I distinctly remember my first time venturing out into the world in high heels. It was in high school, and my best friend and I naïvely set out around Boston in our flared jeans and pointy-toe pumps. How we thought we would be comfortable spending the day in these heels is beyond me. I cringe replaying the details in my head. The more we walked, the more we began clomping around awkwardly to relieve the pain. In fact, at one point, we overheard two guys behind us snickering, only to have them outpace us and say, "Nice heels, ladies,” as they walked by. We caved and ended up buying some cheap white sneakers on Newbury Street to make it through the rest of the day.
Since then, I have never had luck with a higher heel unless I was wearing it to a sit-down affair or dinner. It’s a shame since I absolutely adore so many of the styles. Instead, I stick to shorter, kitten-style heels that are comfortable and walkable. Thankfully, the shoe trends have been in my favor, and the offering is plentiful—think slingback options, mules, strappy sandals, and many more. Ahead, shop 30 of my favorite heels under two inches of the moment.
A classic.
I am a sucker for straps with mini buckles—they feel very '90s minimalist.
These are great party shoes.
I can see myself living in these black open-toe mules.
Black slingback heels never go out of style.
These are so versatile.
I am here for this olive color and the sexy straps.
Editor approved.
These vibrant mules make quite the statement.
These beauties pair well with everything from jeans to dresses.
These embellished slingbacks are selling out quickly.
Kahmune offers a great selection of pumps to pair with a variety of skin tones.
These look designer but are under $50.
I would 100% wear these with white jeans and white dresses.
How cozy and chic is the textured lining?
Simple pointed-toe mules are a forever favorite.
Block-heel mules are very much on-trend.
These sandals are perfect for wedding guest outfits, date night, or even for bridesmaid looks.
It doesn't get chicer than Manolo Blahnik mules.
The heels on these slide sandals are a work of art.
The square-toe design makes these even more appealing.
Braided sandals are one of the most popular shoe trends of the moment.
I love the slingback detail.
These lace-up sandals are stylishly understated.
These deserve a vacation ASAP.
I would bring these on warm-weather vacations for nice dinners.
I can see these sandals with both everyday looks and dressier outfits.
Fashion people everywhere are scooping up these edgy mule heels.
I am not one to go for such an electric color, but these are too gorgeous to pass up.
Am I the only one who can see one of the Olsen twins wearing these pumps?
Next up: I'm a Fashion Editor With Over 40 Pairs of Shoes—These 30 Are Next on My List
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This Pop Star's Shoe Collection Is Full of Unexpectedly Chic Gems—25 I Have My Eye OnMost styles are under $100.
