I could sing Naturalizer’s praises all day. When I was younger, I knew it as my grandmother’s go-to loafer brand. Now, it’s the brand I spot on fellow style editors rushing between shows at New York Fashion Week.

Because I’m always on the hunt for comfortable heels, I love asking people what they’re wearing. And whenever I hear the name Naturalizer, we gush about how comfortable and affordable their trendy heels are. And on no fewer than three occasions, we started gushing about a specific pair: The Elaine Slingbacks.

These are the rare slingbacks that feel as good as they look

Slingbacks are everywhere this fall (especially in brown suede), and these hit that sweet spot between a classic pump and an everyday flat — they’re professional enough for the office, but cute enough for the weekend.

I’ve tested more than 90 pairs of heels for our guide to the most comfortable heels, so I know how rare it is to find a pair that looks this good and still feels comfortable after hours out. The Elaine Slingbacks have earned a permanent place in my rotation for exactly that reason.

Why I love the Elaine Slingbacks from Naturalizer

They come in narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide widths. which makes it easy for almost everyone to find a fit that works.

The higher vamp adds more stability than a typical slingback. I was initially skeptical of the extra coverage over the top of the foot, but it keeps my foot from shifting as I walk and makes these feel noticeably more secure than most pointed-toe slingbacks.

The Elaine also has Naturalizer’s cushioned foam footbed, which makes a nearly 3-inch heel feel far less intimidating. I’ve worn plenty of lower heels that were harder on my feet by the end of the day.

There are what feels like infinite color and material options. You can find these in dark red velvet, snakeskin, denim blue, and lots more. I recommend checking Naturalizer, Amazon, and Nordstrom if you’re searching for a specific color or pattern.

They’re made for fall outfits. I’d wear them with trousers, midi skirts, or a tailored dress all season long. There are classic leather and suede options, as well as some more playful seasonal finishes if you want your shoes to be the focus of your outfit.

The bottom line

The Naturalizer Elaine Slingbacks are proof that a trend-forward fall heel doesn’t have to leave you counting down the minutes until you can take it off. Their higher vamp and cushioned footbed make the nearly 3-inch heel feel remarkably stable and easy to wear, while the range of widths makes them a smart option for more feet than most slingbacks.