2019 Update: Hunting for low heels for work? We just rounded up a ton of low nude pumps for work over at CorporetteMoms; you may also want to see our recent discussion of the best black heels for business attire on Corporette.
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.
We haven’t done a round-up of stylish low heels (2.25″ or below!) for a long while now (2014, 2013, 2012), so I thought we’d collect a few today. My absolute favorite in this space is the Stuart Weitzman Poco heel — I really find the 1.75″ heel to be more comfortable than most ballet flats, and with new colors coming out every season it seems like there are always good sales somewhere (I always check Amazon or 6pm first; currently Amazon has prices as low as $185 and 6pm as low as $106.). Still, I thought I’d round up a bunch… Ladies, what is your favorite pair of low heels? Have you bought any recently, or worn an older pair into the ground?
 I first heard about the Calvin Klein Diema pump from readers during one of our discussions on comfortable pumps, and it’s one of those shoes that never seems to go out of stock or out of style. You can buy them full price for $69 in classic colors at Zappos; 6pm and Amazon both have older colors as low as $35. Another good option in this very low price range: the Sole Society Desi (more colors at the brand’s site.) |
 Trotters is a brand known for its comfort, but they have a ton of much more sleek, classic styles than many other “comfort brands” like Arche, Geox, etc. I’ve featured the 1.25″ high Paulina pump, but the Prima slingback is another great option (the Prima comes in a bunch more colors, whereas the Paulina is available in more neutral colors). Both the Paulina and Prima come in narrow, medium and wide sizes 5-12. The Paulina is $99 (but over at 6pm older colors are as low as $35). Trotters Paulina |
 The Kors line of Flex pumps have been reader favorites for a while, so I was excited to see that they now come in a 2.25″ height. They’re available in black and beige patent for $99, sizes 6-11. MICHAEL Michael Kors MK-Flex Kitten Pump |
 Clarks are always a great option for comfortable heels, and I really love the chic look to these 2″ heels, as well as the texture. They’re available in black and “shingle grey snake” at Zappos in sizes 5-12. (Note that the Anne Klein Fabulist pump is a very similar pump, with tons of positive reviews, but only $79). Clarks Sage Glamor |
 Oooh, pretty: Nordstrom has a number of colors for the Jimmy Choo ‘Aza’ Pointy Toe Pump, but I of course am a fan of the “ocean,” pictured. (These also happen to be the least expensive of the different options — the pictured shoe is $550, but other colors/materials go as high as $795.) The 2″ pumps come in sizes 4-10.5. (If you’re looking for something more decadent than the $110 shoe, but less decadent than $550 — really, check out the Weitzman Pocos.) |
 I’ve pictured the Salvatore Ferragamo Neissa, but another great option is the Melide — they both look a lot sleeker to me than the classic Vara pump. Readers have been extolling the comfort of Ferragamo heels since the beginning of the blog — clearly I need to take the plunge soon. These are $650 at Zappos Couture. |
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.
BB
Yes! A chance to share my all-time favorite heels! Varda Shoes A439. I pretty much only do flats or very low heels. These shoes are absolutely perfect for conservative offices. My favorite part is the heel, which looks like a thin wedge, but with the front part of the wedge cut out, so it puts much less point pressure than with a kitten heel and is generally sturdier. The vamp is also high enough to prevent any toe “cleavage.” I have 4 pairs of these in different colors.
Terry
Those look great! Where do you get them? Do you have to order through Varda’s website?
BB
That was dumb of me to forget the purchase info. I usually get them when I visit NYC (they have a store in Soho). I have called up once and ordered them mail order, which I assume is the same as the site. I know this isn’t great if you want to try them on, and I honestly have no idea what the return policy is. If it helps, I’ve found their sizing to be pretty much spot on – I’m a 9.5 in most brands including this one. My feet are also a bit on the wide side, but they stretch over time.
IME they’ve held up a lot better than other high-end brands at a similar price point. My oldest pair is about 4 y.o. at this point, and I had the heel tips replaced once and rubber put on the front sole, and these are ones that I totally abused (drove in them for a year before I realized this was bad). I treat my newer ones a lot better now :)
People's Republic
I love toe cleavage! (To each, her own, of course!) Does anyone have experience with the shoes listed that might know which ones have some good cleavage?
Anonymous
I agree. No toe cleavage = grandma shoes (IMO).
meme
I like Ann Taylor Perfect Kitten Heels (2″ heel) for a modern, sexy (not too sexy for work) pump with a manageable heel height. They don’t look “kitten” to me; the shape is regular heel, just not so high.
Jean
Thank you thank you thank you! I have super-wide feet and am constantly obsessing about where to find suitable shoes.
Jen
The Clarks Sage line are amazingly comfortable. I have narrow feet with bunions, and I can wear these at the office all day (a mix of running around and sitting). There’s a ton of padding under the ball of the foot, and I believe it has a leather lining. I think they suit a narrow to medium width best.
atty
Has anyone found a nice (not frumpy or thick-heeled) kitten heel with a round or almond shaped toe? I really dislike pointy toes, and that’s all I see that have more graceful, delicate heels.
Jen
You could try Tsubo. Something like this: http://m.zappos.com/tsubo-fifee-black-leather
I have the Tsubo Acrea, which is higher, but still really comfy.
Rebecca
I’m a bit late to the party, but I just got the Chaching heels from Nine West and they are AMAZING. Beautiful D’orsays with a 2 1/4 in heel