Fashion

20 Comfortable Heels You Can Dance In Without Hurting Yourself, Just In Time For Prom Season

A host of festive soirees are just around the corner, not the least of which are graduation and prom. It's time to pop on your dancing shoes in preparation for the celebration, and by dancing shoes, I do mean heels you can actually dance in . If you possess even a minor interest in stilettos, you likely understand the impulse to slip on the tallest, pointiest, and most arch-injuring heels for black tie occasions. However, doing so only ends in tears as you hobble wincingly to the side of the dance floor, leaning on the shoulder of you date because your shoes are meant to be admired, not twerked in. If you wish to have the best of both worlds, that is, heels that are visually arresting and movement-friendly, read on for 20 of the best options on the market.

by Tyler Atwood

Trotters Amelia T-Strap Pump

Made for movement and most importantly, dance, Trotters’ Amelia T-Strap Pump are a neutral accent ideal for staving off foot injury at your next formal occasion.

Trotters Amelia T-Strap Pump, $134.95, Nordstrom

Also consider: Charm Foot T-Strap Pump, $24, Amazon

Corso Como Wanda Perforated Leather Pump

Lend vibrancy to your look and cushion your instep with Corso Como’s cleverly designed Wanda Perforated Leather Pumps.

Corso Como Wanda Perforated Leather Pump, $138.95, Nordstrom

Also consider: Guess Babbitt Perforated Pumps, $99, Amazon

Zara Mid-Heel Sandals With Ankle Strap

Save your soles in a pair of low-heeled pastel sandals like these pretty pastels from Zara.

Zara Mid-Heel Sandals With Ankle Strap, $59.90, Zara

Also consider: Via Spiga Lae Dress Sandal, $80, Amazon

ALDO Ibenama in Cobalt Waterprint

Add a splash of oceanic style to your look in ALDO’s Ibenama in Cobalt Waterprint, whose heels provide a gentle slant instead of an arch-killing stiletto shape.

ALDO Ibenama Sandal, $80, Amazon

Dune London Hydro Sandals

Arresting fuchsia suede meets a cushioned insole in Dune’s dance-ready London Hydro Sandals.

Dune London Hydro Sandals, $70, Dune

Also consider: Sam Edelman Patti Sandal in Pop Fuschia, $100, Amazon

& Other Stories Encrusted Leather Sandalettes

These Miu Miu-inspired & Other Stories Encrusted Leather Sandalettes are begging to be the center of attention at your next formal function.

& Other Stories Encrusted Leather Sandalettes, $150, Stories

Also consider: Sam Edelman Dion Sandal, $80, Amazon

Zara High Heel Strappy Sandals

Kick up your heels without pulling a muscle in Zara’s High Heel Strappy Sandals, whose thick, sturdy heels and wide straps provide chic comfort.

Also consider: Zara High Heel Strappy Sandals, $59.90, Zara

& Other Stories Strappy Kitten Heel Sandals

With the faintest trace of a heel and a nude, multi-strapped design, & Other Stories’ Strappy Kitten Heel Sandals are a mere step away from your average gladiators.

& Other Stories Strappy Kitten Heel Sandals, $150, Stories

Also consider: Nine West O’Darlin Kitten Heel, $59.99, Amazon

Tahari Gea Heels

What Tahari’s Gea Heels lack in height, they make up for in eye-catching, floral design.

Tahari Gea Heels, $80, Amazon

Touch Ups Vanessa

Keep your feet in motion until the wee hours of the morning in Touch Ups’ Vanessa sandals. The pair’s Lilliputian heels and hypnotizing embellishment are a perfect fit for a dancing queen in the making.

Touch Ups Vanessa, $69, Amazon

MICHAEL Michael Kors Kristen High Heels

If you’re ready to meet your sole mate, look no further than MICHAEL Michael Kors’s Kristen High Heels, whose petite kitten heels are the ideal accoutrement for a night spent twirling on the dance floor.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Kristen High Heels, $135, Amazon

Caparros Open Toe D'Orsay Evening Sandals

Indulge your inner royal with Caparros’s gilded and embellished Open Toe D’Orsay Evening Sandals. The design of the sandals will keep your shoes firmly in place instead of careening off your feet mid-Charleston.

Caparros Open Toe D’Orsay Evening Sandals, $66.50, Bloomingdales

Also consider: Badgley Mischka D’Orsay Evening Pump, $116, Amazon

Nine West Ganiston Slingback Sandals

Keep aching ankles at bay with Nine West’s Ganiston Slingback Sandals, whose diminutive heels and embellished straps make the pair utilitarian and chic.

Nine West Ganiston Slingback Sandals, $69.99, Amazon

Nine West Shapeup Open Toe Sandals

Add a pop of color to your ensemble and prevent a mid-dance collapse with Nine West’s chic Shapeup Open Toe Sandals.

Nine West Shapeup Open Toe Sandals, $85, Amazon

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Dragon Lady Pumps

Both comfortable and quirky, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa’s Dragon Lady Pumps are a match made in heaven for anyone who wishes to Dougie until dawn.

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Dragon Lady Pumps, $225, Amazon

Betsey Johnson Tee Glitter Open-Toe T-Strap Sandals

Elevate your ensemble with Betsey Johnson’s oh-so-glamorous Tee Glitter Open-Toe T-Strap Sandals, whose t-strap design lends itself to the disco step, the Harlem Shake, or any other signature move you may have up your sleeve.

Betsey Johnson Tee Glitter Open-Toe T-Strap Sandals, $90, Amazon

Jeffrey Campbell Noel Tinsel Heel

In all honesty, Jeffrey Campbell’s Noel Tinsel Heel aren’t a shoe for the timid prom-goer. However, the modest four-inch heels and soiree-worthy tinsel make this pair perfect for a spin around the dance floor.

Jeffrey Campbell Noel Tinsel Heel, $145, nastygal.com

Also consider: Essex Glam Fur Heel, $29.99, Amazon

Nina Cosmos Sandal Pumps

With their feet-friendly four-inch heels and a breezy yet elegant design, Nina’s Cosmos Sandal Pumps will provide height to your look without pinching your toes.

Nina Cosmos Sandal Pumps, $88.95, Amazon

Lulu's Fresh Picked White and Green Floral Dress Sandals

Step into Lulu’s Fresh Picked White and Green Floral Dress Sandals, whose modest heel and ankle strap will keep you on your feet all night long.

Lulu’s Fresh Picked White and Green Floral Dress Sandals, $31, lulus.com

Also consider: Steve Madden Stecy Sandal Pump, $79.95, Amazon

Seychelles Play Along Black Suede Lace-Back Shootie Heels

Perhaps a simple pointed-toe pump isn’t your style. If you crave a shoe with a more rebellious tilt, try Seychelle’s bootie-style lace-up heels for a chic and comfortable look.

Seychelles Play Along Black Suede Lace-Back Shootie Heels, $60, Amazon

120