Shoes
Sep 10, 2022

It's True—This Is the Only New Shoe Trend I'd Retire My Flats For

by Remy Farrell

As a self-confessed shoe fanatic, my favourite topic of discussion is the latest trends in footwear. To quote the great Carrie Bradshaw, a good pair of shoes not only makes or breaks an outfit but also has the ability to "rescue your ankles from a life of boredom," and given the amount of time we spend in shoes working, socialising and travelling, it's only right that they should be special to make the journey a little more fun.

The latest style I have fallen for? Kitten heels. While I consider them an obviously wise investment—they are chic, playful, and, most importantly, easy to wear—I am told that they are a controversial choice. Once synonymous with "conservative" dressing, kitten heels have earned a bad reputation as being functional over fashionable, and while they may not be the sexiest shoe on the market, according to some haters, therein lies their appeal.

After making an unexpected comeback a couple of years ago thanks to Manolo Blahnik’s Maysale pumps, all was quiet on the kitten-heel front until a Miuccia Prada renaissance changed the look of the micro heel, shaking off its stuffy connotations and finally giving us a fashion-forward shoe we could actually walk in. (I'm looking at you, Versace platforms.)

Photo:

Monica Feudi Courtesy of Miu Miu

Kitten-heel slingbacks at Miu Miu S/S 22.

Photo:

Prada Spring Summer 2021 Images Courtesy of Prada

Kitten heels at Prada S/S 21.

But as with any style, the only way to know if it will make the mainstream is when it starts to pop up on the street style set—fashion's most influential editors and content creators, who have the ability to turn a runway moment into a living, breathing trend. And as the Prada shoes took over our feeds on the likes of Pernille Teisbaek, Anna Vitiello and Emili Sindlev, along too came kitten-heeled mules, sandals, boots… You name it; it's been micro-heeled.

Photo:

@pernilleteisbaek

Style Notes: Staying true to Prada's minimalist styling, Pernille opted for all black with a pop of colour, this time in bag form.

Photo:

@emilisindlev

Style Notes: If you weren't sold on socks and sandals, try socks and slingbacks to play up the vintage vibe.

Photo:

@symphonyofsilk

Style Notes: The new kitten heels come in open-toe versions, too, and we love the classic simplicity of Lorna's white mules.

Photo:

@sylviemus

Style Notes: Sylvie shows not only how to wear kitten heels with jeans but also how to make them work for autumn and winter.

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