From Alaïa’s now ubiquitous mesh flats to It-girl-endorsed Repetto flats, ballet pumps have once again become a wardrobe essential for A-listers and street-style stars alike in recent years, with Gucci, Miu Miu and Chanel all doing their bit to sustain the hype. And while they certainly haven’t gone anywhere – the pavements outside the spring/summer 2027 shows have witnessed their share of ballet flats already – there are signs that the fashion crowd is ready to reintroduce at least a little bit of height. Specifically via dainty kitten heels.

Not nearly as daunting as a full stiletto (which always looks great but can be hazardous on the morning commute), a sensible heel can add a little to an otherwise ordinary outfit. The shift signals a return to the heel after years of fashion people living in comfy slip-ones that might make magazine editors of old wince, but these shoes still sit squarely in the practical category. Unlike its more vertiginous counterparts, this dinky heel does not make a last-ditch Uber ride inevitable.

Pointed micro-heels have been a theme of some of the best outfits outside the shows thus far, which perhaps makes sense in cities best navigated on foot or by e-bike. In London, guests at fashion week had swapped their Puma Speedcats for pointy courts and midi-skirts, whereas in New York it was all about slip dresses and tailored shorts with a clicky-clacky little heel. To really lean into the ladylike mood, pair your kitten heels with Miuccia Prada-approved socks.

Kitten Heel Pointed Slingback Shoes