Don't Love Heels? This Summer Sandal Looks Like a Heel But Feels Like a Comfortable Flat
It’s not a want, it’s a need.
I’ll be the first to say I own too many shoes. Open my closet, and you’ll have to dodge tumbling Manolo Blahnik pumps and Jimmy Choo sandals. It’s like Carrie Bradshaw’s cramped closet (pre Mr. Big’s penthouse upgrade), jam-packed with treasures. And though that means my husband is required to stash his kicks in the far, dark corner of the coat closet, it reminds us that marriage is all about sacrifice.
With that description, you’d think I was set on shoes, but footwear is more than a trend to buy into. It’s the only closet piece that walks with us from point A to point B, supporting every step we take. But what happens when we squeeze into an unforgiving pair destined to leave us with blisters? Everything grinds to a halt—or worse, slows to a crawl marked by shooting pain. TL;DR: I’ll never say no to a comfortable shoe, and I just spotted the next silhouette on my wishlist: mini wedge sandals.
Hailey Bieber wore a pair of Massimo Dutti sandals while in Seoul, South Korea. Upon first glance, the minimalist black thongs look just like any other pair of flip-flops, but a closer examination reveals a barley-there wedge. Because of the slight raise, it classifies as a heel, offering a walkable alternative to soaring pumps. And unlike Y2K-inspired wedges that are about volume and height, this subdued take focuses on easy elegance (AKA, it’s comfy).
Having just stumbled upon the best walkable low-wedge sandals, I'm adding them to my collection ASAP—calling them a heel but knowing they wear like a flat. At this point, I might as well claim the coat closet as extra shoe storage, too.
Shop Mini Wedge Sandals

Ruby Ford-Dunker (formerly Ruby McAuliffe) is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle journalist featured in InStyle, the New York Post, Brides, Teen Vogue, Page Six, Shape, and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession or spotlighting beauty finds, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best matcha latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout. Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe.