Madre's Shoe Tips: How to Find a Comfortable Shoes

Comfortable shoes are hard to find if you do not know where to start looking. Just because a shoe is soft or light does not mean that it is comfortable. There are certain features to look for when buying a pair, to make sure you get the comfort you are actually after.

Five things to look for when finding your comfortable pair

#1. Padded Lining Inside

Ideally, you want a shoe that offers enough padding to prevent your foot from rubbing without constricting the sides of the feet. There is different padding for different kinds of shoes. For flats, look for padding around the ankle, the side and the top of the foot. For heels, find shoes with padding around your toes and heel.

Padding at the back of the heel is the detail most brands skip, and it is where blisters start. Ruby Mary Jane Buckle Wedge has extra sponge padding added at exactly that point.

#2. Soft Insole

Soft-padded insoles provide a soft surface for your feet throughout the day. Better still if the insole is shaped to your arch. A foam insole that moulds to your foot shape will give you the most comfort over long hours.

Our latex-cushioned insoles do this: Sofia Luxe Pointed Kitten Heel and Seroja Luxe Pointed Kitten Heel both use one.

#3. Flat Base

Flat shoes are often the most comfortable option you could choose, as they allow your feet to roll heel to toe when walking and distribute your weight evenly across the foot. Heels are the opposite of this, but it is fine to wear them when you need to.

Flat does not have to mean unsupported, which is a common mistake: a thin flat with no padding can hurt more than a low heel. We explain why in why flat shoes can make your feet hurt more. For a flat with real cushioning, try Evelyn Horsebit Flats.

#4. Room Inside the Shoe

Do not wear shoes that are too tight. When you put shoes on, make sure there is enough room to move your toes. Giving space to your toes is very important, because tight shoes will eventually become painful. This matters most when choosing comfortable heels.

If your feet run wide, look for a shoe that says so rather than hoping to stretch it later. Evana Square Toe Pump Heel and Twyla Knit Block Heel are both built wide-feet friendly.

#5. Firm Sole

Find shoes with firm soles so the underfoot is more stable. Pick shoes with a sole at least 1 to 2cm thick, as it provides padding between your foot and the floor. Very flexible soles are often thin and do not have enough padding for the bottom of your foot.

A wedge is the clearest example of a firm, supportive base: Reana SE Slingback Wedge spreads your weight along the whole sole instead of concentrating it under the heel.

One Last Thing

These features will matter differently for every person, so it is worth finding out what suits you. Try shoes on before you commit, and be honest with yourself about whether they are genuinely comfortable.

Every Madre product page lists its cutting, from small to large, plus the exact heel height and what the insole is made of, so you can check these five points before ordering. If you are not sure what your foot needs, start with our guide to the five foot types.