Women Shift Away from Stilettos as Comfort Takes Precedence in Footwear Choices

In a notable shift in fashion trends, women are increasingly abandoning stilettos in favor of more comfortable footwear options. Research from UK footwear retailer Kurt Geiger indicates a significant rise in sales of flat shoe styles, particularly those with low heels of two inches or fewer, such as ballerina flats and loafers. This trend appears to be a direct response to lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many women spent extended periods at home in casual footwear like slippers and flip-flops. Podiatrists suggest that the lockdowns may have contributed to a physical adjustment in women's feet, making them more accustomed to flatter styles. As a result, high-heeled shoes, particularly those with four-inch heels or higher, now represent only a small fraction of non-flat shoe sales. Kurt Geiger's creative director, Rebecca Farrar-Hockley, notes that customers are now seeking "occasionwear" that balances height with comfort, leading to a surge in popularity for platformed flats and sandals. The resurgence of retro styles from the 1990s and 2000s, including kitten heels and ballet flats, has also played a role in this evolving footwear landscape. This shift towards more modest heel heights is not only a fashion statement but may also provide orthopedic benefits, as high heels are often linked to painful foot conditions such as hammer toes and bunions. As comfort becomes a priority, it seems that the era of stilettos may be waning.