27 Pairs of Stylish Kitten Heels That Are Definitely Not Your Grandmother’s
The heels may be small, but the styles are mighty.
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In a past life, I scoffed at women who didn’t like their heels sky-high. But these days, I find the prospect of the respectable kitten heel far more appealing—if for nothing other than safety reasons. Think of your toes, your ankles, your arches! In fact, I would say I’m having a footwear renaissance that prioritizes not destroying my feet. Even as a fashion editor, I believe no style is worth hobbling in pain for hours. (Friendly reminder that blisters can leave scars, people.)
That’s not to say you should only wear sneakers. I’ll stick with my comfortable heels—the ones I’m confident I can actually walk in. There are so many stylish, comfortable shoes just waiting for you to discover. Because what they say is true: What you look best in is what you feel best in. So, ahead, find 27 pairs of kitten heels that are just right.
Prada Satin Mules
A novelty heel adds intrigue to this satin square-toe style.
Sizes: 5-10 (half sizes available)
Heel height: Approx. 2 inches
Colors: Black, Brown, Green, Orange
Cult Gaia Dunia Stretch Cotton Dome-Heel Sandals
Get ready for compliments galore when you wear these. All your friends will want to copy you—take it as a form of flattery.
Sizes: 5-10
Heel height: 2 inches
Colors: Off-White
Bottega Veneta Leaf Sandal
It’s a shoe AND jewelry rolled up into one perfect pump.
Sizes: 35-41 EU
Heel height: 2.4 inches
Colors: Black
There’s a lot to love about this pair, but my favorite part is the peekaboo cut-outs created by the logo.
Sizes: 34-42 EU
Heel height: 1.7 inches
Colors: Opal, White
Acne Studios Black Lace-Up Mules
These are witchy in all the right ways.
Sizes: 35-41 EU
Heel height: 2.25 inches
Colors: Black
Gucci 35MM GG Monogram Denim Slingback Pumps
Dark-wash denim with a bedazzled Gucci logo print? I can’t get these fast enough.
Sizes: 5-12
Heel height: Approx. 2 inches
Colors: Midnight
These are classy and feminine, yet edgy and punk. Who wouldn’t like to be described that way?
Sizes: 34-42 EU
Heel height: 2.2 inches
Colors: Black, Brown
The Row Luisa Pump 35
If The Row boots are too mainstream for you, perhaps you’ll be more interested in these small pumps. I also love this version with a thinner heel, but it’s perpetually sold out.
Sizes: 35-42 EU (half sizes available)
Heel height: 1.5 inches
Colors: Black, Hickory, Hemp
Schutz Dethalia Straw
If you struggle with heels but want a dressier style for the warm weather months, a kitten heel sandal is the way to go.
Sizes: 5-11
Heel height: 2.5 inches
Colors: Perola
I’m all in on metallic shoes and bags, and these Jimmy Choos are obviously no exception.
Sizes: 34-43 EU
Heel height: 1.7 inches
Colors: Silver Mirror, Black, Ice Blue, Macaron
Saint Laurent Cherish Slingback Pump
You can tell all your friends you dug this ’90s-inspired style out of your mother’s closet. I won’t tell your secret.
Sizes: 36-42 EU
Heel height: 1.75 inches
Colors: Manto Naturale
Aeyde Wilma Heeled Sandals
I call these my “summertime savior.” Skirts, dresses, two-piece sets...all the above, please and thank you.
Sizes: 35-42 EU
Heel height: 2.1 inches
Colors: Black, Creamy, Hazelnut, Silver
Larroudé Vivi Hi Lucite
So many of my most fashionable friends swear by a good pair of lucite heels. Because they’re clear, they go with anything.
Sizes: 5-11
Heel height: 2.5 inches
Colors: Silver
Khaite The River Mule
Nothing says quiet luxury quite like a designer that doesn’t beg to be noticed.
Sizes: 36-41 EU
Heel height: 1.8 inches
Colors: Pale Yellow, Gold Metallic
Manolo Blahnik Lollo Knotted Bow Slide Sandals
If you, like many of us, were influenced by the sartorial opinions of one Ms. Carrie Bradshaw, a pair of Manolos is simply inevitable.
Sizes: 35-42 EU
Heel height: 2.75 inches
Colors: Brown, Cream
Britt Netta happens to be a personal favorite as far as shoe brands go. I think this semi-transparent nude style is wildly versatile yet still on-trend. Plus, the slingback makes them easier to walk in.
Sizes: 35-40 EU
Heel height: 4 inches
Colors: Sand, Silver Mirror
Vagabond Jonna Leather Strappy Kitten Heel Sandals
Who says you can’t have a little fun with your footwear? After all, the color red is one of the major 2024 fashion trends.
Sizes: 6-11
Heel height: 1.8 inches
Colors: Bright Red, Off-White, Black
Is it just me, or do these look designer? Consider this style as the perfect entry point to kitten heels.
Sizes: 6-11
Heel height: 2.5 inches
Colors: 16 options
Schutz Dethalia Leather Sandal
I swear by this exact type of shoe. Nude—so it matches with everything—and the perfect balance of dressy and plain. The result? You can wear these with anything.
Sizes: 5-11
Heel height: 2.3 inches
Colors: Flame Orange, Platina Gold, New Wood, Black, Honey Beige
Sam Edelman Terra Slingback Pump
These are on my personal wish list. I love the slingback, patent leather, and square toe. How cute!
Sizes: 6-9.5
Heel height: 2 inches
Colors: Sunrise Blush, Seafoam Blue, Terracotta Pink, Modern Ivory, Black
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