I Never Wear High Heels Anymore—These Are the Chic Summer Shoes I Wear Instead
I can't remember the exact moment I stopped wearing high heels, but living in New York City has made me gravitate toward shoes that are both chic and comfortable. Of course, there are people who galavant around the city in stilettos, but I refuse to let my feet hurt and have always been unwilling to compromise on that. As a result, I've developed a subconscious shopping habit that has now become second nature whenever I'm looking for shoes: filtering for options with heels that are two inches or lower.
One of my favorite brands that often fits this criteria is Camper—like the Casi Myra Ballerina Flats I bought earlier last year. Now, they're gaining popularity on TikTok as people are starting to realize that they make for the perfect walking shoe. Another go-to from Camper are a pair of mesh Mary Janes, which feel especially breathable in the heat. I've also been considering colorful ballet flats from Gimaguas, made from a neoprene material that seems perfect for summer.
Another style I wear on repeat during the warmer months are kitten-heel sandals. The slight heel feels put-together, but it's low enough to that it's still incredibly easy to walk in. I also have jelly shoes from Los Angeles Apparel, which I picked up for $28 before a beach trip, along with flat sandals that are staples in my summer rotation. And I never (ever) expected to wear wedges again, until the under-$100 orthopedic ones from Worishofer I've been wearing non-stop—they truly surprised me with how lovely they are to walk in once they're broken in.
Below, shop the best two-inch-and-under shoes for summer 2026.
Ballet Flats
Mary Janes
Kitten-Heel Sandals
Jelly Shoes
Leather Sandals
Wedges
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.