Petal-Cutout Leather Slingback, Kitten Heel

A slingback with a pointed toe and a cutout that stops it being ordinary. The detail is the whole reason to choose this one.

Overlapping leather panels build a petal-like cutout at the toe, so the shoe opens up where most dress pumps stay closed and picks up a modern edge from it. A slim slingback strap runs behind the heel with an adjustable buckle, which means the fit is set once rather than compensated for all evening. The heel is a sculpted kitten — enough lift to change the line of a leg, not enough to start the fatigue that taller heels bring on. Underneath, a cushioned footbed and arch support are placed where the weight actually lands.

The profile is slim enough to move from a weekday meeting into a weekend dinner without looking like it was chosen for one and tolerated at the other. This is the polished shoe that does not have to be taken off under the table.