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.

1.Aerosoles Cosmos: The moderator of the Hallux Rigidus Support group recommends these platform sandals, “They are amazing! So comfy and supportive.” I love that they come in soft suede, leather and metallics–perfect for special occasions. Find a pair in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths. Find a pair for around $95-135 from Nordstrom and Zappos.

2.Abeo Riviera: Recommended by a follower with hallux limitus that needs good metatarsal support. The reviews from problem-footed women over at The Walking Company are stellar also. Available in both quarter strap and ankle strap versions, neutral and metatarsal footbeds; sizes 5-11 for $149.95 from The Walking Company and Nordstrom.

Vionic Caldera

3.Vionic Calera: After seeing this platform wedge mentioned, I quickly looked it up and was thrilled to see it comes in sizes up to 12 and wide widths! Good job, Vionic. The Calera provides arch and metatarsal support, deep heel cup and stretch goring at the forefoot and instep. Available in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $129.95 from VionicShoes.com, Zappos and Nordstrom.

Aetrex Ashley

4. Aetrex Ashley: Aetrex wedge sandals remind me of the long-discontinued Earthies brand–remember those? One of our Facebook followers says this about her Aetrex wedges, “Aetrex makes the best sandals- cork footbed, adjustable straps, metatarsal support, arch support, and super cute! I can wear them and my toes aren’t numb at the end of the day, and my knees don’t ache as much as with most other shoes.” The Ashely style is my current favorite but check out the Sydney too. Find in sizes 6-12 for $149.95 from Zappos.

5. Fitflop Eloise: Fitflops tend to run wide as does this super platform sandal. Featuring Fitflop’s tried and true triple-density Microwobbleboard footbed, the Eloise will cushion and support your arch and heel. Available in sizes 5-11–and if you act quick you can pick up a pair for $65 at Fitflop.com! Also available through Zappos and Amazon.

I’m adding a sixth platform sandal to the list, the Kenneth Cole Reeva. I bought them for a wedding this summer and love them! See my review.

The post Facebook Fans 5 Favorite Platform Sandals for Problem Feet appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

The L’Amour des Pieds Orva is for all you “I can’t wear heels” people out there. Never say never.

This versatile sculpted wedge beauty by L’Amour des Pieds (the love of feet) is winning over many women with problem feet. You may be next.

Women with a variety of foot issues love this stylish ankle-strap wedge. A roomy toe box accommodates bunions and a wider forefoot while a cushioned footbed offers moderate arch support. Nordstrom customers rave about the Orva by L’Amour Des Pieds:

“The craftsmanship, leather and yummy comfort is wonderful with extra attention to the arch support and shoe lining. While this style provides height, they also lend good stability and are quite pretty.”

“I bought these shoes because I do 10 conferences a year, and between my sciatica and plantar fasciitis, circling a 1500 square foot piece of concrete is torture 12 hours a day. I needed shoes that would take some abuse, look cute and keep my pain manageable and these foot the bill. They have great arch support, good shoe integrity, and tons of toe cushion. I will buy more from this brand.”

The L’Amour Des Pieds ORVA wedge features a 2.75″ heel with 1″ platform and is available in sizes 6.5-11 for $199 from Nordstrom and Amazon.

The post L’Amour des Pieds Orva Wedge: A Heel for Non-Heel Wearers 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.

Rieker Sina 78 – Photo: Rieker-shop.fi Facebook

I’m in the market for a closed-toe pump for back-to-school time. Yep, that’s right. I’m going back to school–as a part-time Spanish teacher at a local high school. I’m excited! It’s been thirteen years since I’ve had a class of my own, so I’m reevaluating my wardrobe, including my collection of footwear. Yes, I have plenty of sandals, sneakers and ankle boots, but I’m missing that one pair of perfect teacher shoes–professional, comfortable yet with unique styling. The Rieker Sina 78 fills that gap in my wardrobe.

The first thing I notice when slipping my feet into the Rieker Sina 78 is the glove-like fit. My toes spread out comfortably thanks to the slight stretchiness of the soft woven upper, yet the shoe hugs the back of my heel (there’s elastic goring in the back strap): a great option for those with wide forefoot/narrow heel combination, or for feet that swell during the day.  Fortunately, the Rieker Sina’s woven upper allows feet to breathe while still providing toe coverage. Win win.

The 1.5″ architectural heel  is perfect–just enough lift without the uncomfortable pressure on forefoot and knees. The footbed is lightly cushioned and flexible. If you’re used to layers of memory foam cushioning or a thick outsole, this is not the shoe for you (especially if you have painful hallux rigidus, the forefoot is too flexible). There is definiately a “one-with-the-ground” feel to the Rieker Sina 78 so I might add a ball-of-foot cushion.

Don’t worry about slipping on smooth floors, the Rieker Sina 78 has a nicely textured polyurethane outsole that grips slippery flooring well.

If you have a high volume foot as I do, you may be wondering if the scalloped topline irritates the top of the foot. I haven’t found this to be true. The leather is buttery soft and doesn’t dig into the feet. I imagine that even low volume feet would get a secure fit in this shoe.

As far as fit, I usually wear a 10 and fine the euro 41 to fit me perfectly (although Zappos suggests a 42 for size 10, which would have been too big). Find the Rieker Sina 78 in euro sizes 36-42 for $125 from Amazon and Zappos.

See our Facebook discussion of this shoe and feel free to ask a question before ordering.

The post Rieker Sina 78 Review : Woven Wonder of a Shoe appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.