No-Frump Block Heel Sandals for Women Over 40
Like many midlife gals, I find that skinny high heels, as much as I love them, are just not comfortable anymore. My feet have changed, and so has my lifestyle, to the point where even when I do dress up, I prefer more comfortable shoes.
Still, I don’t want to feel like an old lady wearing flats all the time, which is why I say, Thank you, block-heel sandals!
No-Frump Block Heel Sandals for Women Over 40
Block heels are the perfect compromise. They offer some height, and the sturdy, square block heel makes them very comfy and easy to walk in. Plus, they’re in style for spring 2025!
You just need to find a pair that doesn’t look frumpy. While there’s more choice than ever, some block-heel sandals still look like they were made for your Nana’s Nana (LOL!).
No worries. I’ve rounded up some of the best no-frump, block-heel sandals for spring and summer. These stylish finds will make your feet look and feel fabulous.
Cork Ankle Strap Block Heel Sandal
Cork Block Heel Sandals
I’m a big fan of nude-colored shoes, especially in spring and summer. That’s when I like to wear a lot of bright colors and patterns, and since nude shoes are understated, they keep the focus on my outfit.
But sometimes, basic beige or tan sandals can look a bit boring, so I try to find a neutral shoe with a bit of texture to help with that. These cushy cork sandals are perfect for elevating your outfit.
These elegant sandals have the look of summer and are a great addition to your wardrobe. The chunky block heels are high enough to look fabulous with a dress, but they are also perfect with long pants.
Bow Strap Block Heel Sandals
Metallic sandals are similar to nude sandals because they go with everything. The only difference is they have a touch of shine, which makes them a little more glamorous.
These strappy, pale gold sandals with the adorable bows are fun. They’re light and feminine, and the solid block heel doesn’t detract from the shoe’s appearance.
These sandals would look great with a spring or summer dress, but they could even be worn with jeans and a pretty top on a night out!
Quilted Block Heel Mule Sandal
Quilted Block Heel Sandals
Here’s a classy pair of block-heel sandals that are anything but frumpy. Chanel-inspired quilting and this sexy slide style make these sandals super chic. Style is in the details, and I can’t help but notice that thin gold bar on the chunky heel, which really elevates this shoe.
This is a great shoe to dress up, jeans, or anything else this summer.
Snakeskin Mid Block Heel Sandals
Snakeskin Block Heel Sandals
I love the way an edgy animal print, like these snakeskin sandals, adds a shot of pattern and texture to a solid-colored outfit. With their stable chunky block heels and dainty straps, these sandals are gorgeous.
Strappy Slip-On Block Heel Sandal
White Block Heel Sandals
It’s not often that I come across a white block heel sandal that I like because many of them look dated. But this one really caught my eye. I love the asymmetrical design of these thick, strappy sandals and the modern gold ring that connects them all.
Style + a comfy block heel. That’s a winning combo!
Crystal Embellished Slide Sandals
Crystal Embellished Block Heel Sandals
These beautiful block heel slides are simple, elegant, and glamorous. I love the simplicity and the way the bead straps come together in a relaxed knot. They would be lovely with a dressy cocktail dress or swishy Palazzo pants, and the silver is so on-trend.
Sam Edelman Raffia and Leather Block Heel Sandal
Raffia Block Heel Sandals
The great thing about block heel sandals is that even when they are high, they are comfier and easier to walk in than regular high heels. This is because your weight is more evenly distributed.
This fabulous raffia and leather pair is also interesting because of the unusual heel shape. Instead of being square, they’re round! Very fashion-forward!
Denim Mule Sandals
Here’s a low-block heel sandal that’s right on trend. The nubby woven texture, combined with the blue, gives the illusion of washed denim. These sandals are perfect for summer and would look fabulous with anything. Slip them on and go!
Clear Strap Block Heel Sandals
Talk about feeling like Cinderella! The wide, clear straps and chunky lucite block heels are light and lovely. They’re a gorgeous choice when you plan on wearing something light and airy, like a chiffon dress. They’d also be beautiful for a summer wedding with a long gown.
Shop more block heel sandals.
These are just a few of the fabulous block-heel sandals available in stores right now. If you can’t wear heels, but need something other than flats, a gorgeous, stylish, and comfy block-heel sandal may be your style solution!
I love the block heel on tall boots or ankle boots but haven’t been a big fan of them on shoes. I usually wear a wedge with pants or some pointed-toe pump with dresses unless it’s summer and does cute sandals with heels to make the legs look longer. I do wear boots with dresses too. Being petite is a challenge for us shorties. I? Very few flats in my closet, but if I were taller would wear them more.
These shoes look great, but I have a question for Deborah or anyone else. I injured my calf and my right foot several years ago while gardening. I’m also developing a bunion on that same foot. Most people don’t notice it, but I know it’s there. My left foot is just fine. My only comfortable options are a specific style of athletic shoes and one pair of stretchier ballet flats in black. Those took me five years to find. I can also wear thong-style sandals since there is no pressure on the bunion from straps or fabric. Stretch fabrics feel best on my feet, and higher heels are out as they push my feet forward. Does anyone have any options for prettier shoes that are comfortable with some support? I feel great, but my feet are starting to look like my grandma’s, as are my shoes. Thanks.
Have you tried the brand Munro? I have the world’s worst feet, which seem to be the only brand I can wear. They do seek shoes in a stretchy fabric…are not the most stylish but not awful…sold on Zappos, and also at Nordstrom’s, more styles online than in their stores.
Hi. I’m a 66yr old Mom of two going to an anniversary dinner, and I bought a pretty colored dress (pearl pink). Here is a link to what the dress looks like: http://www.lightinthebox.com/A-line-V-neck-Floor-length-Chiffon-Evening-Dress_p466566.html
I am thinking of getting white colored shoes, but what color should my purse be? Is silver ok?
Hi Marie, I had to click through to see the pink pearl color. I would suggest silver shoes and a silver purse. White is too harsh and not glam enough for this dress. I hope that helps. Deborah
I wouldn’t say I like block heels; they are not attractive and complicated to wear if you have small ankles and legs; all you see is that heel. An excellent high heel rather than a stiletto would be nice, though. I love looking at your site.
I love the block heels. I still have difficulty with foot pain and walking in the taller heels, but at least I can have hope of something fashionable without the granny look. Love them.
Undoubtedly these shoes are all very comfortable. However, there is always this thin line between stylish and granny style.
I like your faves.
Thanks for your comments, Annette. I find some of the lower ones can look like the ones my nana used to wear. I think a quality pair makes a big difference.
I always did like block heels. They were so in the late 90s as well, and I was less than thirty then and still loved them. I think they are a classic, much more realistic look, and I believe the right ones may even give a more professional look than narrow heels. So it is a welcome comeback as far as I am concerned. Plus, I don’t think they necessarily give an old vibe (not that old is wrong). It depends on the overall style and color.
I still wear heels and even the occasional platform wedge shoe. I am petite and not a big fan of flats, but I like a low-block heel as an alternative to a flat. I wear plain, low block heel shoes with leggings and a tunic or a short skirt or dress. I find the look just slightly more elongating than flats, which tend to make my legs look like they end an inch sooner. My basic black ones are wearing out, so I must look for a replacement pair while the selection and quality are good.
Ummmm, nice shoes, but any recommendations for more affordable options?
I love block heels in all shapes and sizes. I can’t wear stilettos since an illness left me with limited mobility in my ankles. The block heels are perfect for that. I liked the little beige ones with bows, they almost look like little ballet shoes, but I adore the first ones with lots of colors, great for summer. The slingback was super cute too. It depends on what you match any of these with – the retro look could look cool and not grandmas with the right outfit.
While block heels are practical, I feel that they age a woman drastically. As a 47 yr old, I want to look fabulously hip. A block heel, no matter how pretty the rest of the shoe, indeed makes one look older. They are more for a woman in her … the Maybe mid to late 60s and over. There is no way to dress a block heel that will look younger unless it is a stiletto type.
I just bought a pair of adorable silver sandals to wear with a red dress on a cruise. His approx 2″ high heel is a block heel, and now I can wear them confidently. I learned that they are stylish even if they aren’t skinny heels! Ank you, Fab, after 40!
I love the New Egizia Slingback Sandals, but the ones by Diane Von Furstenberg look almost exactly like my grandmother’s ones. I am hesitant to go down that road yet.
I am glad to see this trend because the block heels are so comfortable and easy to walk in.
You might be surprised at how nice they would look. I have a similar pair that are about two years old. Mine is red. I wore them today with a red T-shirt dress of heavy acetate knit and got many compliments. I have realized that sometimes things look better on me than they rack or in the box.