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.
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. 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.
Definition
Kitten heels are defined by their tapered heel, typically measuring between 2.5 and 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) in height. Unlike the taller stiletto heel, which can reach up to 12.5 centimeters (5 inches), kitten heels offer a lower and more stable alternative, while still maintaining the signature slender look of high-heeled footwear.
History
Kitten heels first appeared in the late 1950s, initially designed for young adolescent girls as a more modest option compared to the taller stiletto heels. At the time, high heels were considered inappropriate for young girls, but kitten heels offered a way for them to wear fashionable shoes without compromising on practicality or modesty. These shoes were often referred to as "trainer heels" in the United States, serving as an introduction to wearing high heels.
By the early 1960s, kitten heels had become a staple of women’s fashion, embraced by older teenagers and adult women alike. The style's popularity faded in the late 1960s as stiletto heels became the dominant trend in footwear. However, the resurgence of interest in retro fashion in the 1980s, coupled with the rise of wedge heels, brought kitten heels back into the fashion spotlight.
In the 2000s, kitten heels made another comeback, largely driven by their appearance on the fashion runways and in popular culture. Their resurgence was fueled in part by the television series Sex and the City, which celebrated a wide range of feminine footwear. By the 2010s, the style continued to evolve, with variations like the "kit-flop," a hybrid of flip-flops and kitten heels, becoming trendy.
Cultural Significance
Kitten heels are often favored by women who require a professional yet stylish look. Despite their lower height, kitten heels are associated with femininity and elegance. Their adoption by prominent political figures, including Theresa May and Michelle Obama, underscores their enduring appeal in settings that demand both comfort and sophistication.
References
- 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.
- "How to Wear Kitten Heels | Clarks". www.clarks.com. Retrieved 2024-02-13.
- DeMello, Margo (2009). Feet and Footwear: A Cultural Encyclopedia. Macmillan. ISBN 978-0-3133-5714-5.
- ^ Hannah Rogers (22 August 2020). "Kitten heels give a stylish lift to the flip-flop". The Times.
- Cathy, Horyn (2003-09-07). "Celebrating A Stiletto Love Born Before 'Sex and the City'". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2024-02-13. Retrieved 2024-02-13.
- Cathy Horyn (2003-09-07). "Celebrating a Stiletto Love Born Before 'Sex and the City'". The New York Times.
- Jessica Davis (1 July 2019). "Introducing the kit-flop: this summer's favourite sandal". Harper's Bazaar.
- "Kitten Heels: Comfortable and Chic". Vogue. June 1, 2010. Retrieved 2024-02-13.
