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I Swore I'd Never Wear Heels to the Airport, But This Comfy Style Is Surprisingly Travel-Approved

By Swedan Margen

I Swore I'd Never Wear Heels to the Airport, But This Comfy Style Is Surprisingly Travel-Approved

I used to dismiss the idea of wearing heels to the airport, firmly believing that comfort should reign supreme while traveling. Sneakers and flats were my steadfast companions, perfectly aligning with my no-nonsense approach to flying. However, my perspective recently changed when I came across a photo of Ariana Grande at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo.

Dressed elegantly, Grande showcased a breathtaking pair of Valentino Garavani Bowow shoes, which debuted in the exquisite Avants Les Débuts Spring 2025 collection and were later reimagined in the whimsical Pavillon des Folies collection. These shoes are a visual feast, boasting an oversize, enchanting bow and a chic square-almond toe that effortlessly exudes class. What truly sets them apart is their low block-heel design—a masterful fusion of high fashion and comfort.

Ariana grande wears a long black coat, white lace tights, and white valentino bowow heels.

On Ariana Grande: Valentino Bowow Pumps ($1050)

The allure of block heels, especially low ones, lies in their design, which offers more support and stability than stiletto heels. With a broader base and lower height, block heels distribute your weight more evenly, reducing pressure on the feet and making them more comfortable for long periods of walking or standing, like at an airport.

So, if you're ready to refresh your airport footwear game, keep scrolling to shop Grande's Valentino pumps and a curated selection of elegant block heels that will have you jet-setting in style.

Shop Ariana Grande's Valentino heels

Bowow Pumps in Kidskin 45mm

Valentino Garavani

Bowow Pumps

These also come in black and a dusty-rose hue.

Shop more block-heel pumps

Rosa Pump

I love the subtle square-toe design.

Terry Ballet Pump

Reformation

Terry Ballet Pumps

I can't choose between the patent-leather red, brown suede, green suede, or leopard-print.

Hourglass Pointed Toe Pump

Jeffrey Campbell

Hourglass Pointed Toe Pumps

Jeffrey Campbell know how to nail major shoe trends.

Arissa Pump
Cecile Leather Ballet Pump

Veronica Beard

Cecile Leather Ballet Pumps

Customers say these shoes have the perfect heel height for all-day wear.

Martina Heel Pumps - Smooth Black - Sheep Leather - Sézane

Sézane

Martina Heel Pumps

Sézane may be known for its sweaters and outerwear but its footwear is just as elegant.

Madewell, The Nettie Heeled Mary Jane

Madewell

The Nettie Heeled Mary Jane Heels

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I Swore I'd Never Wear Heels to the Airport, But This Comfy Style Is Surprisingly Travel-Approved - Vanity Fair Fashion