The "Ugly" Shoe Trend Everyone Will Wear at New York Fashion Week

Kitten heels have to be one of the most hotly debated items in fashion history. Are they cool, yes or no? It’s one of life's eternal questions, and we sit on the ‘cool’ side of the fence. Traditionally defined as a stiletto ranging from 3cm to 4.5cm, the kitten heel is often accused of being an ‘unflattering’ shoe choice as it doesn’t technically do what most heels do, which is lengthen your leg. What it does do though, is give you the opportunity to play with something new—and isn’t that what fashion is all about?
We’re days away from New York Fashion Week, and we’re predicting shoes with this heel height will rule the streets. Leandra Medine helped kickstart the resurgence during last season’s shows, and since then we’ve spotted the widely disliked heels everywhere (proof below), leading us to think that maybe they actually aren’t as ‘widely disliked’ as they once were? Especially since designers such as Balenciaga and Miu Miu are helping champion the resurgence of the kitten heel, and smaller designers like Shoes of Prey are catching on, too.
If you’re not yet on board, you will be after you keep scrolling and peep some of our favourite kitten heel moments. Then, you can shop for your favourite style below.
shop kitten heels
Related: Put Your Best Foot Forward at Work With These Powerful Shoes
Want more shoe trends? Follow us on Pinterest.
-
Dakota Johnson Wore a Completely Backless Mini In This Better-Than-Black Color to the Splitsville After-Party
Plus, see her metallic leather gown from the premiere.
-
Wow, Moda Operandi and Citizens of Humanity Just Released a Capsule Collection Inspired by Pennsylvania's Dreamiest Farm
In collaboration with Bloom Farm.
-
If You Want to Freshen Up Your Shoe Collection, Start With These 33 Sneakers, Kitten Heels, and Flats
Sending my apologies to your wallet.
-
Scandi Style, Unfiltered: An Editor's Dispatch From Copenhagen Fashion Week
The Danes do it better.
-
Copenhagen Street Style Is Elite RN—7 Trends I'm Unashamedly Adding to My Wardrobe
I'll be wearing them now and during the fall.
-
When Traveling to Europe, This Dress Trend and Heel Trend Will Ensure You Don't Look Out of Place
Take it from Jennifer Lopez in Poland.
-
Not All Designer Pieces Achieve It Status, But These 14 Luxury Finds Are Set to by Fall
Smart, long-term purchases.
-
I've Just Found *the* Denim Trend Parisian Women Are Wearing With Kitten Heels
Did I mention it's on sale?
-
I'm a Shopping Editor—These 5Replica Store Anniversary Sale Finds Are Living Rent-Free in My Head
Kitten heels, burgundy flats, and more.
-
Forget Flip-Flops and Strappy Sandals—This Is the Elegant Shoe Trend Fashion People Are Wearing With Pedal Pushers
Hailey Bieber and EmRata are among the fashion girls.