Amongst the sea of shoe styles, winter footwear is my favourite of all, purely because it encompasses such a wide variety of styles.
Take boots, for instance. While we've already seen a prevalence of styles emerge as the leading winter shoe trends, from the soft flat sock boots pioneered by Le Monde Beryl and Dear Frances, the mesh boots style encouraged by The Row and the return of the Kate Moss-approved slouch boot, we really have been spoiled for choice with the amount of variants to choose from in 2025.
As timeless silhouettes like ankle boots and simple knee-high boot reign supreme, too, it can sometimes feel difficult to know which shape is best to step out in. Enter: The kitten-heel boot.
If you're looking for one boot style to complement every outfit, kitten heel boots are a stylish catch-all that can seemingly always elevate an outfit. This trait is made possible by the minute heel that delivers just the right amount of altitude and length to your ensemble, and of all the 2025 shoe trends there are, this is one I know will stand the test of time.
Admittedly, my go-to has always been a flat boot, but these can sometimes feel too casual or chunky for a delicate night-out look, like the slip dresses you'd usually see worn to a cocktail event. I often struggle to pair anything without a heel with wide-leg jeans, and anything with too high a heel is a health and safety hazard on a rainy day.
Some of our favourite stylish celebrities including Katie Holmes, Emily Ratajkowski and Gigi Hadid have embraced the kitten-heel boot trend, turning to premium brands like Khaite to nail the look. But that's not the only reason I'm getting on board with low-heel boots and swapping my flat styles for these chicer—but still comfy—alternatives.
Kitten-heel boots are somewhat of a hybrid style, offering the sleek, elevated traits of the kitten heel, which has swept the fashion scene this year after making a comeback in Miu Miu's autumn/winter runway, combined with the snug fit of a Chelsea boot.
Striking the perfect balance between style and practicality, whether you opt for a kitten-heel ankle boot or a knee-high pair, this style gives just the right amount of elevation to make you feel put-together without the discomfort of a higher heel. They're also weather-appropriate (depending on the fabric), and most importantly, oh-so chic.
Kitten-heel boots are also a versatile shoe to transition your look from day to night, as they can be paired with pretty much any outfit. Wear a calf-grazing kitten-heel boot with a dress for the office or date night, or with a long, knitted skirt or wide-leg jeans for extra warmth and coverage. Layer a knee-high pair over skinny jeans or leggings and add a chunky knit for a cosy casual look, or pair with a miniskirt and a blazer to show them off on a night out.
So, if you're looking for the ultimate go-with-everything boots that will go the extra mile in your wardrobe, it’s safe to say kitten-heel boots are it. From high-end labels such as Toteme and Jil Sander to more affordable brands like Ganni, Massimo Dutti and Zara, I've whittled down the best kitten-heel boots for every budget. Read on to find your perfect pair.
The 21 Best Kitten-Heel Boots on the Market Right Now
- Best Overall Kitten-Heel Boots: Zara Split Suede Kitten Heel Ankle Boots, £69.99
- Best Leather Kitten-Heel Boots: Aeyde Zoe Leather Point-Toe Ankle Boots, £380
- Best Suede Kitten-Heel Boots: Arket Suede Ankle Boots, £299
- Best Knee-High Kitten-Heel Boots: Toteme Satin Knee Boots, £750
- Best Luxury Kitten-Heel Boots: Jil Sander Leather Ankle Boots, £1260
- Best Budget Kitten-Heel Boots: Mango Kitten-Heel Coco Boots, £49.99
The Best Kitten-Heel Boots Under £200
Polished and premium without being over-fussy, this ankle-length style features a razor-sharp point and chic curved heel.
Suede boots are big news this season, but you can't go past a premium pair with the slightest heel.
Whether it be a pair of loafers, on-trend boots like these pictured here or ballet flats, I always rely on COS for slick and sophisticated footwear.
From the luxe sandy colour way to the incredibly sought-after cuffed jeans silhouette, this combination proves that kitten heel boots just make everything that much cooler.
With a heel under 5cm and flexible STARFIT® insole, rest assured you'll be able to stand comfortably in these for hours.
I'm always pleasantly surprised by the array of boots available to shop from Dune own brand. These caught my eye for the glossy creased leather, but you can also find pointed-toe options in smooth leather, a slick burgundy and a suede brown.
Ankle boots have been categorised as a trope of a millennial style, but with these, H&M proves the sock boot is wearable for every generation, especially now that brown is the colour of the season.
The Best Kitten-Heel Boots Under £500
In my humble opinion, the easiest way to elevate a simple outfit is with a great pair of boots, and Aeyde is always the fashion insider's choice.
Reformation offers a variety of colours and textures in the Remy Knee Boot, but the seasonal leopard print feels like the most apt way of injecting your outfits with a glint of something more contemporary.
These would look perfect paired with straight-leg jeans or even a satin mini skirt to channel your inner Parisian.
If you can get your hands on these black leather Aeyde boots, don't think twice. They're hot property.
Tommy Hilfiger never follows trends, but rather sticks to his signature modern approach to American heritage. So, when he designs something incredibly contemporary, like this inverse Dalmatian print, we obviously pay attention.
Staud's boots are second to none. Thankfully, they come in three colours and a whole raft of sizes.
In fact they're so good, we included the tall version in here too!
The Best Kitten-Heel Boots Over £500
Celebs can't get enough of Khaite, especially their boots. Brand founder Catherine Holstein describes the Davis style as "The perfect everyday boot—the one to wear with everything."
With a satin finish, squoval toe and 5cm kitten heel, Toteme's knee-hugging pair is ticking all the boxes.
These sculptural Jill Sander boots are at the top of my wish list.
These are absolute classics and and black suede, black leather and croc-effect in dark chocolate and beige.
Toteme's knee-high boots are available in different colours and textures, including this croc version and a leopard print.
These boots are the epitome of luxury thanks to the gorgeous textured finish and rich plum colour.
Acne Studio's version feature a patent trimmed toe cap, slanted kitten heel and a sock-like fit.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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