Travel + Leisure’s 2026 guide names the Vionic Chardonnay Heeled Sandal its best overall dress shoe for women, with the Aerosoles Big Bet Flat Heel, Clarks Daiss 30 Shine Mary Jane, Birdies The Starling loafer and Nine West Kuna pump among its other category picks. These are that publication’s recommendations—not a universal ranking: fit, support and stability depend on your feet and how much you’ll walk or stand.
How the 2026 recommendations were evaluated
Travel + Leisure says its team tried 124 pairs. Its reported process included inspecting materials and construction, wearing each pair at home for at least an hour, and testing shoes during office days, dinners, errands and special events. Over three weeks, testers walked on hardwood, carpet, sidewalks, grass and tile, assessing comfort, support, breathability, stability, traction, durability and versatility. The publication says it plans longer-term wear to track durability, cushioning and performance. This is editorial product testing, not a clinical trial or independent verification. Read Travel + Leisure’s guide.
Travel + Leisure’s featured picks
| Category | Model | What the guide highlights | Fit or use caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Vionic Chardonnay Heeled Sandal | Padding, adjustable Velcro straps, flexible soles, a grippy rubber outsole and a stable 2.5-inch block heel; medium and wide sizes are available. | Somewhat heavy to pack. |
| Best value | Aerosoles Women’s Big Bet Flat Heel | Cushioned insole, soft synthetic-leather upper, regular and wide sizes, and a 0.75-inch heel. | The heel top may feel stiff during the first wears. |
| Best Mary Jane | Clarks Daiss 30 Shine | Adjustable double strap, contoured footbed, arch support, rubber outsole and a 1.2-inch heel. Travel + Leisure editor Anna Popp says, “I can run around the city in these, and it feels like I’m wearing sneakers.” | The fit runs narrow. |
| Best loafer | Birdies The Starling | Named as the guide’s loafer pick. | The guide does not state a specific fit caveat for this pick. |
| Best pump | Nine West Kuna Pointy Toe Pumps | Cushioned insole, lower heel and roomy toe box. | The thin heel may feel unstable on grates or cobblestones. |
| Best arch support | Bared Firecrown 2 | Contoured footbed, built-in steel shank, adjustable straps and a 0.8-inch heel. Travel + Leisure reports that Bared says the footbed uses 72 percent plant-based materials; this is a reported product detail, not an independently audited sustainability finding. | Narrow feet may find the toe box too roomy. |
| Best for walking | Dolce Vita Relan Ballet Flats | Presented as versatile for errands and work events. | Needs a short break-in period. |
Other category picks in the guide
- Best slingback flat: Rothy’s The Almond Slingback.
- Best ballet flat: Tory Burch Reva Travel Ballet Flats.
- Best strappy heels: Frankie4 Ramsay.
- Best slingback heel: Larroudé Ines Pump.
- Best budget pick: Soda Account Open Toe Lug Sole Heel.
The guide also mentions Birdies The Goldfinch 15 among models it liked, citing plush seven-layer cushioning; it did not make the final list because the bow was considered overly fussy. The article’s prices reflect its page at the time of its August 26, 2026 update, not verified current prices. Check current listings, model versions and availability before buying.
How to choose a comfortable dress shoe for your plans
Start with the day you need it for
For sightseeing or a day with substantial walking, a flat or low heel is generally the more practical starting point. For a dressier event, pumps or kitten heels may suit the occasion; the guide describes kitten heels around 1 to 2 inches as an option for shoppers seeking some lift, not as a guarantee of comfort. Consider how long you will be on your feet and what surfaces you expect to cross.
#1 Best Overall
Match the shoe to your fit needs
- Width and toe box: Check whether the model runs narrow or offers wide sizing. A roomy toe box may help some feet, while others may find too much space uncomfortable.
- Arch support: Look for a contoured footbed or built-in support if that is a priority for you; the guide specifically highlights these features on the Clarks Daiss 30 Shine and Bared Firecrown 2.
- Adjustability: Straps can help you adjust the fit. Check that their placement feels comfortable and secure on your foot.
- Heel and outsole: Heel shape and outsole grip matter on uneven or slick surfaces. A block heel and rubber outsole are features of the Vionic pick; the Nine West pump’s thin heel is the guide’s stated concern on grates and cobblestones.
- Break-in and packing: Follow the guide’s advice to wear new shoes around the house before travel. Factor in any break-in period or extra weight if you will pack them.
Check before you buy
Consult the brand’s size chart and recent customer reviews for the exact model and version. If you can try the shoes on, assess toe room, heel security and comfort while standing and walking—not just while seated. For online purchases, confirm the seller’s return terms so you can evaluate the fit safely.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the testing can—and cannot—tell you
The guide provides a structured editorial comparison across shoe types, surfaces and everyday settings, along with model-specific strengths and cautions. It does not establish a clinical measure of comfort or prove that a particular pair will work for every wearer. Use its picks as a shortlist, then weigh your own fit, walking plans and support preferences.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It can be a gift option
- Comes with secure packaging
- Helpful in various ways
Rank #4
Rank #2
- Ideal for Gifting
- Ideal for a bookworm
- Compact for travelling
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