Yes, we did enlist the help of our efficient friend, Chat GPT, then combined and tweaked the results with our knowledge of what’s already out there in the comfortable special occasion shoes realm. We welcome your feedback in the comment section!

Closed-Toe Heels

1. Sole Bliss Ingrid Block Heel

• Price: \$219
• Heel Height: 2″
• Widths: Wide
• Why We Love It: Specifically designed for women with bunions and wide feet, the Ingrid features a roomy almond-shaped toe, triple-layer cushioning, and a stretch panel for added comfort. Handcrafted in Spain, it’s both stylish and supportive. (Sole Bliss USA)

2. Clarks Adela Court Pump

• Price: \$85
• Heel Height: 2.2″
• Widths: Medium
• Why We Love It: This classic kitten heel offers a sleek silhouette with a pointed toe and features Clarks’ Ultimate Comfort footbed, ensuring ease and confidence in every step. (Amazon)

3. LifeStride Parigi Pump

• Price: \$47.99
• Heel Height: 2.2″
• Widths: Medium, Wide
• Why We Love It: A versatile and affordable option, the Parigi Pump boasts LifeStride’s Soft System® comfort package, providing all-day support, flex, and cushioning. (Lifestride)

4. Sarah Flint Perfect Kitten Sling

• Price: \$450
• Heel Height: 2″
• Widths: Medium
• Why We Love It: Combining luxury with comfort, this kitten sling back pump features anatomical arch support, extra footbed padding, and a wider toe box, making it a favorite among those seeking elegance without sacrificing comfort. (Sarah Flint)

5. Margaux The Cluny Slingback

• Price: \$355
• Heel Height: 2.5″
• Widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide
• Why We Love It: Crafted with Italian suede and a supportive leather insole, this structured shoe offers a comfortable fit that molds with wear, making it perfect for long events. (Margaux NY)
  

Heeled Sandals

6. Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Sandal

• Price: \$99
• Heel Height: 2.5″
• Widths: Medium, Wide
• Why We Love It: Featuring Contour+ technology, this sandal offers an innovative cushioning system anatomically sculpted for a premium fit and all-day comfort. (Amazon)
  

7. Dream Pairs Chunky Low Heel Pump Sandals

• Price: \$36.99
• Heel Height: 1.5″
• Widths: Medium, Wide
• Why We Love It: Praised for their superior comfort, these sandals offer stability, padded insoles for arch support, and no break-in period, making them ideal for weddings and formal events. (Amazon)

8. Stuart Weitzman Nudist Block 35 Sandal

• Price: \$450
• Heel Height: 1.5″
• Widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide
• Why We Love It: This minimalist sandal features a slim ankle strap and padded insole, offering both style and comfort for special occasions. (Nordstrom)

9. IDIFU Women’s Strappy Low Kitten Heel Sandals

• Price: \$39.99
• Heel Height: 2″
• Widths: Medium
• Why We Love It: These elegant sandals feature a strappy design with an adjustable ankle strap and cushioned insole, perfect for weddings and formal events. (Amazon)

10. Bella Belle Zoya Block Heel Wedding Shoes

• Price: \$345
• Heel Height: 2.5″
• Widths: Medium
• Why We Love It: Known as “The Prettiest 12-Hour Shoes,” these bridal heels combine fashion with comfort, featuring modern oversized silk bows and extra padding for all-day wear. (Bella Belle Shoes)
  

Flats

11. Birdies The Swan Flat

• Price: \$120
• Heel Height: Flat
• Widths: Medium
• Why We Love It: This sleek and feminine pointed-toe slide transitions perfectly from day to night, adding effortless chic to any outfit with its cushioned footbed. (Birdies)

12. Fuchsia Midnight Glamour Flats

• Price: \$128
• Heel Height: Flat
• Widths: Medium
• Why We Love It: Crafted from sleek satin and adorned with exquisite handmade beaded embroidery, these flats offer timeless style and all-day comfort with their cushioned insole. (Nordstrom)

13. Clarks Fawna Soft Flats

• Price: \$75
• Heel Height: Flat
• Widths: Medium
• Why We Love It: With a leather lining and Clarks Cushion Plus padding, these slip-on flats offer comfort and a sleek silhouette suitable for various occasions. (Amazon)

16. Vionic Kalina Braided Slide Sandal

• Heel Height: 1.5″
• Price: \$49.99
• Widths: Medium
• Why We Love It: Designed with a podiatrist-designed footbed delivering unique THREE-ZONE COMFORT, these sandals promote stability and natural alignment from the ground up. (eBay)
  

Wedges

19. Naot Pixie Wedge Sandal

• Price: \$165
• Heel Height: 1.75″
• Widths: Medium
• Why We Love It: This Israeli-made minimalist sandal features a cork and latex footbed and sleek silhouette, providing comfort and elegance for dressy events. (Naot)

20. Aetrex Andrea Wedge Sandal

• Price: \$159
• Heel Height: 2.75″
• Widths: Medium
• Why We Love It: Built-in arch support, adjutable forefoot strap and a sleek dressy finish make this sandal a favorite for all-day events. (Aetrex)

What are your favorite comfortable special occasion shoes? Leave us a comment below!

The post Comfortable Special Occasion Shoes for Women 2025 appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

I’m always pleasantly surprised when I find a dressy shoe that works with my lousy feet. We’ve had three weddings to attend this summer so I needed something a little more glam than metallic Birks! Heeding a recommendation from my own Facebook group, I swiped up a pair of Kenneth Cole Reeva platform sandals from Amazon.

When they showed up the next day in all their gold metallic festiveness, I crossed my fingers and toes and thought, “Here goes nothing.” I had already tried the Aerosoles Cosmos (a similar block heel platform sandal) and had to send them back due to a disappointing fit across the forefoot (I have bunions, tailor’s bunions and hammertoes–a hellish trifecta).

I reluctantly buckled up the Kenneth Cole Reevas and took them for a test walk. Gingerly walking down the hall at first, I picked up my pace with confidence as I realized these might actually work if not for all-day wear, at least for a 4 hour wedding and reception.

And I was right. My new Kenneth Cole sandals provided just enough height without the staggering toe to heel pitch of a standard high heel, thanks to the one inch platform. My feet and ankles felt secure and stable.

The strap placement covered my bunion and allowed a space for my tailor’s bunion without irritation–this was key for keeping them! I’ll be honest, by the end of the evening, I was ready to kick them off, but I made it through the ceremony and reception without changing into flats!

I wish I had a photo of the evening, but you get the idea.

Find a pair of Kenneth Cole Reeva platform sandals for your next dressy event in sizes 5-12 for $50-80 from Zappos and Amazon.

The rest of my outfit:

Mock Neck Sweater: Urban Revivo from Amazon, Wide leg crop pants: Hendrix style from Carly Jeans. Lurex clutch: Vineyard Vines (no longer available).

The post Kenneth Cole Reeva Platform Sandal: Get Out on the Dance Floor (Even with Problem Feet) appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

This review of Cloud Footwear Aline and Aika is sponsored by Cloud Footwear.  The opinions are completely our own based on experience.

Beth reviews the Cloud Footwear Aline

When I first saw Cloud Footwear, I checked to see where they were made, because the styling seemed so distinctly European. My instincts were correct; they’re made in Portugal, with quality craftsmanship and delicious detailing we adore. Cloud shoes are lightweight, flexible and made of super soft leather.  We road tested two pairs of Cloud Footwear, the Aline Wool Lining bootie, and the Aika sneaker.

Beth wears the Cloud Footwear Aline bootie

The Cloud Aline Wool Lining bootie is as comfortable as a pair of slippers. The bootie is entirely lined with soft, genuine wool fleece; you can comfortably wear them with or without socks.  Their roominess across the forefoot and lovely soft leather accommodate my bunions beautifully (I ordered up a size according to the brand’s recommendation, and am pleased with the extra wiggle room.)  It’s hard to show in photos, but the leather has a gorgeous, subtle metallic sheen that is understated but adds interesting depth to the shoes’ appearance.

Most days this fall, these booties have been the first shoes I’ve reached for – they’re warm, comfy, and versatile.  The footbed is lightly cushioned and removable, should you need to add an orthotic for greater arch support.  I’ve tried them with an orthotic, and was still able to fit the fleece footbed on top of it, so I could gain support without sacrificing the wooly wonderfulness underfoot.  (This is another advantage of sizing up.)

Cloud Footwear Aika Sneaker

I have a feeling this cute low profile sneaker in red Italian leather will make quite a few Christmas lists this year!   The upper is made of the softest leather my feet have ever felt (Cloud calls it cashmere leather) and the toe box is generous without looking clownish. These features make the Cloud Aika an excellent choice for feet with bunions and hammertoes like mine.

The flexible, lightweight rubber outsole and cushioned insole combine to give the Cloud Aika sneaker a barefoot/minimalist feel. For those that need arch support, the footbed is removable and will accommodate a thin orthotic or insole such as the Klogs DRX Cobra insole.

Kirsten wears the Cloud Footwear Aika sneaker

I’ve enjoyed wearing my Cloud Aika sneakers this fall as they add a pop of color to casual outfits and fetch compliments from friends and strangers alike. Even my teenage son remarked that the shoes have serious “street cred,” meaning they have a youthful, urban vibe (this suburban mom will take that as a compliment). One of my favorite features of the Aika is its side zipper– I tie up the laces to a snug yet comfortable feel and then use the zipper for easy on and off.

As far as sizing is concerned, I ordered a euro 41 for my size 10 feet and the fit is perfect. Refer to Cloud’s sizing chart to determine best fit.

The Cloud Footwear Aline bootie and Aika sneaker are available in multiple colors and patterns from Zappos and Nordstrom.

Cloud Aika sneaker

The post Cloud Footwear: Comfortable Shoes for Everyday Adventurers appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.