Sashay into SS26 in these chic kitten heels
Kitten heels have long been comfortable and versatile. This summer, they’re getting chic and seductive too
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Comfortable shoes have been enjoying a renaissance of late. Trainers, loafers and flat sandals have been dominating summer mood boards for a few seasons. But, if like us, you’ve been growing weary of the same old silhouettes you wore last summer, you can rejoice in the fact that comfortable heels are the It-girl approved trend of the season. We’re talking wedges, mules and the most surprising wild-card style entry of all: kitten heels.
Kitten heels got their name from being ‘training’ heels for young teens and, until recently, were looked down on by the fashion ‘set’. “Kitten heels were often categorised as footwear for older women or girls trying out their first pair of heels,” says Megan Watkins, stylist at online fashion platform, SilkFred. With Y2K-inspired fashion not going anywhere, Watkins believes the rise of the silhouette is due to millennials keen to have a go at restyling their old looks for the modern times, plus Gen Z experimenting with styles that they may only have seen in ‘nostalgia’ TikTok videos.
The best part about kitten heels? Not only are they easy to wear, they’re also easy to style. The polished shoe works its way seamlessly into workwear wardrobes while adding some serious glamour to evening outfits. Low mules also make for prime summer shoes, pairing well with denim and floaty dresses, while metallic heels are a great update to your party flats.
Itching to dip your toe into this versatile shoe trend? Browse our pick of the best kitten heels on the market for chic and comfortable style inspiration this season.
The best kitten heels for work
Prim, polished and proper, kitten heels are great for work. In fact, the added comfort of a short heel makes running to catch the tube easy while adding a sophisticated edge to your work outfits, from dresses to trousers. Jil Sander’s pointed-toe slingbacks pair well with a waistcoat and skirt combo; Bottega Veneta’s chocolate leather mules are made for summer-ready wide-leg trousers and linen blazers. Tod's croc-effect leather designs are sleek, polished and have just the right amount of edge for work. For a hint of metallic hardware, choose Valentino Garavani’s blush-hued pumps.
The best kitten heels for date night
A tiny sculptural heel, especially when paired with a sleek pointed toe, can make for a very sexy shoe. Kitten heels in all their forms will work well with your slinkiest date night looks, the added bonus being that you won’t run the risk of towering over your date in sky-high heels. Go classic with Amina Muaddi's deep red leather pumps or Neous’ lace-trimmed heels with a sleek black dress for a dinner date. Khaite's snake-print slingbacks are playful and chic while Tom Ford's silver mules add a touch of subtle sparkle.
The best party kitten heels
Jeans, a nice top and a jazzy pair of kitten heels make for, in our opinion, the best party outfit. That said, kitten heels are also great with an evening dress for more formal occasions. Lean into metallics with Michael Kors' gold-tone sandals or go full-on glam with Aquazzura’s crystal-encrusted heels. Elsewhere, Manolo Blahnik’s suede mules are a timeless classic, while Aeyde's slick black mules are as sophisticated as they are sexy.
The best kitten heels for summer in the city
If your social calendar is filling up with drinks at rooftop bars, weekend brunches and summer picnics, stock up on kitten heels to strut through each event in style. Toteme's orange elevated flip flops and Manolo Blahnik's raffia-trimmed yellow mules add a playful touch to any outfit, while Fendi's floral iteration bring a romantic, elegant feel. Alternatively, lean into classic checks with Burberry's patterned sandals, set on low stiletto heels.
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