A 3 inch heel is the perfect height for those who crave a pump that adds class and confidence, but is comfortable enough for daily wear.
If you think this, you are not alone. More women find that a 3 inch heel gives the ideal balance between appearance and comfort than any other height.
In fact, 3 inches is the most popular heel height for work pumps by far.
This means that the 3 inch heel market is very competitive. Nearly every designer makes a pair.
Here’s the good news. I won’t be wasting your time listing dozens of work heels, all with slight differences. Anyone can do that and it doesn’t help you find your perfect shoes.
I know you’ve come here for my passionate opinion on the best 3 inch work heels and I’m going to give it to you.
I’m simply going to recommend straight-up what I think are the two best 3 inch work pumps.
And I’m going to tell you exactly why.
In a hurry? Here’s my top two recommendations…
In the article below, I take a really deep dive into my two top 3 inch pumps. You can read in depth why I have singled them out.
However if you’re in a hurry, here are my top picks.
Both of these heels I recommend have thousands of great reviews from women who care about the things that matter in work pumps: looks and comfort.
You can read those reviews through the links above.
But I’m thinking that you came here for my opinion not anyone else’s. At least I hope so!
So let’s get straight to my picks.
Best 3 inch work pump: Juliana by Cole Haan
Despite all the competition in the 3 inch category, one heel is clearly out in front: Juliana by Cole Haan (affiliate link).
The pump was introduced in 2015 and is now a modern classic. It has a 3 inch heel measured on a size 8.5C with no platform.
The classic silhouette of this shoe is pretty and professional, but it’s not just looks that have Juliana at the top of nearly everyone’s list of favorites.
The real bargaining point is that Juliana is as comfortable as it is stylish.
Like everyone else, I can rave about Juliana‘s leather being soft to the touch and about the shoe’s flexible outsole.
Leather uppers, leather lining and a padded leather footbed are also reasons that make Juliana a great choice for the office.
The Cole Haan difference is comfort
Cole Hann is a brand with a proud history of comfort. It used to be owned by Nike and even used Nike Air technology in some of its most popular heels.
However Nike sold off Cole Haan back in 2012, meaning that the Nike Air soles are no longer used.
So don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll be walking in Nikes if you buy these heels.
There’s no need for concern though. Juliana has a concealed memory foam insole as its secret comfort weapon.
Comfort-lovers today are clear that Cole Haan has lost none of its reputation for cushioning as well as style. I’ll vouch for that myself.
What I love about these pumps:
- Juliana is the perfect pump to wear almost every day to work
- The height is right to look classy but also to look work appropriate
- They don’t pinch the feet in the toe box and have supple leather to wear straight out of the box
What I don’t like:
- There’s nothing bad to say about these pumps, so far as I’ve noticed!
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
Best 3 inch work pump with platform: Michelle by Naturalizer
If you are looking for a 3 inch pump with a small platform, then Michelle by Naturalizer may be the go-to work shoe for you (affiliate link).
Like Juliana, the shoe has a tried-and-tested history: it was introduced back in 2015 and quickly found a market for feet that like to end the day as happy as when they started.
With its micro-platform, Michelle is a completely different pump to Juliana, but it is definitely one that you won’t regret adding to your wardrobe. This shoe is in fact rapidly positioning itself as an equally comfortable 3 inch work pump alternative.
Technology is the key to comfort
Michelle comes from a new breed of heel that rely heavily on technology to boost comfort.
Specifically the shoe uses a 5 point system to focus on comfort, which it calls “N5 Contour technology”.
The short-version of those 5 points can be summed up like this:
- CUSHIONING – Michelle has double-density cushioning in the whole sockliner, plus added cushioning in the heel, arch and ball of foot.
- BREATHABILITY – the heel has microfiber linings with Agion, which inhibits the growth of bacteria (ew!) and stops odors and other yuckies. The aim is to be soft and breathable.
- BALANCE – the insole and molded arch support are crafted to allow for maximum contact with you foot. This helps with balance and stability.
- FLEXIBILITY – Naturalizer uses flexible materials inside and out which bend and move with the wearer’s foot.
- LIGHTWEIGHT – all materials are streamlined to be as light as possible without compromising comfort.
The really short version is that the pump is super comfortable.