Kitten Heel Sandals: Why the Low Heel Won, and How to Wear It All Year

The short answer: a kitten heel sandal is a sandal on a short, slim heel, usually 3 to 5 cm, and it is the most wearable dress shoe there is: high enough to lift a skirt, low enough to walk in all evening. Look for a pointed toe, a strap that holds the foot, and leather that will not crease. Our pick is the Khaite Sophie Kitten Heel Sandal in Cigar, crossed goatskin bands on a sharply pointed toe. Shop all designer sandals, the full shoes edit and the whole Khaite collection at Coveti.

The kitten heel was named in the 1950s for the “kitten” heel taught to teenage girls before the stiletto. It has come back each time fashion tires of platforms, and this time it has stayed. Khaite is the New York label Catherine Holstein founded in 2016. It won the CFDA American Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 2022 and again in 2023, and it is known for reworked wardrobe essentials: cashmere knitwear, denim, leather and a very particular kind of evening dress. The Sophie is its version: minimal, sharp at the toe and built, in the house’s words, for dynamism and supreme comfort.

Kitten heel vs mid heel vs flat sandal

How to wear kitten heel sandals in every season

• Summer: bare legs, a slip skirt, a fine cashmere tee.
• Autumn: with a cropped trouser and a long coat, the toe peeking out.
• Party season: with a velvet dress and sheer black tights.
• Weddings: the guest shoe that survives the dance floor.

Our picks: the Khaite Sophie

1. Sophie Kitten Heel Sandal in Cigar

Crossed bands in a warm cigar brown. The colour works like a nude with black, navy and cream.

2. Sophie Kitten Heel Sandal in Black Patent Leather

The evening version, glossy enough to stand up to velvet and satin.

3. Sophie Kitten Heel Sandal in Mustard Haircalf

The playful one, a mustard haircalf that lifts a black outfit.

4. Sophie Sandal in Taupe

The same crossed band shape in kid leather. Also in Black Patent Leather.

What to wear with them

The Tessa Skirt in Black Silk, a tiered organza skirt, with the Berry Top in Chalk is our summer evening look. In winter, the Astor Dress in Black Velvet with the patent pair. If you prefer a closed shoe, read our guide to pointed-toe pumps, and the Khaite shoes guide covers sizing.

Frequently asked questions

How high is a kitten heel?

Usually between 3 and 5 cm, about 1.25 to 2 inches, on a slim heel set slightly in from the back of the shoe.

Are kitten heel sandals comfortable?

They are among the most comfortable heels, since the foot sits almost flat. Choose a strap that holds the forefoot so the foot does not slide forward.

Can you wear kitten heel sandals in winter?

Yes, indoors and for evenings, with sheer tights and velvet, satin and wool. Patent leather is the most winter friendly finish.

How do Khaite sandals fit?

Khaite sizes footwear in Italian (EU) sizes, and Coveti lists whole sizes. Check the fit note on each product page.