Travel Products Style Shoes The 21 Best Dress Shoes for Women of 2023 The Clarks Women's Juliet Palm Loafer is our top pick. By Kaitlyn McInnis Kaitlyn McInnis Kaitlyn McInnis is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer with bylines in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Tatler Asia, CNN, The Points Guy, and more. Born and raised in Canada, she specializes in writing Canadian and international travel guides. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 14, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski Shopping for travel-appropriate dress shoes can be a tricky conundrum: not only do you want something comfortable and suitable for your event but you’ll also want to ensure your shoe is versatile enough to wear long after the event has wrapped. The best dress shoes should be stylish and professional. You'll need something that can easily pair with your best pants or dress, but that also offer enough orthopedic support to be comfortable to wear for hours on your feet or while clocking in tens of thousands of steps while exploring a new city. Looking for a dress shoe that’ll tick off all the right boxes when it comes to comfort, style, and versatility? We spoke to a handful of podiatrists to get their insights on exactly what to look for when it comes to dress shoes for travel — as well as some of the best dress shoe models and styles to consider. Our top recommendation is the Clarks Women’s Juliet Palm Loafer, thanks to its expandable footbed. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Clarks Palm Loafer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Loafer: Dr. Scholl's Shoes Ruler Loafer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Oxford: Mona Flying Leather Lace-up Oxfords at Amazon Jump to Review Best Wedge: Anne Klein Wedge Pump at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sandal: Dolce Vita Noles Heels at Amazon Jump to Review Best Slingback: Amazon Essentials Square Toe Slingback Flat at Amazon Jump to Review Best d’Orsay: Toms Julie Flat at Amazon Jump to Review Best Boot/Bootie: Dr. Scholl's Shoes Ankle Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Everyday: Sam Edelman Felicia Flat at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Gucci Brixton Horsebit Convertible Loafer at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Overall Clarks Women's Juliet Palm Loafer Amazon View On Amazon View On Dsw.com View On Macy's Why We Love It This versatile leather loafer will expand and contract to best fit your feet — even if you’re standing all day long. What to Consider The loafer runs small; you might want to size up. The Clarks Women's Juliet Palm Loafer is our favorite dress shoe for women right now. The slight heel and breathable leather exterior make this option ultra-comfortable, even if you’re going to be on your feet all day. The OrthoLite footbed and cushion-soft padding support the foot from heel to toe while the curved topline makes it easy to slip these shoes on and off without the need for a shoe horn or having to fuss over straps. We also love the slight heel this loafer offers. It sets itself apart from the classic loafer silhouette and affords an extra inch or two in height that makes it great for pairing with dresses or skirts — but the wide heel and rubber sole offer the same comfort level and stability as a flat shoe. Price at time of publish: $85 The Details: 5 to 12 | Leather and rubber | 6.4 ounces per shoe Best Loafer Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Ruler Loafer Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Kohls.com Why We Love It This loafer features orthopedic support — but you’d never know it based on the gorgeous faux-leather silhouette. What to Consider This pair is a bit tight on the toes and might require sizing up. We love a loafer that can withstand tens of thousands of steps in a single go — and the Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Women's Ruler Loafer does all that and more. The slip-on fit and extra elasticity make it easy to throw this shoe on without much fuss while the comfort insole technology with anatomical cushioning that Dr. Scholl’s is known for means you won’t have to worry about sore calves or blisters even if you’re someone who prefers walking over taking Uber or public transit. We also love that this pair comes in a variety of colorways and patterns ranging from classic black and taupe to playful leopard print. Price at time of publish: $75 The Details: 6 to 11 | Synthetic leather and rubber | 1.7 pounds per shoe Best Oxford Mona Flying Women's Leather Perforated Lace-up Oxfords Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It This versatile Oxford was designed for comfort and comes in a variety of unique colorways. What to Consider The sizing runs a little small so you might want to order at least a half-size up. “When shopping for a dress shoe I typically try and find one that may accommodate an orthosis device, but my favorite are Oxfords,” says Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH, Instructor of Orthopedic/Pediatric Sciences at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. “I will seek out an Oxford with a higher ‘heel drop’ which is just a fancy way of saying increased heel-to-toe difference.” According to Landau, for traveling and long-term wear, Oxfords hold up the best. There are many variations — but leather uppers like on these ones from Mona are the nicest for both style and comfort. Price at time of publish: $128 The Details: 5 to 10.5 | Leather and rubber | 1.76 pounds per shoe The 11 Best Dressy Flats of 2023 Best Wedge Anne Klein Women's Tara Wedge Pump Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It This practical heel is part strappy wedge sandal part orthopedic-approved cloud. What to Consider The shoe runs narrow and might not be comfortable for those with wide feet. You don’t have to forego heels in order to find a comfortable travel-appropriate dress shoe. The Anne Klein Women's Tara Wedge Pump features a comfort-focused wedge heel that makes it great for pairing with skirts or dresses and a strappy and feminine aesthetic that can easily work for morning meetings or evening cocktail hour. However, the cushioned footbed and flexible and lightweight sole make this option great for walking long distances or standing on your feet for hours on end without worrying about blisters or shin splints. This option is also available in a handful of fun colors, ranging from neutrals to snakeskin. Price at time of publish: $69 The Details: 5 to 11 | Textile | 8 ounces per shoe Best Sandal Dolce Vita Noles Heels Dolce Vita View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Why We Love It This elegant heel was designed and crafted in the United States. What to Consider These shoes run large; you might want to size down. The Dolce Vita Women's Noles Heeled Sandal is one of our favorite options for summertime business meetings or beachfront events thanks to its stable heel and open-toe design. The block heel and padded footbed make this option super comfortable for spending hours on your feet while the breathable material ensures you won’t have to worry about your feet getting sweaty in the sun. This option is available in a ton of colors and materials — including a stunning hot pink patent leather, you know, if you’re looking to channel your inner Barbie. Price at time of publish: $100 The Details: 6 to 10 | Synthetic leather and rubber | 1.3 pounds per shoe Best Slingback Amazon Essentials Women's Square Toe Slingback Flat Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It This stunning slingback is versatile enough to wear anywhere thanks to the subtle design and adjustable buckle closure. What to Consider Even with the adjustable buckle, these shoes run large so you’ll want to consider sizing down. There’s something about the slingback design that just exudes a sense of je ne sais quoi — and the Amazon Essentials Women's Square Toe Slingback Flat is no exception. The budget-conscious flat comes in a variety of stunning colorways — including a gorgeous bright lavender and a dusty rose hue — while the minimal silhouette can easily be paired with dress pants, denim, and even skirts and dresses. We also love that the back strap is made of hidden elastic and can be adjusted throughout the day to accommodate for swelling as needed or to make removing the shoes easier. Price at time of publish: $25 The Details: 5 to 13 | Synthetic leather | 10.55 ounces per shoe The 12 Most Comfortable Dress Shoes for Men of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best d’Orsay Toms Julie Flat Amazon View On Amazon View On Dsw.com Why We Love It This casual flat is made from plant-derived and recycled materials. What to Consider The shoe is quite stiff and might take some time to break in. Toms has come a long way from its shapeless slip-on days (although — we admittedly still love their classic slip-on). The Toms Julie Flat offers a much more feminine alternative to the classic slip-on. The d'Orsay silhouette is elegant and timeless and can easily pair with everything from dress pants to dresses, while the built-in lining, OrthoLite Eco X40 insole, and impact-reducing rubber heel ensure you won’t have to deal with rubbing, blisters, or arch pain. We also love the myriad of colorways and unique prints available — including a stunning taupe and cow hair design. Price at time of publish: $85 The Details: 5 to 11 | Synthetic leather | 1.06 pounds per shoe Best Boot/Bootie Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Teammate Ankle Boot Amazon View On Amazon View On Drschollsshoes.com View On Kohls.com Why We Love It This versatile bootie offers ample cushioning and shock absorption for all-day comfort. What to Consider The narrow opening makes this option a bit difficult to slip on and off. Ankle boots will always be one of our favorite dress shoe options — especially in the cooler months when a heel or flat might not make the most sense. The Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Teammate Ankle Boot offers instant comfort thanks to the built-in anatomical cushioning and lightweight and flexible design. The faux leather and block heel also make these booties easy to walk in — even if you might not be used to or comfortable with walking in heels. Pair these boots with dress pants or jeans and a blazer for an instant business casual look that’ll transition from day to evening with ease. Price at time of publish: $100 The Details: 6 to 11 | Microsuede | 1.79 pounds per shoe Best Everyday Sam Edelman Felicia Flat Sam Edelman View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Why We Love It This bow-trimmed ballet flat is timeless, and it's comfortable enough to wear all day long for multiple days in a row. What to Consider The soft leather looks gorgeous but might start to scuff with heavy wear. The Sam Edelman Felicia Flat is an excellent example of the classic ballet flat: it’s simple and elegant while still packing a serious punch in the style department thanks to the variety of leather finishes and colorways. The slight elastic opening makes these shoes ultra comfortable for daily use (and won’t rub against the heel or toes) while the soft leather exterior can easily expand and contract to accommodate for any swelling that might occur from being on your feet all day. The classic silhouette is also extremely versatile and can easily be paired with jeans, skirts, and even leggings and a blazer in a pinch. Price at time of publish: $120 The Details: 4 to 13 | Leather Best Splurge Gucci Brixton Horsebit Convertible Loafer Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales View On Saks Fifth Avenue Why We Love It This versatile loafer converts between a closed shoe and a mule thanks to the folding heel. What to Consider The stiff leather interior can take a while to break in at first. The Gucci Brixton Horsebit Convertible Loafer is one of our all-time favorite shoes. The leather and brass loafer might cost significantly more than the average shoe on the list — but the timeless design and superior leather quality make it well-worth the splurge if you’re looking to invest in luxury footwear. We love that the leather material molds to the foot for a customized fit — but you’ll want to keep in mind the stiff material might take a little while to break in, so you’ll want to give it some time before you plan to wear them on a trip. Price at time of publish: $920 The Details: 4 to 12 | Leather Best Budget Obtaom Women's Pointy Toe Loafer Flat Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It This classic loafer looks much more expensive than it is (and did we mention it's super comfy?). What to Consider The shoe runs a bit small; you might want to size up. There’s something about a workhorse of a loafer that’ll always be one of our favorite additions to our shoe arsenal. The versatile flat is super comfortable and can easily put in tens of thousands of steps without causing irritation or blisters — but it’s also great for wearing to the office, drinks, and pretty much anywhere in between. The Obtaom Women's Pointy Toe Loafer is crafted from a durable faux leather that won’t scuff easily while the rubber sole helps cushion your stride while commuting to work or exploring a new city by foot. It’s also available in a huge spectrum of colors to best suit your style. Price at time of publish: $20 The Details: 5 to 11 | Faux leather Best Sustainable Vivia Square-Toe Chunky Heels Vivia View On Vivaia.com Why We Love It We love that these chunky heels are eco-friendly and stylish. What to Consider The sizing can be a little inconsistent between colors and styles. The Vivia Square-Toe Chunky Heels tick all the boxes when it comes to a long-lasting and sustainable dress shoe. The evergreen silhouette isn’t going out of style any time soon, and it’s also made using high-quality post-consumer materials that have been expertly crafted to last for the long run. We also love that this chunky heel features a cushiony and high rebound V-FOAM insole that helps support the foot and protect the heels from rubbing or irritation so you can wear them for many hours without pain. Price at time of publish: $139 The Details: 5 to 11 | Recycled plastic and rubber Best Designer Manolo Blahnik BB Pointed Toe Pump Nordstrom View On Nordstrom Why We Love It Timeless and well-crafted, this pointed-toe pump will last for decades What to Consider This shoe runs small; you might want to go up half a size. If you’re going to invest a ton of cash in a good pair of designer heels — you’ll want to opt for something long-lasting and high-quality. The Manolo Blahnik BB Pointed Toe Pump is about as classic as you can get while still offering a dose of flair and style. It’s crafted from a buttery-soft suede leather that won’t easily scuff while the slender stiletto heel will pair just as well with a pair of jeans as it will with a more formal dress or suit – Carrie Bradshaw style. The made-in-Italy shoe is designed to last — but the high-quality craftsmanship also makes it easy to replace the soles down the road as needed. Price at time of publish: $725 The Details: 5 to 11 | Suede Best Stiletto Nine West Women's Flax Pointed Toe Dress Pump Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It This 100 percent leather stiletto is budget-friendly and surprisingly comfortable. What to Consider The sole has very little traction and can sometimes slide on slippery surfaces. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to score a really great pair of stilettos — and the Nine West Women's Flax Pointed Toe Dress Pump is proof of that. This budget-friendly pump is crafted using 100 percent real leather while the lightly cushioned footbed ensures you’ll have proper support and shock resistance while on your feet for long periods of time. The pointed-toe pumps feature a reasonable 3.5-inch heel and come in a whole spectrum of colors, patterns, and finishes (although we’re particularly partial to classic black). Price at time of publish: $20 The Details: 5 to 12 | Leather Best Mules Naturalizer Emiline Mule Nordstrom View On Nordstrom Why We Love It This streamlined mule is the ideal combination of sophisticated and supremely comfortable. What to Consider These shoes run a little wide and might not be great for those with narrow feet. If you’re prone to blisters or uncomfortable scuffing on your heels, you’ll want to consider a pair of mules. The slip-on style is extremely easy to pull on and off and while it does have an open back, it’s just as suitable for formal situations as a closed-back shoe. The Naturalizer Emiline Mule in particular is a great option for anyone in search of a comfy but formal alternative; it features a buttery soft synthetic lining and a slight curve in the sole to best support your feet. The stylish menswear-inspired silhouette and polished chain-link hardware only add to the appeal of this comfy but chic shoe. Price at time of publish: $100 The Details: 5 to 12 | Leather Best Platform Steve Madden Jaklyn Espadrille Platform Sandal Nordstrom View On Nordstrom Why We Love It This espadrille platform is casual and comfortable — but can easily be dressed up as well. What to Consider The straps are a bit tight and can be tough to break in at first. Platform shoes can be a tricky style to get right — especially if you’re hoping to wear them in a more formal or office setting. That said, it’s not impossible to find platform dress shoes that knock it out of the park. Take the Steve Madden Jaklyn Espadrille Platform Sandal for example. This summertime espadrille offers a subtle two-inch heel that’ll give you the perfect amount of lift. The earthy texture combined with the black (or tan) straps gives a sophisticated and versatile aesthetic that’ll work just as well with summer dresses as it will with jeans or slacks. Price at time of publish: $75 The Details: 5 to 10 | Synthetic and elastic Best for the Office Everlane The Italian Leather Day Heel View On Everlane.com Why We Love It Think of this super comfy shoe as a timeless ballet flat — with a chunky heel. What to Consider These shoes run narrow and might be uncomfortable for those with wide feet. Whether you work a hybrid office schedule or commute on a daily basis, it’s important to opt for shoes that’ll provide long-lasting comfort but still offer a dose of professionalism and style to your work wardrobe. That’s where the Italian Leather Day Heel from Everlane comes in. This elegant chunky heel looks almost like a classic ballet flat — but the addition of the two-inch block heel gives it an extra touch of sophistication without putting stress on the feet the same way a stiletto would. We also love that this option is available in several fun colors — including an all-over bubble gum pink and a classic black-and-white color-block design. Price at time of publish: $175 The Details: 5 to 11 | Leather The 12 Most Comfortable Dress Shoes for Men of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Arch Support Healthy Feet Store Trotters Daisy Women's Heel Healthy Feet Store View On Healthyfeetstore.com Why We Love It This podiatrist-approved heel is comfortable — but doesn’t sacrifice style. What to Consider The soft rubber sole can get stuck on rocks or debris if you’re not careful. If you’ve ever struggled with foot pain or heel issues then you’re probably already well-acquainted with the pain of trying to find orthopedic footwear that doesn’t look, well, medical grade. The Trotters Daisy Women's Heel from the Healthy Feet Store offers a unique contoured footbed that provides gel-like cushioning to help support your arches all day long. They also have a shock-absorbent feature that helps support and take the stress off your feet and joints while putting in a lot of steps. The best part, though? These arch-supporting heels are actually pretty stylish — so you don’t have to feel bad about searching for a shoe that makes your feet feel good. Price at time of publish: $110 The Details: 5 to 12 | Leather Best Kitten Heel DREAM PAIRS Women's Moda Low Heel D'Orsay Pointed Toe Pump Shoes Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It This pointed-toe kitten heel is sophisticated and elegant but won’t break the bank. What to Consider The shoe runs a little long. The Dream Paris Women's Moda Low Heel is one of our favorite options when looking for a dress shoe with lift that won’t require all the finesse it can sometimes take to pull off long hours in stilettos. The slight kitten heel is only about two inches, which is more than enough to make you stand tall but not nearly enough to throw you off balance or force you to pick your steps. We also love that this option is crafted with a textured outsole which helps prevent slipping and sliding around while walking. Price at time of publish: $43 The Details: 5 to 12 | Faux leather Best Nude Sam Edelman Hazel Pumps View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Zappos Why We Love It This stunning pump comes in all shades of nude — from beige blush to toasted walnut. What to Consider Some of the patent leather styles might scuff easily. Nothing beats a nude stiletto when it comes to time-honored appeal — and the Sam Edelman Women's Hazel Pumps are an excellent option if you’re looking for something comfortable, affordable, and suitable for your skin tone. The classic stiletto is available in a number of different colors, ranging from light pastel hues to darker browns and beiges. It’s also worth noting this heel comes with a new fit technology that essentially adds a padded sock to the interior which provides comfort and support but doesn’t take away from the streamlined silhouette. Price at time of publish: $150 The Details: 4 to 14 | Leather Best Versatile Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet Flat 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It This versatile ballet flat provides supreme comfort but still looks put together. What to Consider The lack of support might be uncomfortable for those with sensitive arches. Is there anything better than a classic ballet flat? We don’t think so! The Amazon Essentials Women's Belice Ballet Flat features a curved design that’ll mold to your specific foot shape and become more comfortable over time. Aside from comfort, the timeless design can easily work in the office, while running errands, and even at formal events in a pinch. This shoe comes in a variety of colors and styles — and at under $20 each, we’re tempted to invest in a few different pairs. We also like that the flexible and elastic synthetic leather design can easily be squished into a carry-on without worrying about damaging the shoe. Price at time of publish: $17 The Details: 4 to 12 | Synthetic leather Tips for Buying Dress Shoes Prioritize Comfort According to Dr. Anne Sharkey of North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute, it’s important to remember that our feet swell naturally over the course of a day, so shopping for new shoes in the afternoon or evening ensures you will have shoes that fit well for both day and night use. “Look for any friction points when trying shoes on,” she suggests. “If your skin is feeling pinched or tight at a first try-on, pass on those shoes as repeated use over time will surely lead to blisters and discomfort.” Keep your intended event in mind It can be tempting to pick up the most stylish or trendy shoes on the market — but you’ll want to keep your intended event in mind as much as possible. If you’re looking for a pair of shoes to take you on the subway and through the city streets, for example, you’ll probably want to opt for a flat shoe or a low heel you can really move in. Looking for an appropriate dress shoe for a destination wedding or fancy dinner party? That’s when a higher heel or a wedge might make the most sense. Know your true size Buying shoes online can be tricky — especially if you’re shopping for European or UK-based shoe designers. Start by making sure to read reviews before making any shoe purchase to get an idea of whether the shoe runs large or small. You’ll also want to check a shoe conversion chart to make sure you know exactly what your US size translates to in UK or European sizing. Frequently Asked Questions What dress shoe style is comfiest? The most comfortable dress shoe for you will depend on your specific preferences. If you’re comfortable wearing heels, you’ll want to look for shoes with a heel height between 2 to 3 inches to balance comfort, stability, and fashion. Heels higher than 3 inches significantly increase the pressure placed on the ball of the foot and contribute to ankle instability.Dr. Sharkey suggests considering block or wedge heels as they provide more stability as opposed to higher, more narrow heels which significantly increase the risk of ankle sprains. For the best support and comfort, look for heels with a back and avoid slide-on and mule styles unless they’re flats. How can I make dress shoes more comfortable? “You shouldn’t need to break in shoes or make them more comfortable,” says Dr. Sharkey. “They should fit well from the beginning!” She suggests looking for wider toe boxes as tight, narrow toe boxes force our toes to conform to the shape of the shoe leading to a host of problems including blisters, corns, calluses, hammer toes, bunions and overall discomfort. How can I make my dress shoes last longer? If you’ve invested in a high-quality pair of dress shoes it’s only natural you’ll want to take care of them and ensure they last as long as possible. Consider stuffing your shoes with acid-free packing paper when not in use or invest in a set of cedar shoe trees to help preserve the shape and silhouette. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure writers are shopping, fashion, and product experts who use personal experience and customer recommendations to choose the best items for shoppers. For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis interviewed podiatrists and used her experience as a travel writer and former lifestyle editor to curate the best options to suit most needs. We consulted the following experts in order to choose the best dress shoes for women: Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH, Instructor of Orthopedic/Pediatric Sciences at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine Dr. Anne Sharkey of North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute The 12 Best Women's Loafers of 2023 Love a great deal? 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