The Best Black Pumps - 2023

Fashion experts agree: every woman needs at least one good pair of classic black pumps. They’re versatile, as they go with pretty much everything. They’re timeless; pick the right ones, and you’ll always look stylish. And they’ll elevate any look from your closet, from jeans and a T-shirt to business wear.

However, traditional black pumps — especially those with heels over 3 inches high — are not necessarily designed for comfort. If happy feet are more important to you, there are plenty of modern styles that feature chunkier heels that may be easier to wear and walk in.

You can easily find features like rounded toes and cushioned footbeds on black pumps now. Some women think wedge pumps are the most comfortable style of heels on the market.

As a rule, shoes with pointed toes are narrower and not as cozy as wider styles, but many men and women wear them without problems. These have an advantage because they’re always fashionable. You can also opt for square or almond-shaped toes, but rounded ones tend to offer the most room.

Some black pumps have platforms at the front of the sole, underneath the ball of the foot. Like a wedge heel, this feature balances out your weight better so it is not all hitting at the heel.

Just remember some of these comfort features may go in and out of style, and you’ll have your own personal preferences when it comes to which you want your shoes to have. Fortunately, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one pair. Since they can be casual, formal or somewhere in between, you may wish to own several pairs of black pumps with varying textures or heel heights.

Keep in mind that the size you wear in heels may not be the same as what you wear in boots or sneakers, even if the shoes are the same brand. Read the product descriptions and see if the shoes are true to size, or if they run small or large. Many manufacturers will provide this information. If the shoe you are considering is a brand that you are not familiar with, see if the shoes can be exchanged for another size if they don’t fit properly.

• There are times when nothing else besides a black pump will do, like for a job interview, a company dinner or a formal affair.
• Once you get your new black pumps, try them on and wear them inside your house for a few hours, avoiding anything that could damage them. You cannot usually return them if they have been clearly worn.
• You can make black pumps more comfortable with accessories like gel-backed arch supports and orthopedic foot beds. If you plan to use any of these, you may want to order up a half-size to accommodate them.
• Leather pumps will last the longest but will be more expensive.
• If you worry about falling while wearing heels, look for black pumps with rubber or non-skid soles.