What Are Kitten Heels?

What Are Kitten Heels?

“Alexa, what is a kitten heel?” – A kitten heel is a short stiletto heel, with a slight curve setting the heel in from the back edge of the shoe. 

So, what ARE kitten heels? Kitten heels can be worn as a more casual version of stilettos but are also a contemporary and stylish fashion statement, seen on runways across the globe from season to season. Kitten heels are ideal for slaying a smart office look, giving you the support to dance the night away, or providing every young girl’s first step towards ‘real heels’ – we hope we’re not the only ones currently cringing at all our pre-teen kitten heel outings…

The history of kitten heels

If you’re wondering what is considered a kitten heel, just ask some of France’s most famous historical figures! Believe it or not, kitten heels actually originated in the 17th century! Apparently Louis XIV of France and loads of other Kings used to wear them. Who knew 17th-century Kings were such style icons? We wonder if they teamed their kitten heels with a cute AF mini bag too…

A big step for a little heel – the kittens made their comeback in the 1950s. This is when they really made a name for themselves. They became known as ‘kitten heels’ because they were considered training heels for ‘kittens’ – aka young girls not considered ‘grown up’ enough for stilettos.

The shoes weren’t really a fashion ‘statement’ as such until the 1990s when suddenly supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford started wearing them. Naomi and Cindy’s go-to kitten heels style was always mules, a choice we still approve of. Taking over the pages of Vogue and multiple other high-end fashion magazines, kitten heels quickly became the must-have heels of the nineties!

So obviously when all things nineties began their recent revival, kitten heels were one of the first things to make a comeback! From Kendall Jenner to Hailey Bieber, all our fashion faves consider kitten heels a shoedrobe staple.

What is considered a kitten heel?

If you’re thinking there’s only one kind of kitten heel, then you couldn’t be more wrong! From slingbacks to block heels, there are LOTS of different types of kitten heels. We’ve rounded up a couple of our faves…

Kitten Heel Boots

Give a new meaning to Puss in Boots when you step out in a pair of stylish kitten heel boots.  Perfect for festival outfits or stunning and supportive going out outfits, you can always rely on a kitten heel boot.

Icon Block Heel Ankle Wellington Boot In Khaki Green

Mule Kitten Heels

This open-back kitten heel variety is both stylish and comfortable. Slip them on and score fashion points in your gorgeous day drinks outfits.

Pilar Printed Detail Pointed Toe Heel Mule In Brown Fabric

Kitten Heel Sandals

A staple for holidays or sunny days, kitten heel sandals look stunning paired with summer dresses. Earn major it-girl style points with your casual outfits in a pair of kitten heel sandals.

Kammie Lace Up Square Toe Chain Heel In Black Faux Leather

What are kitten heels and how can you style them?

Kitten heels are actually some of the easiest shoes to style. From pantsuits to cute dresses and jeans, there’s nothing they won’t go with!

Whether you want to dress them up or keep it casual, there’s a pair of kitten heels to suit every style! Take inspiration from a few of our style muses and get styling up your kitten heels…

Kendall Jenner

(Source: Pinterest)

Dress them down like Kendall Jenner and team them with your fave straight leg jeans and an oversized shirt for effortlessly chic, off-duty model vibes. It doesn’t matter whether you’re showing up at your next show in Paris or heading out for a catch-up with the girls, a pair of kitten heels will take your look to the next level.

Hailey Bieber

(Source: Pinterest)

Get your glam on and dress up your kitten heels with a cute crop top and your most flattering pair of jeans – the perfect date night outfit. You might not be going for cocktails with Beibs himself, but we’re sure you still want to dress to impress!

Joy Craig

Look IG-ready at all times in a cute blazer co-ord and kitten heels like Joy Craig. A perfect combo for brunch outfits, head out in a stunning outfit that can carry you straight into the nighttime (just in case those cocktails or prosecco get you in the mood for a dance.) Get even more fit inspo at @joycraig!

Kitten Heels at EGO

Now that we’ve answered all of your questions surrounding ‘what is a kitten heel?’ and clarified what is considered a kitten heel, it’s time to get updating your shoedrobe. With a whole variety, perfect for any occasion, you’re certain to find the heels for you at EGO.