I Tried INEZ Heels—Here’s Why These Comfortable Designer Shoes Are Worth It

As someone who genuinely loves wearing heels, I’ve accepted a certain level of discomfort as part of the deal. Blisters, sore arches, the mid-night regret all kind of comes with the territory. Beauty is pain, right? 

But after recently moving to New York and now being forced to walk everywhere, the heels in my wardrobe weren't going to cut it anymore. That’s when I discovered INEZ, a brand promising truly comfortable heels without sacrificing design. I was intrigued but skeptical.

After testing four of their bestselling styles across miles of New York City pavement and speaking with founder and creative director Hannah Spinelli, I can confidently say: these heels are different.

When asked how INEZ came to be, founder Hannah Spinelli told TQE, “It was years of small [moments], being uncomfortable in heels… After spending so much time in the craft of shoemaking, it became clear that making comfortable heels requires treating comfort as a design discipline from the very foundation, not something added at the end.”

That philosophy is what sets INEZ apart.

INEZ Founder, Hannah Spinelli

The Philosophy Behind INEZ Shoes

Design-First Comfort

Unlike many “comfort” brands that prioritize function over style, INEZ flips the script. Why do we have to choose? INEZ creates shoes that look like fashion heels but feel entirely different.

Spanish Craftsmanship

All INEZ shoes are made in Elda, Spain, a region known for its shoemaking heritage. Spinelli owns the factory, giving the brand an unusual level of control over production.

“Working within [a third-generation family factory] allows us to shape each shoe from the inside out,” she explained. “It’s a level of control that’s unique in the market, and it allows us to design comfort directly into the structure, rather than layering it on afterward.”

The Brand’s “Enduring Fashion” Approach

INEZ is also committed to what they call “enduring fashion,” a long-term approach to design and production that prioritizes quality over excess. Rather than chasing trends, the brand focuses on timeless silhouettes, responsible materials, and shoes that are meant to be worn (a lot).

“If a shoe is made well, it should continue to feel good over time,” Spinelli said. “That’s the benchmark.”

What Makes INEZ Heels So Comfortable?

The difference comes down to the design. “We don’t just add padding and call it comfort,” Spinelli explained. “We focus on how the leg, foot, and shoe come together as you walk.”

Here’s what’s happening with each step:

• A shock-absorbing cushion under the heel reduces impact
• Arch support stabilizes and cradles the foot
• Foam cushioning under the ball of the foot provides rebound (similar to a running shoe)

Combined with leather lining and pressure-distributing insoles, the result is a heel that actually works with your body, not against it.

A Fashion Editor & Heel Lover’s True Thoughts: Testing 4 INEZ Heels

To really put INEZ to the test, I wore four different styles around Manhattan – walking miles, commuting, running between events, and wearing them for long stretches of time.

Immediately, the difference was noticeable. The arch support alone sets these apart from most heels I’ve worn. Let’s break down each pair.