The Most Comfortable Wedges for Walking

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When it comes time to choose your travel shoes, we all know that sneakers are a comfortable and easy standard. But sometimes you want to amp up the style factor when you visit new destinations for a night on the town, or simply a for more fashion-forward look, and the humble sneaker just won't cut it.

We asked Dr. Ami Sheth, a foot and ankle specialist in Los Gatos, California and a spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association, to weigh in on the travel shoe debate. Her answer for feeling both dressed-up and comfortable? The wedge.

“People always say to me, ‘I don’t want to wear sneakers because they make me feel like I’m a tourist,'” said Sheth. “Well, you are a tourist. But if you want to dress up a little more, I would say that my blanket statement is to wear something stable anytime you’re putting mileage on your foot.” While she doesn’t recommend wearing them all the time, “wedges are still the best if you’re going for a dressier shoe. It’s a better option than a stiletto or a pump as long as it's not too high and has a slight pitch.”

Related: How to Break In Your Travel Shoes the Right Way, According to Podiatrists

Other features to look for? “Some level of adaptability,” she said, referring to straps that can be adjusted to ensure a snug fit. Sheth prefers wedges that come up around the ankle, as well, “because they’re more protective,” and she suggests some insole padding.

Important point: “I tell everybody to test-drive the shoes before taking them on the road, and if they’re not comfortable, do not take them on the trip,” she said. And, finally, Sheth added that you won't want to take on any serious mileage without the proper footwear. “If you’re walking 10 miles, get a big handbag and when you arrive at the venue where you need to shine, swap out your sneakers for wedges,” she said.

Here are 17 pairs of comfortable wedges that look as good as they feel.

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Vince Camuto Marybell Platform Wedge Sandal

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Comfort features: Secure, adjustable ankle strap, platform

To buy: nordstrom.com, $129

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Toms Monica Slingback Wedges

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Comfort features: Adjustable ankle strap, cushioned insole

To buy: nordstrom.com, from $80

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Ugg Trina Ribbon Tie Wedge Sandals

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Comfort features: Adjustable ankle straps, foam-cushioned footbed

To buy: nordstrom.com, $110

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Toni Pons Mid Wedge Espadrilles

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Comfort features: Secure straps, soft suede upper

To buy: nordstrom.com, $65

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Vionic Kaitlyn Wedges

Courtesy of Vionic

Comfort features: adjustable ankle tie, arch support, biomechanically designed insole, deep heel cup

To buy: vionicshoes.com, $130

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Olukai ‘Onohi Wedges

Courtesy of Zappos

Comfort features: Padded leather footbed, rubber sole

To buy: zappos.com, $130

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Dr. Scholl's Create Wedge Booties

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Comfort features: Cushioned footbed, shock-absorbing sole

To buy: nordstrom.com, $80

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Cole Haan Tali Demi Wedge Pumps

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Comfort features: Quilted footbed, enhanced cushioning, flexible, lightweight

To buy: nordstrom.com, $150

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Stella McCartney Sneak-Elyse Platform Wedge Sneakers

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Comfort features: Lace up support, padded footbed, rubber outsole

To buy: nordstrom.com, $695

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Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Gianna Slingback Sandals

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Comfort features: Flax seed pillow insole, lightweight support, adjustable straps

To buy: nordstrom.com, $150

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Eileen Fisher Willow Espadrille Wedge Sandals

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Comfort features: Ankle support, ridged rubber sole

To buy: nordstrom.com, $198

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Sofft Innis Wedges

Courtesy of Zappos

Comfort features: adjustable buckle for ankle support, cushioned, leather-lined footbed, extra padding at ball and heel

To buy: zappos.com, $90

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Aerosoles Carago Wedges

Courtesy of Zappos

Comfort features: adjustable buckle strap, memory foam insert, Heel Rest technology

To buy: zappos.com, $79

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Dr. Scholl’s Scout Sandals

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Comfort features: Contoured, supportive footbed, wide straps

To buy: nordstrom.com, $100

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Clarks Flex Sand Wedges

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Comfort features: Adjustable slingback strap with buckle, soft textile lining, cushioned cork footbed

To buy: zappos.com, $120

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Lucky Brand Joodith Platform Wedge Sandal

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Comfort features: Cushioned footbed, adjustable ankle strap with buckle

To buy: nordstrom.com, from $63 (originally $89)

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17 Stylish Wedges That Are Super Comfortable to Walk In

1 of 16

Vince Camuto Marybell Platform Wedge Sandal

1 of 16

2 of 16

Toms Monica Slingback Wedges

2 of 16

3 of 16

Ugg Trina Ribbon Tie Wedge Sandals

3 of 16

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Toni Pons Mid Wedge Espadrilles

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Vionic Kaitlyn Wedges

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Olukai ‘Onohi Wedges

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Dr. Scholl's Create Wedge Booties

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Cole Haan Tali Demi Wedge Pumps

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Stella McCartney Sneak-Elyse Platform Wedge Sneakers

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Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Gianna Slingback Sandals

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Eileen Fisher Willow Espadrille Wedge Sandals

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Sofft Innis Wedges

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Aerosoles Carago Wedges

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Dr. Scholl’s Scout Sandals

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Clarks Flex Sand Wedges

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Lucky Brand Joodith Platform Wedge Sandal

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