We put them on happily in the morning and curse them by lunchtime. High heels may be elegant, but they rarely suit a whole day on your feet. The good news: there are now plenty of alternatives that keep the look without the torture.
In short
- High heels shift body weight onto the forefoot.
- A vegan suede clog or a strappy sandal works at the office and the restaurant.
- A slight platform adds height without throwing you off balance.
- Save heels for short occasions, and pack a spare pair.
Why do heels hurt?
The higher the heel, the more body weight tips onto the front of the foot. Toes are squeezed into an often narrow toe box, the arch works constantly and balance becomes more precarious. The result: pain under the forefoot, blisters and tired calves by the end of the day. If pain persists, a podiatrist can advise you.
Alternatives that stay elegant
The vegan suede clog
A clean-lined clog in a peach-skin vegan suede goes as well with tailored trousers as with a midi skirt. Our Sienna clog in black or taupe looks polished, with a cushioned footbed and a well-cupped heel as a bonus.
The strappy sandal
In summer, a two-strap sandal with an anatomical footbed is far more comfortable than a thin-heeled sandal, and just as pretty with a dress. That's the case with our Ravello sandal.
The platform bootie
In winter, a short bootie with a slight platform sole adds a few centimetres without shifting weight onto the front of the foot. The Cortina bootie slips under wide trousers or straight jeans.
How to stay chic without heels?
- Play with cuts: high-waisted trousers and an ankle-length hem lengthen the silhouette.
- Focus on fabrics: vegan suede, satin and fine wool look dressy.
- Choose understated colours: black, taupe and camel always look polished.
- Dare a bold detail: a leopard print on the shoe is enough to lift a simple outfit. See how to wear leopard print.
If you love your heels
Keep them for short events, choose wide heels rather than thin ones and slip a pair of clogs into your bag for the journey home. Your feet will thank you.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear clogs to the office instead of pumps?
In most workplaces without a strict dress code, yes. A black or taupe vegan suede clog with tailored trousers looks very polished.
What heel height is most comfortable?
A slight drop of a few millimetres, with a slightly thicker sole, is often more comfortable than a completely flat sole or a high heel.
How do you relieve your feet after a day in heels?
Raise your legs, do a few ankle rolls and slip into cushioned slippers. Our tips: swollen feet at the end of the day.
Read also
- Comfortable shoes for standing all day
- The capsule shoe wardrobe
- How to wear clogs in summer: 7 outfit ideas
Vegan suede clogs, sandals and booties, elegant and comfortable from morning to night: discover All our styles.
