I love my carefully curated rotation of flats, white sneakers and loafers, but there’s something about putting on nice, comfortable heels for a special occasion that really gets me going. And if I have to wear heels when it’s warm out, you won’t catch me slipping into stuffy, closed-toe pumps — I want to optimize for airflow and show off my fresh pedicure, so I’ll always be in a pair of the best open-toe heels.
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Also called peep-toes, these styles let your toes be free, sans squeezing. But I’ve learned the hard way (at some of my friends’ most joyous occasions, no less) that even the most promising heels can cause major pain if you don’t know what to look for. My fellow editors and I basically shop for a living, so I dug deep to find out which heels we’re loving right now, plus the faithful styles that have carried us through weddings, showers, dance floors and special occasions galore. From strappy kitten heels to peep-toe wedges and comfortable platforms, these are the best open-toe heels to snag this summer.
The best open-toe heels for 2026
Sizes: 5-11 | Width: Medium | Colors: 11 | Heel height: 2.75" | Materials: Leather, synthetic leather
Why we love them: Once temperatures start to rise, these open-toe Cole Haans are what Yahoo Commerce Director Jeanine Edwards reaches for. The supremely comfy heels reportedly have no break-in period and are built with cushioning in areas that experience more pressure, like the arch and ball of the foot. They also feature a rubber sole that offers ample traction and an adjustable ankle strap for an ideal fit.
What experts say: Dr. Dana Canuso, podiatrist and founder of Dr. Canuso Skincare for Feet says Cole Haan is one of her go-to brands for comfortable heels. And Edwards says, "I've worn these heels for a full eight-hour workday and at no point was I praying to take them off. I've also worn them to a reception that included lots of dancing and my feet were comfortable the entire time," she says. Edwards loves how versatile they are — the simple yet classic design makes them a great option to wear just about anywhere. "These are my go-to heels, so I wear them whenever I need a dressy shoe — to the office, to weddings, on date nights — literally everywhere," she says.
Keep in mind: Edwards notes that they run slightly small. She typically wears an 8.5 but sized up to a 9. It’s worth checking the size chart and/or trying on multiple sizes.
- Targeted cushioning in the footbed
- No break-in period reported
- Great for wearing for long periods, dancing, etc.
- Grippy sole to help with traction
- Versatile, minimal design
- Can run a little small
Dr. Scholl's/Yahoo Shopping
Sizes: 6-11 | Width: Medium | Colors: 3 | Heel height: 2.63" | Materials: Faux leather
Why we love them: Cross my heart — this may be the easiest open-toe heel in the world to wear. Why? The thick straps (that never dig in!) keep the shoe comfortably secure on your foot, the wedge is insanely lightweight and the shoe doesn't feel "block-y" at all despite the heel. Plus, there's a curved heel cup and comfortable arch support in the sole.
What experts say: "If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort, I recommend Dr Scholl's," says Maggie Gillette Sowislo, fashion expert and Principal at The Curio. And Style Optimization Editor Hannah Oh adds, "It's honestly shocking how comfortable these are right out of the box. You barely feel like you're wearing a heel, even though you get almost three extra inches of height. I'd even go so far as to say they are as comfortable as wearing a pair of flip-flops."
Keep in mind: They're not formal enough for a fancy wedding or black-tie affair. And Oh found that although they come in one width — medium — they fit like a wide shoe, which may not be ideal if you have narrow feet.
- Extremely comfortable
- Lightweight despite the wedge heel
- Zero break-in period
- Contoured footbed and curved heel cup
- More casual look
- Wide sizes not available
DSW/Yahoo Shopping
Sizes: 6-10 | Width: Medium | Colors: 2 | Heel height: 3" | Materials: Faux leather
Why we love them: With several weddings coming up this summer, I know I'm going to be needing a chic open-toe shoe to wear with all sorts of cocktail dresses and sundresses. This minimal option from Dolce Vita features an easy-to-walk-in heel that's slightly flared at the base (so you won't immediately sink into grass), extra cushioning under the arch and a pretty metallic detailing that'll match any gold jewelry.
What experts say: Oh says, "Because I have wider feet I generally look for shoes with open designs that don't squeeze my toes. This strappy style is perfect because it doesn't pinch at all and plus, they remind me of styles that are $200+ even though they're less than $90."
Keep in mind: Since this is a flip-flop style, you may find that the post puts pressure between your toes — although it hasn't been a problem for Oh.
- Pretty metal embellishment
- Sculptural heel
- Open design accommodates wide feet
- Slide-in style means no heel blisters
- Arch cushioning
- Toe post may cause discomfort for some
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Medium | Colors: 2 options | Heel height: 2.36"| Materials: Polyurethane upper, rubber, plastic
Why we love them: You'll need a solid pair of mules to go with all the linen outfits you'll be wearing this summer. The contrast stitching and horsebit buckles give these open-toe slides an elevated, rich mom vibe — and look incredibly similar to a designer pair I invested in years ago that's five times more expensive.
What experts say: "These shoes check off a lot of comfort boxes," says Oh. "The heel, which is less than 2.5 inches, is a block style that distributes pressure over a wider surface area than something like a stiletto would. It's also a slide-on style that doesn't require you to perfectly nail your sizing — and perhaps best of all, you won't have to worry about back-of-the-heel blisters."
Keep in mind: These don't come in a wide option; if you're worried about the shoes being too narrow, we suggest going a half size up.
- Chic contrast stitching and gold buckle detailing
- Looks similar to a much more expensive pair
- Comfortable block heel and slide-on style
- May be a little narrow
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Medium | Colors: 8 options | Heel height: 2.75"| Materials: Leather upper, synthetic lining and sole
Why we love them: For a fun and equally wearable twist on the classic two-strap heels, we love these strappy sandals from Sam Edelman. They're Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity's go-to wedding shoes and they're both cute and barely-there (so they'll go with pretty much anything).
What experts say: With a heel height of just 2.75 inches, Garrity finds them easy to walk in, even on grass or uneven surfaces; she can wear them for 7 or 8 hours before needing to change into flats or sneakers. Her favorite part? "They're a great dancing shoe, especially since the heel is a comfortable height." Garrity owns the sandals in versatile tan but notes she is eyeing the black for upcoming events.
Keep in mind: These aren't the most affordable shoes at $140 a pop. But while they're a splurge, Garrity says they're worth it and a game-changer for those with foot issues. "I have bunions on both feet, which makes finding comfortable heels that don't rub or cut off my circulation a real — dare I say — pain. After years of squeezing my feet into standard styles with a single band, these strappy sandals have made all the difference."
- Comfortable for long periods of time
- Suitable for those with bunions
- Low heel makes them easy to dance in
- On the pricey side
Sizes: 6-10 | Width: Medium | Colors: 6 options | Heel height: 2.83"| Materials: Man-made upper, lining and sole
Why we love them: These classic slingbacks feature a roomy almond toe that helps visually elongate the legs. The shoes are incredibly flattering and sophisticated enough to wear to upscale events.
What experts say: "I'm a huge fan of the belted detail on these shoes. It's very on-trend," says Oh. "The straps can be tightened or loosened based on your preference."
Keep in mind: One customer noted that these run a little narrow. And if you're tempted, don't wait too long: Certain colors and sizes are low in stock (but the sandals aren't on clearance, so we're hoping Macy's will bring them back).
- Fun color options, including red, blue and olive
- Adjustable buckles for a just-right fit
- Run a bit narrow
How we chose the best open-toe heels
Before we began our selection process, we sat down with several podiatrists and orthopedic doctors, as well as a fashion expert and a shoe designer. We asked each to explain the key factors to keep in mind when evaluating high heels, from heel height and thickness to materials that impact breathability and longevity.
We also gathered recommendations from our network of shopping experts and from within Yahoo’s editorial staff, who had no shortage of recommendations for comfortable open-toe heels (which we defined as anything from a traditional peep-toe with a small opening at the front to a heeled sandal with a strap running over the top of the foot). Then, we evaluated the recommendations against the criteria provided by our experts to make our final selection.
What to keep in mind when shopping for open-toe heels
If you’re anything like me, comfort is of the utmost importance when it comes to heels — but so is style. Here are some design components that influence fit, support and the overall longevity of your shoes.
Fit: “Probably the single most important factor in selecting heels,” says Dr. Brandon Haghverdian, MD at Hoag Orthopedic Institute. “A shoe should feel reasonably comfortable immediately. If it’s not comfortable in the store, don’t expect it to feel comfortable even after a break-in period. The toe box should allow the toes to lie relatively naturally without excessive compression.” And here’s a pro shopping tip from Dr. Haghverdian: “If possible, shop later in the day since your feet naturally swell throughout the day.”
Heel types: “People underestimate how much the heel type impacts the comfort of a shoe. Typically, the smaller the ‘footprint’ of a heel is, the less comfortable and harder it will be to walk in,” says fashion expert Maggie Gillette Sowislo.
Stilettos: “The thinner and higher the heel, the less stability you have,” Dr. Tek Fish, DPM at Clover Podiatry warns. Stilettos are going to put the most concentrated pressure on your heel over time, although if you’re dead-set on the silhouette, look for a platform heel. “This allows a more dramatic proportion while keeping the actual pitch of the foot within a comfortable 2-3 inch range,” says Arabella Barros, creative director of John Fluevog Shoes.
Block heels “will distribute weight more evenly and give your foot more support compared to a stiletto. Thicker heels generally feel steadier and easier to walk in,” says Barros.
Wedges are going to be the most comfortable heel type of all due to the large surface area that’s touching the ground and the distribution of pressure across the whole foot. “Since the shoe itself is more robust, there’s a lot more room to build in support like a cushioned footbed and arch support,” says Dr. Fish.
Heel height
1 to 2 inches: “For people who wear heels regularly, I usually recommend staying in the 1-to-2-inch range when possible,” says Dr. Haghverdian. And Dr. Daniel Cuttica, DO at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics (CAO), agrees: “This is the most foot-friendly heel height.”
3-4+ inches: “Higher heels in this range increase pressure on the forefoot and can cause ball-of-foot pain, bunions and hammertoes,” says Dr. Haghverdian. “It’s best to limit the duration of wear and avoid wearing them all day consecutively.” Dr. Cuttica adds that a higher heel like these “place the foot in a less stable position, increasing the risk of a twisting injury.”
Material
Leather: “Naturally flexible, breathable and molds to the shape of your foot over time,” says Barros. “That adaptability is what makes a good leather shoe feel better and better with wear.”
Faux leather: Although more affordable than real leather, “synthetic materials are usually more rigid and don’t conform to the foot in the same way,” Barros notes. “They can sometimes feel less breathable as well.”
Suede: “Another beautiful option that’s soft and breathable like leather,” Barros explains. “It often feels incredibly luxurious on the foot. The downside is that suede is more delicate and tends to show water damage, discoloration and wear more easily than smooth leather. It just requires a bit more love and care to keep them looking their best.”
Rubber: Commonly used in outsoles and heels, rubber is a durable option for the parts of shoes that experience the most wear and tear. “We love designing our heels with rubber heel lifts whenever possible,” adds Barros. “Rubber heel lifts help absorb impact during long walks and make a noticeable difference in long-term comfort and wearability.”
Support: While certain heels can have sculpted insoles that are more or less supportive, it turns out that it’s more about the style of shoe than anything. Dr. Fish prefaces by saying, “Arch support is honestly less critical in a high heel than it is in an athletic shoe or work boot, because most of your weight is shifted to the ball of your foot anyway” but adds that you should look for platforms or wedges as well as styles that hug the back of your heel, as there’s more stability and room to build in support.
Sole: It’s all about softening the blow. “A shoe with an extremely thin sole provides very little shock absorption between the foot and the ground, which increases stress on the forefoot,” says Dr. Haghverdian. “Platforms can sometimes be more comfortable than a traditional high heel of the same height because they reduce pressure under the ball of the foot. However, excessively thick or rigid platforms can also create instability and make tripping more likely. Moderate platforms and well-constructed wedges are often reasonable compromises for patients who want added height with better comfort.”
Cushioning will also help with shock absorption, especially if it’s concentrated under the ball of the foot. “Putting a small gel pad insole in the front of your shoes can be an absolute game-changer in terms of comfort,” says Gillette Sowislo.
Best open-toe heels FAQs
Are open-toe heels more comfortable than closed-toe shoes?
Dr. Cuttica explains that open-toed heels don’t crowd the toes the same way that a narrow, closed-toe shoe would. “They can be more comfortable and cause less irritation of bunions, hammertoes or calluses of the toes,” Dr. Cuttica explains. “But an open-toed heel will still cause an increase of forefoot pressure and the overload of wearing a heel.” And it comes down to fit at the end of the day — a poorly fitting peep-toe heel can pinch and squeeze worse than a correctly fitting regular heel with a wider toe box.
Are open-toe heels business casual?
Ahh, the question of the hour: “Can I wear open-toe heels to work? Or to an interview?” It really depends on the company or workplace; if you’re hesitant, then steer clear of wearing open-toe heels to work or certain job interviews. And if you do opt for open-toe heels, make sure your tootsies are nicely groomed.
What are some guidelines for wearing heels?
“The closer the heel is to the ground, the more normal your gait pattern is going to be and from a health standpoint, that's better. The higher the heel, the more abnormal your walking mechanics become,” says Dr. Fish. “Your feet just aren't designed to work that way. A poor fit compounds that: The more your foot is moving around or being compressed in the wrong spots, the more blisters, pain and potential deformity you're going to deal with over time.”
As for how long you should wear heels, Dr. Fish says only as long as you can tolerate them. “I'm not one of those doctors who tell women to never wear high heels. If they're hurting your feet, take them off. If you can wear them all day and feel fine, go for it. Most people wear high heels to events like weddings, church, a night out, so a couple of hours is usually what people can reasonably handle. If there's dancing involved, bring a pair of sneakers to change into.”
Meet the experts
Arabella Barros, creative director of John Fluevog Shoes
Dr. Dana Canuso, podiatrist and founder of Dr. Canuso Skincare for Feet
Dr. Tek Fish, DPM at Clover Podiatry
Dr. Brandon Haghverdian, MD at Hoag Orthopedic Institute
Maggie Gillette Sowislo, fashion expert
Additional reporting done by Hannah Oh.
Update, May 18, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability and added picks from Dr. Scholl's, Dolce Vita, Marc Fisher and J.Crew. Our top pick for the best open-toe heels remains the same.