I'm Convinced These Pretty Shoe Trends Will Be on New York's Chicest People

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

When it comes to city footwear, there is a lot to be said about functionality and comfort. There's a reason why stiletto heels are carried as a change-into option in your tote while your commuter shoes adorn your feet. But this ultra-sophisticated and dually pragmatic shoe trend has come straight from the runway to save your feet. And per usual, New Yorkers are early adopters. 

Kitten heels have been around for a while, but only recently have they become synonymous with elevated, trend-forward dressing. Brands like The Row, Khaite, and Prada have updated this sensible shoe style with modern silhouettes. From early-aughts thong flip-flops to barely-there strappy sandals, the options for this micro-heel style are vast. 

Below, I've nailed down the top five kitten-heel trends for 2023 with the shopping picks to match. Stay comfortable and look chic doing it.

Knee-High Boots

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(Image credit: @lindatol_)

Boots are a staple for at least half of the year, so finding a wearable pair is key. A small heel keeps them polished but also realistic for all-day wear. 

Slingbacks

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Slingbacks are arguably the most of-the-moment shoes this year. Prada, Dior, Saint Laurent, Gucci, and more have made this silhouette a total must-have.

Strappy Sandals

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Along with naked dressing comes barely-there shoes—tie-up sandals with a slight heel that complement every warm-weather look.

Mules

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(Image credit: @flex.mami)

Open-toe mules are a style that continues to trend thanks to momentous brands like Bottega Veneta and Jacquemus. Finding a go-to pair with a kitten heel will be your investment of the year.

Thong Sandals

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(Image credit: @annawinck)

For spring and summer, heeled flip-flops are at the top of my list. They are more unexpected than mules and have a retro, early-aughts feel.

Next: The Flat-Shoe Trend Fashion People Wear With Every Type of Outfit

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Freelance Fashion and Accessories Editor

Copelyn is a freelance fashion and accessory editor. She formerly worked for Who What Wear as an associate shopping editor and is based in New York City. She writes about fashion and accessory trends in addition to creating original content. Before her time at Who What Wear, Copelyn was at Bustle Digital Group, working on the accessory market for cover shoots and fashion features across Nylon, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Romper, and Elite Daily. Copelyn also previously worked at InStyle and Cosmopolitan in the fashion and accessory departments on shopping and fashion market. Copelyn has a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her spare time, Copelyn freelances in graphic and web design in the fashion-and-lifestyle space. She also loves to upcycle clothing and home décor as well as collect an embarrassing number of colorful sneakers and experiment with her hair color.