Festive footwear has always demanded sacrifice — specifically the sacrifice of comfort, balance and, ultimately, the bone structure of your feet.

We want to dazzle in sparkling sky-high stilettos, but to do so know we must pay a high price. Until now.

Yes, it’s a Christmas miracle. This season the most stylish party shoes are also actually wearable.

You can wave goodbye to crippling court shoes and there’s no need to master walking in mules. Teetering around the office party is a thing of the past, thanks to cleverly placed heels and cushioning technology.

So, what to go for? We welcomed the return of platforms with open arms for spring/summer, and they’ve had a fabulous makeover this season.

Go for big details like the oversized gold bow design from Monsoon, £85, which also comes with a matching clutch bag, £55.

And let’s hear it for the unrivalled elegance of a kitten heel, which has made a comeback just in time for Christmas.

Look for a slingback — Me+Em’s chic black pair, £295, are the perfect addition to a cocktail dress and work equally well with tailoring.

Heels from Esska Shoes look ultra-glam and come in every shade, including the pink velvet pair.

The up-and-coming London brand is run by a husband-and-wife team — Dan works on the business side, while Souraya is the genius designer who has cleverly disguised the padded insoles. 

The heel heights range from 5.5cm to 9cm but are all block and each as comfortable as the next. Oh, and they’re available up to size 9. These really are a party for your feet.

For showstopping low heels look no further than Penelope Chilvers’ eponymous label, a favourite of the Princess of Wales and Alexa Chung.

All her shoes are super-wearable, with a low heel height ranging from one to two inches, but whereas previously we’d have had to shelve pretty for practical, her collection of party styles come in sparkling silver, glittering gold and rich velvet. The gold Mary-Janes are top of my festive wishlist.

Some of the styles featured here will set you back in terms of price, but these comfortable shoes are for life, not just for Christmas. 

If you buy wisely, they won’t end up ignored at the bottom of the wardrobe — or discarded at the side of the dance floor.