When shopping for a heel that can take on the heat, look for natural materials such as soft leather and woven raffia that will mold to the foot without constricting it. Alternatively, airy mesh and flexible jelly styles are great for adding eye-catching texture as well as promoting airflow with each step. Trapped heat can lead to friction, which can result in uncomfortable blisters or, worst case, put your heels out of commission for the foreseeable future.
Below, Bazaar editors share their favorite summer heels, from mesh kitten heels and suede platform clogs to stacked leather flip-flops and Mary Jane pumps. Some of these hot-weather styles are primed for special occasions, while others will give you the confidence boost you need to make it through the work week and beyond.
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“I hate wearing high heels in general so my favorite type for when I need a little lift are kitten heels and low mules. This Staud Simone style is only 1.4″ high and I love its wood stacked heel for summer, plus its crochet, woven exterior. It goes with everything from my favorite white jeans to summer dresses.” —Julie Tong, senior commerce content lead
Material: leather, wood
Heel heights: 1.4″
Sizes: 35-42
Colors available: cream, paper, black
“Mule heels are back and while the staggering stiletto style is a feast for the eyes, I personally prefer a more manageable height for daily wear. Mango is a go-to for fashionable footwear that looks great and lasts for years and these leather sandals won’t be an exception. I can see myself wearing them with halter-neck dresses and oversized poplin pants all summer long. ” —Michella Oré, fashion commerce editor
Material: leather
Heel height: 2.16″
Sizes: 5-10
Colors available: burgundy, burnt orange
“When summer kicked off in the city, I knew I needed to find a new great strappy white heel. I own Tory Burch’s Capri thong sandals in black, and they’re the most comfortable and flattering low heels I have, so when it came time to look for a new everyday heel, I went back to Tory to find these pierced sandals. They are just as comfortable as the Capris, and their chic silver toe bauble instantly makes every outfit more interesting.” —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor
Material: leather, metal
Heel height: 2.56″
Sizes: 5-13
Colors available: bianco, cantucci, blazing red, and black
“Command any room you step into and feel like you’re floating on air in these plush Jimmy Choo sandals. Featuring a comfortable yet leg-lengthening 2.5″ heel, the real draw is the buttery soft leather straps, which will mold to the feet while only getting softer with each wear.” —MO
Material: suede
Heel height: 2.5″
Sizes: 6-12
Colors available: chocolate, cream
“My dream heel is really not a heel at all, but rather the perfect leather sandal lifted approximately 1.38 inches above the ground. I love even more how the thin straps give the illusion of a shoe with a much higher heel, except in these I could last all day at the office or all night at a wedding.” —Faith Brown, senior social media editor
Material: leather
Heel height: 1.38″
Sizes: 5-11
Colors available: black, beige, gold
“I have worn these By Far heels so much that I’ve had to get them resoled at the cobbler at least twice. Their sort of austere ’90s Prada vibe is the perfect complement to super short shift dresses and cropped trousers. Plus, they look as good with a pair of socks as they do with bare ankles.” — Camille Freestone, senior digital fashion writer
Material: leather
Heel height: 1.4″
Sizes: 35-41
Colors available: fawn, black, burrata and two more
“These have been my go-to summer heels for a couple years now. They’re incredibly comfortable and the block heel makes them easy to walk in. The leather is also buttery soft. You can dress them up or wear them casually, and they go with just about anything. I might need to buy them in a second color!” — Olivia Alchek, senior designer
Material: leather
Heel height: 2.9″ heel; .59″ platform
Sizes: 5-11
Colors available: black, gold, white
“These Cassidy sandals by Cult Gaia bring the drama. From their realistic floral design to the towering 4.5″ heel, they aren’t just for special occasions; they are the occasion.” — MO
Material: leather, pvc
Heel height: 4.5″
Sizes: 5-12
Colors available: light green
“Nowadays, no matter the season, I tend to gravitate toward lower heels I’m able to walk a fair amount of few blocks in. Tory Burch’s leather sandals are the perfect combination of style and comfort, with a 1.38-inch heel that doesn’t feel uncomfortable to wear all day or all night.” — Tiffany Dodson Davis, beauty commerce editor
Material: leather
Heel height: 1.38″
Sizes: 5-12
Colors available: perfect black, gold
“Leopard print is basically a neutral in my wardrobe and I love how this printed pair of strappy kitten heels could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The design also provides essential breathability for steamy summer nights while still protecting your toes (and fresh pedicure!) from the elements.” —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
Material: satin
Heel height: 2.17″
Sizes: 4-12
Colors available: white sand, ruby red, pomegranate and 11 more
“For a barely there feel, go for a strappy style. Schutz’s Jule sandals are a minimalist dream, ready to pair with every summer outfit you have lined up, but they’re practical too, with delicate yet sturdy straps across the vamp, ankle, and heel to make sure they stay firmly on your foot.” —MO
Material: leather
Heel height: 2.5″
Sizes: 5-11
Colors available: black, platina
“Ancient Greek Sandals is known for its jelly ballerina flats and colorful flip-flop styles but the new Omonia clogs are not to be missed. With a translucent strap accented with gold hardware and a slight heel that’s practical for all-day wear, they’re retro yet contemporary and totally chic.” —MO
Material: PVC
Heel height: 1.5″
Sizes: 5-11
Colors available: black, tan, clear
“Brooklyn-based designer Suzanne Rae is unmatched when it comes to creating footwear that blends playfulness with chic elegance. I especially adore this pair of retro, ’70s-style high heels with a flashy gold finish. Complete with comfortable block heels and secure ankle straps, these are simply the kind of shoes that demand to be danced in.” — Chelsey Sanchez, editor
Material: leather
Heel height: 3″
Sizes: 35-44
Colors available: gold, silver
“Simone Rocha’s darling mesh ballerina heels capture two trends in one with an ultra-wearable heel that can take on the podium just as easily as it can take on the train. Play off the sheer texture with a poplin summer dress or a scoop neck tank paired with a gauzy Bermuda short.” —MO
Material: textile, leather
Heel height: 1.5″
Sizes: 35-41
Colors available: black, pink
“Leave it to Miu Miu to create an ultra sleek version of this Bohemian classic. With a modest heel, supple leather strap, and rich caramel shade, these chunky logo slides bring catwalk vibes to the boardwalk.” — MO
Material: suede, wood
Heel height: 1.25
Sizes: 5-11
Colors available: cannella
Shop more summer wardrobe essentials
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