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25 Pairs of Stylish Kitten Heels That Are Definitely Not Your Grandmother’s
The heels may be small, but the styles are mighty.
Back in my 10th grade heyday, I used to flaunt six-inch heels to whatever Sweet 16 birthday party I had that weekend. With ease, no less. But these days, I find the prospect of the respectable kitten heel far more appealing—if for nothing other than safety reasons, honestly. Think of your toes, your arches, your ankles! I shudder to imagine scraping my knees after a bad stiletto-caused spill. No, thank you.
I’ll stick with my comfortable heels—the ones I’m confident I can actually walk in. Because what they say is true, what you look best in is what you feel best in. And just like wearing sandals with arch support, once you try a low heel, you might never go back. Here, find 25 pairs of kitten heels that look and feel good.
Divanne Heeled Mules with Buckle
Divanne Heeled Mules with Buckle
Is it just me, or do these look designer? Consider this style as the perfect entry point to kitten heels.
Sizes: 6-11 (half sizes available)
Heel height: 2.5 inches
Colors: 16 options
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 (half sizes available)
Heel height: 2 inches
Colors: Sunrise Blush, Seafoam Blue, Terracotta Pink, Modern Ivory, or Black
& Other Stories Pointed Slingback Pumps
& Other Stories Pointed Slingback Pumps
The mesh honeycomb pattern on these is giving major old money energy.
Sizes: 5-10
Heel height: 2 inches
Colors: Ivory or Black
Steve Madden Twinkled Heeled Sandal
I think we’re all on the same page about black accessories by now, yes? They are the end-all-be-all.
Sizes: 5.5-10 (half sizes available)
Heel height: 2.75 inches
Colors: Black, Tan, Gold, or Lilac
Dream Pairs Open Toe Ankle Strap Square Sandal
Dream Pairs Open Toe Ankle Strap Square Sandal
Even among the already-comfortable kitten heel category, this style will be even more so because it features a wide heel and straps to hold your foot in place.
Sizes: 6-11 (half sizes available)
Heel height: 2.4 inches
Colors: White, Black, Nude, Hot Pink, or Purple
Unique Vintage Pink Daisy Mule Kitten Heels
Unique Vintage Pink Daisy Mule Kitten Heels
Who says you can’t have a little fun with your footwear? After all, novelty designs are one of the major fall 2023 shoe trends.
Sizes: 36-42
Heel height: 2 inches
Colors: Pink
Charles & Keith Sepphe Cut-Out Tweed Heeled Mules
Charles & Keith Sepphe Cut-Out Tweed Heeled Mules
Charles & Keith is one of my favorite shoe brands. This is a timeless yet unique style at an unbeatable price.
Sizes: 4-11
Heel height: 1.3 inches
Colors: Cream, Black, or Multi
Schutz Dethalia Leather Sandal
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 (half sizes available)
Heel height: 2.3 inches
Colors: Flame Orange, Platina Gold, New Wood, Black, or Honey Beige
Suzanne Rae Mary Jane
Suzanne Rae Mary Jane
In doing research for the most comfortable heels, these square toe Mary Janes shoes were highly recommended.
Sizes: 35-44 (half sizes available)
Heel height: 2 inches
Colors: Caramel
Tory Burch Pointed Slingback Pump
Tory Burch Pointed Slingback Pump
Equal parts librarian, college professor, and witch...in the best way, of course.
Sizes: 5-12 (half sizes available)
Heel height: 2.17 inches
Colors: Cuoio Spongy or Petunia
CL by Laundry Jump Up Dress Slide
CL by Laundry Jump Up Dress Slide
Are you sick of Barbiecore yet?
Sizes: 5-11 (half sizes available)
Heel height: 2.5 inches
Colors: Black, Fuchsia, or Nude
Jimmy Choo Flaca Mule 50
Oh, Jimmy Choo, how I love you so.
Sizes: 34-43 (half sizes available)
Heel height: 1.9 inches
Colors: Wisteria
Stuart Weitzman Cabo Square-Toe Thong Sandals
Stuart Weitzman Cabo Square-Toe Thong Sandals
If you struggle with heels but want a dressier style for the warm weather months, a kitten heeled sandal is the way to go.
Sizes: 3.5-12 (half sizes available)
Heel height: approx. 2 inches
Colors: Black, Tan, or Seashell
Mango Kitten Heel Sandals
Mango Kitten Heel Sandals
I call these my “summertime savior.” Skirts, dresses, two-piece sets...all the above, please and thank you.
Sizes: 5-10 (half sizes available)
Heel height: 1.57 inches
Colors: Ecru or Black
Burberry Jacquard Check Slingback Pump
Burberry Jacquard Check Slingback Pump
As it turns out, Burberry’s iconic print looks just as fabulous on shoes.
Sizes: 5-11 (half sizes available)
Heel height: 2 inches
Colors: Dark Birch Brown
The Row Leather Pumps
The Row Leather Pumps
The fashion set will recognize this distinct heel anywhere. If The Row boots are too mainstream for you, perhaps you’ll be more interested in these small pumps.
Sizes: IT 35-42
Heel height: 2.5 inches
Colors: Brown or Black
Valentino V Logo Leather Pumps
Valentino V Logo Leather Pumps
Nothing says quiet luxury quite like a label that doesn’t beg to be noticed.
Sizes: 5-12 (half sizes available)
Heel height: 2.5 inches
Colors: Black
Prada Antiqued Nappa Leather Sandals
Prada Antiqued Nappa Leather Sandals
I believe Prada knew exactly what they were doing with this mule sandal. I never imagined coveting a pair of shoes in this hue, but here I stand.
Sizes: 34-42
Heel height: 2.1 inches
Colors: Black, Sage Green, or Desert Beige
Tony Bianco Asar Sandal
Tony Bianco Asar Sandal
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: 5-10 (half sizes available)
Heel height: 2.75 inches
Colors: Dove, Acid Pink, or Black Hi Shine
Badgley Mischka Blaze Pump
Badgley Mischka Blaze Pump
Calling all brides-to-be! These are the ultimate shoes for all your wedding festivities. Plus, they’re affordable.
Sizes: 5-11 (half sizes available)
Heel height: approx. 3 inches
Colors: White Satin, Black Satin, or Latte Satin
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
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