Thong kitten heels may not be new, but this season, they’re everywhere. The ‘90s-inspired style has been circulating for a while now, riding the wave of minimal nostalgia — but 2025 is teetering into full-on mania thanks to elevated takes on the flat flip-flop (thank you, The Row). Think ultra-slick leather in black, brown, and beige; playful pops of yellow, ice blue, or red; and even bold patterns (hello, zebra print).
The appeal is obvious: It’s the perfect heel when you don’t want to wear heels. A subtle lift that elongates the leg and feels a touch more dressed-up, without veering into try-hard territory. Whether paired with jeans or styled with your favorite breezy sundress, thong kitten heels are the cool-girl alternative to the expected block heel. Easy. Comfortable. Fancy-free.
Ahead, the 22 topping our list right now.
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COS Crossover-Strap Kitten-Heel Sandals, $, available at COS
Aldo Jump Heeled Flip Flop, $, available at Aldo
All Summer Away Sophie Thong Heels, $, available at Free People
Zara Leather Kitten Heeled Sandals, $, available at Zara
Madewell The Chiara Kitten Heel Thong Sandal, $, available at Madewell
Steve Madden Tracie Jelly, $, available at Steve Madden
ASOS Hawaii Toe Thong Kitten Heeled Sandals, $, available at ASOS
Anthropologie Thong Kitten Heels, $, available at Anthropologie
Loeffler Randall Odessa Dune Leather Heeled Sandal, $, available at Loeffler Randall
Urban Outffiters Katie Block Heel Sandal, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Schutz Carolyn 50MM Slip-On Sandals, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Larroudé Gaia Sandal, $, available at Larroudé
Sam Edelman Dollie Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom
Dolce Vita Brevel Wide Heels, $, available at Dolce Vita
Massimo Dutti Nappa High-heel Sandals, $, available at Massimo Dutti
Abercrombie & Fitch Thong Kitten Heel Sandals, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Tony Bianco Krista Silver Nappa, $, available at Tony Bianco
Toteme Croc-effect Leather Sandals, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Mango Kitten-Heel Sandals With Strap, $, available at Mango
Open Edit Tori Kitten Heel Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom
Charles & Keith Wynn Sculptural-Heel Thong Sandals, $, available at Charles & Keith
Staud Freja Kitten Heel, $, available at Staud
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