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.
-
If You Have Toteme Taste But an Amazon Budget, These Are the $32 Classic Heels You Need This Prime Day
They look identical to the designer pair Hailey Bieber keeps wearing.
-
Michael Rider Brings a French American Take on Preppy-Bourgeois Style to His Stellar Celine Debut
Inside the spring 2026 collection.
-
Stop It Right Now—These 39 Under-$100 Nordstrom Finds Are Incredibly Gorgeous
Kitten heels, lacy skirts, and new It sneakers.
-
I Shop for a Living, and These Are the 15 Pretty Nordstrom Fashion and Beauty Finds in My Cart RN
Lace-trim skirts, shimmery eye shadows, and more.
-
8 Pieces That Are the Secret Sauce to an Incredibly Chic Summer Outfit Rotation
Getting ready just got so much easier.
-
Hold the Minimalism—Everyone From Miu Miu to Camp Counselors Is Backing This Viral Summer Trend
Arts and crafts glam.
-
Trendy Flats This, Trendy Flats That—These New Ballet Loafers Will Sell Out First
Gigi Hadid approves.
-
Yep, Rihanna Just Revealed Her Pregnancy Minutes Before the Met Gala
In F/W 25 Miu Miu, no less.