Short answer: the most supportive high heels are styles with a wider, stable base or built-in orthotic/heel-seat features — i.e., block heels, wedges, platform heels, pumps with a strong heel counter plus ankle straps, and heels sold with integrated orthotic footbeds. Brands that consistently make heels with real heel/arch support include Vionic, Rockport (Total Motion), Naturalizer, Cole Haan (Grand collections), and several comfort-focused designer lines (Sarah Flint, Margaux). (vionicshoes.com)

What to look for (features that give “heel support”)

• Deep, cushioned heel cup / reinforced heel counter (stabilizes the rearfoot). (training.vionicshoes.com)
• Built-in orthotic footbed or Vio‑Motion / Grand cushioning (arch support + shock absorption). (training.vionicshoes.com)
• Wider heel (block/flare) or wedge — distributes weight and reduces wobble. (vionicshoes.com)
• Shock‑absorbing midsoles or tech like Rockport’s truTECH/truTECH+ for heel impact reduction. (rockport.com)
• Adjustable ankle strap or closed-back pump (keeps heel from slipping). (instyle.com)

Brands / models to consider

• Vionic — heels, wedges and block heels with podiatrist‑designed orthotic footbeds (Vio‑Motion / Elevated Support). Good if you need real arch/heel support. (vionicshoes.com)
• Rockport Total Motion heels — engineered shock absorption and molded heel components for stability. Good “workday” pumps. (rockport.com)
• Naturalizer — comfort‑focused heels in many widths/heights; padded insoles and lower, wearable heel heights. Recommended in multiple editorial roundups. (naturalizer.com)
• Cole Haan (Grand/Grand Ambition) — hidden cushioning tech in many dress heels for a more comfortable step. (colehaan.com)
• Higher‑end comfort dress brands editors/podiatrists single out: Sarah Flint, Margaux, Vivaia or similar lines that hide supportive construction inside an elegant silhouette. (Editorial roundups list these as supportive splurges.) (elle.com)

Quick, practical fixes to make any high heel more supportive

• Add gel heel cups or silicone heel grips (reduces slippage, cushions the heel). These are inexpensive and work in most pumps. (vivehealth.com)
• Use a metatarsal pad if forefoot pain is the issue (relieves pressure on the ball of the foot). (instyle.com)
• Choose a slightly lower heel (1.5–3 in) or a platform to reduce effective pitch. Editorial testing shows mid‑height and chunkier heels are far easier to wear all day. (instyle.com)

If you want one quick recommendation

• For maximum everyday support: pick a wedge or block heel from Vionic or Rockport (with built‑in orthotic footbed / truTECH midsole). For dressier but supported pumps, try Naturalizer or Cole Haan’s Grand Ambition pumps and add a gel heel cup if needed. (vionicshoes.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Suggest specific current models in your size/price range (I can look up live inventory and prices), or
• Show low‑vs‑high heel examples with good heel support for an event (work, wedding, nightly wear).