Over the years, we’ve seen a variety of silhouettes go in and out of style, only before coming back once more. Now, alongside platform heels, ballet flats, and clogs, slingback shoes are back in the spotlight—and our feet are very okay with this.
First popularized in the 1930s by the debut of the iconic Chanel Slingback, slingback shoes feature a slim ankle strap—which is either elasticized or designed with a small buckle for a more tailored fit—that wraps around the heel to secure it. Once upon a time, slingbacks were primarily seen on pointed-toe pumps. Nowadays, however, they’re paired with just about every toe shape and heel height on the market.
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To prove it, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite slingback shoes currently on the market. Check them out below.
What to look for when shopping for comfortable slingback heels
When shopping for slingback shoes, Vionic Innovation Lab podiatrist Dr. Jackie Sutera says to look for styles with foot-friendly features such as arch support and cushioned insoles. “A spacious toe box, a chunky stable heel, and modest heights are also very important when talking about heels,” she says. “High heels, including sling backs, elevate the back of the foot and shift body weight to the forefoot.” Because of this, she says that looking for more spacious toe boxes can help make heels more comfortable. That doesn’t mean you can only shop for round and square-toe silhouettes, though.
When shopping for pointed styles, Sutera says to simply consider sizing up. Doing so will give your toes more room to wiggle around and breathe, which will make for less discomfort and blisters in the long run.
10 comfortable slingback shoes that can elevate any outfit
Franco Sarto, Devin Slingback Pump — $150.00
Designed with a 1.75-inch sculpted kitten heel, these slingbacks are chic and low-profile, making them great for folks new to heels, as well as those who simply prefer shorter silhouettes. They’re sold in six colors, but the Platinum Fabric iteration has caught our eye and won’t let go. It’s the perfect spring and summer heel in our book.
(Another Franco Sarto style we’re swooning over? The Averie 3 Slingback Pump, $135—aka the most stunning party heel, sold in a gorgeous tangerine hue, as well as hot pink with multicolor gemstones.)
Expert Tip: If you’re worried about blisters, board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon at Central Park SOLE, Dr. Brad Schaeffer, who is affiliated with Dr. Scholl’s and is the star of TLC’s “My Feet Are Killing Me,” says that taking preventative steps is key. Since you won’t want to have brightly colored bandages peeking out from beneath your shoes, he suggests opting for a padded blister guard product like the Dr. Scholl’s Blister Treatment Cushions ($9). Personally, I love the Band-Aid Hydro Seal Blister Heels ($5) and Welly Kicker Stickers ($15).
Sizes available: 5-11
Colors: 6
Crocs, Unisex-Adult Classic Crush Clogs — $41.00
ICYMI, Crocs are back in a very big way here in 2023 (although we’re not sure they ever really left, if we’re being honest with ourselves). The polarizing silhouette is beloved for its comfort, impressive color and pattern offering, and most recently, the debut of platform styles. While most people wear their Crocs with the strap pushed forward, when worn in “Sport Mode” these cozy shoes technically fit the definition of a slingback. So, if you’ve needed an excuse to add a pair of Crocs to your springtime wardrobe, there you have it.
Sizes available: 4-15
Colors: 15
Love a little sparkle? These 3.5-inch block-heel sandals from Nina Shoes will make you click “add to cart” faster than ever before. They’re sold in True Silver and Stone (which is more of a chrome hue).
Expert Tip: If the balls of your feet tend to get sore while wearing heels, you can outfit your slingbacks with foot cushions, like the Dr. Scholl’s Ball of Foot Cushions for High Heels ($7), which will not only add a comfortable layer of passing to the ball of your foot, but prevent friction associated with slipping and sliding in the area, too. (Fun Fact: I add these to all my highest heels and it’s an absolute game changer.)
That said, if your whole foot feels achy in heels, Schaeffer says that full-foot orthotics can help. “Wearing a great pair of orthotics in your high heels or slingbacks will make them much more comfortable and provide more stability and support,” he says. “The have a cushioned arch support that helps shift pressure off the ball of the foot and flexes with every step.”
Sizes available: 5-11
Colors: 2
Looking for a convincing Chanel dupe? The Steve Madden Belinda Slingback flats are sold in three colors () and features a 1-inch heel and adjustable heel strap. Since they’re flats, they’re ultra comfortable—and incredibly versatile, too. Made with a leather upper and synthetic lining, they definitely look a lot more expensive than they are, which is a win in our book.
Sizes available: 5-12
Colors: 3
Sam Edelman, Bianka Slingback Pump — $140.00
Pointed toe silhouettes are on the rise in 2023, so it’s no wonder the Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump, which is sold in 12 colors, is a best seller. The slingbacks feature an adjustable strap and wider-than-usual kitten heel, so it’s a steadier silhouette. Sam Edelman, in general, is a beloved brand known for its high-quality footwear that revivals designer brands—W+G editors swear by Sam Edelman for formal footwear attire options when they need something beautiful and function.
Sizes available: 5-14
Colors: 9
FitFlop, Pilar Slingback Platform Sandal — $150.00
‘90s fashion is alive and well in 2023, which means the FitFlop Pilar Slingback Platform Sandal is a no-brainer. Sold in black and tan, the sandals feature a 1.75-inch platform and 3-inch heel, along with a tailorable heel strap. (I own these and can attest to just how comfy they are.) FitFlop is known for its podiatrist-approved and foot health-forward engineered shoes—we love the brand’s sneakers and flip flops for long-lasting comfort *and* style.
Expert Tip: “A chunky heel (versus a thin heel) provides a greater surface area to distribute body weight across,” says Vionic Innovation Lab podiatrist Dr. Jackie Sutera. “This makes the shoe more comfortable as well as stable.”
Sizes available: 5-10
Colors: 2
Vince Camuto, Hamden Slingback Pointed Toe Pump — $99.00
Pointed toes paired with wider block heels is a silhouette bound to explode in 2023. While many brands are hopping on the bandwagon, we especially love the pebbled, patent, suede, and soft leather options of the Vince Camuto Hamden Slingback Pointed Toe Pump.
Sizes available: 5-12
Colors: 9
Naturalizer, Banks Flat — $110.00
Looking for the perfect spring flat? The Naturalizer Banks Flat, which is sold in 15 colors—including fun pink, coral, and silver options—features an adjustable strap and a 1.125-inch block heel. If you ask us, it’s the perfect office flat.
Expert Tip: “An adjustable strap can help customize the shoe to provide the best fit,” Sutera says.
Sizes available: 4-12
Colors: 15
Kate Spade, Merritt Slingback Pumps — $278.00
Craving a bold statement? With the Kate Spade Merritt Slingback Pumps, you’ll get just that—even though they’re just black. The patent, square, peep-toe slingbacks feature gold chrome heel accents that make these heels an instant head-turner. At 3.25”, it’s high enough of a heel to give you some height, but it’s not high enough to create too much destabilization.
Sizes available: 5-11
Colors: 1
Rockport, Total Motion Emsa Woven Heel — $125.00
Prefer a more casual, work-appropriate slingback? The Rockport Total Motion Esma Woven Heel will fit the bill. Sold in black and tan, the slingbacks feature adjustable straps, a padded footbed, and a 1.625-inch block heel, making them a stable, comfortable choice.
Sizes available: 5-11
Colors: 2
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