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Kitten heels are primarily characterized by their short, stiletto heel that is usually 1.5 inches to 1.75 inches in length. There is also a slight tapered curve at the top of the heel, connecting it to the sole. (1)
History of Kitten Heels
Kitten heels can trace back their primitive roots to the reign of Louis XIV of France in the middle of the 17th century, but it wasn’t until the middle of the 20th century that the heels dominated the world of female footwear.
Kitten heels first emerged in the late 1950s as a type of formal fashion wear for young ladies, specifically adolescent girls and girls who were starting to learn how to walk in heels. Interestingly, this is how the heels got their names as they were regarded as training shoes for “little kittens.”
The kitten heel became widely popular because of its practicality and formal look. In the 1960s, the shoes were particularly popular among teenage girls and trickled into popularity with young adult women thanks to the fashion icons of the time.
The low and sturdy heels were a practical and often a more comfortable alternative to stiletto heels. This caused the kitten heel to eventually become a staple in the shoe wardrobe of various women, especially older women.
What Are Kitten Heels Made Of?
The heels can be made out of various materials, including patent leather, suede, and durable fabric. Some kitten heels will often have a fabric overlay of lace, satin, silk, and even beading.
One defining feature of kitten heels is that they will often have intricate detailing on them, which will allow them to stand out. Because of this intricate detailing, they are commonly the heel of choice for brides.
Different Kitten Heel Styles
Classic kitten heels were worn as a slip-on shoe, but there are kitten heel sandals that will often use a back buckle for closure.
The traditional kitten heel featured a closed toe, but today you will find both open and closed toes. In recent times, the kitten heel has morphed to include a variety of styles. They include the following:
- Mules will usually have a full coverage pointed toe and may or may not include a buckle over the upper vamp.
- Slingbacks are usually reserved for casual and festive outings and may either be slip on or use a back buckle for closure. Slingbacks will often feature a pointed toe as well.
- Pumps will come in various style and material options and are versatile to suit a range of outings.
- Booties give full coverage for cooler weather and will often be crafted out of faux leather, animal leather, floral and animal prints, and other bold materials. (2)
Who Wore Kitten Heels?
While the kitten heel was originally designed as a formal shoe choice for young girls, it wasn’t long before the heel transcended age groups. Women who worked in the office or needed a pair of shoes for their Sunday best would often turn to a pair of kitten heels.
Today, kitten heels continue to command a formal presence and are worn by young women in the office setting, on outings around the town, and at formal events.
Kitten Heels in Pop Culture
Many female icons spanning a variety of industries have helped popularize kitten heels. Audrey Hepburn helped propel the heel’s popularity because they gave off a sophisticated and classy appeal akin to Hepburn herself, while Marilyn Monroe showcased the heel in a playful yet comfortable manner.
Much more recently, Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton have both helped breathe new life into the heels. Designers, including Christian Dior and Manolo Blahnik, continue to reignite interest in the shoe with their season styles. (3)
FAQs
A kitten heel is a short stiletto heel, with a slight curve setting the heel in from the back edge of the shoe. The style was popularized by Audrey Hepburn, and recent followers of the fashion include Theresa May, Michelle Obama, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, and Hillary Clinton.
What does kitten heels mean in slang? ›
noun. a low stiletto heel on a woman's shoe. a woman's shoe with a low stiletto heel. Slang.
Who created the kitten heel? ›
Known for its curved low heel, the miniature stiletto has been around for centuries, but in terms of recent history, the low-heeled style rose to popularity in the '50s due largely to designer Roger Viver, preceding stints in the spotlight of both the '60s and '90s.
What's the difference between pumps and kitten heels? ›
Shoes with long, thin heel usually of 1inch to 10 inches are known as stilettos. These shoes are known as court shoes in British English and Pumps in American English. Stilettos of 5cms and shorter are known as kitten heels.
What is the difference between kitten heel and stiletto heel? ›
Kitten heels are a type of heel defined by their height: less than 3 inches tall. Stilettos are, along with their width, also defined by their height: more than 2/3inches tall (depending on who you ask!). Kitten heels can be any shape and width.
What is the origin of kitten heels? ›
Kitten heels were introduced in the late 1950s as formal fashion attire for young adolescent girls, as higher heels would have been considered unseemly for girls as young as thirteen because of, for instance, unease of walk.
Where did the meaning of kitten heel come from? ›
Pompous king aside, the kittens heels became popular once more in the 1950s. The name came about because the style was considered a training heel for “kittens,” aka young girls not ready for grown women's high heel stilettos, which were also gaining in popularity thanks in part to Roger Vivier.
Where did calling someone a heel come from? ›
"contemptible person," 1914 in U.S. underworld slang, originally "incompetent or worthless criminal," perhaps from a sense of "person in the lowest position" and thus from heel (n. 1). of a dog, "to follow or stop at a person's heels," 1810, from heel (n. 1).
What is a Cuban heel? ›
: a broad medium-high heel with a moderately curved back.
What is the history of the heel? ›
Heels were first invented in Persia in the 10th century, and they were originally designed for men. “Wealthy men wore them to give them additional height, and when they rode on horseback, the heels clicked into the stirrups,” says Steele.
Jeans are basically the best thing to wear kitten/midi-heels with. A daytime look and a nighttime look — they work together for any hour.
Are kitten heels better for your feet? ›
Kitten heels are a good-looking, foot-friendly option for heel wearers. With a heel height typically less than one inch, kitten heels deliver a bit of height without the pressure that higher heels can cause. Be extra careful when wearing platforms or wedges, as these styles can compromise your balance and stability.
What height is considered a kitten heel? ›
What are kitten heels? Kitten heels are typically only between 1.5 and 2 inches tall, with a short and tapered heel, making them a perfect heel for beginners.
What type of heel is hardest to walk in? ›
Sky High Stilettos
Any heels that are higher than 10cm/ 4'' will make your weight shift into your toes. These type of sky high heels can be extremely painful and also makes walking in them very difficult. So, stay on the safer side and go for stilettos that are under 10cm /4'' high.
What style heel is most comfortable? ›
According to Yau, block heels tend to be the most comfortable type of pump, especially if you're going for a taller style. With this in mind, we're loving the 3-inch Zala Block Heel from Marc Fisher LTD. It's got a lightly padded footbed with moderate arch support and a grooved outsole for extra traction.
What is the most popular heel length? ›
The average heel height is around 3 inches, or 7.5cm. This falls into the mid-height range, which usually measures in at 2-3 inches, or 5-7.5cm. This is the most classic heel height, and mid-height heels should be comfortable enough to wear all day.
What are the benefits of kitten heels? ›
Kitten heels are comfortable.
Heels have a short height, a good curve, and a friendly design to walk comfortably. Kitten footwear gives a fine grip and support to heels, eliminating the risk of falling.
Are kitten heels hard to walk in? ›
Kitten heels are a small step up from flats, but compared to sky-high stilettos, they're easier for walking, balancing, and wearing throughout the night.
Are kitten heels making a comeback? ›
Many different shoe silhouettes are making a comeback this year that some of us didn't see coming. We are talking about seeing a lot of Mary Janes, Ballet Flats, Knee High Boots, and especially Kitten Heels this year!
What does the heel represent in the Bible? ›
To conclude, both the Achilles' heel and Jacob's heel are points of weakness. Achilles' weakness is mortal—that of a finite man confronted by the heartlessness of fate and the gods. Jacob's weakness is moral—that of a finite man who seeks to supplant the living God.
Figurative: (1) Of the partial victory of the evil power over humanity, "Thou shalt bruise (m "lie in wait for") his heel" (Genesis 3:15), through constant, insidious suggestion of the satisfaction of the lower desires.
What is a kitten heel style? ›
The kitten heel is a low heel shoe most women know well. They helped you to get used to walking in heels when you were still young, and they're great for avoiding blisters on days where you want to avoid unnecessary aches. Stylish kitten heels come with a thin, low heel measuring between 1.5 and 2 inches.
What does heel mean as an insult? ›
: a contemptible person : a person who is self-centered or untrustworthy. felt like a heel.
Why do people say my Achilles heel? ›
An Achilles' heel (or Achilles heel) is a weakness in spite of overall strength, which can lead to downfall. While the mythological origin refers to a physical vulnerability, idiomatic references to other attributes or qualities that can lead to downfall are common.
What is the opposite of a heel? ›
In professional wrestling, a face (babyface) is a heroic, "good guy" or "fan favorite" wrestler, booked (scripted) by the promotion with the aim of being cheered by fans, and acts as a protagonist to the heels, who are the villainous antagonist or "bad guy" characters.
What does kittens mean in slang? ›
idiom. British, informal. : to become very nervous or upset about something. They had kittens when they saw the mess we made.
What does heeled mean in slang? ›
(slang) Wealthy; having enough money. [ from 19th c.]
What is a cat's paw slang? ›
[ kats-paw ] noun. a person used to serve the purposes of another; tool.
What does it mean to call a girl a kitten? ›
A sex kitten is a woman who exhibits a sexually provocative lifestyle or an abundant sexual aggression. The term originated around 1956 in articles in the British and American press and was originally used to describe French actress Brigitte Bardot.
What drug is kitten slang for? ›
CAT is another name for a drug called methcathinone, also known as KAT, methedrone, kitty, or meow.
The word cat can refer to a spiteful woman and also a man.
What is a heel bad guy? ›
In professional wrestling, a heel (also known as a rudo in lucha libre) is a wrestler who portrays a villain, "bad guy", or "rulebreaker", and acts as an antagonist to the faces, who are the heroic protagonist or "good guy" characters.
What is the meaning of cow heel? ›
noun. cow·heel. : the foot of a cow or ox stewed into a jelly.
What language of origin is heel? ›
Etymology 1. From Middle English hele, from Old English hēla, from Proto-West Germanic *hą̄hil, from Proto-Germanic *hanhilaz, diminutive of Proto-Germanic *hanhaz (“heel”), equivalent to hock + -le.
What is a round heeled girl? ›
Adjective. round-heeled (comparative more round-heeled, superlative most round-heeled) Easily defeated; a pushover. quotations ▼ Of lax morals; slu*ttish.
What is the British word for high heels? ›
stiletto heel
This is the British English definition of stiletto.
What is head over heels in slang? ›
Head over heels gained its figurative meaning in the 1800s. Head over heels is used to refer to someone who is completely enamored with another person. If you are head over heels in love with someone, you can't get the other person out of your mind. You are completely focused on them.
