The Kiwi Kitten Flower vs The Kiwi 40 Icon: Heel Comparison
By Birdies | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Comparisons
Compare Birdies' Kiwi Kitten Flower and Kiwi 40 Icon heels. We break down the differences in heel height, materials, and comfort to help you choose the right pair.
Quick answer
Choose The Kiwi Kitten Flower if you want a statement velvet slide with a tiny covered heel for dancing and special occasions. Choose The Kiwi 40 Icon if you prefer a slightly taller block heel with arch support and a more versatile, everyday nubuck finish.
Heel height and stability trade-off
The Kiwi Kitten Flower features a tiny, covered kitten heel that lifts you just slightly—ideal for long hours on the dance floor without sacrificing comfort. The Kiwi 40 Icon uses a small block heel (40mm) that offers a bit more height and a wider base for extra stability on uneven surfaces.
If you prioritize a barely-there lift and a delicate silhouette, the kitten heel wins. If you want a more pronounced heel with better balance, the 40 Icon is the safer bet.
Material and style differences
The Kiwi Kitten Flower comes in Burgundy Velvet with an oversized red velvet flower—a bold, festive statement piece. The Kiwi 40 Icon is crafted from Sunflower Nubuck, a soft, breathable suede-like material that feels more understated and pairs easily with both casual and dressy outfits.
Velvet is delicate and best reserved for indoor events, while nubuck is more durable and forgiving for daily wear.
How to decide between these two Birdies heels
- Go with The Kiwi Kitten Flower if…: You want a show-stopping velvet slide with a tiny covered heel for holiday parties, dancing, or any occasion where you want to stand out. The velvet insole adds a luxurious feel, but the delicate flower and velvet material are less suited for rain or rough surfaces.
- Go with The Kiwi 40 Icon if…: You need a versatile, everyday block heel that offers more height (40mm) and superior arch support. The nubuck finish is more durable and pairs with jeans, dresses, and workwear. The trade-off: you lose the dramatic velvet flower and the barely-there kitten heel aesthetic.
- Consider your primary use case: If you attend multiple formal events per season, the Kitten Flower is a worthy investment. If you want one heel that works from desk to dinner, the 40 Icon is the more practical pick. Both models use Birdies' signature comfort insoles, but the 40 Icon's arch support gives it an edge for all-day wear.
Product details
- The Kiwi Kitten Flower - Burgundy Velvet: Anatomic shaped comfort insole covered in soft Burgundy velvet, with a tiny covered kitten heel. The velvet insole and low heel make this slide exceptionally comfortable for all-night wear at parties or weddings.
The Kiwi Kitten Flower - Burgundy Velvet - The Kiwi 40 Icon - Sunflower Nubuck: Flexible front contoured insole with full arch support and seven layers of cushioning, on a tiny block heel. The arch support and layered cushioning provide all-day comfort, making the 40 Icon a better choice for walking or standing for long periods.
The Kiwi 40 Icon - Sunflower Nubuck
Which heel fits you best?
Best for
- Those who want a statement velvet heel for special occasions and dancing
- Anyone who prefers a barely-there kitten heel with a covered, delicate look
Not for
- Those who need a daily-wear heel with more height and arch support
- Anyone looking for a versatile, all-weather nubuck finish
