A shift is happening. Women are starting to revolt against tear-jerkingly painful, colossal heels, and I think it’s the beginning of a shoe revolution. We can only tolerate shoes of dizzying, ankle-endangering magnitude for so long and more and more, girls are being seen in moderately heeled boots and all-out flats.

And then there’s the kitten heel, as seen on these Givenchy sandals. These shoes are super-cute, but I still just can’t look at a kitten heel without picturing demure, conservative women in pastel cardigans and perfectly brushed bobs. I’m all for a shorter heel, but how about something that doesn’t mold into a tiny, pointed nub? A short yet architectural block heel would have been a delight. Especially since there’s a substantial amount of python and suede paneling that needs to be balanced out. But who’s complaining?! This is still a successful low-heel, not losing hotness from lack of height. I’m not the only one who thinks so: these have been selling out at Barneys, so I found out when I couldn’t get my size. Kitten or chunky, I’m just ecstatic that designers are making shorter heels that are still fab. At Barneys New York for $795.

Pair with: Shed the prim image that goes with the kitten heel by wearing these with A.L.C’s stretch leather pants. A raw hem makes them ideal for cuffing to your cropped pleasure. On ShopBop for $1,197.