The best kitten heels to sashay into SS24 in style
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 this season. We’re talking wedges, mules and the most surprising wild-card style entry of all: kitten heels.
You might scoff at the idea of this once-divisive shoe trend returning to popularity, but, when it comes to feet health and style factor, nothing beats the kitten heel. But don’t take our word for it. Consider the data from global shopping platform, Lyst, whose hottest products round-up from the last quarter of 2023 found Miu Miu’s patent leather buckled slingback kitten heels at the third spot. Or the numerous SS24 runways featuring the low heel. Sabato de Sarno rendered his in signature ancora red at Gucci and Valentino Garavani’s white shoes come with a micro heel so small they almost seem flat. Then there was Dior, where we saw black pearl-encrusted cut-out gladiator boots with, again, kitten heels.
Kitten heels got their name from being ‘training’ heels for young teens and, until recently, were often looked down upon 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 fashion growing in popularity, Watkins believes the rise of the shoe 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.
Valentino SS24
Dior SS24
The best part about kitten heels? Not only are they easy to ear, they’re also easy to style. The polished shoe works its way seamlessly into workwear while adding some serious glamour to evening outfits; low mules are prime summer shoes, pairing well with denim and floaty dresses; and 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 slingback pumps 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. Paris Texas may be known for its It-girl approved stiletto boots, but these buckled mules are sleek with just the right amount of edge for work. For a hint of metallic hardware, choose Valentino Garavani’s blush-hued pumps detailed with a gold-tone logo.
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 look, the added bonus being that you won’t run the risk of towering over your date in sky-high heels. Go classic with Gucci’s red slingbacks or Neous’ lace-trimmed pumps with a sleek black dress for a dinner date. Mach & Mach’s cobalt sequin pumps are great day shoes and Alaïa’s cult-favourite coeur heels are very on-theme.
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. Miu Miu’s buckled kitten heels are great, but they’re also usually sold out. Why not opt for these silver Mary Jane pumps for your next party instead? Lean into metallics with Loulou Studio’s blue satin pumps or go for that extra bit of sparkle with Aquazzura’s crystal-encrusted heels. Elsewhere, Manolo Blahnik’s satin mules are detailed with a mix of beads and faux pearls.
The best kitten heels for summer in the city
If your social calendar is filling up with rooftop bar plans, weekend brunches and picnics for the summer, stock up on kitten heels to make strutting into each plan easy and stylish. Prada’s neon green mules with a triangular kitten heel add a playful touch to any outfit, while Dior’s embroidered pumps are best paired with a monochrome outfit to let the heels shine. Lean into the naked shoe trend with Saint Laurent’s mesh slingbacks or pair the Row’s sage green lace-up sandals with breezy maxi skirts for a delicate look.
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