They were all the rage in the 90s, but kind of took a step back once the stiletto really started to take over. Now, ladies and gentlemen, kitten heels are back, and they are rebranding into something new for younger generations. But in order to truly appreciate their return, let’s explore the history of the kitten heel.
The Shoes Of Royalty
Believe it or not, the origins of kitten heels can be traced back to Louis XIV, the former King of France, who wore shoes with small red heels to appear taller and more authoritative. Being that it was the chosen shoe of the king and became so closely associated with royalty, it became forbidden for anyone outside the court to wear them!
Then came the 1950s, pre-teen and teenage girls who weren’t quite ready to wear tall stiletto heels but wanted to get accustomed to them started wearing low training heels. The term “kitten heels” was coined to describe the shoes associated with these young divas in training.
Speaking of divas, Audrey Hepburn was the reason this shoe became even more popular in the 60s when she wore them in the classic film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The kitten heel was so loved because it was considered the shoe of a true lady. Classy, not too hard on the feet (since they’re usually only about 1-2 inches), and went perfectly with any fashionable dress at the time.
Don’t Call It A Comeback
They’ve been here for years! But now they’re being revamped and reimagined. I argue that the kitten-heel comeback is happening now because comfort is increasingly taking the lead in fashion. Don’t get me wrong, everyone loves a couture moment, but there is something sort of badass about someone who looks effortlessly cool. The whole “beauty is pain” saying just doesn’t seem to fit today’s standards. Through the 90s and early 2000s, kitten heels were associated with older generations or… funerals.
Now, we’re seeing designs like Schiaparelli’s latest from Paris Fashion Week take on (a literal one) to the kitten heel and show the world what they can be. “The Sphynx” heel is a part of Schiaparelli’s Fall 2026 designs and reinterprets the classic kitten heel. transforming the front of the shoe into a sculpted cat’s head.
Each beige leather pump features a hyper-realistic feline face with whiskers, teeth, and a slightly open mouth, creating the illusion that a cat is emerging from the front of the shoe and about to pounce. They’re bold and daring. Perfect for the current astrological transit we’re going through.
Another reason I believe kitten heels are resurging in the fashion world is because of their practicality. If art truly imitates life, the imitations would show that we’re all busy! Kitten heels are often easier to walk in than higher heels, making them a popular choice for long workdays, travel, or events where standing is required. For many people, they represent the perfect compromise between flats and high heels.
It’s interesting how history tends to repeat itself. Back then, kitten heels were the shoe of the modern, fashionable woman, and they still are today! But what we associate with “modern” has changed. Modern fashion values versatility, and the kitten heel easily transitions between different settings. Allowing you to dress up or dress down. Many women are balancing demanding careers, social lives, and personal responsibilities.
I love my 6-inch stilettos, but those things should come with a bag of Epsom salt upon purchase. With all the plates we have to juggle today, and they’re seeming to be more cringe news than good, it’s nice that this cute little shoe is starting to rebrand itself and give our feet a break.
