We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel Products Style Shoes The 13 Best Dress Shoes for Women of 2024 Fashion meets function with these comfortable dress shoes for any occasion. By Anna Popp Anna Popp Anna Popp is a New York-based commerce writer at Travel + Leisure covering all of the best travel products, from luggage to outdoor gear. She has been a travel writer and product tester for over five years. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 28, 2024 In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsTips for Buying Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja Destination weddings, office meetings, and fine dining are just a few occasions when you can set aside your sneakers and elevate an outfit with a pair of dress shoes. From high heels to ballet flats, we’ve rounded up a variety of options to choose from – including a few of my personal favorites for galavanting around New York City in comfort and style. Our favorite picks are from trusted comfort shoe brands like Vionic and Birdies, and we also selected a few splurge-worthy shoes from designer brands like Stuart Weitzman, M.Gemi, and Bells & Becks. Since shoes can take up quite a bit of space in suitcases, we also threw in a few foldable flats to help you save room in your bag. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Everlane Italian Leather Day Heel at Everlane.com ($178) Jump to Review Best Budget: Kelly & Katie Eliana Pump at Dsw.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Designer: Stuart Weitzman Nudistcurve 100 Strap Sandal at Nordstrom ($475) Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Birdies The Starling Flat at Nordstrom ($130) Jump to Review Best Block Heel: Aerosoles Cosmos Platform Sandal at Nordstrom ($135) Jump to Review Best Kitten Heel: Sam Edelman Bianka Mesh Slingback Heel at Samedelman.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Wide Feet: Vivaia Square-toe Mary Jane at Vivaia.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Mule: Vionic Willa Flat Mule at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Loafer: Franco Sarto Sarto Eda Bit Loafer at Francosarto.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Ballet Flat: M. Gemi The Danza at Mgemi.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall Everlane Italian Leather Day Heel PHOTO: Everlane $178 At everlane.com Why We Love It The heels have an elastic backing to avoid rubbing and discomfort. What to Consider The block heel is 2 inches high. Heels might not be the first pair of dress shoes you turn to, but I can confirm that these ones from Everlane are actually comfortable to wear all day long — even when I’m walking around or commuting in New York City. Made with a buttery soft leather material, the glove-like heels mold to the foot with a flexible yet form-fitting feel. The round toe-box provides plenty of space so your toes don’t feel squished or constricted and the elastic heel backing keeps the back of the foot stable while preventing rubbing with the soft scrunched leather material. The Details: 5 to 11 (narrow, comfort) | 100 percent leather Best Budget Kelly & Katie Eliana Pump PHOTO: DSW View On Dsw.com Why We Love It The color-blocked patterns are chic and trendy. What to Consider The slingback strap doesn’t have any padding and could rub a bit. If you’re in search of the perfect Chanel dupe, these slingbacks are nearly identical — and for just a fraction of the designer option. The round almond toe shape paired with the 2.5-inch heel offers an elevated style that is still perfectly comfortable and functional for being on your feet. Plus, the color-blocked pattern in black and white, nude and black, or tweed and black are all neutral options for pairing with jeans, dresses, or suits for superb versatility. The Details: 6 to 11 | Tweed or synthetic upper Best Designer Stuart Weitzman Nudistcurve 100 Strap Sandal PHOTO: Stuart Weitzman $475 At Nordstrom $238 At Zappos View On Stuartweitzman.com Why We Love It A minimalist stiletto heel like this can be worn for years. What to Consider The heel is thin and nearly 4 inches high. Black-tie occasions call for a pair of stunning stilettos like these ones from Stuart Weitzman. While the price point is on the higher end, these investment heels can be worn for years to come thanks to the timeless strappy, open-toe sandal design. The patent leather straps are sleek and elegant, and the bottoms are made with grooved leather for extra traction to avoid any unwanted falls. Opt for the glossy black color or elegant beige shade — you can’t go wrong either way. The Details: 3.5 to 13 (narrow, medium, wide) | Leather The 14 Most Comfortable Heels for Your Next Trip, Tested and Reviewed Most Comfortable Birdies The Starling Flat PHOTO: Birdies $130 At Nordstrom $130 At Zappos View On Birdies.com Why We Love It The seven-layer insole adds extra comfort and cushioning. What to Consider Velvet and suede can be more difficult to clean than leather. These loafers from Birdies are basically like wearing slippers out of the house, and we dubbed them some of the most comfortable flats we’ve ever tried. If you’re out the door in a hurry, these slip-on shoes make it easier than ever to upgrade your outfit from casual to elevated thanks to the sleek smoking slipper design. The best part of these loafers is the thick footbed with seven layers of cushioning that provides a pillow-like feel with every step. With options for velvet, leather, or suede upper materials, there are various colors and patterns to choose from for any fashionable traveler. The Details: 5 to 13 (medium, wide) | Vegan velvet, rubber Best Block Heel Aerosoles Cosmos Platform Sandal PHOTO: DSW $135 At Nordstrom $125 At Zappos View On Dsw.com Why We Love It A platform or block heel can be easier to walk in than a stiletto. What to Consider These chunky heels will take up more room in a suitcase. Platform heels can make it much easier to move around compared to a thinner stiletto heel, as the block helps with stability and comfort. These sandals from Aersoles boast a 1-inch platform and 2.5-inch heel to upgrade an outfit for a dressy occasion. The criss-cross upper and ankle straps help secure the foot to the shoe so you can walk over rough terrain or dance the night away without fears of rolling your ankle. Plus, the heel comes in various colors and materials so you might even want to snag a few pairs. The Details: 5 to 13 (medium, wide) | Suede, leather, rubber Best Kitten Heel Sam Edelman Bianka Mesh Slingback Heel PHOTO: Sam Edelmam View On Samedelman.com Why We Love It The heel is low and the bling factor is high. What to Consider Mesh could rip or tear more easily than other textiles. These slingback heels from Sam Edelman balance timeless elegance with a modern twist. Although kitten heels were first popularized in the 1950s, they’ve had quite the comeback — most likely due to the functionality of a 2-inch heel compared to pumps with double the height. You can never go wrong with a pair of solid-colored dress shoes, but we particularly love the mesh fabric lined with gems for extra sparkle with every strut. The Details: 5 to 11 | Mesh, suede, synthetic fabric The 6 Best Dressy Flats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Wide Feet Vivaia Square-toe Mary Jane PHOTO: Vivaia View On Vivaia.com Why We Love It The knit fabric is already stretchy, but they’re also offered in wide sizes. What to Consider The sole is relatively thin so you may feel rough terrain under your feet. Knit footwear offers a lot more flexibility for those with wider feet, so consider the Vivaia Square Toe Mary Janes, our favorite pair of flats for comfort and style. While the water-resistant knit has plenty of stretch to it, the brand also offers the flats in wide sizes to get the best fit for your feet. I personally own these flats and slip them on any time I’m leaving the house for a work event, and I love that they fold up to fit in a suitcase without taking up too much space. The Details: 5 to 11 (medium, wide) | Knit, natural artemisia argyi herbal insole, rubber Best Mule Vionic Willa Flat Mule PHOTO: Amazon View On Amazon $130 At Nordstrom View On Vionicshoes.com Why We Love It The shoes are designed with arch support for those that suffer from foot pain like plantar fasciitis. What to Consider Without a heel strap, these might not feel the most secure. While mules are technically a flat shoe, the ample arch support in this pair from Vionic is anything but flat. The shoes are made with a built-in orthotic in the footbed designed to support those with foot pain from plantar fasciitis, which is rare to find in a pair of flats. Plus, the mules come in leather with neutral and bold colors like cream and red, or you can get the natural raffia material instead. The Details: 5 to 11 | Leather, suede, raffia, TPR insole, rubber Best Loafer Franco Sarto Sarto Eda Bit Loafer PHOTO: Franco Sarto View On Francosarto.com Why We Love It The loafers come in reserved neutral colors and bold metallic shades. What to Consider Leather loafers usually have a slight break-in period to loosen up the material. Loafers are one of the most versatile styles of dress shoes; they're great whether you’re working in an office or going out to dinner. This pair from Franco Sarto is made out of sleek leather with a 1-inch block heel, adding a bit of height to the dress shoe. Each pair has an elegant metal clasp that goes across the upper to add a touch of elegance. Color options include neutrals like black and tan, or if you’re feeling adventurous, the metallic silver and lilac are stunning as well. The Details: 4 to13 (medium, wide) | Leather The Ultimate Business Trip Packing List Best Ballet Flat M. Gemi The Danza PHOTO: M.Gemi View On Mgemi.com Why We Love It There is a discreet wedge in the heel that adds extra comfort and cushioning. What to Consider Patent leather can scuff easily. Investing in a pair of ballet flats is worth every penny when you’re looking for an elegant and versatile shoe to make an outfit look dressier. While these might look like a pair of classic flats, they boast two hidden features that are game-changing for travel. The first is the hidden wedge in the heel that adds extra cushioning and less than 1-inch of height. The second bonus feature is that the flats are designed to fold in half for easier packing and taking up less space in a bag. Plus, these M.Gemi flats come in both patent (shiny) and matted leather so there are plenty of options to choose from, including black, navy, or pale pink. The Details: 35 to 42 | Naplak leather Most Versatile Naturalizer Banks Pointed Toe Flat PHOTO: Naturalizer View On Naturalizer.com Why We Love It The slingback heel is the perfect day-to-night shoe. What to Consider Pointed toe boxes can sometimes pinch the foot. Slingback heels with a short block heel like this pair from Naturalizer are casual enough to wear during the day while still having a dressier look for nighttime events, which means you can pack one less shoe for a trip. Designed with support and cushioning in the footbed, these heels also boast a non-slip outsole and adjustable ankle strap to keep the foot in place while walking. The block heel is just over an inch tall so they’re far more comfortable than a pair of stilettos and are easier to pack in a suitcase. The Details: 4 to 13 (narrow, medium, wide) | Leather, suede, synthetic Easiest to Pack Rothy's The Square Wrap PHOTO: Rothy's View On Rothys.com Why We Love It The ankle wrap can be taken out for a two-in-one design. What to Consider All three colors come in a checkered pattern which may not be to everyone’s tastes. Shoes can take up a lot of space in a suitcase so any pair that offers two styles in one is a win in our book. These knit flats from Rothy’s are already easy to pack thanks to the fabric upper that lays flatter than leather, but the best part is that they come with a removable ankle strap so you can wear them with or without the tie. If you’re planning to be on your feet for a while, the extra security from the ankle wrap might be helpful, or you can take it off entirely to wear the flats with a pair of jeans. The Details: 5 to 13 | Knit Best Splurge Bells & Becks The Barbra PHOTO: Bells & Becks View On Bellsandbecks.com Why We Love It These leather Mary Janes are effortlessly elegant and easy to pair with any outfit. What to Consider The brand recommends sizing up for the best fit. Looking to invest in a pair of luxe flats? These stunning patent leather Mary Janes are worth the investment for a multitude of reasons. Pair them with jeans and blouse for an easy office outfit or match the shiny patent leather with a sleek silk dress for an evening out on the town. While the price is on the higher end, these Mary Janes are handmade in Italy with a rare technique called “sacchetto” shoe making. Only a select number of factories use this technique due to the intense detail of the stitchwork throughout, so rest assured the quality of these shoes is unmatched. The Details: 36 to 42 | Leather Tips for Buying Dress Shoes Find the right balance between comfort and style Comfort is key when you’re on your feet for long periods of time. Luckily, there are plenty of dressier shoes out there that offer the best of both worlds for fashion and functionality. Certain brands like Birdies, Vionic, and Vivaia specifically make shoes with built-in support and cushioning, but other brands will have those features as well so it’s important to check the description of the shoes before buying, especially if you have specific needs in mind like arch support. Think about how you plan to use them There are a multitude of reasons why you would need a dress shoe – from weddings to office settings – so you’ll want to think about the occasion before choosing your shoes. Dressier events like cocktail parties and weddings will likely require more formal attire where heels could be a great option. If you’re dancing all night, opt for a block or platform heel over a stiletto that could affect your stability. For office wear, you can never go wrong with loafers, slingback heels, or flats. Frequently Asked Questions What dress shoe style is the most comfortable? In general, a flat shoe is the best way to go for functionality compared to a high heel that has a higher chance of causing discomfort. While it’s mostly a personal preference, a flat with cushioning or support built into the footbed will likely be the most comfortable for walking, commuting, or standing for long periods of time. How can I make dress shoes more comfortable? If your shoes don’t come with any support or cushioning, you can always buy a pair of insoles for extra comfort and a personalized fit. Dress shoes are often made with leather so we also recommend breaking in the shoes before wearing them for your day or night out to avoid any blisters or discomfort when you’re out and about. What’s the best way to pack dress shoes? It depends on the shape and style of the shoes, but one of the most efficient ways to pack shoes is to have the soles facing outward in a suitcase then fill the holes with smaller pieces of clothing like underwear and socks. It also doesn’t hurt to pack shoes in a dust bag or separate bag to prevent possible damage while traveling. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure, where she writes most of the team’s tested content. As a busy New Yorker, she is often out of the house for long periods of time and comfortable shoes are a staple in her wardrobe. Anna thoroughly researched dress shoe options, shared favorites that she personally owns, and consulted with her colleagues to compile the most comfortable and stylish dress shoes to shop right now. The 10 Best Men’s Travel Shoes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit