The “purr-fect” blend of style and comfort, kitten heels protect your paws from the pain of stiletto heels while still improving your posture.

Low-maintenance, easy-to-wear, and ideal for a range of outfits, kitten heels are the ultimate addition to any wardrobe. Unlike other stylish shoes, your kitten heels can kick ass in the office and create sex appeal on the dance floor too. It’s hard to see how anyone couldn’t love this fantastic footwear.

If you’re keen to update your wardrobe, but you don’t want to stumble around in stinging stilettos, now could be the perfect time to refresh your look with some sultry low heel shoes.

Here’s your guide to the history of the kitten heel and the best kitten heels to shop now!

The History of Kitten Heels

The kitten heel is a low heel shoe most women know well.

They helped you to get used to walking in heels when you were still young, and they’re great for avoiding blisters on days where you want to avoid unnecessary aches.

Stylish kitten heels come with a thin, low heel measuring between 1.5 and 2 inches. Aside from its low heel, the most significant feature of the kitten heel is its uniquely curved shape – perfect for pulling off that feminine silhouette.

So, where did these heels come from?

The tale of the kitten heel dates back to the days of King Louis XIV of France. He wanted a subtle height boost, so he had shoes made that would give him a couple of extra inches. The resulting footwear became a status symbol, totally transforming the royal court.

By the 1950s, heels of all sizes were trending everywhere.

Roger Vivier turned the stiletto into a wardrobe staple. By forcing women into their tiptoes, stilettos were all about sexy (but painful) femininity. Kitten heels offered relief who wanted the posture support without the pain.

In the 1960s, Audrey Hepburn set the fashion world on fire with stylish kitten heels. She wore low heel shoes in many of her biggest films, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

In the 1990s, kitten heels saw a revival again with support from supermodels like Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, and Naomi Campbell. Now, in the 2020s, we’re celebrating a return to form for the kitten heel. As women everywhere embrace the styles of the 90s once again, kitten heels are back on top and better than ever.

How to Style Kitten Heels

Kitten heels sit at the perfect mid-way point between flats and heels.

As the best of both worlds, these shoes can make any outfit look fantastic. They can replace high heels when you need a break from the extra pressure on your toes and ankles. Kitten heels are also the ultimate low-heel shoes when you want more sex appeal than flats.

Here’s some inspiration on how to make your kittens shine.

You can wear them with:

• A t-shirt and your favorite jeans: Bring a sultry edge to a laidback look by pairing your favorite distressed jeans with a set of kicking kitten heels. The heels will instantly make your comfy jeans look ten times more exciting. Add a fitted t-shirt for a cute and casual look.

• Leather pants and an oversized knit: Combine a red-hot pair of leather pants with your kitten heels to take the world by storm. Faux leather pants are perfect for heating up your wardrobe in winter, particularly with a pair of kitten heels to keep you looking sharp. Add an oversized knit to create a look somewhere between motorbike babe and off-duty supermodel.

• A suit: Think your stilettoes are a bit too daring for your business look? Try a set of stylish kitten heels instead. A low set of heels will give a more feminine edge to your corporate outfit. You get a classy and feminine finish without going over the top. For girls who spend a lot of their time rushing around the office, kitten heels are pain-free too.

• Mini skirts and Cami tops: Low heel shoes still work with your favorite mini skirt. A set of kitten heels will give you a classy and cute appearance when you’re wearing shorter skirts. The look is easy to pull off in the spring and summer, especially if you choose a pair of shoes in colors like pink or purple.

• A flowy skirt or dress: This is a combo that started making a comeback in Summer 2020, and it’s going to be big again this year. Grab a flowy dress or skirt and add your kitten heels for a relaxed look that’s perfect for any Boho chic. Kitten heels add romantic and delicate vibes to flowing outfits, and they’re great for the beach too.

• Jumpsuits: Effortless and edgy at the same time, jumpsuits and heels are a fantastic combo. Add a belt that matches your heels to the middle of your jumpsuit to show off your figure. Jumpsuits are ideal for having a bit of fun with your look while maintaining practicality. Your low heels will make it easier to run around after the kids, go for strolls through the park or just hit the stores with friends.

• A long, oversized coat: Long, oversized coats are perfect for the colder days throughout the year. Wearing long coats with high heels might help to stretch your figure, but they’re much harder to walk in during the winter. Kitten heels will keep you safe when the weather’s wet and ensure your outfit looks amazing.

• Bold accessories and mini dresses: Match your accessories to your low heel shoes for an outfit that’s all about the extras. A pair of fun kitten heels with a strong set of statement earrings or a bright necklace can really bring this party outfit to life.

• A midi slip dress: The ideal nod to the nighties, the silky slip dress is the perfect blend of sexy and feminine. Grab a pair of sling-back kitten heels to take your slip to that sleek next level.

The Best Kitten Heels to Shop Now

Whether you’re dressing up a set of mom jeans and a cropped tree for brunch with your best gals, or you’re channeling your inner fifties icon there are endless ways to wear stylish kitten heels.

Of course – it all starts with choosing the right heels.

Here’s our list of the best kitten heels to shop now.

Remember, all of these shoes are available for customization, so you can get them in a hundred different colors and add your own unique twist.