I had my first brush with kitten heels in the 90s. I was going to a school dance and I wanted to wear heels, but I also wanted to…dance. Enter: the kitten heel. Fast forward to 2019 and the vibe has been updated, but they remain just as beautifully functional as ever. Of all of the retro (yes, the 90s is officially retro) trends that are cycling back into vogue, this one was definitely the easiest to get my head around.
For me, any heel that isn’t stacked equals pain. I’ve literally only owned a single pair of stilettos in my lifetime – a pair of Louboutins purchased for myself as a college graduation gift – and I only break them out roughly once every year. Kitten heels are the best of both worlds, delivering the satisfying click-clack of a stiletto with the comfort level of a stacked heel. Bring it on.
Valentino V Logo Calfskin Slingback Pump 40 Mm, $895
Schutz Peonia Kitten Heel Mules , $160
Balenciaga BB Knife Denim Mules, $950
MARC JACOBS Women’s Slingback Kitten-Heel Pumps, $395
Cover photo: SplashNews