Fashion

This Spring, Kitten Heels Are the Fashion Crowd’s Favorite Shoe for Low-Key Polish

February 17, 2025

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Polished penny loafers, retro sneakers, boat shoes—there are a slew of shoes vying for our attention right now. But the one pair that’s really ticking all the boxes this season? Kitten heels. Yes, really. You might wince at slipping into anything with a heel after months of prioritizing boots and weatherproof styles, but trust us. For everyday comfort, style kudos, and low-key polish, there is no shoe better suited for your feet than a low sling-back, pump, or mule. And for spring, the best kitten heels range from ultra-minimalist to marvelously maximalist (hello, leopard print!)

The barely-there heel is also a certified fashion crowd-favorite, with styles from Saint Laurent and Miu Miu to J.Crew and Reformation topping our wish lists. Just this past New York Fashion Week, the street style set pared these back to everything from ladylike ensembles to casual-cool denim looks. The result? Timeless transitional outfit combos we’re ready to repeat.

The Best Kitten Heels, According to Vogue:

The Anything-But-Basic Black: Aeyde Polina pumps, $425
The Leopard-Print Pick: Ferragamo Dorye mules, $1,250
The Pointy Python: Khaite Mia pumps, $980
The Day-to-Night Delight: Toteme Classic satin slingback heels, $740
The Cult Classic: Stuart Weitzman Stuart Power leather pumps, $450
The Minimalist Must-Have: The Row Liisa pumps, $990
The Fashion Crowd Favorite: Martiniano After Party heels, $545
The Pop of Red: Jacquemus Cubisto slingback pumps, $820
The Twisted Oxford: Miu Miu T-strap pumps, $1,290

For everyday ease and elegance, start with classic black styles from Aeyde, Toteme, The Row, and Stuart Weitzman. Pair them with a structured suit vest or sleek jean for a take on modern workwear. Meanwhile, red-hot heels from Jacquemus or Manolo Blahnik’s blue pair pack a welcome punch of color. On a more textural note, python-printed pumps from Khaite will you have you walking on the wild side.

Then, there’s Marc Jacobs’s punky strapped style or Miu Miu’s twisted oxford pumps that add a bit of extra prep. Simply thrown on either with a go-to LBD or a going-out top and you’re instantly styled. As for what Vogue editors’ are eyeing themselves? Animal-print pumps from Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo, and even Zara rank high on our wish lists. Shop our full edit of the best kitten heels, below.

Classic Black

You really can’t go wrong with a classic black kitten heel. These staple styles from brands like The Row, Emme Parsons, Toteme, and Saint Laurent span the spectrum from daytime to evening wear and will stay in your closet for years to come.