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In 2024 Kitten Heels Are The Only Heels We Want To Be Seen In

Park your stilettos at the door.
Close-up detail view of silver kitten heels pointed shoes, a gold ankle chains, outside Gauchere, during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024/2025 as part of Paris Fashion Week on February 29, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)Getty/Edward Berthelot

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.

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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

  1. Tony Bianco, Koko Heels $219.95, The Iconic (here’s why)
  2. Totem, The Sharp Croc-Effect Leather Slingback Pumps, $1018.00, Net-a-Porter (here’s why)
  3. Charles and Keith, Dorri Two-Toned Double-Bow Slingback Pumps, $96.00, Charles & Keith (here’s why)

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The Best Kitten Heels of 2024

Tony Bianco Koko Heel is a burgundy slingback kitten heel with a pointed toe and multiple buckles.

01

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 Sharp Croc-Effect Leather Slinback pumps feature patent crocodile effect leather with a slightly curved architectural heel and pointed toe. Perfect for spicing up an office look.

02

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 feature low block heels, Mary Jane straps and bows. The chalk colourway pictured is a off white and black.

03

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
The Gucci Demi Suede-Trimmed Crystal-Embellished Mesh Slingback 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. 

04

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:

Aeyde Catrina Metallic Patent Slingback Pump are chocolate patent leather with a buckle strap and squared off pointed toe.

05

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 are hot pink with a faux crocodile leather effect and pointed toe.The buckle enclosure slingback strap features the MK logo.

06

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
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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.


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