As Promised, Kitten Heels Are Everywhere

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When I wrote that, like it or not, kitten heels are cool back in February of this year, I was met with a lot of harsh doubt. One commenter went as far as to say that “kitten heels are the number one baloney fashion item, right up there with useless ruffles,” and my own boss went as far to publicly agree.

And yet here we are, seven months later, and kitten heels are nearly everywhere — not just on the Very Fancy shelves of Dior and Balenciaga, but stocked within totally accessible lines like Topshop and Sam Edelman, as well as plenty of contemporary indie brands.

As someone who physically can’t figure out how to walk in actual heels, the two-inch height (give or take) feels like a manageable albeit fancy upgrade from my block heels; and because they come in just about every form now — slingbacks, mules, ankle boots, etc. — you can shake the idea that they’re “grandma” shoes. You can wear them with anything, really, but they’re especially great for dressing up a pair of jeans (even more so when ballet flats aren’t your thing.)

If you’re still not sold, here are some of the best pairs available right now, ranging from office-approved neutrals to metallic pink slingbacks and red patent boots, that might change your mind.