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The Hunt: Heels Under 2 Inches

Comfort· Recent Recommendations· The Hunt

These are some of our favorite comfortable low heels for work as of 2023! one / two / three / four (also Ferragamo, MMLF, Talbots, and Sarah Flynt!)

Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

So here’s the thing about heels under 2 inches: 80% of the shoes offered with low heels can look really gross* — kind of the shoe equivalent of Mom Jeans. (2015 Update: check out our most recent roundup of office-appropriate low heels!) 

{related: low nude pumps for work}

But there are cute ones out there (although it can be a challenge to find them), and there are actually a lot of times you might want to wear low heels, even if you’re not 90 years old:

– All you peeps preparing for interview week where you’ll be on your feet for 8 hours, running from interview to interview? Yeah, you.
– When you’re attending a conference or another networking event that will involve a lot of standing.
– If you have pants that are hemmed for flats.
– If you’re easing back into heels after a long delay because of injury (or if you never really wore heels to begin with).
– If you’re suffering from feet problems like bunions or worse — higher heels just aren’t doable all of the time!

{related: low nude pumps for work}

So with that said, I tried to poke around to find the most sophisticated shoes I could for under 2 inches — and on the lower end of the price spectrum, because it’s surprisingly easy to find $600 shoes with 1.5 inch heels. Readers, what heel height do you wear 80% of the time? For those of you who prefer lower heels, which are your favorite brands? 

These are some of our favorite comfortable low heels for work as of 2023! one / two / three / four (also Ferragamo, MMLF, Talbots, and Sarah Flynt!)

This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!

Hunting for higher heights?

These are some of our favorite heels as of 2023, but check out our entire Guide to Comfortable Heels!

collage of 6 different comfortable work heels
Pictured above, some of our favorite general favorite comfortable work heels: one / two / three / four / five / six — see the full roundup here for lots of styles

The below content probably concerns shoes that aren’t available anymore!

So: these are your basic pumps from Aerosoles, clocking in at exactly 2″. This shoe comes in 7 other colors, and looks like a great starter heel. Check out other shoes in this line such as “Black Cheery” (a slingback with a cute decorative strap) and “Cheer For Me” (a Mary Jane), both of which are also 2″ heels. The Cheerful pump is $65 at Aerosoles. Cheerful Pump
Rockport Lilah PumpHere we have the Rockport Lilah, which comes in 4 colors (some of which are up to 50% off at Rockport.com). I like that this one is actually leather, at least for the upper, and that it has the adidas adiPRENE® heel and forefoot cushioning. The shoe is $110 at Zappos. Rockport – Lilah Pump (Black Smooth Calf) – Footwear
Cole Haan Air Juliana 45No roundup like this is complete without a Cole Haan pump, and I like the Air Juliana in the “2” or under” category. In addition to coming in 6 colors, I like that this leather shoe has NIKE AIR® technology. If you prefer a rounder toe, the Air Talia Mid Pump is just a bit higher at 2.5″ (note also that the Air Juliana comes in a higher 75 mm heel as well). The Air Juliana 45 is $148 at Zappos. Cole Haan – Air Juliana Pump 45 (Cove Patent) – Footwear
Stuart Weitzman PocoTime after time, readers swear by Stuart Weitzman pumps, and these highly rated Poco pumps look great. I like the pointed toe, the kitten heel, and the ultrasuede lining. They’re $$165-$275 at Zappos (depending on which of the 11 colors strikes your fancy — I’ve pictured the ““Jeans Snake Charmer”” color at the top of this post). (Note that the Bobo is another Weitzman shoe that’s under 2″.)  Stuart Weitzman – Poco (Red Quasar) – Footwear
Butter Stone PumpsButter actually has a bunch of cute heels under 2″. I like these Stone Pumps (available in 4 colors — including “glitter”!), but do check out the whole Butter collection on Amazon. The Stone Pumps are $290. Butter Women’s Stone Pump
Jason Wu Slingback Kitten-Heel PumpLike I said, it’s really easy to find pricier shoes in the 2″ and under category. Today I’m liking these gorgeous blue and black slingback kitten heel pumps from Jason Wu, which clock in at exactly 2″. They’re $658 at Neiman Marcus. Jason Wu Slingback Kitten-Heel Pump

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments! Curious for other installments of this roundup for low heels? We did them in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.

(L-#)

* UPDATE: A number of readers are taking issue with my calling heels under two inches “gross,” so I’ve updated the text above to more accurately reflect my views. To be even more clear: I think low heels are great, and practical, and I whole heartedly, enthusiastically recommend all of the ones I’ve cited above, which is kind of the entire point of this post. BUT: If you had just spent the past 2 hours looking for cute heels under 2″ to whole heartedly, enthusiastically recommend, you’d agree with me that 80% of the ones out there are really gross.

This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Workwear sales of note for 6.02.23:

  • Nordstrom – The Half-Yearly Sale has started! See our thoughts here.
  • Ann Taylor – $50 off $150; $100 off $250+; extra 30% off all sale styles
  • Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 25% off purchase
  • Boden – Sale, up to 50% off
  • Cole Haan – Up to 50% off select styles; extra 20% off sandals & sneakers
  • Eloquii – 60% off all tops
  • Express – 30% off all dresses, tops, shorts & more; extra 50% off clearance
  • H&M – Up to 60% off online and in-store.
  • J.Crew – Up to 50% off “dressed up” styles (lots of cute dresses!); extra 50% off select sale
  • J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything; 60% off 100s of summer faves; extra 60% off clearance
  • J.McLaughlin – The Sale Event: extra 30% off
  • Loft – 40% off tops; 30% off full-price styles
  • Sephora – Up to 50% off select beauty.
  • Shopbop – Up to 60% off sale
  • Sue Sartor – Lots of cute dresses on sale!
  • Talbots – 25-40% off select styles

Other noteworthy sales:

  • CB2.com – Up to 40% off; pop-up sale up to 30% off
  • Joss & Main – Up to 60% off, plus an extra 20% off with code
  • Tuft & Needle – Save up to $775 on mattresses (Reader-favorite brand; Kat really likes hers!)
  • West Elm – Up to 25% off in-stock furniture; up to 60% off clearance

Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

About Kat

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

  1. Anon

    Wow, that’s harsh! Low heels are “gross”?? I wear them daily, and while I would say that it is a challenge to find ones that are interesting and have some style, I would never call them gross or the equivalent of Mom jeans. Some of us are tall enough that it would be uncomfortable to add another 4 inches to our height (and yes, I know these days it’s empowering to be tall and what not, but I still don’t want to stick out in a crowd any more than I already do, not to mention the comfort factor in wearing a lower heel). Kat, let’s embrace all heel heights!

    • Elysian

      Agree, my fist reaction as well. I love a pair of low heels, especially when I want to wear heels but want to wear them with pants currently hemmed for flats. We’ve been vehemently hating on some things recently: low heels, cuffs, pleats (though that last one may have been deserved…). Seems like a little too much to me.

      • Anonymous

        I was dismayed by the harshness as well. Not everyone can wear high heels. I have knee problems and can’t wear high heels. Good to know I’m “gross.” :(

        • Anonymous

          +1

          My body does *not* like high heels. And for that matter, skinny heels, either. I’m sure I look better speed-walking and standing in my short, relatively stodgy heels than I do (oops, make that did, once) splayed out on the sidewalk where I’d lost my balance.

      • Kat

        I’ve amended the text above to more accurately reflect my views. I’m not going to name any brand names, but if you’d just spent the last 2 hours looking for cute heels under 2″ to recommend (which I 100% agree, exist) to readers, you’d agree with me on the “gross” comment.

        • baylaw

          I’ve never found a pair of low heels that I liked. “Gross” is my reaction, too. I think they look great on tall, lean people, though.

  2. Anonymous

    My sensible work/interview/running around in heels are cole haan mid-talias in black. they are low (2″ or so) and have a more rounded toe but are still sleek looking and are so stable and comfortable. a little tight at first, but the front loosens up in a non-patent leather.

    • Cornellian

      have those, ordered them in wide, which was easy and a good choice. BUT I ALSO just dropped them off after 20 wears to get them reheeled :(

      • 2lawl

        Me too! I’m glad it’s not just me. It took me forever to get over spending that much on shoes (I’m new to having to look nice) and they go and die after only 2 months of very little use. I’m annoyed.

    • Bonnie

      Air Talias are actually about 2.5″ There are exceptions but most heels under 2″ are frumpy.

  3. Wordy

    “Gross”? Seriously? First off, that’s a completely judge-y statement, and if you read the comments section you would see that many of your readers prefer flats or low heels for a variety of reasons. None

    • Wordy

      (sorry) of which is “gross.”. Second, Kat, at some point in your life you may be navigating one, two or three children around and low heels are a lot more practical.

      Complete fail.

      • anon

        Kat does have a kid.

        I personally find low heels to be no more comfortable than high heels, and I do think a lot of them are ugly. I was kind of surprised by the use of the word “gross,” but I don’t necessarily disagree. Let’s face it, they can be kinda frumpy. I don’t even like that Jason Wu number, no matter how expensive.

        • Wordy

          Yeah, I know she does. Should have expressed more fully – navigating a child or two or three to school or daycare dressed in full business formal with your work bag, their gear, etc. Much easier to manage in low heels!

    • Wordy

      Wow, I am grumpy about this. I see you’ve now edited the comment from “Here’s the thing about low heels:they usually look pretty gross” to recognize that only 80% do, in your estimation. I’d argue that that percentage is too low but at least you thought better of your original statement.

    • Pest

      I agree. If low heels are “gross,” what are most flats and low wedges? To me, kitten heels are a great compromise, a look that is feminine, professional and stylish without being sexy. Like it or not, a lot of men think that high heels are sexy, and I’m not just talking about the two inch platform plus four inch heel style.

      • anon

        It’s not the height of the heel that makes kitten heels gross, it’s what they look like. Three inch heels are aesthetically pleasing. So are flats. Not so much kitten heels, in my opinion. It’s just a matter of taste. You might think differently–that’s fine.

  4. NOLA

    I wear much higher heels (4″) most days but I have some kitten heels I love. The only ones here that are really frumpy are the Aerosoles. The Butter shoes are pretty and I even like the Rockports. My favorite kitten heels are from Enzo Angiolini from several years ago. Sort of a crinkle patent with a flat bow on the front. I have them in red and light brown. I do find that, for some strange reason, kitten heels with a slingback tend to wear off the polish on my fourth toe. No idea why.

    • AIMS

      I am not a fan of the Aerosoles either. But I like the others. I think low heels tend to look best when they have nice details (e.g., the snakeskin or the Jason Wu pictured) or are just really simple and elegant (e.g., the SW or CH pictured).

  5. Circe

    The “gross” made me laugh. One of the most iconic outfits in fashion history is styled with a low heel. I give you the Audrey Hepburn Breakfast at Tiffany’s outfit: http://alisonkerr.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/breakfast-at-tiffanys-party-outfit.jpg (or, you know, anything else Audrey ever wore). I agree that the “gross” comment was pretty harsh, but I understand that some people feel that way about low heels. Check these out: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/stuart-weitzman-daydream-pump-nordstrom-exclusive/3283947?origin=PredictiveSearch&fashionColor=&resultback=400

  6. Bluejay

    My Cole Haan Air Talias with a 2.5″ heels are incredibly comfortable, infinitely more so than any of my under 2″ heels. Just had to put in a plug.

  7. LilacWine

    Okay, I feel like I finally have to make a plug for Varda shoes in New York. I don’t think I’ve seen them mentioned on any posts, but they are hands-down the best high-end work shoes I have ever found. I think I saw one other poster on here comment about them once, and they are amazing!

    I spent over 6 months looking for shoes that fit my criteria: conservative pumps, low heel, variety of suit colors, reasonably wide width, well-made. The first two criteria meant that most designer shoes are out, and when I would find wide ones, they were usually from cheaper brands that did not look as professional as I would have liked. Varda (only one store in Soho, although they do mail order if you’re not in New York) fit all my criteria. If you are looking for beautifully made work shoes, look here. The designs are all very basic, but you can get pretty much any permutation of basic shoe you want (i.e. all heel heights/style, all pump types, all colors). They also have a pretty good boots and casuals selection.

    Be warned, they are pricey – you’re looking at 300-500 for a pair of leather pumps (although their sale section in the back can take you down to 150-300. But they are very high quality, hand made in Italy – think Manolos quality but with totally conservative office appropriate styles. On top of that, the owner is usually at the store and super helpful with shoe sizes/styles. They are perfect if you are not so “fashion-y” in your wardrobe, but like to look put together and well-tailored in a quite elegance kind of way.

    • Varda

      I was the other commenter who posted (several times) about Varda. They are the most comfortable heels I have ever owned, even though mine are, at 4 inches, the highest I own. I think because they are hand made.

      I also love Galo pumps.

  8. KC

    Does anyone else find kitten heels absurdly difficult to walk in given their relative height? Perhaps I just need more practice, but I often give up on kitten heels and switch back to flats, as I find the 1 1/2 – 2″ is not worth the increased difficulty in walking.

      • Banker

        Me too. I routinely roll my ankles in kitten heels and walk fine in 3″+ daily. I think my brain expects the heels to fall in a different place on the sidewalk than they do in kitten heels.

    • Mari

      Me too.

      My ankles feel weaker and wobble much more when I wear kitten heels than 3″ pumps. Weird.

    • Niktaw

      Oh yes. I had a pair of kitten heel mules and they were horrendously uncomfortable to walk in.
      I am glad that there are so many low wedge styles currently available. Some are indeed frumpy, but there are many cute ones.

    • L

      I was just about to write this exactly, but I’ll just +1 you instead.

      Short heels put the ankle in a relatively weak position. Totally flat is obviously a stable position. On the other end of the spectrum, engaging the ankle muscles happens relatively automatically when the heel is above 3″ (though that constant engagement can also cause tendon problems and other issues). Shorter heels in the 2″ range put the ankle at an angle that makes engaging the supportive muscles much more difficult. In addition to the aesthetics, this is the reason that dancers balance with their ankle arched as much as possible v only partially arched.

      I’m going to get burned for this, but so be it… Maybe it will get someone to improve the way they walk in heels-

      The physics of stepping onto a short heel with partially-arched ankle make the step more of a stomp than a stride (in order words, the step is harder and heavier). I’ve noticed that I and other women tend to bend our knees more when walking in low heels to counter the wobbly-ness of the weak ankle position.

      Here’s my PSA: check how you look when you walk in heels *especially* if you’re walking in low heels. Take a video of yourself walking (and not looking in a mirror). I cringe every time I see women walking like newborn colts. I admit- I secretly judge women who walk this way. I know it has nothing to do with your professional ability, but I can’t believe that someone so smart and adept could miss something so obvious.

      If you have a “bad walk” in heels, just don’t wear them! It’s so much better for people to not notice your shoes (bc you’re in flats) than to notice you’re shoes because you look so uncomfortable in them. Or, worse, for someone to consciously or subconsciously think something negative about you because your shoe choice makes you stomp.

      • mamabear

        I hear you. I wonder all the time if the woman walking in front of me knows how much her feet are wobbling back and forth every time she takes a step. Last week I was behind someone who was managing to balance on her shoes with the heels sticking out at close to a 45 degree angle. I don’t get how she stayed upright.

        If you think wedges are ugly, I guarantee you, walking badly in high heels is uglier.

    • Susan

      Yes. They’re just not worth it. They don’t add enough height for their relative lack of comfort and for their still getting caught in what seems like every crack in the sidewalk. I either go with flats or a higher heel.

      Kitten heels, for a shortie like me, present the worst of both worlds, despite my liking their look on other people!

  9. kc

    I have to agree that 80% of low heels are gross because I am constantly searching for (and buying when I find them) the remaining 20%. I flipped through the preview of Lauren Conrad’s style book on Amazon where she called kitten heels the “mullet of shoes.” So Kat could have been harsher.

    • mamabear

      ha! I’d never heard this, but I’ve always thought of those pumps that have a big platform in the front and a spiky thin stiletto in the back as the mullet of shoes. And LC probably wears those…

      • sweetknee

        A somewhat related question. . I am tall (5’10”), and most of my shoes are 3 inches or so. I have one or two pairs that have a two inch platform along with the heel. I really don’t mind being tall or sticking out in a crowd. However, I find I just cannot avoid “stomping” in platforms ! What am I doing wrong ? It just seems that the shoes itself has no “give” in that area, and I sound like a herd of elephants on the hardwood floors of our office.

        The lawyer in the office upstairs from me wears platforms all the time ( she’s 5’2″), and I can tell every time she gets up to go to the copier or bathroom, so it must not be just me. . . .

        • mamabear

          I think you are probably stomping because your front platform does not flex. There’s no way a 2″ platform has much flex. So you can’t walk the way your foot naturally does. I think prety much the only option is to be a bit stompy.

          As I said, I’m not wild about these shoes, though I do like a retro 40’s shoe with a modest front platform and proportional chunkier heel.

  10. CatMeows

    Normally a lurker, but decided to start seeking advice here since this is such a wonderful community!

    I find most of my heels quickly gets scratched up inside of the toe box by my toenails. This happens with not well worn shoes, but new ones after wearing for a couple of times only. This is a bit gross, but I could basically feel 3-4 holes in there! A related problem is I can’t buy lots of cute flats as I fear the leather presses down on my toes, and I’m afraid my toe nails would poke a hole very soon. Does anyone else have this issue? If so, how do you deal? I tried sizing up, but then my heel will slip out with every step. And no, my nails are not long… at all.

    Or maybe I’m doomed?

    • LilacWine

      To be honest, my first thought was that you are buying the wrong shoe size. It’s annoying because it’s not just a matter of sizing up. You also need to be dealing with width, vamp height, and things that are usually non-negotiable for most women’s shoes. I’m always so jealous that nice men’s shoes always come in a variety of widths (some of the brands will even make a mixed width shoe for them)! You might want to try a size up but in a brand that has a narrow width selection to accomodate your heel. The other option is a wide width to accomodate your toes and then get one of those stick-in heel pads to solve the heel problem. Good luck!

    • Niktaw

      I haven’t had this problem, but have you considered low-cut peds or, for slingbacks, toe tape over the toenails? A PITA to be sure, but you may only need to do it once or twice.

    • Cat

      My big toenails point slightly upward so I know what you are talking about! Although your toes sound a little more pointy than mine, you’ll want to look for brands that are roomier in the toe (rather than sloping down quickly to meet the bottom of the shoe) – Brooks Bros. almond toe heels have more space for toes than any other brand I’ve worn.

      http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=380&Product_Id=1570369&Parent_Id=314&default_color=BLACK&sort_by=&sectioncolor=&sectionsize=

    • M-C

      I have some of the same thing, especially on the side where the big toe got smashed. It’s a matter of angle of toenail rather than length. First, you need to realize that a good toe box needs height. Many women’s shoes are built for pancake feet, and I just can’t wear those.
      I’ve had some success with smoothing down the top of my nail, but gently like with a polisher rather than a file. Otherwise I’d say Clarks, Rieke, Ecco..

    • Research, Not Law

      I have the same issue with my big toe. I’m even missing a nail on one big toe, and while I don’t get a hole like I do on the other foot, I still get obviously uneven wear. FWIW, the wearing is on the top of the shoe, not the front. It’s not a sizing issue.

      I have to be careful with the shoes I buy. Typically, they have a generous and stiff or reinforced toe box. I still wear leather shoes, but they aren’t usually soft leather. They aren’t clogs, either, I promise. I’m wearing some very cute BCBG leather flats today, for example. It’s just a matter of trying on shoes until one fits immediately.

      I also can prevent holes and bulging if I wear socks. I like Hue’s No Show socks. They particularly help me get away with softer materials.

    • CatMeows

      Thanks! I will look into toe tapes…I’m glad I’m not the only one with this problem. And I do tend to buy shoes with softer leather, which doesn’t help. Stiffer leather are just too painful.

    • Spunkrat

      My nails, both fingers & toes, curl upwards & outwards. The only solution I’ve come up with is trimming & filing my toenails often to keep them as short as possible, & putting tape over shoes that I’ve worn a considerable groove into so I don’t bust through.

  11. Shoelover

    Anything under 3″ usually looks strange and disproportionate to me. I like flats and I like high heels, but don’t wear anything in between except maybe the occasional pair of wedges.

  12. mamabear

    I’m recovering from foot problems and agree with Kat – most low heels are orthopedic-looking. Believe me when I say I’ve looked under every rock.

    I’ve had great luck with Fluevog, Fidji, Rieker, Ecco, and all low wedges by Cole Haan. Of those, Rieker and Ecco still make a lot of ugly styles, but there are some winners in there too.

    I personally can’t wear kitten heels as pictured because they’re too ankle-twisty for me.

    I’ll recommend again the blog barkingdogshoes. I don’t love all of Kirstin’s suggestions, but she has turned me onto some really great styles that have allowed my feet to slowly improve over the last two years without looking completely frumpy.

  13. Cat

    I own only a few pairs of low heels because I actually find it more difficult to walk in them than in high heels: (1) you have all the wobbly-ness of a stiletto, but without the full corresponding shift in weight to the balls of your feet – making the heel feel less stable to me, and (2) low heels are most likely to pinch my feet because they still need to bend like a flat although they’re shaped like a heel.

    I wear 2.5″-4″ heels probably 3 days a week (all week if in meetings), and flats the other 2. (I have a walking commute and wear comfy walking flats for that.)

    • Shoelover

      I think you hit the nail on the head about the weight shift – I hate that slight elevation that doesn’t let me fully transfer my weight to the ball of my foot. I wonder if it varies for women depending on where they carry their weight. My dance teacher used to point out that I was “derriere centered” and liked to come way up on my toes when I danced. Other women were what she called “abdominally centered” and seemed happier dancing flat-footed or in a low releve.

  14. N.

    I highly recommend the Naturalizer Denios for an inexpensive, low-heeled shoe. They are 2.5″ rather than 2″, but they’re actually more comfortable than some of my slightly shorter kitten heels.

    • Anonymous Poser

      Thanks for the rec. Found it–Naturalizer Deino. (Easier to find that way ;) )

    • Nellie

      Agree with this rec. A completely classic, basic pump that is really comfortable. And I find the 2.5-inch height is a sweet spot for me in terms of looking good with both skirts and pants.

    • AT

      These are my go-to work pumps as well. Really comfortable, right out of the box, and look decent with skirts and pants.

  15. Parker - Boardroom Belles

    Medium Heels all the way. I recently found a pair of high heel pumps that were too die for and in the spirit of trying to be as cool as my writing partner in crime – who wears sky high heels as if they were sneakers – bought them. Complete fail. Cannot walk in them for the life of me. I look like a wobbly uncomfortable teenager who snuck into mom’s closet to try on her shoes.

    So it’s back to medium height heels. Luckily, I am pretty tall. So 2.5-3.0 inches are my preferred height, because at this height I find my arch is supported best. I scour all the “comfort/grandma” shoe brands (e.g. Naturalizer, Sofft, Clark’s etc.) regularly so I don’t miss the occasional pair that is chic and stylish. I realize that this way I am never going to have the most outstanding footwear, but as long as its reasonably passable I don’t mind, because I am of the firm conviction that deportment is half the battle.

    • long-time lurker

      This is pretty much how I feel. I cannot do the pointy toed shoes of any height, or heels more than about 2.5-3 inches, it just kills my feet and even on days when I am just sitting at my desk I seem to get up a lot and walk a lot. I do flip flops or commuting flats for my commute, and keep a variety of mid-height heels at the office. I will also wear cute flats when I know I have a long day of being on my feet. I hear you about the granny brands! I am currently wearing some Clarks that I think look acceptable enough for a a late thirties type in a law firm. It is hit or miss with these brands as some cross the frump line even for me, but there is an occasional gem. Stuart Weiztman is a bit of a splurge but some of those are a good height and more comfortable.

  16. AIMS

    I like kitten heels generally, though certainly as with anything “sensible,” there can be some rather unattractive options. I think details are important here, as a result. I would also add that in addition to Kat’s list, lower heels are great for when you want to look professional and elegant but without looking like you’re trying too hard or whatnot. E.g., I was having lunch last week with a mentor who is a much older male and although there is nothing remotely inappropriate about it, I just felt better wearing 2 inch heels than I would have wearing 3 1/2 inch ones, if that makes sense…

    There are a lot of cute low Stuart Weitzman heels on sale at 6 pm dot com, inc. these: http://tinyurl.com/d3esuaf (also see the unfortunately named “midlasagna” in plain black leather – not as big a discount but gorgeous)

    • mamabear

      Oh, those Stuart Weitzman Tuxbows are pretty! And a really good price for what they are. I can’t wear skinny heels like that, but for those who can, this is a great lead. If I could, I would have purchased them just now. :)

    • mamabear

      Also, I kind of want to buy the midlasagnas just so I can say, “Today, I think I’ll wear my Midlasagnas.”

      • AIMS

        Haha, you and me both! Apparently, there are also regular lasagnas. They’re taller. If they get marked down a bit more, I might pull the trigger and then next time we do a “what are you wearing” post, I will chime in with, “Grey tweed dress and purple suede Lasagnas, thanks.”

        But seriously, I love the black mid ones. They strike me as both really pretty and totally authoritative, somehow.

    • MissJackson

      I have those Tuxbows in the brown color — bought them from Endless about 3-4 months ago. The leather is a little stiff, but they are still nice. Not my most comfortable shoe, and even the wide seemed a little narrow compared to other SWs. However, at the same time I also bought another pair of SWs — “puffystuff” http://www.6pm.com/stuart-weitzman-puffystuff-hummus-aniline which are super soft and comfortable. I bought the nude (in wide width) and they immediately became one of my favorite pairs of shoes. I don’t get any of that wobbly ankle stuff in the puffystuffs, although I have no idea why not.

  17. ToEachHerOwn

    Curvy heels, call them kitten if you want, under 2.5″ is always my goal. I run, and struggle with tight calf muscles. Plus, the men I work with are not tall, and I am. And, then, there’s comfort. Wedges do NOTHING for the appearance of my legs. Heels, even short ones, MUCH better. They are not easy to find, but not impossible either. Check out the Joan & David “Gardner” pump, now on sale at Nordstrom. They are just SLIGHTLY over 2″. NOT 2.5″. Comfortable, cute, and all leather, but they squeak. I’m keeping them anyway. I have had really good luck with Via Spiga. The “Angie” pump at Bloomingdales, among other places, looks great.

    • TEHO2

      I agree– for me it has nothing to do with fashion; it has to do with my general health. The “tendon problems” that one commenter mentioned with higher heels are actually a shortening of the calf muscle and tightening of the achilles. Thus, if you wear heels often, don’t be surprised that you’re “only comfortable in high heels” because your calf muscle is now strained by walking in flats. I don’t recommend heels to any woman who is active for this reason. It just doesn’t make sense to put your body at risk for the sake of fashion. But that’s just me.

  18. eastbaybanker

    I will add to Anon’s comment that some of us are just too tall to wear 3 or 4 inch heels and not be distracting. As far as the “grossness” of kitten heels and low heels, I think it really has to do with the thickness of the heel and the shape of the toe box. A skinny heel with a pointy toe is adorable. I think a thicker heel with a more square toe can look a little queen mum. (Although to those of you wearing more stable heels for foot conditions, you are true fashionistas to be wearing heels at all.)

    Also, if your pants are tailored to your heel height, there’s really no visual difference between 1 inch heels and 3 inch heels. Skirts, I see more of a difference, and I’m more likely to wear my taller heels with skirts.

    • Elysian

      I agree – all the low heeled shoes that I like are pointy toed and have a skinny heel. Scanning Zappos, I would say don’t buy anything that looks like a clog, for instance. But there are a lot of cute pointy toed, skinny heeled low heels. I generally don’t wear them with skirts, but with my pants I agree you can’t really tell the difference between a low and high heel, unless I’m sitting and you’re staring at my feet under my desk/the conference table.

  19. karenpadi

    Question about styling low heels–I just got a bunch of pants that are more fitted and “straight leg” that go with ballet flats and loafer-like flats than my likely-outdated and frumpy boot-cut/wide-leg look (these aren’t outdated for everyone, but they were on I-hate-shopping-me).

    Can I wear low heels and wedges in more “fitted” pants that have narrow ankles (I don’t think they are tapered, but what do I know)? Is there anything to watch out for?

    • zora

      YES. that is your answer.
      No, really i think i look much better in my ankle cigar–e pants when i wear my sandals that have a 1.5″ wedge than in flats. Anything with a small wedge should be great, I don’t think there are any problems to look out for.

  20. Mari

    Rockport Lilah, at 2″, are also very nice shoes in this category, as are Nine West’s Oaks and Upgradeya.

    I usually switch between 1.5″, 2″ and 3″ heels throughout the week to keep my achilles tendon and leg muscles from getting too used to being shortened. I’d rather look “gross” the the eyes of the fashion judgmental than face a lot more leg problems when I’m in my 60s.

  21. LSC

    I can’t wear high heels because of foot issues, so I am constantly struggling to find low heels or wedges that look professional. There are definitely a lot of ugly shoes out there! But I picked up a pair of Andrew Gellar Wennie Wedges this weekend and they are cute, amazingly comfortable and nice enough for my business casual office. If anyone is looking for something similar, I highly recommend them! Link to follow…

  22. SoCal Gator

    I have extremly difficult feet to fit — bunions on both feet, a hammertoe, a full size difference between my right and left foot and a narrow heel. Sandals work so well because when I fit the width of my bunions, I can just adjust the strap around the heel/ankle to be tight. I will be sad when sandal season is over, although living in SoCal it lasts longer than in most places.

    Pumps are the hardest to fit because when I fit the box toe area, I walk out of them due to my narrow heel. Mary janes can help, but sometimes I want a cleaner look. What low heeled pumps work for those of you with the bunion, narrow heel issue? I religiously try the shoes recommended on BarkingDogShoes but they don’t always work for me. I would appreciate anything that you guys have tried and find to be a solution if you have this problem as well.

    • mamabear

      Hey, Gator. This probably doesn’t help with your other issues, but Nordstrom will sell you two different sized shoes. I haven’t taken advantage of it (mine are 1/2 size different) but I called the shoe department and asked if this was true and they said yes.

      • Blonde Lawyer

        This info could be life changing. I’m a half size different too and can’t stand it!

      • Backgrounder

        Do you happen to know at what size difference Nordstrom will sell two different shoes? I’ve gotten varied answers on the web. Some people say feet must be over 1 size different others say over 1 1/2 size different…

        • Backgrounder

          I ask b/c I am 1/2 to 1 size different and it, too, drives me nuts!! I love the sleek look of pumps but can almost never purchase them (too tight on one foot, too loose on the other).

          • mamabear

            I don’t know. I can’t remember if I asked about a minimum size difference. You should call them or online chat with them.

      • SoCal Gator

        I have been through this with the shoe dept at Nordstroms. I was about to buy boots last year that were 2 different sizes but when I got to the register they were unable to ring it up — not enough difference. Need a difference in both length and width according to what I was told. Both my feet need wide at the toe box.

  24. Tish

    Remember Scarpasa, the online retailer for awesome low heeled work shoes? They went under earlier this year, but the same folks have launched another website called Chromatic Gallerie (google it). Anyone tried it out? The shoes look amazing.

    • AG

      These do look amazing! I’m going to try them out. I’ll let you know how they work.

  25. Jules

    I am klutzy — I’ve sprained or broken an ankle at least 6 times since I was 18 — and also find super-high heels painful to walk in. I have one pair of 3″ pumps that I wear on rare occasions and that just about kill me. However, day to day I’m in 2″ heels (sometimes as low as 1.5″ which does feel frumpy) or at most 2.5″. I’m also limited becasue I don’t wear leather, but I still don’t wear plain, round-toed pumps that are the equivalent of Mom jeans or that are “gross.” I wear a lot of slingbacks, which I think elongate the leg, and in pumps I often look for a nice detail such as a buckle or ribbon. Today I have on super-pointy red patent slingbacks (thanks to TCFKAG and a couple of others who enabled me into buying them a few weeks ago, when I needed someone to encourage me to buy a third pair of red shoes), link to follow. At 2.5″ they’re just outside Kat’s parameters but apparently still low for the hive.

    I am always amazed by the discussions here about 3.5″, 4″ or higher heels (or the references to 3″ as mid-height — they seem high enough to me!) — I could not wear them in a million years. If there’s a low heel acceptance movement, I’m in.

  26. anon

    I would like to occasionally wear higher heels (3″), but I really cannot walk in them. So instead of looking elegant, I look awkward. Any tips on walking in heels? Or do I just have to practice at home?

    • jen

      Have you tried a wedge? I recommended the Tory Burch Sally. It is very comfortable. Why don’t you work your way into the higher heels a 1/4″ at a time?

    • Mari

      1. Make sure your shoes fit right. If they slip around your feet when you’re walking, you’ll always have a hard time with them.

      2. Walk heel to toe, as if you were wearing flats. Avoid the temptation to put your foot down flat (both toe and heel at once) as you’ll look like a horse when you walk.

      3. If the heels on your shoes are too thin to support your weight in a heel-to-toe walk, you need shoes with stronger heels.

      4. Practice, practice. If your shoes have leather soles, start on a hard but not slippery surface. Low pile carpet and concrete are probably easiest surfaces to start with. Non-skid soles (rubber etc) are OK for any surface when starting out.

      5. Stairs are harder than flat floors. Going down is much harder than going up. Don’t try walking down stairs without holding a handrail until you’re sure of your step.

      6. If necessary, walk with your feet angled outwards (in a V shape) for better balance.

      Hope this helps.

    • NOLA

      1. If you have problems with your foot slipping out of a pump, you will always feel awkward. A shoe with a strap will help it feel more stable on your foot.

      2. Not all heels are alike. I wear 4″ heels but I try everything on and walk in it and make sure that I am well balanced on the shoe and not being thrown forward.

      3. Try to walk confidently. If you’re timid, you’ll just be awkward. Buy heels that feel so good you could run in them (think Carrie Bradshaw).

  27. lefty lawyer

    Well, I’m 57 and I’ve been wearing heels to work every day for almost 40 years. I walk a lot and walk very fast (from NY). When I was younger I wondered why middle-aged women wore such frumpy shoes. Now I understand. Ladies, after a while your feet simply can’t take it anymore. My heels have gotten gradually lower and toes have gotten rounder, but I still don’t like flats with professional clothes. More important to walk confidently and walk without pain than to look sexy.

    • Jules

      Yes! The associate in the next office (about whom I’ve ranted here before) wears super-high heels or platforms that somehow make her look like she’s walking on her toes and give her a comical, mincing walk that is the opposite of the sexy look I know she’s trying for. (Anyone here old enough to remember the Carol Burnett secretary character? That’s her walk.) Lower heels that don’t make her seem ridiculous would be much more attactive.

      • Senior Attorney

        I loved Carol Burnett and I totally remember that character! Mrs. Wiggins!! With Tim Conway as the boss! Not exactly the professional image one wants to project in the office!

  28. ML

    I love kitten heels and have never found them ‘gross’. In fact, I am much more likely to think 4 inch + heels are gross, especially when accompanied by platforms (I just can’t shake the stripper vibe). I think pointy toed kitten heels, preferably with a sling back, are classic and beautiful. I actually think all of Kat’s picks are pretty frumpy, but you can definitely find cute ones without spending a ton of money. My favorites are the Ivanka Trump Indicos. I also have great ones from bandolino, talbots, and jcrew. Ann Taylor’s perfect pump kitten heel is also fantastic. Jcrew has been making the valentina pump in a 2.5 inch, and it’s really stylish.

  29. jen

    I always wore 3″+ heels to work. Then I got hit head-on in a car collision. Lucky to be alive, so no complaints, but hip and major foot damage. I can walk but with a limp and ankle damage. Sooo, back to work now and I have been on a major shoe hunt. Here are my recos: For heels I wear nothing but Tory Burch Sally and Sally 2 wedges. Pricey but worth every penny. They have a 2 inch heel and every season there are new colors, etc. I can’t do a heel every day, so for flats I wear only the J. Crew ballet flats that now have a 1/2″ or so padded heel. I hate totally flat shoes-so unflattering and awkward. These are comfortable and professional mid-price options.

  30. TBK

    I feel like there’s a newish trend for this fall of chunky lower heels (see links in next post). Part of me really likes them (with pants? with tights and heavier weight winter skirts?) but part of me worries they are squarely in the frump category. On the other hand, I bet they are SO comfortable!

    • Pip

      I’ve pretty much always worn chunky heels because I inevitably sprain my ankle in pointy heels. I think chunky heels work best on shoes with a more masculine style, and paired, like you said, with trousers or sturdier skirts. That way they look powerful and no-nonsense.Which I guess is frumpy to some?

      Mamabear made a good point above – look for unusual and interesting styles and colours to keep it fun and feminine in spite of the “frumpy” heel height.

    • Anonymous

      I can not freaking wait for this comment to come out of moderation. I love lower chunky heels.

  31. River City

    I’m also “taking issue” with labeling low heels as “gross”…even after reading the disclaimer.

    So if you’re wearing them for one of the many medical conditions that may require it (some even mentioned here…how enlightened!) then your’re required to wear something just labeled as “gross.” Nice. If you’re wearing them for fatigue…and already selfconscoious about them…well, hearing they are probably”gross” is going to just make you feel *so* much better. Just what you go to your fashion and career advice blog for. Nice.

    If you’re wearing them, as many of us do because you’re tall and feel self-conscious…just don’t feel like towering any more than you already do…well, again…hearing they are likely “gross” is just going to make you feel great! Wow…does anyoen feel pretty and confident in their fashion choice yet?

    Nice attempt at a disclaimer…but fell way short. Seriously, grow up. Maybe people just like low heels. Oh wait…how could that be…they are “gross.”

    • Pest

      Yeah, I agree. I’m wearing 3 inch heels today for the first time since foot surgery in January, so this post hit kind of close to home. Kat originally said that most low heels are “gross” and then tried to soften it by saying 80% of them are “really gross.”

    • AIMS

      Maybe it wasn’t the best choice of words, but I don’t think it’s so offensive to essentially acknowledge that many options in X category are not very attractive, but some can be and here’s a round-up. Personally, I LOVE low heels and while I may quibble about the 80 % number (it’s much more like 65-70%, imo), there are indeed some very frumpy low heeled shoes out there.

      Also – and this is key, I think – this blog is ultimately just Kat’s opinion. Kat regularly posts about her love of cobalt blue, which I personally think is such a “gross” color, esp. in the 90’s electric blue/black combo, but you know it’s Kat’s opinion and so that’s okay.

      • Cat

        Agree on bad choice of words — the distinction between (1) low heels being per se unattractive and (2) that stylish choices in a low heel height are relatively difficult to find got lost in the blanket “gross” statement. I’m sure Kat meant (2), but it got lost.

    • mamabear

      I think you’re being a bit dramatic here. We often discuss clothing items that commenters call hideous or disgusting without everyone getting upset about it.

      As I said above, I personally am restricted to lower heels for medical reasons (thankfully, improving) and I find AT LEAST 80% of lower heels unacceptable to my personal taste. If I only have to wade through four pairs of Munros, Softspots and Trotters to find one pair I think is funky and cute, I consider myself lucky.

      And since we say we’re all about looking professional here, if you’re wearing truly ugly shoes and could find better looking shoes in the same price and comfort range, you should consider this a service to you, not a smackdown.

    • cfm

      Is it Kat’s job to make everyone feel better though? Low heels, often, are much less fashionable looking. I still wear low heels or flats everyday though, cuz I don’t like high heels. I also dont have good hair everyday either. I thought it was just accepted that that was a tradeoff.

      • SF Bay Associate

        Well said. There are many reasons for wearing not-fashionable things, from personal taste that leans against the popular definition of “fashionable” to physical limitations which prevent someone from wearing “fashionable” things. Life’s not fair, and we shouldn’t have to pretend that xyz is fashionable simply because some of the ladies here want or have to wear it. There are things I cannot wear based on how my body is built, just as some ladies here must wear low-heeled shoes. Unfortunately, many low-heeled shoes are ugly, but that is a separate issue from whether they are preferred by some people simply on the basis of the heel height. They probably don’t prefer the category of low-heeled shoes for their looks. And it’s unsurprising that most low-heeled shoes are ugly to me, given the demographics of the core consumers of low-heeled shoes i.e. my grandmother. She and I like different things. I don’t think that only my grandmother and her friends should wear low-heeled shoes, but I do think manufacturers are designing shoes that she and her friends would like so that the shoes will sell best.

        Which is a very long winded way of saying, yes, I agree that most low-heeled shoes look gross/ugly, and I think it’s silly for us to pretend otherwise.

    • gross, gross, gross

      I’m going to defend Kat here. Kitten heels are gross. Mom jeans are gross. Scrunchies are gross. Tie-dye shirts are gross. Jeans with holes all over are gross. Sorry, but some clothing choices are gross, if one is using the term “gross” to mean unstylish + dated + aesthetically displeasing. We express strong views about style on this blog all. the. time. That’s kind of the point. If heels are too painful, wear flats.

  32. anon

    Has anyone on here ever tried Butter’s low-heeled shoes? I’ve been drooling over several of their styles (Gilly, Sardina, Gemma) for months, especially since I love the idea of brightly-colored kitten heels, but have had a hard time finding the perfect ones. However, I have a hard time pulling the trigger on a pair of $250-$300 shoes without some vetting.

    • Vintage Lawyer

      I know anything about Butter’s low-heeled shoes, but their high-heeled shoes are the most comfortable high heels I’ve ever owned.

  34. Londoner

    Jimmy Choo makes adorable kitten heels. Michelle Obama looks great in them.

  35. cbackson

    Haha, I must admit that I got a little irked by the “gross” comment. Probably because it is indisputable fact that high heels are generally bad for you. And before you jump in to tell me that you’ve been wearing heels for years and you love them, they’re totally comfortable, you have no back problems, etc….the plural of anecdote is not data. Research demonstrates that wearing heels habitually is bad for your health.

    So yeah, it upset me at first – I feel like I get enough flak from people for generally wearing low shoes (wedges or flats; I don’t actually have any low heels), and it feels unfair that I get that response for not making the socially-approved-but-clearly-unhealthy choice. I have had a partner explicitly tell me that he disliked my (very pretty, Cole Haan) low wedges and that my higher heels were way better.

    Do I wish Kat had acknowledged this aspect of the issue in her response? Yes, I do. Full stop, high heels are bad for you, and I wish we could sort of re-frame the way we think about shoes to recognize that. That said, it’s so utterly true that much of what’s available is reeeeeeeeeally ugly, especially if you don’t prefer the Clarks/Miz Mooz chunky style. I don’t even really like the ones she’s got here very much.

    • Harmothe

      I am glad someone said it.

      Does it seem to anyone else like the”beauty standard” has gotten a little out of hand? four inch heels everywhere, monthly artificial eyelash maintenance, straightening irons, bikini waxes, foil highlights, brazilian blowouts, spanx, implants, microderm, etc.

      I like looking good, but with all the time, effort and money we put into it, are we collectively holding ourselves back?

    • Elysian

      Thank you.
      Maybe I disagree with a lot of readers on this blog, but high heels are just not my thing. I don’t see any reason why I should “learn to walk” in them, when I can already walk just fine on feet shaped the way they’re intended to be. We talk so often about how, say, The media would never say X about Y if X were a man, but so many people are quick to defend 4 inch heels. I know women make more sacrafices for fashion, but can’t we admit that maybe this is one we should stop judging each other for? They’re not good for your feet and even if they’re the current style, so are a lot of things that I also wouldn’t do.

      Also, as a professional writer, I believe Kat has some better words in her wheelhouse to describe a whole area of footwear than “gross.” Dated, not the current trend, etc. Though, I would counter that with something like “classic.” Pretty much anything sets the tone for a better discussion than “gross.”

  36. Suzer

    I have the feeling that at 38 I’m older than most of the commenters here – so maybe my love of kitten heels are a sign of age? I wear them because at 5′ 10″ it’s hard to find pants long enough for higher heels, and they save my back. I like pointy toes so that under very long pants so they have a stiletto look (at least that’s what I hope.) Mine are RSVP from Zappos – I’ve bought them 3 or 4 times now.

    But I have to agree that most low heels on the market ARE gross. You’d think Michelle Obama’s wearing them would help the kitten heel selection. Alas.

    • L2fly

      I’m right there with you, Suzer… 42, 5’10”, old back injuries, old ankle injury that makes my left foot tend to roll in if I so much as step on a pebble sometimes… really like the RSVPs from Zappos, as I also have WIDE feet, and if you want to see some really, really *gross* shoes, try checking out what is out there in a lower heel in a size 9&1/2 WIDE. LOL!! I’m just waiting for the day the super-high heels go out of fashion and maybe we’ll have some more reasonable choices, if the industry focuses on more reasonable heel heights that you don’t have to worry about permanent damage to your body to wear, as consistent wearing of high heels effects more than your tendons, but can also have a negative impact on your body from your lower back on down… http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1053601/High-heel-horrors-The-hidden-cost-body-crucial-extra-inches.html

      But, to each their own!

  37. Rebe G.

    I have 3 pr of Nine West low wedge heels, I think the most recent ones were called Garcen, and can be found at Zappos. I can’t wear more than 3 inches, even for my “sit and look pretty” shoes, so I’m a kitten heel girl all the way, or Cole Haan flats which I love.

  38. Lisa

    Beautifeel. Beautifeel beautifeel beautifeel. That is all. And I am only a wearer, not a seller, or brander or anything but wearer.

    • LF

      Lisa, I read your blog and see your Beautifeel picks often, but I find them too square, too boxy! Ah well. I would rather wear flats than low heels that don’t make my heart sing.

  39. Divaliscious11

    So, the reason why one wears short heal magically changes the attractiveness of the shoe?
    Oh.

  40. crowllb

    I’ve been the source of constant ridicule from my daughters for years because I simply can’t wear any heel that’s higher than 2 inches. A combination of poor ankles and, at best, a precarious sense of balance has limited me to kitten heels. Even wedges have to be low – when they’re not, I get tremendous pains in my lower back that make the whole enterprise just not worth it. However, I just don’t like round toe shoes or a high vamp, so I’m limited in my choices.

    I have had some success (not lately, though) with the Anne Klein a-flex pumps (especially in sling backs). My current favorite is the MICHAEL Michael Kors MK flex pumps. They’re so comfortable and come in several colors.

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