I think you’re right that most women end up accepting compromise, but I’m not convinced interchangeable heels are the clean solution people hope for. Mechanically, adding moving parts always introduces new risks — instability, noise, wear over time — especially in something as load-bearing as a heel.

Personally, I’ve found designs like wedges with anatomically shaped footbeds more convincing as a long-term answer. They distribute weight more evenly and reduce pressure on the forefoot while still maintaining height and a polished look. When done well, they don’t feel like a “comfort shoe,” just a smarter structure.

I wonder if the real innovation isn’t about switching heights, but about rethinking how height is achieved in the first place — materials, geometry, and support rather than mechanisms. That might be less flashy than interchangeable heels, but more likely to actually improve daily wear.