I Never Wear High Heels—7 2-Inch-and-Under Shoes I Wear Instead

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@cocoschiffer wearing one of the popular nyc shoe brands
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This might shock some of my fellow editors, but I don’t currently own a pair of high heels. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been averse to my feet hurting, especially living in New York, where I walk so much.

Ironically, I also don’t wear sneakers outside of the gym. Given this, I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out how to find shoes that feel chic and put-together, but are still comfortable. Somewhere along the way, this turned into a “rule" I never consciously made, but always follow: I check the heel height and make sure it’s two inches or under.

The obvious go-tos are ballet flats and kitten heels, which I feel most like myself in, but I also wear Mary Janes, knee-high boots, low-heel pumps, loafers, and the occasional flip-flop when it’s hot out.

Below, shop two inches and under shoes from brands like Camper, Gimaguas, Margaux, Miu Miu, Prada, Repetto, Vagabond, and more.

Ballet Flats

For flats, I love my pairs from Camper and Margaux. So many people I know have been raving about E. Porselli ones, so those are next on my wish list, as well as the iconic French labels Carel and Repetto. I’ve also noticed neoprene flats trending lately, like Gimaguas’ Bailarina Neopreno or Zara’s Neoprene Effect Ballet Flats with Pull Tab.

Kitten Heel Sandals

As for kitten heels, I have a pair from Studio Amelia on the way, and I love my Stuart Weitzman Minimalist Slide 50 Sandal. Of course, I can't forget Manolo Blahniks and archival pairs from Prada or Miu Miu as well.

Low-Heel Pumps

For a low-heel pump, Ferragamo's Vara Soft Pump has been one of my favorites for ages. High vamp pumps have been everywhere lately as well, so they feel like the shoe of spring. Many of our editors either have or want the Reformation Inez Pump, which are similar looking to the $990 Phoebe Philo Club Slippers.

Walkable Mary Janes

I like having a sneaker alternative for extra-long walking days, and I'm drawn to what I call the “walkable Mary Jane.” I’ve been eyeing Camper’s mesh Mary Janes, but for a non–Mary Jane option, I’ve saved the vintage Cole Haan x Nike Air collaboration, which you can usually find on eBay.

Knee-High Boots

For knee-high boots, I’m loyal to my Vagabond Blanca pair and the Frye Campus boots.

Loafers

Loafers are another reliable shoe, like the classic G.H. Bass ones. Tony Bianco's $190 Gatsby Loafer as an alternative to The Row's Soft Loafer too.

Flip Flops

I also keep a pair of Havaianas Slim flip-flops on hand to throw on.

Audry Hiaoui
Associate Shopping Editor

Audry Hiaoui is a writer based in New York. For Who What Wear, she specializes in emerging designers, independent labels, and brand discovery, as well as interviews both on and off camera. Her writing has appeared in AnOther, Wonderland, Office, Interview, Love, and i-D, among others, with multiple cover stories and features in print, and she has worked as an editorial producer for Vogue during fashion months. She holds a master's degree in journalism and documentary filmmaking from City, University of London, and has an extensive background in film, having worked for Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, and Vice UK as well as on various projects including documentaries and music videos and most recently as a writer's assistant on an upcoming HBO/A24 series.