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From the runways to TikTok, the best kitten heels are making a slow but certain comeback. Loved by celebrities and tastemakers such as Kate Middleton, Kendall Jenner, and Hailey Bieber, these modest shoes — characterized by a 1.5 to 2-inch heel — skim the perfect balance between smart and casual.
But while the kitten heel feels very of the moment, its original conception is believed to have been in the 1600s, when King Louis XIV wore a slight heel to boost his demure height. The 1950s, however, are where it really made its mark on the wider world as it started to become a favored style of younger women (known as kittens) who wore them in training for full stilettos. It’s here that the name “kitten heel” was coined.
As attitudes changed in the ‘60s, the kitten heel went from a demure ‘training’ shoe to the embodiment of youthful sexiness, thanks to stars such as Audrey Hepburn who wore them on and off screen. Later in the 1980s and 1990s, designers from Prada to Helmut Lang and Manolo Blahnik put their own spin on the kitten heel, making them one of the hottest shoes to be seen in. Off the runway, these heels were also being worn by the world’s most impactful women — Princess Diana included.
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While the kitten heel has never really disappeared, it’s slowly been reclaiming its place in the spotlight. On TikTok, for instance, #kittenheels has over 54.4 million views. So how does it remain such an enduringly stylish shoe that we keep returning to again and again?
“As a footwear choice that exudes both sophistication and comfort, the kitten heel aligns seamlessly with the current ethos of combining style with practical wearability,” says Lana Ashby Rowder, a personal stylist and CEO and founder of Lookingglass. “Its resurgence reflects not only a revival of vintage aesthetics, but also a response to the evolving preferences and demands of a fashion-conscious society navigating the nuances of a post-pandemic world.”
Dr. Liza Egbogah, a leading posture experts and the designer of Dr. Liza shoes, also adds that kitten heels offer the chic put-together look of a heel while still being a comfortable walking height for those of all ages. “They look as relevant on a young girl as they do on a grandmother and add a nice feminine touch to any outfit,” she says. “They also work as well with dresses as they do with ankle-cut pants, making them a versatile option that is also timeless.”
So, to find the best kitten heels for you, we’ve spent hours researching the market and speaking with industry experts to draw up our shortlist of the best available, while considering a wide range of foot types and common foot conditions. Our list of the best kitten heels includes all-weather options, like ankle boots, comfortable wedding shoes, and cute sandals. From Inez to Tory Burch and Gucci, find the perfect pair for your wardrobe here.
Colorways: 7
Materials: Nappa leather and fabric uppers
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I’m a 9 and purchased a 9. The toe is a bit snouty but it helps elongate the leg and lends to the over chicness. The leather is nice and soft which is why I did not need break in. It’s the most comfortable kitten heel height, I’m quite heavy and thought I may feel it and I do not. I’m satisfied with this shoe.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $139.95
Colorways: 3 colorways
Materials: Leather and calf hair
What testers say: “European cobblestone streets weren’t even a deterrent against the Stevie Ankle Boots… super stylish without sacrificing comfort. The lower kitten heel is perfect for a night on the town, and still lets you bounce from place to place. Definitely thinking about purchasing in another color.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $268
Colorways: Black
Materials: Leather and fabric
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $149.95
Colorways: Midnight-blue and beige
Materials: Canvas and leather
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $820
Colorways: Ivory
Materials: Kidskin leather
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Bloomingdale’s Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $430
Colorways: Black or coconut shell
Materials: Leather
Tory Burch Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.3/5 stars
What testers say: “This is a beautiful shoe. Beautifully styled and beautiful leather. The fit for me was true to size. It is that wonderful Tory Burch quality that we have come to expect. Pricey, but worth the money!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $398
Colorways: 9
Materials: Cow leather or suede
Reformation Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 2.6/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $278
Colorways: Brown or beige
Materials: Leather
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $950
Colorways: 8
Materials: Knitted upper made from plastic bottles
What testers say: “Love these so so comfortable low heels. Also purchased a pair of flats but they don’t compare in terms of the soft cushy interior offered in the kitten heels.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $139
Colorways: Ecru
Materials: Recycled cotton
Price upon publish date of this article: $79.99
Colorways: This style comes in classic black or red
Materials: Suede
Price upon publish date of this article: $258
Colorways: Black
Materials: Technical fabric, cotton ribbon, leather sole
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,050
Colorways: Black, desert beige, and pineapple yellow
Materials: Leather
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,200
The Different Types of Kitten Heels
- Kitten heel sandals: If you have a narrower foot, the kitten heel strappy sandals are one of the most comfortable choices, says Dr. Egbogah. “Sandals are great because they are designed with minimal structure, so they can accommodate most foot types. But, as they have straps to help secure your feet and tend to have narrower foot beds, they’re a great shoe for narrow feet.” Another style to consider is a slingback kitten heel, as they fit hug the feet in a similar way to a sandal.
- Kitten heel boots: Whether calf length or thigh high, boots are a sleek and sophisticated way of wearing a kitten heel with dresses, pants, and denim alike. They’re also particularly suitable for those with wider feet, according to Dr Liza. “This style of shoes will provide width around the balls of the feet while still holding the foot securely,” she says.
- Kitten heel pumps: Kitten heel pumps are ideal for everything from work to a dinner date, and offer a touch of height without compromising your comfort. If you have very narrow or wide feet, look for brands that offer a range of width fittings so you can find the most comfortable fit. “Wide fit pumps are specifically designed for a wider foot and offer features like a roomy toe box, wider foot bed, and often additional cushioning,” Dr Liza explains.
- Kitten heel mules: Mules are characterized by their open-back, strap-free design and are one of the most contemporary ways to wear a kitten heel. But as they don’t have any support around the ankle, experts advise avoiding them if you suffer from foot problems. “I would avoid mules if you have any foot conditions since there is no backing to hold your heel,” says Dr Liza. “Combined with the kitten heel, they can create a lot of strain on your foot.”
How to Style Kitten Heels
“Remember, the key to styling kitten heels lies in their versatility,” says Rowder. “Experiment with different combinations to find what suits your personal style and the occasion. Whether you’re aiming for a laid-back look or dressing up for a special event, kitten heels can be your stylish and comfortable footwear choice.” Below, three ways to style your kitten heels this fall.
- Nineties-inspired: A crisp white tee, straight-leg denim, and a kitten heel is ‘90s-inspired style at its best. This look works just as well with an oversized shirt, or the denim switched out for a tailored pant. When it comes to accessories, take your cues from Hailey Bieber and keep things minimalist with a shoulder bag and sleek sunglasses, to allow the kitten heel to elevate the overall look.
- Classic: The magic of the kitten heel is that, while it can make a really contemporary statement, it’s also classic, too — especially when teamed with ladylike pieces. Kate Middleton has been seen wearing hers to ground floaty midi dresses, while Katy Perry and Kendall Jenner have both been spotted wearing kitten heels with little nothing dresses and wrap coats.
- Casual: If you’ve found it hard to step away from loungewear since the pandemic, the kitten heel can be a stylish way of making athleisure work outside of your home. Whether you opt for a tall boot or a pump, leggings and track pants can look seriously chic when paired with a kitten heel. Just add an oversized blazer or shirt and you’re good to go.
How We Selected the Best Kitten Heels
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
After interviewing two footwear experts, our Footwear News team spent hours researching and combing through hundreds of customer reviews to help determine the best kitten heels for women. This writer went straight to the sources, requesting shoe brands to submit multiple shoe styles for consideration while cross-comparing them with various foot types to narrow down our top picks for kitten heels. As new shoes are released throughout 2023 and into early 2024, we will update this guide to the best kitten heels to deliver the most up-to-date recommendations and tips so you can feel comfortable and look stylish no matter where you’re headed. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Lana Ashby Rowder is the CEO and founder of Lookingglass and a personal stylist. She has Personal Styling Certification from the New York Institute of Art and Design that was driven by an unwavering passion to help women discover their unique style for any occasion.
Dr. Liza Egbogah is one of North America’s leading foot, body and posture experts and the designer of Dr. Liza Shoes, a fashionable line of orthopaedic shoes.
Meet the Author
Cat Hufton is a London-based fashion and beauty journalist who has written for some of the world’s best luxury e-commerce companies and publications, including InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Byrdie, and WWD. Hufton is an avid online shopper and has tested hundreds of products during her career giving her a keen eye for what’s worth your hard-earned dollars and what’s not. Hufton wrote this story on the best kitten heels using her extensive knowledge in the footwear space.
