2024’s Discreetly Sexy ‘It’ Shoe Is the Polar Opposite of Ballet Flats

The trends that defined the early 2000s are back, including velour tracksuits, maxi skirts, and ballet flats, of course. Not only have all of these styles been sported by a number of stars, but they’ve all been popping up on the runways, too. One more trend you can add to the comeback list? Pointy-toed slingbacks. 

Before you wince in pain at the thought of reliving your days in 4-inch heels, this season’s iteration comes with a blissfully lower kitten heel as shown by brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Altuzarra during their 2024 spring-summer runway shows. The kitten heel still gives a little lift and accentuates legs to make them appear longer — minus the pain (and perhaps podiatric PTSD) of stilettos. Celebs like Hailey Bieber and Amal Clooney have been sporting the subtle but sexy look, and Kate Middleton herself has worn them on several occasions thanks to their ladylike allure. 

For those ready to swap their 2023 flats with a fresh pair of pointy-toe heels, here are nine stylish slingbacks to consider, from edgy styles to classic silhouettes: 

• Joy in Love Kitten Heels, $47; amazon.com
• Heelchic Slingback Pumps, $48; amazon.com
• Guess Jesson Slingback Pointed Toe Pump, $89; nordstrom.com
• Steve Madden Legacy Pump, $100; nordstrom.com
• Sarto by Franco Sarto Devin Slingback Pump, $140; nordstrom.com
• Sam Edelman Bianka Pump, $140; nordstrom.com
• Jeffrey Campbell Persona Slingback Pump, $155; nordstrom.com
• Madewell The Debbie Slingback Pump, $158; madewell.com
• Schutz Venezia Nappa Leather Pump, $158; schutz.com

Some of these styles are decidedly edgy — take the Venezia Leather Pump from Schutz, which features a sprinkling of silver grommets to give it a grunge-meets-glam look. Available in delicate pearl, glamorous silver, and statement-making black, it’s a shoe that rewrites the script of what it means to be ladylike. Guess’ Jesson Slingback Pointed Toe Pump, which comes in black, ivory, and a striking green patent, features a distinctive Guess hardware triangle on the vamp for a subversive yet subtle enough look for those that still need to adhere to corporate environments. Both have heel heights under 2 inches and an adjustable slingback strap for comfort. 

Schutz Venezia Nappa Leather Pump

Guess Jesson Slingback Pointed Toe Pump

If the thought of a tiny kitten heel makes you feel off-balanced, you’ll appreciate the low, wide heel (and the stability it provides) on the Sarto by Franco Sarto Devin Pointed Toe Slingback Pump. Additional comfort comes in the shoe’s cushioned footbed with arch support. It’s available in classic colors like black and rich cognac, as well as more fashion-forward colors like denim and platinum, a sparkly, cocktail-ready style. An elastic slingback strap gives the shoe a clean look. (Pro tip: You might need to size up on pointy-toe pumps with elastic slingbacks to ensure your foot fits properly from toe to heel.)

Sarto by Franco Sarto Devin Pointed Toe Slingback Pump

If you’re down with Madewell’s casual chic vibes, you’ll want to add The Debbie Slingback Pump to your cart before it sells out. Done in rich black leather and available in sizes 5 through 11, it has just the right amount of point in the toe and a sculpted heel just over 2 inches tall. The adjustable slingback comes with additional support through a vertical leather strap that also gives the shoe a nice modern twist. Madewell’s exclusive padding is included in the construction of the heel to make it feel like you’re walking on air.

The Debbie Slingback Pump

Amazon’s Joy In Love Kitten Heels are a great way to try the trend without breaking the bank. Available in 11 styles and colors including trendy bows and animal prints, the shoe has a 2.5-inch heel to give lift without being precarious. Amazon customers love this shoe. One reviewer said they were “very comfortable” because the “heel is the perfect height” and that they “wore these to a wedding and were standing and dancing for hours.” Another reviewer said, “some kitten heels tend to be wobbly but these are not,” while a third person put it succinctly: they’re “cute heels” that offer “good value for money.” 

Joy in Love Kitten Heels

Let’s get to the point — pointy-toe pumps are a classic for a reason. They elongate the leg, making you look taller and more statuesque, and give a dash of elegance to an outfit. In 2024, the kitten heel makes them more practical for everyday wear. My advice? Grab your own pointy-toe slingback heel before they start selling out everywhere.