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Because "workenstocks" and black tie moccasins aren’t considered the norm (well, not yet).

When I set out to research the most comfortable women’s dress shoes, there was one all-important question to answer first and foremost: What exactly is a dress shoe, anyway?

As it turns out, a ladies’ dress shoe is any footwear other than a boot or sneaker that is suitable for more formal attire. Or, in layman’s terms, it’s a shoe you can look dressy in. The category is flexible, as a dress shoe could be any style you wear in an office setting or to a wedding, depending on your needs. But regardless, you need at least one good dress shoe in your closet, just like you need a pair of classic white sneakers, as many comfortable high heels as you can find, and—in accordance with this season’s hottest runway looks—a set of trendy cowboy boots. Below, find the best dress shoes for women, ranging from professional-looking loafers to hammer toe-friendly wedges and everything in between.

One heel that can do it all—that’s the dream, isn’t it? Margaux’s simple classic can be dressed up, dressed down, dressed for work, or a night on the town. (Three cheers for an unintentional rhyme.)

Price tags on designer dress shoes can run well into the thousands and, quite frankly, that’s too many zeroes. This chic pair of heeled sandals is a total steal and looks far more luxurious than you might expect from Amazon.

No brand does sweet, feminine footwear quite like Loeffler Randall. A bow-adorned option makes you the star of the show without being too flashy. For something a little more versatile, their beloved Cameilla Pleated Bowl Heel comes in 18 colors and prints.

Something about a loafer just says, “I mean business,” in the best way possible. From bare legs, a mini skirt, and ankle socks to tights and a skirt suit, or a pair of straight-forward slacks, the workwear options are limitless with a shoe like this.

One must be very careful when it comes to ballet flats, lest you end up looking like you’ve been outfitted by Payless. Still, every woman should have a pair (or five) of heel-less shoes for practical purposes.

This pair of kitten heels is foldable, packable, and non-slip, so you’re literally ready to take on the world in them.

You deserve nothing less than shoes fit for royalty. No, literally. Shoe designer Sarah Flint has been the go-to for both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle for years.

Heels can be comfortable, and for that matter, they should be. Opt for a brand that puts podiatry and orthopedics at the forefront, like Naturalizer, for heels you don’t automatically regret wearing.

If you’re going to treat yourself, you might as well do it right. From strappy thong sandals to fuzzy pumps, Bottega Veneta is the gold standard for chic dress shoes.

These are a personal favorite for ELLE.com’s deputy editor Claire Stern, who cites them as her most comfortable heels. With a memory foam insole, cushioned foot bed, and natural leather, it’s a guaranteed winner. Plus, Claire has great taste.

When done right (and I mean perfectly right), you really only need one pair of black dress shoes. They have to be the right height, not too high and not too low; subdued enough to wear for work, but not too prudish for date night, and they have to be comfortable, obviously. Now, allow me to introduce you to Pedro’s Morraine mule.

When you’re in need of a reasonably priced and on-trend shoe, you must check Zara. Not only is the brand’s collection expansive, but the styles are very well-executed. What more can you ask for?

Everyone on TikTok has heard about these Open Edit shoes. The women of the app have proclaimed these to be “the only” shoes you should wear if you must be on your feet all day. And if there’s anyone I trust in this world, it’s the girls of #RushTok.

In a perfect world, there would be no foot pain, no back pain, no hip pain. Just vibes. But alas, ailments like plantar fasciitis and sciatica are all too real, and your shoes can make a big difference. But no, they don’t have to be ugly. Brands like Vionic offer styles that balance fashion with foot health for a stellar combo.

A slingback is just so elegant and posh, especially this timeless rendition featuring Tory Burch’s logo and chunky leather heel.