Forget painful stilettos – these are the kitten heels we’re wearing this season

Forget painful stilettos – these are the kitten heels we’re wearing this season | Freelance Editor Published October 31, 2026 7:00am Animal print, crystals and embroidery, kitten heels have had a major glow-up. (Picture: Metro/Getty) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Kitten heels used to be written off as frumpy, but in recent years they’ve made a comeback, and designer and high street brands alike have launched sleek, stylish, maximalist styles that have us reaching for our bank card. The appeal is obvious: a low heel gives you the sophistication of a heel that dresses up any outfit without the aching pressure stilettos can cause. You can walk around the office, stand at a party or even run for the train home without wincing. This year’s designs are better than ever, with animal print, embroidery, buckles, metal strips, and embellished straps upgrading simple kitten heels, slingbacks, mules, and strappy sandals. A statement kitten heel can also be the easiest accessory to add to your wardrobe, as you can pair it with jeans, skirts, smart trousers- you name it. The beauty of a statement kitten heel is how easily it can fit into your existing wardrobe. Wear them with straight-leg jeans and blazers, a slip skirt and chunky knit, or with a little black dress when you want your shoes to do the talking. Here’s our favourite statement kitten heels to shop now. The statement kitten heels we’re adding to our wardrobe M&S Hardware Trim Kitten Heel Slingback Shoes These M&S slingbacks are one of those pairs you'll wear plenty, from the office to Christmas parties to date night. The gold hardware adds polish, and they are already racking up five-star reviews. One shopper said: 'Lovely, soft and comfortable shoe. Wore them all day at a wedding. Excellent size 5 fit. Highly recommend.' Buy Now for £42 Aldo Sabbie If comfort is key, Aldo’s Sabbie pair is hard to beat. The brown snake-effect finish is ideal if you like to keep your wardrobe monochrome, and inside the footbed you’ll be able to enjoy a dual-density foam and padded insole that will keep feet happy. Buy Now for £89 Topshop Kiki Cone Heel Ankle Boot In Zebra Hair On Real Leather If you’d rather pair the classic ankle boot with this season’s zebra-print trend, Topshop is the place to go. These boots have a sharp pointed toe and sculptural cone heel that makes them anything but boring. Buy Now for £80 H&M Heeled Strappy Sandals H&M is always reliable for a bit of sparkle on a budget. They’re very similar to a certain pair of Jimmy Choos (IYKYK), thanks to the rhinestone-embellished T-strap that turns a simple kitten heel into something special, all for under £45. Buy Now for £42.99 Anthropologie Bibi Lou Anouk Faux-Pony Fur Pumps These fully covered heels are a fresh take on pony fur, with a conveniently low heel, an adjustable buckle strap, and a vintage feel. Wear them with black tights and a little black dress for an outfit formula that never lets you down. Buy Now for £150 Never Fully Dressed Leopard Pony Lace Mules Print lovers, these are for you. Never Fully Dressed’s low-heeled mules are made from leopard-print pony leather with black and brown markings. The red lace bow tied across the front adds an extra pop of colour, with a modern square toe that will look fabulous peeking out a wide-leg jean. Buy Now for £99 River Island Brown Animal Print Hair On Leather Low Heels These slingbacks are a smart, affordable way to add the animal-print trend to your everyday style. A balance between elegant and practical, they’ll look just as good with tailored trousers at the office as they will with straight-leg jeans and a shirt at the weekend. Buy Now for £56 JW Pei Jewel Buckle Kitten Heels Pumps-Black Black kitten heels might sound overdone, but JW Pei’s version is an unexpected twist on a classic. They’re made from vegan leather, with a big sphere buckle on the ankle strap and toe. We’ll be wearing them with sheer tights and a mini dress this December. Buy Now for £110 Charles & Keith Leather Embroidered Heeled Mules These mules are the prettiest pair on our list. Made from light blue leather, they’re decorated with embroidered flowers, cut-outs, and bow ties for a vintage feel. The covered pointed toe, open back, and low kitten heel make them easy to slip on, and they’ll pair perfectly with your favourite jeans. 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