The Most Comfortable Party Shoes to Dazzle on the Dance Floor, Tested by Shoe Editors
Claire Sullivan
Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear and WWD
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As December’s social calendar flows into the New Year’s festive functions, ’tis the season to put your best foot forward. Similar to a swipe of red lipstick or a shimmery silver bag, a fresh pair of comfortable party shoes can breathe new life into the dresses and separates you’ve been wearing since Thanksgiving, rendering your holiday wardrobe staples entirely new.
Of course, it’s also the time of year when we’ve been dressed in our fineries and have spent hours mingling on our feet, leaving most of us with a craving for slippers over stilettos. Thankfully, there’s a whole world of comfortable dress shoes that don’t skimp on style appeal. Consider options from brands like Larroudé or Vivaia, both of which prioritize comfort with special features like ample cushioning or stretchy uppers.
Better yet, many of the season’s most prominent footwear trends have more to do with texture and minimalist silhouettes than they do with teetering in sky-high heels. Consider a pair of silver ballet flats from St. Agni that hug the contours of your feet without cramming them. Or opt for Tory Burch mules that make a statement with their suede uppers (a texture that we saw on spring 2025 runways from Chloé, Prada, and more), shimmery crystal embellishments, and edgy pierced detail. For those who still want a height boost without having to hobble through the end of the season, an elegant ankle boot or kitten heel has the power to buoy even the simplest items in your wardrobe, like a black slip dress or trousers and a chunky sweater.
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Ahead, Footwear News editors reveal six tested-and-approved pairs of essential party shoes to end the year on a sartorial high note.
Editor testing and review notes: “These chic kitten heels impressed me with unexpected comfort when I slipped them on — as is the case with most Larroudé shoes I’ve tried. Typically, mules are tricky for me to wear when I’m planning on walking around for a substantial amount of time, as my heels tend to slip out, leaving me unsteady. The upper on this pair is just wide enough to lock down my feet, ensuring that my foot stays flush against the cushioned sole.” — Footwear News Senior Beauty and Lifestyle editor Claire Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $315
Editor testing and review notes: “Between the raised heel bed and pierced detail near the toe, these mules are full of surprises — and don’t exactly come off as comfortable at first glance. But after testing them, I realized that it’s those details that actually enhance their stability. The raised heel reduced arch strain compared to fully-flat shoes, while the pierced detail functions as a toe strap inside the shoe to keep my feet in place.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $498
Editor testing and review notes: “I typically reserve pointed toe heels for special occasions — with the expectation that I’ll have a blister or two at the end of the night. What’s great about Larroudé’s take on the popular shoe style is that the upper material is malleable and the toe box has a wide fit; this combination prevents that dreaded feeling of cramped toes. I struggle with plantar fasciitis, so I’m extra grateful for the memory foam cushioning that goes easy on my arches.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $330
Editor testing and review notes: “As soon as I slipped my feet into these Mary Janes, I was struck by how much cushioning the brand managed to pack into a shoe with such a slim profile. They feel far more substantial than your typical ballet flats (which tend to provide as much support as flimsy flip flops). The adjustable strap allows for loosening if your feet tend to swell after being on your feet for a few hours, too.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $97
Editor testing and review notes: “I was initially drawn to this pair of party shoes for the envelope fold detail — how chic! But after testing them, I was more impressed by the buttery soft leather material itself, which requires zero time to break in before it feels like a second skin. These are a great pair of flats if you’re walking to a neighbor’s for a party (or bouncing between bars on New Year’s Eve) thanks to the thick back strap that keeps your feet aligned in the shoes.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $355
Editor testing and review notes: “These shoes redefine ankle boots for special occasions. The shiny patent leather feels more ooh-la-la than classic leather, while the gold heel elevates the overall silhouette for a dressy fête. They feel nice and sturdy underfoot — and while patent leather doesn’t stretch too much, these have a nice wide toe box that provides some wiggle room. I love that they can work with a cute sweater dress for the holidays or straight-leg jeans and a leather jacket for date night.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $598
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Meet the Author
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and style. Sullivan tested each pair of shoes on this list of the most comfortable holiday party footwear to invest in this season.
