Inez review: We tested 9 styles to see if these heels are really worth the price

Business Insider | 22-07-2026 10:55pm |

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreSamantha Crozier/Business InsiderI don't compliment heels lightly. After years of chasing the dream of shoes that are both actually comfortable and actually stylish, I've learned to be skeptical. I've tested just about every brand that claims to have cracked the code — and I've got the blisters, ankle scrapes, and aching arches to prove it. When I worked on our guide to the most comfortable heels, I walked literal miles in dozens upon dozens of pairs just to separate the hype from the real deal.That's exactly why Inez impressed me. The heels look like they belong on a runway, but the comfort is built in where it counts: plush, supportive insoles, thoughtful cushioning that absorbs impact, and high-quality materials that feel luxe from the first wear. They don't just claim to be wearable — they actually are. After all that testing, Inez remains one of the very few brands that truly delivers on both style and comfort.Yes, most pairs fall in the $250 to $400 range. But I've learned the hard way that constantly buying cheaper heels that hurt ends up costing more in the long run. With Inez, I'm investing in shoes I know I'll keep — and actually wear — for years. What we love about Inez: Inez makes heels that look genuinely stylish without treating comfort like an afterthought. The cushioned insoles and smart construction make the highest heels surprisingly wearable — and the Camilla and Mia are standouts. What to know before buying: The only styles I haven't had luck with are styles made from stiffer patent leather. I've found that they take longer to break in and don't have the suppleness of suede and leather picks. The CamillaSamantha Crozier/InsiderWhy they're worth it: These nearly 4-inch heels are our top recommendation for wedding-guest heels that pair with any dress and are wearable enough to dance in for hours. What to know before buying: The footbed can run a little long, so you might want to size down a half-size, but only if you're already between sizes. I can't say enough great things about these platform heels. They tower at 3.9 inches, but the platform keeps the pitch shallow and the weight off of your toes.The Camilla comes in many formalwear-ready colors, such as silver chrome, beige patent leather, and black lizard. When I wore them to a wedding, I was able to wear them for the full five hours of the ceremony and reception. This included a standing cocktail hour and a full two hours of dancing. At the end of the night, my feet were totally fine — not a blister or an ache to be felt.I'm a long-time fan of Inez, so trust me when I say that this is some of its best work. Fellow style editor Gabrielle Chase is also a devotee. She's styled them with everything from jeans to wedding attire, and put them through their paces on the streets of NYC. Gabrielle Chase/Business InsiderIn her Inez Camilla review, Gabrielle goes into how these are constructed for comfort, with engineering details meant to help lighten the pressure on the most sensitive areas of the foot. "If you're staring down a calendar of weddings and feel pressed for a do-it-all heel, the Inez Camillas are a worthy investment. Their construction is excellent, and they make you feel tall without any threat of toppling over," she writes. The MiaSamantha CrozierWhy they're worth it: These are among the most comfortable slingbacks we've tested, thanks to the cushioned footbed, manageable heel height, and three width options.What to know before buying: Go down half a size, and keep in mind that the elastic backstrap may loosen a bit over time.This pick from Inez is one of our favorite slingbacks we've ever tested. The suede exterior is luxurious, and the footbed — like all of Inez's creations — is perfectly contoured. The heel is also 2.8 inches, which might seem like a lot, but it doesn't feel that way when you're wearing it. It comes in a bunch of colors, from work-ready neutrals to party-ready bolds. And there are three widths, which we love: slim, standard, and roomy. As far as fit, Inez says that it's best to go a half-size down in this style, which I agree with. Like most pumps or slingbacks, the slope of the shoe pushes your feet a little deeper into the toe, which means you might need a little less length in the footbed. The only thing that slightly concerns me is that the backstrap has a bit of elastic that allows you to slip it on. I'm getting so much use out of these that I'm scared of the elastic stretching out and messing with the fit. The YvonneSamantha Crozier/Business InsiderWhy they're worth it: They're easy to slip on, but the double straps make them feel much more secure than a typical mule.What to know before buying: The patent leather starts out stiff, so they need a little breaking in before the straps fully soften.The Yvonne has the convenience of a slip-on, with a look that feels distinctly fanicer.

Stay Updated with the Latest News!

Don't miss out on breaking stories and in-depth articles.