So, kitten heel slides. For the longest time, I just didn’t get them. I’d see them and think, “What’s the point?” Either go flat, or wear a proper heel, you know? That was my whole mindset. But life has a funny way of making you try things you swore you never would.

My Unexpected Introduction
It all started a couple of years back. I had this new job, and the dress code was a bit more formal than I was used to. Nothing crazy, but my trusty sneakers weren’t always going to cut it. And heels all day? My feet were already protesting just thinking about it. I remember complaining to a friend, and she just casually said, “Why not try some kitten heel slides?” I think I actually laughed.
But then, I was out shopping, not even looking for shoes, and I saw this pair. They were simple, black, and honestly, they didn’t look too bad. I was in a rush, needed something for an upcoming work event, and on a whim, I just bought them. Figured if I hated them, they could gather dust in the back of my closet. No big deal.
The first time I wore them, it was… an experience. I kept feeling like I was about to slip out of them. And the tiny heel felt a bit wobbly at first. I wasn’t convinced. I thought, “See? Told you so.” I got through the event, feet were okay-ish, which was a surprise, but I wasn’t a convert.
The Slow Burn (or Slide?)
Here’s where the “practice” part really began. I didn’t throw them out. Instead, I started wearing them around the house a bit. Just to see. Then, for quick errands. Slowly, I got the hang of walking in them. It’s a different gait, you know? You can’t stomp around like you do in flats.
What I started noticing was their weird versatility.

- They looked decent with my work trousers.
- They actually worked with some of my casual dresses, making them look a tiny bit more put-together.
- They were super easy to kick off under my desk. That was a major win.
I found that the key was the type of slide. The first pair was okay, but then I found another pair with a slightly wider strap, and that made all the difference for stability. It wasn’t about the heel height anymore; it was about how secure my foot felt. I also realized that material matters. Some of those stiff, plasticky ones? Forget it. Leather or a soft synthetic that molds a bit to your foot is the way to go.
So, my “practice” wasn’t some grand experiment. It was more like this slow, reluctant acceptance that turned into genuine appreciation. I had to learn what worked for my feet and my style. I had to try a few duds before I found ones that clicked. It wasn’t love at first sight, more like a very, very slow burn.
Now? I have a couple of pairs I actually reach for regularly. They’re not my everyday shoe, not by a long shot. But for those times when I want a little lift without the agony of high heels, or when I want something a bit dressier than a flat sandal but still easy? They’ve found their niche. It’s funny how you can go from completely dismissing something to finding a real use for it, just by giving it a proper try, and a bit of time. It’s all about figuring out what works for you, not just what everyone else is doing or what you think you should like.