You work hard enough. Give your feet a break. While many consider heels a nonnegotiable for the workplace, there are many chic ways to make that style choice a reality without killing all 10 of your toes — and your back at the same time. Sure, we love a sky-high stiletto moment, but if you're on your feet all day, running back and forth from your desk to meetings and maybe even outside for an appointment or two, they're not your friendliest choice when it comes to office footwear. If you're into a high heel, consider options with a bit more gravitas, like a chunky style or a more closed loafer silhouette. And, what's more, skinny heel lovers might want to choose something with fewer inches on them, like a kitten or ankle bootie [1].
Ahead, find five huge Fall shoe trends [2] that also happen to be among the most comfortable [3] work heels of the season.
Heeled Loafers
Go preppy with a pair of loafers — with a heel — this Fall. The closed-foot shape works wonders keeping your feet in place, allowing for a more comfortable way to wear everything from kitten heels to sky-high stilettos without fuss.
Prada
Prada Block-Heel Logo-Jacquard Loafers [4] ($900).
Leqarant
Leqarant Block Heel Loafer Pumps [5] ($230).
Anthropologie
Anthropologie Harlow Loafers [6] ($130).
Gucci
Gucci Marmont Fringed Suede Loafers [7] ($807).
Short Block Heels
Whether you love a pump, slingback, or mule, shorter heels will nearly always equate to a more comfortable wear. Channel your grandmother's chic-as-anything workwear wardrobe when you slip into a pair of retro-looking short block heels this season.
Loeffler Randall
Loeffler Randall Emi [8] ($325).
Chanel
Chanel Slingbacks [9] ($875).
Margaux
Margaux The Heel [10] ($245).
Raid
Raid Rumie Heeled Shoes [11] ($48).
Heeled Mules
If you're seeking a little more coverage on your foot (i.e. a way to steady yourself for running in heels) without going for a fully closed loafer style, consider the well-popularized mule style. It has a retro feel, but will easily take you from day-to-night — and keep those toes happy as well!
J.Crew
J.Crew Sophia Kitten Heels [12] ($148).
Club Monaco
Club Monaco Saydee Suede Pump [13] ($298).
Cole Haan
Cole Haan Ophelia Mule [14] ($150).
Mansur Gavriel
Mansur Gavriel 40mm Mules [15] ($395).
Heeled Ankle Booties
There's no arguing that a classic ankle bootie is a wardrobe must-have for Fall, but consider kicking it up a notch this Fall by opting for a style of the heeled variety. With some slight elevation, it will quickly become your comfortable go-to for the office and beyond, all season long.
Tibi
Tibi Theo Booties [16] ($750).
& Other Stories
& Other Stories Leather Pointed Ankle Boots [17] ($179).
Madewell
Madewell The Kelci Heeled Boot [18] ($198).
Mango
Mango Heel Leather Ankle Boot [19] ($80).
Kitten Heels
For a Grace Kelly-inspired look this coming Fall, seek a practical yet completely elegant kitten heel style. In pumps, slingbacks, and even sandals, it's the workwear shoe you need for those long days where you're going nonstop through the morning, noon, and night.
Dior
Dior J'Adior Slingback Pump [20] ($890).
Charles by Charles David
Charles by Charles David Addie Pump [21] ($100).
Manolo Blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Kitten-Heel Flannel Pump [22] ($745).
Giuliva Heritage Collection + Le Monde Beryl
Giuliva Heritage Collection + Le Monde Beryl Venetian Pinstriped Wool Mules [23] ($550).