Practical, refined, and effortlessly elegant, the kitten heel remains one of my favorite ways to elevate a look with ease. When I anticipate a long day on my feet, this shoe is my stylish savior—keeping me looking put-together and poised without compromise.

From sleek to statement-making, the iconic style comes in an endless range of colors and silhouettes. Typically standing between one and two inches tall with a slender, graceful heel, this beloved option proves that style doesn’t have to come at the cost of comfort.

Plus, you can’t beat the versatility of kitten heels—they transition seamlessly from day to night. Dress them down with a skirt or capri pants and a breezy blouse for a polished daytime ensemble, or pair them with a high-slit gown for sophisticated evening engagements. They’re also my hero for nights on the dance floor, making them ideal for wedding-guest dressing. No blisters, no cramps, and should you misstep, the shorter height makes any fall a little less dramatic!

Whether you’re in search of a vacation-ready crochet heel to complement summer linens or a sculptural black pump to add some edge to your office or weekend wardrobe, kitten heels always deliver. Read on for my stylish lineup of footwear that promises all-day wearability and timeless elegance.


Sophisticated Slingbacks and Pumps

To look effortlessly polished, consider opting for a classic slingback style—it’s perfect for warm-weather days.

Kitten-Heel Pointed Shoes
Mango Kitten-Heel Pointed Shoes
The Lisinda
M.Gemi The Lisinda
Tita Bell 60 Natural Naja
Alexandre Birman Tita Bell 60 Natural Naja
Now 50% Off
Lou 50
Black Suede Studio Lou 50
Odela Wide Heels Silver Stella
Odela Wide Heels Silver Stella
Olga Kitten Heel Sandal
Schutz Olga Kitten Heel Sandal
GG Crystal Slingback Pump
Gucci GG Crystal Slingback Pump
Rena Cage Studded Slingback Pump
Cinq à Sept Rena Cage Studded Slingback Pump
Wrenley Heeled Slingback
Reformation Wrenley Heeled Slingback
Amita Net Slingback Ballerina Pumps
Jimmy Choo Amita Net Slingback Ballerina Pumps

Summer-Ready Flip Flops, Sandals and Mules

This style is easy to slip on and instantly elevates your look with a touch of glamour. Ultra-chic and perfect for vacations, they’ll pair beautifully with your summer dresses and skirts—and won’t take up much space in your luggage.

Brevel Heels
Dolce Vita Brevel Heels
Dollie Thong Sandal
Sam Edelman Dollie Thong Sandal
The Chiara Kitten Heel Thong Sandal
Madewell The Chiara Kitten Heel Thong Sandal
Now 24% Off
Pluto Sandal
Tony Bianco Pluto Sandal
Tracie Kitten Heel Flip Flop
Steve Madden Tracie Kitten Heel Flip Flop
Margot Sandal
Coach Margot Sandal
Eunisa Leather Poppy Red Heel
Flattered Eunisa Leather Poppy Red Heel
Cary Sandal
Steve Madden Cary Sandal
Amal Macrame Mule
Larroudé Amal Macrame Mule

Shop More Editor-Approved Kitten Styles

Carolina Kitten Heel Sandal
Kate Spade Carolina Kitten Heel Sandal
Now 20% Off
Janel Sandal
Neil J. Rodgers Janel Sandal
Now 60% Off
The Lisinda Lattice
M.Gemi The Lisinda Lattice
Now 38% Off
Elea Heel
For Love & Lemons Elea Heel
Pixie Mule Woven 50
Jimmy Choo Pixie Mule Woven 50
The Dylan Sandal
Margaux The Dylan Sandal
Ghilies Sandal
Chloé Ghilies Sandal
Topaz Pink Python
Tony Bianco Topaz Pink Python
Danielle Buckled Zebra-Print Calf Hair Mules
Aeyde Danielle Buckled Zebra-Print Calf Hair Mules
Sammie Leather Buckle Kitten Heel Sandals
Rag & Bone Sammie Leather Buckle Kitten Heel Sandals

Why Trust ELLE


Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.