Suddenly, Fashion People in London, Paris and New York Are Swapping Flats for This Elegant Alternative

It's starting to become a kitten heel summer and we're all here for it.

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.

Sylvie wearing kitten heels

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

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 style 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 jorts and mini 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 summer 2025.

Adenorah wearing kitten heels

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Whether it's pumps with a kitten heel, a sandal to wear to a wedding 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.

Lydia wearing kitten heel boots

(Image credit: @femmeblk)

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:

The Best Mid-Price Kitten Heels:

The Best Designer Kitten Heels:

Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.