Buying shoes online has never been easy but thanks to our Associate Fashion Editor Sierra Mayhew, now it is. She zips around the stores of New York City trying on every trending shoe to report on the comfortability, fit, and style so you never have to make a return again.
“When it comes to high heels, are you the kind of person that carries an extra pair of shoes in their bag or grins and bears it?” Someone recently asked me this and my answer was neither. My stubbornness and determination to walk everywhere is an interesting combination with the fact that I almost always wear high heels. The truth is that these personality traits just make me the perfect heel connoisseur. Instead of adjusting my lifestyle or mode of transport, I ask my shoes to step up and take on their side of the deal.
With the amount of space that shoes are currently taking up in my closet, I am expecting the best performance out of each and every pair that I own. Comfort is more than just a priority for me, it’s a requirement. So you bet that when I tell you that a pair of shoes is worth the buy, you can trust me.
After trying on exactly 32 pairs of shoes at Nordstrom, I can happily report back to you and say the 16 below will not disappoint when it comes to style or comfort—you deserve both. It was a tough decision not to include some of the trendy or it-shoes that I wanted to fit in here but my opinion is that no trend is worth the discomfort. You won’t regret your purchase when you shop the below shoes.
Orange was the color of the year so my eyes immediately were drawn to this shoe—I had to try them on first. I clearly made the right choice because as you know from this series I’ve tried on many high heels and this is the most comfortable pair I’ve ever seen. And so on trend for 2022. P.S., they also come in quite a few neutral shades.
Were they comfortable? The most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. These shoes are the equivalent of tying a pillowcase to your feet and heading out the door, but much chicer. How was sizing? True to size and walking around the store lowkey kind of felt like a foot massage.
Yes, we’re going to see a lot of colors today. This blue mule is going to be such a fun way to brighten up my wardrobe. Its silhouette is going to be a very lasting style you’ll be able to wear for years to come. And the quality is unmatched so I know they won’t be breaking down any time soon.
Were they comfortable? They were quite comfortable and had the perfect heel height. Made of lambskin leather, they’ll mold to your feet over time getting more and more comfortable with each wear. How was sizing? Order a half size up. I typically will go for a size 39 but in this case a 39.5 was the right fit for me.
This summer, there will be a lot to celebrate. If you’re like me, your calendar is already stacked with weddings, birthday parties, and a lot of fun. This shoe is certainly worth adding to the guest list. I’m all about the sparkles.
Were they comfortable? Thanks to the platform at the front, I could dance all night in these heels. They were certainly a winner. How was sizing? True to size and the perfect plus one.
I couldn’t think of a more perfect travel shoe. Buttery soft folded leather meets an elegant platform. The neutral tones are guaranteed to go with everything.
Were they comfortable? Totally. I immediately imagined myself easily navigating cobblestone city streets in these. How was sizing? I went up a half size to find the perfect fit.
You might be noticing a trend here and if you are definitely keep your eyes peeled because you’re going to see it again. Folded leather at the front of a shoe is a winner in my book.
Were they comfortable? I’m all about this folder leather trend because it’s definitely made my shoes more comfortable. Don’t be afraid of mules when they look like this. How was sizing? I can always depend on Steve Madden to be true to size.
Another vacation shoe if I ever saw one. I’m definitely planning on bringing these shoes somewhere tropical but can also see them easily fitting into my weekend routine as well. What did I tell you about orange?
Were they comfortable? For a heel of this height most definitely. I could get through a night on the dance floor in them but would probably hail a cab there. The ankle straps added the support I needed for sure. How was sizing? Very true to size.
If you’re not an everyday high heel wearer, this style will change you. The shoes are so comfortable and will easily elevate your denim and t-shirt routine.
Were they comfortable? This is another pair of shoes that I exclaimed was definitely one of the most comfortable styles that I tried. There was an added cushion at the sole that I loved and made it feel like a slipper. How was sizing? A true to size experience for me.
I’ve had my eye on this bestseller for a few months now and it certainly did not disappoint. I think everyone should have it in their closet by this summer. It’s comfortable, trendy, and under $60. What more could you need?
Were they comfortable? The cushioning on the toes was everything. Plus, the thick heel made me feel more stable than I did in any other shoe that I tried. How was sizing? I loved how true to size they were.
We’re all about bright and saturated colors right now and this just might be the perfect shade of blue. I’m loving how these shoes make such a statement yet somehow go with everything.
Were they comfortable? Typically PVC and a stiletto lead to a very uncomfortable experience. Luckily, that was not the case here. The front of the shoe was like jello and molded perfectly to my foot. And the platform helped with the height. How was sizing? As with most European shoes I would size up, I went up a size and a half to find the perfect fit which strayed me from my usual 38.5 to a 40.
Bubblegum pink is a color scheme that I’m certainly excited to add to my footwear collection. We’re seeing Y2K inspiration everywhere and this is an easy way to take part. I also love a strappy sandal so I find this pair to be quite endearing.
Were they comfortable? One of the members of the Nordstrom team told me she just walked around all day in these and was so comfortable. I second that. How was sizing? I ended up going down a half size and it felt great.
By now you know I love an Open Edit sandal and trying a new one out for size was quite the treat. I was impressed by the wide heel and braided detailing.
Were they comfortable? The braids felt like micro pillows that hit my feet just right every time I moved. So yes, the comfort level was on point. How was sizing? True to size, for sure.
I needed to add another dance all-night shoe to my radar and here she is. This pair shimmers and shines in every which way when the light hits it just right. It was made for the dance floor.
Were they comfortable? There’s a bit of tension at the heel but my legs have never looked better so I think it was worth it. How was sizing? I loved how true to size it was.
This luxurious sandal silhouette has taken over the streets in recent years and isn’t planning on going anywhere. You’re guaranteed to look like a foot model when you wear them and I loved that they came in so many fun colors.
Were they comfortable? With a lower heel height, they definitely were. I can see myself wearing them all summer long. How was sizing? A good true to size option.
We love a statement shoe and this one is definitely that. The length of the tie gives you many options to wrap it around your entire leg or keep it lowkey. I went for the dramatic option of course.
Were they comfortable? The arch was perfectly angled so that you don’t feel a thing when you wear these. I’m pretty obsessed with them. How was sizing? True to size for me.
And last but not least, we need to talk about these mules. Another shoe that comes in so many fun colors I couldn’t decide between lime or black. The possibilities are endless.
Were they comfortable? They’re definitely up there among the most comfortable styles that I tried. I’m so sold on them and am immediately going to tell all of my friends. How was sizing? They are a true to size winner.
My favorite pair of shoes that I purchased this year are under $50.
You won’t miss a beat in these.
Let’s try these again in bright blue.
If I were to buy one luxury shoe, this would be it.
