High end designer shoe brands that are comfortable

[shinybaubles]

So I would like to invest in a pair of shoes, high heels from a good brand, but are they comfortable, or are they all going to cause so much pain I won't wear them. I need something black and glamarous. Also my feet tend to be a bit wide at the front and quite narrow towards the heel. So are the big brands worth the money?

The brand that really works for me on that front is Robert Clergerie. Their shoes are unbelievably comfortable, and I can wear incredibly high shoes without discomfort.

They also do high wedges that are super comfortable & light at the same time as giving you plenty of height.

Thank you Twinklestein I will look them up as haven't heard the name before. I suppose I was fixated on brand like Jimmy Choo, Laboutin etc. Good to be pointed in another direction nayway.

May I recommend Chie Mihara's shoes. They are the ONLY heels I can actually contemplate wearing. I think the designer has some kind of training in orthotics as well as shoe making? Whatever - the result is extraordinarily comfortable heels that are also really beautiful.

Wow two names I haven't heard of will just get the kids then will be back, thank you.

I find LK Bennet heels comfortable. Not sure if that is high end enough for you!

I have a pair of black patent Louboutin Pigalles - they are beautiful but uncomfortable little bastards. I have a pair of similar heel height/shaped Guccis and they are miles better in comparison. Only have Jimmy Choo flats so can't comment on the heels.

I find Manolo Blahnik the most comfortable high end brand. I have 4 pairs, some jimmy choos and 3 pairs of louboutins as well as several lk Bennett, Paul smith, Bertie, Kurt Geiger etc and IME the manolos are by far the best.

They are well made, well balanced, even the highest heels don't hurt or pinch and the half sizes mean they run perfectly true to size. The soles are padded, there are little grips in the sandal heels - just really well designed and thought through.

Two of those pairs are day shoes which I have worn for full days at work as well so its not just evening wear which is comfortable! I think they are well worth the money in terms of comfort per wear.

Disclaimer: My feet are wide across the toes and narrower at the heel with short fat toes and wide ankles so don't know if those with slender feet might disagree!

I strongly recommend Russell and Bromley, as well as LK Bennett. Used to wear just these two brands in days when I wore heels to work and never had a disappointment. Have been wearing R and B since my first teenage stilettos a long time ago!

Oh yes my Loubs and Guccis have elastic across the heel which is good for my narrow heels.

Alexander McQueen are generally very comfortable too, although they look agonising generally.
My feet are not wide though, which may be a problem if yours are.

I've got a very high but comfortable pair by Pedro Garcia

Gucci go up to a 9. They are marvellously comfortable too.

Michael Kors also very good - I wear mine to work.

WillPenn, I have just had a look at the Chie Mihara's website and her shoes are beautiful and do look wearable too.

Louboutins are murderously uncomfortable. Jimmy Choo shoes are much better. I second the LK Bennett endorsement.

Seconding Michael Kors, and also Tod's - ludicrously comfortable even tho some styles look fierce. Their flats are more comfortable than bare feet.

I can safely say, working as I do in the fashion bit of a charity, that the most donated shoes we get are New Look - sacks of unworn, presumably unwearable, heels every week.

Wow so many great responses, I have size 5 1/2 feet, so average I guess but wide at front and narrow at back. I will be honest I was leaning towards a glitzy brand.
I have had a very low heel from LK Bennett in my younger days, also have a few pairs of Tods flats - and I agree they are fantastic didn't even know they did heels.
So after I get my self a drink and the kids in bed I will be looking at LK Bennett, Tod's,Gucci, Blahnik and RB. That should keep me busy for most of the evening .
If anyone has anymore tips I would be glad to hear them. And thank you everyone for all the advice.

What about Saint Laurent shoes - any good?

I have a pair of Jimmy Choos and they are very comfortable. My feet are very small, but wide across the front and narrow at the heels. The only thing with them is that they look a bit delicate. I wouldn't wear them out in the rain for example.

Alexander Mcqueen, I find the most comfortable. I would look there. Louboutins are the work of the devil!

I'm not sure if they're available in the UK (assuming you are there), but here in the US we have a brand called Anyi Lu which is excellent. She is an ex-engineer and ballroom dancer so she understands about precision and comfort in heels. Her shoes are the most comfortable high-end shoes I've ever had. (I also have/had Jimmy Choo, Prada, Miu Miu, Emma Hope, Cacharel for comparison).

Gieusippe zanotti are comfortable so are,Sergio Rossi,
shiny I have a pair of saint Laurent tribute,don't know if they make them any more,bought them a long time ago,very comfortable,they are platform,so it helps a bit.

I agree Chie Mihara shoes are beautiful! I think very classy and a little bit quirky but not too much for the most part.

I also looked at the Anyi Lu website and the shoes looked great too.

I second Pedro Garcia and Chie Mihara