Under $40: Skechers Arch-Fit Beverlee 2.0 Wedges, $39 (was $44)
Dressy Option: LifeStride Sawyer Wedge Sandals, $50 (was $80)
Everyday Shoe: Crocs Brooklyn Low-Wedge Sandals, $55
Supportive Higher Wedge: Naturalizer Goodtimes Ankle-Strap Wedge Sandals, $90 (was $100)

Comfortable heels can be hard—if not impossible—to find. And there’s a reason for that: Heels typically don’t provide enough padding or stability. You don’t have to stick with flats, though. Podiatrists prefer wedges if you want a comfy shoe that still gives you a boost of height.

“I recommend wedges to patients who want more height but need a shoe that is more stable than a narrow heel,” Dr. Mikel Daniels, president and chief medical officer at WeTreatFeet Podiatry, says. “A wedge spreads the load across a wider base, which generally makes it easier and safer to walk in.”

Both Dr. Daniels and Dr. Bobby Pourziaee DPM, “The High Heel Doctor” and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, agree that these are the features you should look for: a broad base, cushioning, arch contour and support, a heel or ankle strap, and a lower heel pitch (i.e. the difference in height between the heel and forefoot).

Need some help choosing? The doctors shared some of their favorite pairs from Clarks, Naturalizer, Crocs, Skechers, and more, starting at $39.

Podiatrist-Approved Wedges

Clarks Annadel Eirwyn Sandal, $70
Aetrex Kathy Orthopedic Arch-Support Wedge Sandal, $100
LifeStride Sawyer Wedge Sandal, $50 (was $80)
Skechers Beverlee Sheer Luck Sandal, $39 (was $51)
Dansko Tanya Sandal, $145
Crocs Brooklyn Low-Wedge Sandals, $55
Skechers Arch-Fit Beverlee 2.0, $39 (was $44)
Naturalizer Goodtimes Ankle-Strap Wedge Sandal, $90 (was $100)
Clarks Giselle Beach Sandals, $51
Aetrex Avril Orthopedic Low-Heel Wedge, $150

Clarks Annadel Eirwyn Sandal

“This is a nice combination of a traditional-looking wedge and a comfort shoe,” Dr. Pourziaee, says. “I like the broad wedge because it provides considerably more stability than a narrow heel, while the cushioned footbed helps absorb impact and reduces pressure under the heel and ball of the foot. The secure ankle strap is another plus because it keeps the foot from sliding forward and reduces the tendency to grip with the toes while walking.”

Aetrex Kathy Orthopedic Arch-Support Wedge Sandal

“This is a good choice for someone who wants a dressier sandal but does not want to stand on a flat, unsupportive fashion footbed,” Dr. Daniels explains. “I like that it combines built-in arch support with a memory foam footbed and adjustable closure. In my practice, I see many people whose feet are comfortable in the morning but become painful after a few hours of standing. The reason is that their forefoot spreads. The result is the straps start rubbing, and they begin shifting their weight to avoid pain. An adjustable sandal gives the foot some room to change during the day. I would especially consider this style for a patient with mild plantar-fascial pain, a bunion, or occasional swelling, provided the straps do not land directly on a painful prominence.”

LifeStride Sawyer Wedge Sandal

Dr. Pourziaee says, “LifeStride makes several wedge styles designed around cushioning and comfort, and I like them as an affordable option for someone who wants a dressier shoe. A cushioned footbed helps reduce pressure under the metatarsal heads, or ball of the foot, which is one of the areas that tends to become uncomfortable first when wearing heels. I would choose one of their lower, broad-based wedges over a narrow or dramatically elevated style.”

Skechers Beverlee Sheer Luck Sandal

“This is a good option for someone who wants a dressier wedge without a hard, unforgiving footbed,” Dr. Pourziaee explains. “Skechers incorporates cushioning that helps reduce pressure under the heel and forefoot, which becomes especially important as heel height increases. I also like the platform construction because it decreases the functional difference between the heel and forefoot, so the foot is not pitched forward as aggressively as it would be in a conventional high heel.”

Dansko Tanya Sandal

Dr. Daniels says, “[This shoe’s] two adjustable hook-and-loop straps let you accommodate a wider forefoot or instep. Dansko uses a more rigid platform and a rubber outsole, which can feel steadier underfoot than a very flexible wedge. I often recommend adjustable footwear to people who have mild edema, arthritis, or a foot that is simply difficult to fit. The ability to change the fit throughout the day can be the difference between a shoe that stays comfortable and one that starts rubbing after two hours.”

Crocs Brooklyn Low-Wedge Sandals

“The Brooklyn is one of my favorite casual options because it is lightweight [and] cushioned and has a relatively low wedge compared with many fashion styles,” Dr. Pourziaee says. “The broad platform provides excellent ground contact and stability, and the cushioning helps absorb impact when walking. This is a great example of how a little elevation can be achieved without putting the foot into an extreme heel-to-toe position.”

Skechers Arch-Fit Beverlee 2.0

“This is a reasonable, casual option for people who want an easier, softer sandal,” Dr. Daniels shares. “It uses a contoured Arch-Fit footbed, foam cushioning, and an adjustable heel strap. I would describe it as a comfort wedge, not a medical device or a replacement for a custom orthotic. Still, for a patient who has been wearing thin flip-flops all summer and wants something with more shape under the arch, it is a meaningful improvement. I would use it for casual outings, vacations, and errands, not as the shoe I would choose for a full day of city walking.”

Naturalizer Goodtimes Ankle-Strap Wedge Sandal

“Naturalizer is a brand I often like for dress shoes because many of its styles incorporate cushioning and comfort features without looking like orthopedic footwear,” Dr. Pourziaee says, “For a wedge, I would choose one of their platform styles with a broad base and secure ankle strap. The platform under the forefoot is especially helpful because it reduces the effective heel height and therefore decreases some of the pressure transferred toward the ball of the foot.”

Clarks Giselle Beach Sandals

Dr. Daniels explains, “[This shoe] is attractive and can work well for a shorter social event. It has a cork-style midsole, adjustable slingback, and a cushioned foam insole. I am careful about promising that it is an all-day walking shoe. Its heel is higher than several other options, although the platform reduces the actual slope. This is the sort of shoe I would recommend for events like a dinner, a cruise, or a summer wedding, especially if you expect to sit periodically.”

Aetrex Avril Orthopedic Low-Heel Wedge

“This is one I would look at for a patient with a bunion or a forefoot that becomes wider later in the day,” Dr. Daniels shares. “It includes adjustable closures, built-in arch support, memory foam, and padding around the heel. The upper is more accommodating than a stiff fashion sandal, which matters when straps tend to rub across the big toe joint. Before buying it, I would make sure the edge of the strap does not sit directly over the bunion.”

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Wedges Are Making a Comeback—Podiatrists Share the 10 Supportive Pairs to Wear Now