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 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.
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.
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.
Love the colour.
I would wear these with a burgundy bag.
These look so much more expensive.
Love.
Chic with a capital C.
Everyone will ask where you got these from.
The comeback shoe everyone is talking about.
The Best Mid-Price Kitten Heels:
Zebra print is very 2025.
Ticking off all the trends in one dream shoe.
Love.
Marella is one of my favourite minimalist brands.
The lace detailing is my favourite.
A chic office shoe.
These feel very Parisian.
I have so many pairs of heeled thong sandals, but I need these.
The Best Designer Kitten Heels:
Tan suede is key so don't hesitate to add these to your love-forever shoe collection.
To wear with every outfit, forever and ever.
Everything about this shoe is pure perfection.
Love these.
The Row, you have my heart.
I think I'm actually in love.
A great evening shoe.
These are so inclusive in sizes 1-10.
-
Better Than Ballet Flats (and Loafers): The Shoe Trend It Girls in NYC and Paris Will Be Wearing This FallThey're classic but fresh at the same time.
-
I'm an NYC Shopping Editor—I Can't Stop Thinking About These 31 Rich-Looking Fall Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, and H&MDid I mention they're under $250?
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One PairPrepare for endless compliments.
-
People With Impeccable Taste Swear By COS—21 Chic Sale Finds to Take Advantage of Right NowDid you say 25% off? Yes, please.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor on a Budget—27 Incredibly Chic Fall Finds That Will Get You More Bang for Your BuckStellar under-$150 finds right this way.
-
Say Goodbye to Kitten Heels—This Even-Shorter Shoe Is Suddenly Showing Up in Every Fashion Person's ClosetIt has just the right amount of height to make you stand a little taller.
-
These 32 Elevated Nordstrom and Zara Finds Make Getting Ready So Much Easier (and Chicer)Here's to effortless outfits.
-
Here's What to Look For If You Want Ballet Flats That Scream 2026If you haven't upgraded your ballet flats by now, wyd?
