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.”

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

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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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Vince Camuto Wedge Sandals

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Comfort features: Secure, wide, wrap around ankle strap

To buy: nordstrom.com, $100

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Toms Clarissa Wedges

Courtesy of Toms

Comfort features: Adjustable ankle strap, bacteria resistant microfiber sock liner, comfort insole

To buy: toms.com, $80

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Ugg Metallic Wedge Loafers

Courtesy of Amazon

Comfort features: Shearling-feel wool lining, foam-cushioned footbed

To buy: amazon.com, from $60

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Toni Pons Lidia Suede Wedges

Courtesy of Zappos

Comfort features: Soft suede uppers, adjustable buckle closure, cushioned insole

To buy: zappos.com, $145

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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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Gentle Soles by Kenneth Cole Metallic Leather Wedges

Courtesy of Lord & Taylor

Comfort features: Padded insole, back zipper

To buy: lordandtaylor.com, $199

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Michael Kors Liv Shearling-trim Suede Wedge Booties

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Comfort features: Lace-up sneaker hybrid, rubber sole

To buy: saksfifthavenue.com, $199

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Blondo Cathy Suede Waterproof Sandals

Courtesy of Lord & Taylor

Comfort features: Cushioned footbed, upper elastic straps

To buy: lordandtaylor.com, $100

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Cole Haan Tali Demi Wedge Pumps

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

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

To buy: bloomingdales.com, $102 (originally $170)

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Stella McCartney Sneakelyse Platform Wedge Sneakers

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

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

To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $730

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Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Velvet Demi-wedge Ballet Flats

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Comfort features: Flax seed pillow insole, lightweight support, flexibility

To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $195

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Free People Vegan Dorian Wedges

Courtesy of Free People

Comfort features: Adjustable ankle wrap, ridged rubber sole

To buy: freepeople.com, $168

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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 Shortcake Slingbacks

Courtesy of Amazon

Comfort features: Flexible soles, heel rest technology, memory foam footbed

To buy: amazon.com, from $19

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Steve Madden NC-LOCA Wedges

Courtesy of Steve Madden

Comfort features: Perforated upper for ventilation, rubber sole

To buy: stevemadden.com, $60 (originally $100)

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Eileen Fisher d’Orsay Platform Wedge Pumps

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Comfort features: Memory foam under toe, arch and heel along with mesh ankle band for flexible fit

To buy: bloomingdales.com, $195

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Born Emmy II Wedges

Courtesy of Zappos

Comfort features: padded insole, arch support, adjustable slingback closure

To buy: zappos.com, $110

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