Because wearing heels on a daily basis takes a toll on your feet, knees, hips, and back over time, we are dedicated to finding stylish dress shoes that must be comfortable while you’re standing at work all day!

Can’t wait to kick off those heels at the end of a long day? Forget shoes that are too narrow for your toes, contort your arches into painful positions, and leave you with sore feet and joints at the end of the day. Dress shoes can be both beautiful and comfortable!

So… what are the best brands for standing on your feet all day at work?

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COLE HAAN

Though their prices tend to run upwards of $100, Cole Haan has a solid reputation for making high-quality, comfortable dress shoes for both men and women. This brand of women’s shoes includes everything from elegant pumps and sporty slip-ons to stylish leather flats with Nike Air cushioning. Unlike most other shoemakers, who seem to let their focus on comfort overshadow any attempt at style, Cole Haan shoes are classy and chic while staying easy on the foot. These are a worthwhile investment.

If you like Cole Haan, you might also like Rockport, Sam Edelman, or Anne Klein.

ANNE KLEIN

I will be the first to admit that I was surprised at how comfortable Anne Klein dress shoes can be, especially the “iFlex” brand, which is created with thinner, softer leather and extra padding. The shoes are more flexible than the stiff leather you normally find in dress shoes, so they don’t rub your feet and leave blisters after a day of wear. What I love the most is that these shoes actually look very classy, high-quality, and fashionable (pointy toes, heels, and all) while staying remarkably comfortable.

If you like Anne Klein, you might also like LifeStride, Aerosoles, or Taryn Rose.

NATURALIZER

Naturalizer has a loyal following because their designs are generally more stylish than most other comfort dress shoe brands. Though they don’t have as much cushioning as some other labels, Naturalizer offers a wider selection of modern, feminine dress shoes that appeals to a larger age bracket. You can find Naturalizers is most malls, department stores, and women’s shoe stores, though every location carries a different selection.

If you like Naturalizer, you might also like Easy Street , Clarks and Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole.

STUART WEITZMAN

One of the best designer brands for most comfortable dress shoes is Stuart Weitzman. The collection includes bold, fashionable heels, flats, loafers, and mules that most designer brands cannot match in comfort. Of course, you’ll also pay a premium for this style and quality, usually upwards of $250, though Amazon often has sales on their comfortable dress shoes for under $100.

If you like Stuart Weitzman, you might also like AGLs, Cole Haan, and Aquatalia.

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BORN

You can tell the difference the minute you slip on Borns that they are a brand completely focused on providing the most comfortable construction. Though the designs are mostly on the casual side, the thick cushioning built into each shoe is incomparable. It’s like having little pillows sewn into the soles. Women who spend a lot of time on their feet will appreciate these comfortable dress shoes. Keep in mind, though, that the high quality construction and cushioning built into each shoe means that Borns tend to be a little bulkier than the average shoe.

If you like Born, you might also like Walking Cradles, Vionic, and Tsubo.

CLARKS

Clarks has been a long-time favorite American brand for the most comfortable women’s shoes. You will probably encounter Clarks at any shoe store, department store, or mall you visit. The selection is huge compared to other comfort shoe brands, and the prices and quality are both reasonable. They won’t be the most comfortable or most durable shoes you own, but given the reasonable pricing, they don’t have to be. They can be a very reliable go-to work shoe that offers style and support. If you find a style you like, make sure you pick it up before they’ve rolled out new styles to replace it.

If you like Clarks, you might also like Naturalizer, Aerosoles, and Indigo by Clarks.

TORY BURCH

These are stylish, comfortable flats with padded insoles that look good with jeans or dresses. When you buy Tory Burch, you are getting expensive, high-quality shoes that look like expensive, high-quality shoes. Every product – from their purses to their shoes – comes with the signature Tory Burch logo, which fellow fans will be able to spot from a mile away. For a luxury designer brand, these shoes are relatively comfortable compared to most. They also make cute heels and boots.

If you like Tory Burch, you might also like AGLs, Stuart Weitzman, and Me Too.

SOFFT

Yes, that is spelled correctly. Sofft shoes are heavily padded, so they tend to be a little thicker than the average shoe, though they do offer some chic designs. This is probably not the right brand for a 20-something woman, but if you prize comfort over all else and still want to wear heels most days, Soffts are worth checking out.

If you like Sofft, you might also like Orthaheel, Vionic, and Walking Cradles.

SOFT STYLE

Not to be confused with Sofft. The difference is that Soft Style brand shoes are less bulky and less cushioned but still pretty comfortable. Most of their styles are mid-level heels (1-2 inch), so you can enjoy the feminine look of a heel without the stress that a 3 inch heel puts on your feet, knees, and back. Soft Style pumps, wedges, slingbacks, and flats also tend to be reasonably priced. While they won’t be the most chic shoes in your closet, they won’t be painful to wear either.

If you like Soft Style, you might also like Taryn Rose, Naturalizer, and Trotters.

AEROSOLES

Everyone who has shopped for comfortable women’s shoes has probably come across this brand due to their retail locations and broad presence in department stores. In my opinion, Aerosoles tend to be hit-or-miss. They are very well-known for reasonably attractive and comfortable dress shoes, but in recent years their designs have slipped a bit. With so much competition from other brands focused on comfort, Aerosoles sometimes struggles to find a good balance between style, comfort, and quality. Still, the company offers enough selection that you will occasionally come across some great finds, and the prices are almost always reasonable.

If you like Aerosoles, you might also like LifeStride, ECCO, and Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole.

LIFESTRIDE

LifeStride shoes remind me of Aerosoles; they sometimes struggle to find a balance between comfort and style, often veering too far to one side of the spectrum. While some of their pumps and heels can look bland and outdated, others will strike you instantly as cute and comfortable. The good news is that this brand churns out new designs fairly frequently, so every time you check back, there will most likely be new comfortable dress shoes available. There have been periods of time when my LifeStrides have been my reliable, go-to shoe for work. LifeStride prices also tend to be very reasonable.

If you like LifeStride, you might also like Soft Style, Cole Haan, and Clarks.

ME TOO

A relative newcomer to the comfortable dress shoe crowd, Me Too targets a younger audience of women. Me Too shoes are cuter and more fashionable than most traditional brands, featuring a wide variety of casual and dress flats that reflect the latest colors and styles at very reasonable prices. Try on a pair and you might be surprised at the level of cushioning. You most often see them on display at department stores like Nordstrom.

If you like Me Too, you might also like Tory Burch, Tieks, and Stuart Weitzman.

GENTLE SOULS BY KENNETH COLE

We love this relatively new brand by Kenneth Cole that re-thinks the comfort level of designer shoes. You’ll find the same quality leather in Gentle Souls as other fashionable brands but with more cushioning and softer materials. The prices are still at the designer level, but what a refreshing find to those of us seeking both comfort and style…. If only other designer brands opened their eyes to this market!

If you like Gentle Souls, you might also like Taryn Rose and Donald J Pliner.

MUNRO

If you go to a specialty walking shoe store, you will probably find Munro pumps, which tend to be wider than most dress shoes and offer solid arch support for your feet. They are not inexpensive, but they do tend to have better designs and quality than other brands with similar foot support. If you have narrow feet or prefer low-profile shoes, these are not for you. But if you want high quality support and a solid heel, you might like these.

If you like Munro, you might also like Aravon, Sofft, and Mephisto.

ECCO

Ecco shoes are most similar to Born in their focus on construction and cushioning. Like Born, Eccos also tend to be slightly bulkier than other brands. The company is actually more well-known for their casual and athletic shoes, but they also make a good selection of comfortable, good-quality heels. Like Aerosoles, they have a broad retail presence so you’re likely to be able to try them on at a mall or a department store.

If you like Ecco, you might also like Walking Cradles, Rockport, and Dr. Scholls.

TARYN ROSE

Another designer brand known for comfort and quality with a large fan following is Taryn Rose . The brand was launched by an orthopedic surgeon, so the shoes are built with high tech cushioning for fit and flexibility. However, these stylish and comfortable dress shoes also cost as much as other designer shoe brands like Stuart Weitzman. If you don’t mind spending a little more to have that level of support in your shoes, these are a great option.

If you like Taryn Rose, you might also like Born, Soft Style, and Cole Haan.

CAPARROS

Caparros are mostly known for dressy evening sandals that are perfect for special occasions and weddings. The prices are reasonable and they have a variety of low and high heels. If you need an affordable, last minute option, consider this brand.

If you like Caparros, you might also like Touch Ups, David Tate, or Rose Petals by Walking Cradles.

TROTTERS

Trotters can’t decide whether they should focus on looks or comfort, so they try to do both and only succeed 50% of the time. Though Trotters makes reasonably priced and relatively comfortable women’s shoes, these will not be your most comfortable shoes or your most stylish shoes. Despite this, I have found some great Trotters heels that were my go-to work heels for a while, and they were relatively inexpensive. So I would still recommend trying on a few pairs in your search for comfortable shoes, and you might find a gem.

If you like Trotters, you might also like Rockport, Anne Klein, or Soft Style.

KENNETH COLE

For some reason, Kenneth Cole brand shoes always seem to be on sale at department stores and online. The original prices are always relatively high designer prices, but these shoes get distributed by so many retailers that there seem to be a lot of discounts that bring the prices down to non-designer prices. So if you see a pair of Kenneth Cole shoes you like, don’t be deterred by the price. Chances are that they’ll go on sale soon, or that they’re already on sale. Keep an eye on the pair you want and keep checking online for a sale.

If you like Kenneth Cole, you might also like Cole Haan, Easy Street, and Aerosoles.

MEPHISTO

Mephisto specializes in making walking shoes for men and women with an extra-cushioned midsole to absorb the shock of each step on your joints. That may sound like this brand is made for your grandmother, but most of the styles are actually appropriate for anyone over 25. If you have narrow feet or like low profile shoes, these aren’t for you. But if you have wider feet and prefer well-cushioned shoes, it’s worth trying on a few pairs.

If you like Mephisto, you might also like Born, Aravon, and Munro.

SAM EDELMAN

I love Sam Edelman flats, though they are admittedly expensive for flats. They are pliable, soft, well cushioned, elegant, and high quality. The best thing about them is that the lining on the edges (the part that touches your heel) is smooth enough all around that it doesn’t rub and irritate your skin anywhere. They are probably my most comfortable flats that are also stylish looking. If you are willing to invest in a pair of go-to flats for work or daily wear, I’d recommend trying a pair of their soft leather flats.

If you like Sam Edelman, you might also like Me Too, Cole Haan, and Stuart Weitzman.

AQUATALIA

When it comes to boots, I have the hardest time finding dressy boots and booties that fit and are actually comfortable. Enter Aquatalia: The most comfortable, work-appropriate brand of boots you will ever find. The catch is that they are quite expensive. Soft, pliable, high-quality Italian leather comes with a steep price tag, but when you try these on, you’ll understand why.

If you like Aquatalia, you might also like AGLs, Tory Burch, and Stuart Weitzman.

MICHAEL KORS

Designer brands will never admit to prioritizing comfort because that is not what they are selling. Michael Kors will never market itself as a comfort brand. However, if you want designer looks, a pointed toe, and medium heel with a little nod to comfort, here’s another brand to consider. You might be pleasantly surprised at the cushioning when you try on their flats too, but they’d like you to keep that a secret.

If you like Michael Kors, you might also like Ralph Lauren or Cole Haan.

TIEKS

Launched to fame by being featured on Oprah’s list of favorites, Tieks are fine Italian leather flats that are very comfortable but also aggressively priced ($175-300). Soft and flexible, they are designed to be folded for easy storage in a small purse and look more casual than dressy. Each pair features Tieks’ signature teal-colored soles…. These are the Louboutins of flats. Sure, they are a comfortable brand, but it will come down to your budget and how casual your office footwear can be.

If you like Tieks, you might also like Me Too, Sam Edelman, and Hush Puppies.

AGL (Attilio Giusti Leombruni)

Speaking of expensive dressy flats, it is impossible to beat the AGL brand for comfort, quality, and sheer style. These gorgeous Italian leather dress shoes look and feel like high-end designer shoes, and they do not disappoint. The leather is like butter and feels gentle on your feet. Nordstrom seems to have a monopoly on these wonderfully comfortable shoes, but they are often on sale for slightly less alarming prices on their website.

If you like AGLs, you might also like Stuart Weitzman, Cole Haan, and Tory Burch.

ROCKPORT

People normally think of Rockport as a comfort-focused men’s brand, but they actually make a wide selection of high-quality dress shoes for women ranging from heels to loafers. If you’ve ever taken a look at how thick the padding is in their men’s shoes, you’ll recognize that they’ve tried to apply the same thick cushioning to their women’s line. They don’t have the widest selection available, but their classic pumps would be a solid addition to your work collection.

If you like Rockport, you might also like Trotters, Clarks, and Naturalizer.

CROCS

People are often quick to dismiss most Crocs right away, but the brand has expanded far beyond the original ugly, clunky, hole-filled shoes. Despite how ugly that Crocs trend was, no one can deny that they were comfortable! And Crocs has now taken that comfortable, rubbery, waterproof footbed and put it into decent looking flats, wedges, and Mary Janes that you can actually wear to work (without anyone knowing you are wearing Crocs). If you are serious about comfortable flats, and especially if you have wider feet, give Crocs another chance.

If you like Crocs, you might also like Skechers.

MERRELL

I would not describe Merrell as stylish or formal women’s dress shoes, but they are practical, comfortable, and well-made. Their shoes range from hiking boots to athletic shoes to casual flats and pumps, which can be worn in many workplaces. This is a great brand for those with wider feet as well. If you have some leeway in the office and can get away with more casual shoes, Merrells could be a good option for you.

If you like Merrell, you might also like OTBT or Teva.

SKECHERS

For those who can get away with a more casual-looking shoe at work, Skechers has expanded their brand beyond athletic shoes to casual walking shoes and dress shoes that are made of the same soft and comfy footbed as their sneakers. Imagine being able to wear your comfortable tennis shoes to work without the look of tennis shoes! Many of the shoes have memory foam insoles or yoga mat insoles that provide especially soft cushioning for your feet.

If you like Skechers, you might also like Merrell, OTBT, or Teva.

DANSKO

These sturdy but mostly comfortable dress shoes are worn by most medical professionals, who tend to to be on their feet all day. If you visit any hospital, you will likely see most of the doctors and nurses sporting Danskos in a variety of colors and designs. The clogs and mary janes, known for their foot support, are especially popular within the brand and are known to last for years.

If you like Dansko, you might also like Alegria.

WALKING CRADLES

If you have bunions or a hard time finding a toe box that is wide enough for your feet, try on a pair of Walking Cradles. The brand is known for making heels, sandals, and flats of varying widths. It’s often hard to find wider shoes that are still stylish, but about half of the Walking Cradles collection is cute, lean enough to look feminine, and not too chunky. They even have pointed toe high heels that are more roomy than most.

If you like Walking Cradles, you might also like Soft Style, Taryn Rose, or Born.

EASY STREET

Sometimes you need shoes to match a dress on short notice. If you are in a hurry to find reasonably priced heels to match your dress for a party or a wedding this weekend, Easy Street is a good place to start because they won’t break the bank, especially if you only intend to wear these shoes once or twice with a specific outfit. The Easy Street brand is lesser known but in the same category as Naturalizer, Clarks, and Easy Spirit. They won’t be your highest quality shoes but you also won’t spend a lot on them.

If you like Easy Street, you might also like Naturalizer and Clarks.

SABRINAS

Sabrinas is a comfort brand from Spain known for its colorful European style, lightweight designs, and impressive cushioning. We like their flats, wedges, and Mary Janes, which range from more casual in style to business casual.  The clunky heels are not our favorites but they are probably meant for comfort for than looks. Sabrinas are not business formal dress shoes, but if you can get away with a less formal shoe at the office, you can walk around comfortably in these all day.

If you like Sabrinas, you might also like Vionic and Hush Puppies.

OTBT

We had never heard of ankle shooties until we came across OTBT, a comfort brand for world travelers and adventuring nomads that’s short for Off The Beaten Track. Ankle shooties appear to be ankle booties that are more of a shoe than a bootie. OTBT makes well-padded and often thick-soled casual shoes and sandals for walking, but they also make some unique pumps and wedges that you could get away with in a more casual working environment. If you want to stand out and wear interesting shoes that no one else has, look here.

If you like OTBT, you might also like Baretraps.

VIONIC

You would never guess that this is one of those brands developed by a podiatrist featuring Orthaheel technology. Vionic describes its shoes as “sassy and supportive,” and we would have to agree. The brand has become much more stylish while still prioritizing comfort and arch support. If you need orthotics and hate wearing grandma shoes, this might be the closest you can get to stylish design.

If you like Vionic, you might also like Taryn Rose.