There's no denying the ballet flat has completely dominated the shoe world, since, well, 2022 when Miu Miu put its satin iterations on the autumn/winter runway. And even though they've been around for a few years now, I've still only bought one mesh pair that I wear now and again. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the trend, and I like them on other people, but I've always been a heels girl. So much so, I have a vast collection stored under my TV unit (London rental life) and they all have one thing in common: a low heel.
While my university days would see me tottering around in the highest of heels I even had Lady Gaga-style heelless pairs I now favour styles that are less likely to cause a back injury. Which is why I'm more than happy to embrace the kitten heel. As a mule fan, a lot of my shoes already have this wearable heel height. And I've seen so many other fashion people wearing kitten heels with everything from satin-hem skirts to jeans. The fact is, they go with any outfit, they're as comfy as they are chic and they elevate (quite literally) an otherwise simple look. Which is why I'm calling it, kitten heels are about to be the shoe of the season for autumn, and beyond to upcoming party season.
Whether it's pumps, boots or a slingback for the office, I've found 24 high street, mid-price and designer kitten heels to add to your collection from the likes of Other Stories, Dear Frances and Manolo Blahnik.
Best High Street Kitten Heels: H&M Kitten Heel Sandals, £23
Best Mid-Range Kitten Heels: Reformation Wilda Kitten Mule, £298
Best Designer Kitten Heels: The Row Liisa Kitten Heel in Cotton, £960
Best Kitten Heels with Colour Range: Manolo Blahnik Maysale 50 Buckled Suede Mules, £695
Best Kitten Heels with Size Range: Jimmy Choo Amel 50 Kitten Heels, £750
Shop the Best Kitten Heels:
The Best High-Street Kitten Heels:
I just bought these to wear with baggy jeans.
These could easily pass as designer.
A timeless classic.
Suede boots are essential this season.
All about that sleek ruched detail poking out from underneath tailored wide-leg trousers.
Chic with a capital C.
These boots bring the kitten heel straight into 2025.
For those in-between weather days, you could easily get away with adding these to jeans.
The Best Mid-Price Kitten Heels:
Here to liven up any trousers.
Ticking off all the trends in one dream shoe.
Marella is one of my favourite minimalist brands.
An easy way to dip your toe (quite literally) into the snake print trend.
Lace detailing is everywhere this season.
These feel very Parisian.
Get ready for all the compliments when you wear these.
To wear across all seasons.
The Best Designer Kitten Heels:
One word: Wow.
Effortlessly classy.
Grey boots, I'm into it.
The Row, you have my heart.
Ready for party season.
These are simply stunning.
These are so inclusive in sizes 1-10.
Love these.
-
Fine, I Won’t Gatekeep—These 27 Abercrombie Finds Are Too Chic to Miss (and They're All On Sale)I can't decide which fall pick is my favorite.
-
I’m a Senior Shopping Editor—These 29 On-SaleReplica Store Basics Are Instant Closet StaplesBring on chic, effortless fall outfits.
-
I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—Here Are 30 Fall Finds That I'm Hands Down Most Excited About Right NowGet ready to answer, "Where'd you get that?"
-
I Thought I Hated Ballet Flats Until I Found This Elegant (and Blister-Proof) PairNow, I need it in every color.
-
Here They Are: The 6 Biggest Boot Trends of Fall 2025Exotic finishes! Sock boots! Western motifs!
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic, Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025Everything is under $100.
-
After 2 Weeks in Italy, I'm Convinced I Need the Shoe Trend Every Chic Woman in Milan and Rome Was WearingForget ballet flats.
-
I Just Started Investing—31 Chic Pieces That Will Have Me Dressing the PartEffortless and elevated is the goal.
