My Hunt for a Danceable Bridesmaid Heel Under $200

For being the mega shoe giant Steve Madden is, there were surprisingly few options in my preferred shades at the Soho store, leading me to try on these Barbie-esque 4.25-inch stilettos. I’m no stranger to a heel, but there I was: a newborn giraffe taking her first wobbly steps. Relieved to return to my seat, I noted I wanted some sort of strap around the ankle — one that would make the shoe and my foot one sturdy unit — and, rather than a stiletto, a block or kitten heel. Under four inches too. Onward.

With a block heel, an ortholite insole, and an adjustable ankle strap, these 2.5-inch leather heels from Quince were the antidote to the Steve Madden stilettos. They stayed securely affixed to my feet but, as I strutted around the 400 square feet that is my apartment, I found them a bit too clunky and suffocating, particularly around the heel, thanks to the closed back. Bummer, as so many reviews on Quince’s site talked about how wedding-worthy they are.

Early to meet a friend for the burger-martini-fry holy trinity at JG Melon, I popped in at Shoe-Inn to try a pointy-toe look. Listen, I love a little 2.5-inch kitten heel, but I don’t think this pinky-beige shade does the format any justice. It came across matronly and not in a “hot mama” way.

I ordered these in “Golden Sunset” as the “Beige” color seemed too close to bridal-reserved white in the online photos, but in hindsight I should’ve ordered both to make that call in person; these were a bit too mustard. Other than my color-selection faux pas, I found them not only very cute but very comfortable, with a slanted block heel and open square toe, and wore them out for dinner, ending the night blissfully blister-free. These will be on rotation for the rest of the summer (and at wedding-weekend welcome drinks).

This square-toed pair from Intentionally Blank checked a lot of boxes: dainty adjustable straps (with elastic so, once fit to your liking, you can easily slip them on and off your heel), a maneuverable 1.5-inch block heel, even a memory-foam footbed. Yet the thong sandal rubbed against my toes, begging for blisters during the eight-plus-hour shift of a bridesmaid. Instead, I’d opt to wear these (in their summery shades like “Butter” and “Neon Citrus”) for a balmy evening out — lounging cross-legged on the new Le Dive patio with a glass of chilled red.

I have a thing for the ’70s, gravitating toward ABBA, wide-leg denim, and platform sandals: If they’re good enough to dance disco in, they’re good enough for me. With a 2.8-inch block heel and one-inch platform, this pair from Vince Camuto is a strong contender, but when head to head with the winning pair, they didn’t feel as springy, and I’d have to pierce my own buckle hole in the strap to get them to my desired ankle tightness. (I’m clocking the light-blue satin pair as a potential “something blue” for my own upcoming wedding festivities, though.)

With a 3.6-inch block heel, one-inch platform, and cross-foot, around-the-ankle straps that adhere the shoes to me with every step, this Dolce Vita pair is danceable without sacrificing on style with not-too-flashy gold hardware above the second toe. They look like little knots — an ode to tying the knot. Symbolism in a shoe? I’m sold. I snapped a picture and sent them to the bride: “Do you like??” She replied instantly: “I do.”