A kitten heel is a type of stiletto heel that is generally less than 5 cm (2 inches) in height, featuring a slight curve that sets the heel in from the back edge of the shoe. The design offers a more comfortable and practical alternative to traditional high heels while maintaining a feminine aesthetic. The style gained prominence in the 1960s, largely due to the influence of fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, who helped popularize kitten heels as a fashionable yet functional choice.[1]
Kitten heels experienced a resurgence in popularity in the early 2000s, thanks in part to high-profile wearers such as Theresa May, Michelle Obama, and Hillary Clinton, all of whom adopted the shoe for its blend of elegance and comfort.[2] Their versatility allows them to be worn in professional settings or for more formal occasions by those who find traditional high heels uncomfortable but still want to achieve a sophisticated look.
- ^ Moseley, Rachel (2003). Growing up With Audrey Hepburn: text, audience, resonance. Manchester University Press. ISBN 0-7190-6311-6.
- ^ "Kitten Heels Make a Comeback". Wall Street Journal. May 21, 2010. Archived from the original on October 19, 2016.