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When I was a teenager, nothing was more repellant than the kitten heel. Why would you settle for an inch when you could take a mile? I don’t know if it’s because I’m in my 30s or because the pandemic undid years of rigorous heels-training, but I can’t tolerate uncomfortable shoes like I once did.
Though I’m committed to reintroducing heels to my everyday wardrobe, kitten heels will not make the cut. There’s something about their silhouette that feels matronly. The funny thing is, kitten heels were invented for adolescent girls but older women adopted them (because they were comfortable) and that’s the association that stuck.
Sure, I could just get over myself and embrace matron life but I also feel like kitten heels are uncomfortable with minimal lift — so what’s the gain? I prefer a platform, wedge, or block heel any day of the week. We’ve put together a guide of our favorite chunky, sleek, summery, and sculptural low-heel heels (and not a kitten heel in sight) that will elevate your look without ever going above 2.5 inches.
These are the type of shoes that strangers stop to compliment you on the street — and that’s just what happened when I wore them to a magic show. The double strap and beautiful detailing is eye-catching and the cork midsole is cushion-y and comfortable from the very first wear. They clock in right in the mid-range of heel heights with a 2-inch lift that pairs perfectly with cropped pants or a midi-skirt.
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These remind me of an updated (and elevated) version of the 2000s ubiquitous Steve Madden Slinkys that I will never not associate with my childhood best friend. No stretchy fabric here — 100% leather and a 2.38-inch heel.
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Who doesn’t love a 2-in-1 shoe? Remove the statement strap from this 1.5-inch heel and you’re left with an elegant mule.
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You won’t even feel like you’re wearing heels in this cushiony, 2.5 inch platform with a subtle square toe. The pastel colors will complement your cotton candy pedicure.
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These 2.36 inch block heels are *almost* too pretty to wear. I saw a pair of these in the wild (at ATLA on Lafayette Street) and was immediately transported to a butterfly vivarium.
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Does a lug sole loafer count as a low heel? It adds a full 1.5 inches to your height and that qualifies as a heel in my book!
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Yes, you will inevitably clunk the heavy, 1.375-inch, wooden platform against your ankle bone and your knees will buckle — but it’s worth it to look like you’re in the Pink Ladies.
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Clocking in at 2.5 inches, these are the wedges for feet exhibitionists. This clear lucite design will make you look like you’re walking on air.
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I’m a sucker for any unnecessary wrap around the shin (it’s so summery!) These 1.97-inch block heels make for perfect dancing-all-night, wedding guest shoes.
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Platforms are dominating this list and for good reason — they’re one of the most comfortable iterations of high heels. With a 2.14 inch platform and layer of shock-absorbing rubber at the bottom, these clogs will give you a boost without slowing your stride.
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This 2.36-inch, heeled jelly is girlhood incarnate. It’ll make you want to chase after the ice cream man and have a water balloon fight.
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A little lift goes a long way and these not-too-high heels will provide the bump you need. And even if a kitten heel reminds you of Mad Men secretaries, the lesson we should internalize is that what seems so indisputably sophisticated today will appear silly when we look back — and that’s a good thing! Embrace changing your style and evolving. In JB’s immortal words: never say never.
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