In 2024 the kitten heel has broken through as one of the top shoe trends of the year. They first caught our eye in 2023 when Miu Miu released leather buckled slingbacks that boasted a diminutive 5mm varnished heel and were soon sported by Gigi Hadid.
According to Lyst, the Miu Miu buckle slingbacks became the top-searched product for the last quarter of 2023, and since then, the only heels we’ve been interested in have been microscopic. It’s all part of a mood we’ve seen in shoe trends for comfort and ease, with Maison Margiela Tabis, Prada loafers, and Loewe Padded Leather Boots being donned by It-girls everywhere and ballet flats and colourful sneakers topping shopping lists.
Once associated with our grandmothers, the kitten heel has been spotted elevating boots Balenciaga, and made a splash at Gucci with sexy “mob wife” slingbacks. What’s behind its power? The kitten heel’s beauty lies in its subtlety. Unlike spikey stilettos, the best kitten heel won’t overwhelm your outfit; it will simply add the accent you’re looking for, whether that’s a little polish to a denim ensemble, flattering leg length to a summer wedding dress or edge to a staid office look.
Ready to make like a Hadid and dip your toe in the trend? We’ve been scouring the internet since 2023 and have tracked down the best kitten heels to shop in Australia.
2024’s top kitten heels
- Tony Bianco, Koko Heels $219.95, The Iconic
- Totem, The Sharp Croc-Effect Leather Slingback Pumps, $1018.00, Net-a-Porter
- Charles and Keith, Dorri Two-Toned Double-Bow Slingback Pumps, $96.00, Charles & Keith
The Best Kitten Heels of 2024
Tony Bianco Koko Heels
from $219.95 at The Iconic
Best for: sex appeal
These buckle kitten heels bear an uncanny resemblance to the Miu Miu pair that started it all and come in on-trend burgundy red.
Sizes: 5-10AU | Colours: Bordeaux Patent, Mocha Patent, Black High Shine | Materials: Inner: Leather Sole: Rubber Upper: Leather
Key features:
- 4.5cm heel
- Pointed toe cap
- Pin buckle closure
- Patent finish
Totem, The Sharp Croc-Effect Leather Slingback Pumps
from $1018.00 at Net-a-Porter
Best for: updated classic
These croc-effect slingbacks from Totem are pure 90s elegance with “caged” straps and an architectural angled heel they’ll add instant edge to the most conservative outfit.
Sizes: 35-42 IT | Colours: Black | Materials: Calf leather
Key features:
- 5 inch heel
- Elasticated slingback strap
- Black patent croc effect
- Soft calf leather
- Architectural curved heel
Charles & Keith Dorr Two-Toned Double Bow Slingback Pumps
from $96.00 at Charles and Keith
Best for: Comfort
If you like a thicker heel, these comfortable slingbacks give the kitten heel trend a whimsical element with Mary Jane straps, a rounded tow and bows that will make you feel like Alice in Wonderland. Perfect paired with wide-legged jeans or a mini skirt.
Sizes: 34-41 | Colours: Chalk, Dark Blue, Black Patent | Materials: Patent polyurethane
Key features:
- 4.1 cm heel
- Block heel
- Secure Mary Jane straps
- Bow detailing
Gucci Demi Suede-Trimmed Crystal-Embellished Mesh Slingback Pumps
from $ 1750.00 at Net-a-Porter
Best for: party
These pumps are an archival design from Tom Ford’s reign at Gucci during the 1990s. Trimmed with suede, they feature mesh netting scattered with the GG monogram. We particularly love the square toe.
Sizes: 34-41 IT| Colours: Black | Materials: mesh and suede
Key features:
- 3.8cm heel
- Transparent front with diamante detailing
- Buckle fastened slingback strap
- Pointed toe
Available at:
- $1750.00 from Gucci
Aeyde Catrina Metallic Patent Slingback Pumps
from $630.00 at David Jones
Best for: Quiet luxury
Modest and marvellous, this moka-toned patent leather shoe features a classic buckle and, again, a pointed and gloriously chic squared-off toe.
Sizes: 36-41 EU | Colours: Moka | Materials: Calf leather, rubber sole
Key Features:
- 5.5cm heel
- Pointed toe
- Patent finish
- Branded insole
- Buckle fastening
Michael Kors Women’s Daniella Mid Sling Shoe
from $279.00 at David Jones
Best for: Pop of colour
If you, like us, have had your eyes on those bubblegum pink Gucci Erin Horsebite slingbacks but have been blanching at the price, we’ve found an affordable solution that will inject colour into any outfit. These Michael Kors heels have a textured crocodile finish and more exaggerated heel (teetering on the micro category) and will add a splash of colour to jeans and t-shirt ensemble or formalwear.
Sizes: 5-10AU | Colours: Pink | Materials: Outer leather, polyester lining, rubber sole
Key Features:
- 7.5cm heel
- Buckle strap
- Logo detail on strap
Are Kitten Heels Comfortable?
The low height of a kitten heel, particularly paired with a secure slingback strap, make them a particularly comfortable option. Whether it’s a day at the office, a wedding or a dinner date they’ll keep you feeling comfortable and stylish no matter the occasion.
Are Kitten Heels Fashionable?
Kitten heels have experienced a resurgence in recent years riding a wave of 90s trends. Recent TikTok trends like “the mob wife” aesthetic and “office siren” have further cemented their popularity and we’ve seen them pop up on runways at Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Jacquemus and Alexander McQueen. They’re easy to wear abd easy to style. We can’t get enough of them.
Looking to save money on shoes? Check out our coupon codes for Tony Bianco, Ninewest and more.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
