This Summer, Kitten Heels Are the Fashion Crowd’s Favorite Shoe for Low-Key Polish (2024)

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Au natural ballet flats, retro-inspired sneakers, strappy heeled sandals, relaxed penny loafers—there is 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 the return of the itsy-bitsy heel, but trust us. For everyday comfort, style kudos, and low-key polish, there is no shoe better suited for your feet right now than a low sling-back, pump, or mule. And this summer the best kitten heels are getting a minimalistic revamp. (As most things are.)

Vogue’s Kitten Heel Heroes:

• The Python-Printed Pick: St. Agni Mira snake-effect leather mules, $320
• The Supermodel Staple: Tony Bianco Shae mules, $160
• The Day-to-Night Delight: Saint Laurent Barbara satin mules, $825
• The Go-To Gingham: Bibi Lou gingham kitten-heel mules, $160
• The Cult Classic: Manolo Blahnik Maysale 50 buckled suede mules, $795
• The Going Green: Reformation Daniela kitten mules, $278
• The Leopard Luxury: Prada leopard ribbon ballerina mules, $1,250
• The Metallic Must-Have: M.Gemi The Lisinda pumps, $348
• The Summer White: Aeyde Melia leather point-toe pumps, $395
• The Anything-But-Basic Black: Vince Bianca leather kitten slingback pumps, $330

The simple, yet statement-making shoe is also a certified fashion crowd favorite, with styles from Saint Laurent and Khaite to Toteme and The Row topping our summer wish lists. But we’re not the only ones bitten by the kitten heel craze: Just days ago at Cannes, supermodel Bella Hadid stepped out in a pair of vintage bubblegum pink pumps from Prada that had us all rethinking the ballet flat craze for good. Like Hadid, wear yours with other It items on this season’s most wanted list—like a flirty minidress and clean-lined handbag.

Shop Hadid’s style, here.

For everyday ease and elegance, start with anything-but-basic black styles from Aeyde, Neous, Vince, and Mango. Pair them with a stealth wealth-inspired midiskirt or sleek jean for a take on modern workwear. Meanwhile, pale pink picks from Aquazzura and Gianvito Rossie or powder blue beauties from Loulou Studio and Manolo Blahnik pack a welcome punch of color. For more textural takes, LPA’s raffia mules are sweet like summer, while python-printed pumps from St. Agni and Paris Texas will you have you walking on the wild side.

Then, there’s Saint Laurent’s sultry satin style or Emme Parsons’ patent pump that transition from day-to-night seamlessly. Simply thrown on either with a timeless LBD or a going-out top and you’re instantly styled. As for what Vogue editors’ are eyeing themselves? Leopard-print pumps from Prada rank high on our wish lists, followed by Reformation’s olive green mules, and Staud’s bright white sling-backs that capture that summer feeling just so. Shop our full edit of the best kitten heels, below.