAPE 

As a general rule, the higher the heel, the more pressure it puts on the ball of your foot. Lower and mid-height heels (typically under 3 inches) tend to be more comfortable, especially for extended wear.   

And shape matters too – a block heel, wedge or platform base offers better stability and balance than a narrow stiletto. These chunkier styles help reduce strain on your ankles, knees and lower back.

SUPPORTIVE UPPERS 

The upper part of a shoe plays a more significant role in comfort than you might expect. Look for styles with adjustable straps, ankle support or snug but flexible uppers that help hold your foot securely in place without pinching. This helps prevent rubbing and blisters – while offering added stability too. 

SOFT, BREATHABLE MATERIALS 

Many uncomfortable heels are made from stiff or synthetic materials that don’t move with your feet. These materials can cause friction, trap heat and lead to blisters or irritation – especially after a few hours of wear.  

Instead, look for soft, breathable materials like natural leather and suede or skin-friendly textiles and synthetics like linen, microfibre and Birko-Flor®. These materials reduce the risk of rubbing and overheating, plus they offer more flexibility for all-day comfort. 

HOW TO MAKE YOUR FAVOURITE HEELS MORE COMFORTABLE? 

If your favourite pair of heels is causing you pain, but you can’t bear to part with them, here are a few simple tips and tricks to make them more comfortable: 

• Add cushioned insoles – Slip in gel pads or foam insoles to reduce pressure on the balls of your feet. 

• Use heel grips – Stick these inside the back of your heels to stop your feet from slipping out and to cushion against rubbing and blisters. 

• Try arch support inserts – A slim arch insert could improve alignment and help to reduce foot fatigue. 

• Break them in gently – Wear them around the house with thick socks to soften any stiff spots, even if you’ve owned them for ages. 

• Stick to shorter outings – Reserve your less supportive heels for evenings out or events where you’ll be sitting more than standing.

EXPLORE BIRKENSTOCK’S COLLECTION OF COMFORTABLE HEELS 

At BIRKENSTOCK, comfort is at the heart of everything we do. Our Papillio collection features a wide range of platforms and wedges that prove you don’t have to choose between style and support. 

Every pair is built around the original BIRKENSTOCK footbed – carefully crafted to support the natural shape of the foot. From the deep heel cup and heel mould to the contoured arch support and spacious toe box, every element is designed to promote proper alignment, cushion every step, and distribute weight evenly across the foot. Soft, breathable materials are there to help too, reducing friction and keeping you feeling comfortable hour after hour.

Explore the Papillio collection to find your next favourite pair of comfortable and supportive heels.