The 20 best dress shoes for women

Let's throw out an old myth: Stylish, dressy shoes do not need to be uncomfortable. Sure, we might all rather be lounging in a pair of fluffy slippers at any given moment, but certain occasions like an office setting or a wedding call for more sophisticated attire. Still, there are plenty of dress shoes for women on the market that won't force you to lug around your back-up sneakers or rely on the complimentary flip flops at a wedding reception.

Whether you're looking for pain-free pumps, the best loafers to pair with a suit or the best flats for spring, we've rounded up the very best dressy footwear in every category — all with comfort in mind. And if you need a great suit or pair of pants to wear with your dress shoes, see our guide on where to shop for women's workwear. 

Best sandals 

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• Staff Pick The most comfortable heels we've ever tested Naturalizer Joy Dress Sandal These sandals get our hard-won most comfortable heel overall award because of their brilliantly contoured footbed (seriously, you have to try it to believe it), straps that won't give you blisters, and huge variety of colors.
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• Staff Pick From the best brand for comfortable heels Inez Mia As a style editor, believe me when I tell you that Inez is one of my absolute favorite brands for shoes that are miraculously comfortable and completely stunning. Seriously, I don't know how they do it — but I do know that these slingbacks are some of their best work when it comes to style and comfort.
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• Very reasonably priced Dream Paris Chunky Low Heel Pump Sandals These Dream Paris sandals have a whopping 24K reviews and four stars on Amazon. We put them to the test ourselves and agree with all the rave reviews about their comfort and walkability — and the best part is that they're under $40.
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• A great block heel pick Margaux The City Sandal The City Sandal is a 2.5-inch leather sandal with a block heel and ankle strap, and comes in six colors. I have the Rose Nappa color, which is a pinky-nude that complements my skin tone.
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• Customize the look with different ties Alohas Bellini Leather Sandals These festive strappy sandals are made with sustainable leather and have a 3.3-inch wide heel.
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• Pick from 11 fun colors Naturalizer Joy Dress Sandal These ultra comfortable heels have a square toe platform and slim 3.5-inch block heels.
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• Handmade in Spain with Italian leather Margaux The City Sandal Five millimeters of plush foam padding and a 2.5-inch heel make these sandals superior in walkable comfort.
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• Versatile and cushy Kelly & Katie Himesta Wedge Sandal A lightly padded footbed adds cushion to these 3-inch ankle strap wedge sandals.
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Best comfortable pumps 

• Highly Walkable Alohas Cinderella Pumps The sustainable footwear brand’s ultra comfy pump has a roomy toe box and medium-height heel.
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• Slip on and strut Margaux The Heel Whether paired with jeans or a gown, the 2.5-inch heels are so painless you’ll forget you’re wearing them.
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• A best-seller, now with a shorter heel M.Gemi The Lustro 70mm These handmade Italian suede pumps have a sturdy block heel and light insole padding.
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• A versatile classic Clarks Freva55 Court A cushioned footbed with arch support makes this leather block heel agreeable for daily wear.
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Best ballet flats

• Staff Pick Unparalleled comfort Everlane Day Glove Our editors swear by these leather flats (available in 9 colorways) which mold to your feet like socks.
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• Shimmery and eco-friendly Rothy's The Knot Point II Made from recycled materials and cushioned by Rothy's signature In Love insole.
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• Suitable for wide feet Vivaia Pointed Toe Flats (Melia) Available for under $100, these flats run large and have a heel cushion to prevent blisters.
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• There’s no place like home… Betsey Johnson SB-Reeve Champagne Flats These bejeweled satin d’Orsay slip-ons look equally great with distressed denim or a formal dress.
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Best loafers

• Affordable luxury Everlane The Modern Loafer Everlane upgraded their fan-favorite loafer with a rounder toe for wiggle room and more flexible leather.
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• Available in over 20 colors Birdies The Starling Flat Try pairing these satin-lined smoking slippers with patterned tights for a dynamic and textured look.
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• For the label lover Gucci Brixton Convertible Loafer This version of Gucci’s iconic horsebit loafers can also be worn as a loafer mule by folding down the collapsible heel.
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• Pairs perfectly with flared trousers Reformation Nadine Heeled Loafer Glossed leather gives this square-toe shoe with 3-inch heel an elevated look.
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Best mules

• 10 out of 10 for comfort Vionic Reagan Nubuck Mule The footwear brand taps podiatrists to develop shoes with built-in arch support, like these non-slip mules.
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• Pillowy soft Birdies The Swan This pointed-toe slide brings the drama thanks to its luxe velvet upper and quilted satin insole.
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• A sculptural moment Huma Blanco Anette Handmade with Napa leather, these narrow square-toed mules stand out with an artsy wooden heel.
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• Staff Pick Perfect for spring Cole Haan Women's Adella Sandal This "Goldilocks" heel is just the right height for lengthening your leg without being too steep.
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Best booties

• Stretchy and water-repellent Vivaia Pointed-Toe Boots (Sophia) These kitten-heeled moisture-wicking sock boots are a stylish alternative to rubber rain boots.
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• Subtle luxury Sarah Flint Perfect Dress Bootie 60 This special occasion stiletto bootie comes in neutral suede hues or an eye-catching gunmetal lame.
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• Relic of the wild, wild West Matisse Caty Ankle Boot The trendy cowboy bootie gets an elegant upgrade with these metallic leather stunners.
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• Block and roll Inez Pilar The touch point of these leather platform block-heel booties are the plush, padded insoles.
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