KITTEN HEEL
A kitten heel is a low, thin and refined heel usually 3–5 cm high, of a shape resembling a stiletto but far lower. The name (from 'kitten') hints at its small, 'baby' size. The kitten heel offers a compromise: it adds the elegance and femininity of a heel to a look but is far more comfortable and stable than a high stiletto, so one can walk in it easily all day. Historically this style was popularised in the 1950s as a 'training' heel for young girls, and the style icon Audrey Hepburn made it a symbol of refined simplicity. Today the kitten heel is a fashionable alternative to the high heel. A kitten heel is a low, thin and elegant heel, in which the refined shape of a stiletto combines with the comfort and stability of a low height, offering feminine elegance without sacrificing comfort — a refined alternative to the high heel.
Compare “Kitten heel” with another term
Meaning, origins and distinction — side by side.
Distinction
Both heels are prized for comfort over height, but they differ in shape and support. A block heel is a broad, square or cylindrical column that spreads weight evenly and stays stable even when tall. A kitten heel is a slender, curved heel only a few centimetres high, dainty and feminine but with a small contact point. The block is practical and secure, while the kitten heel is minimal and refined, offering a hint of lift without the strain of a stiletto.
