Shoe Trends – the Stupid & the Sublime

The adage, “History repeats itself,” applies itself in many facets of our lives, but the one in which it shouldn't is in footwear. Good things, such as comfort, style and affordable prices should be perennial, but Stupid Shoe Trends should be nuked.

Photo Credit: Luello

Take kitten heels. Because a full 50 years have passed since these heels have tapped runways and hallways, that doesn't mean they are “due” for a revival. Have you forgotten, dear highly-paid designer, that these were considered “training heels” for teenagers?

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Campbell @ Solestruck

And how about platform shoes? Please! Take them outside, deposit them in the nearest dumpster and slam the lid closed, if you would. Platforms may have been…cute in the 1990s, but shoe designers, trust us: Adding stripes, flowers and paisley designs does not make this repeat acceptable. The world has progressed—we're in the 21st century, for cripe's sake. You may be targeting the teeny-bopper crowd, but when you make them in women's sizes, you insult our intelligence and our fashion sense.

Photo Credit : Style.MTV.com

And don't even get me started on Flatforms; truly insulting! That hybrid of platform shoes, flats and clogs–with a chunky heel for bad measure–are just too atrocious for more space here. Designers, let me ask you a question: Why do you honestly expect us to reinforce your complete lack of imagination and originality by thrusting these monstrosities upon us and expecting us to be so foolish as to buy them? Combining multiple poor design elements does not make them right!

Fortunately, not all revived, renewed shoe trends are as horrible as the above three. Take sandals, for instance.

Loeffler Randall, United Bamboo, ASOS, French Connection  @ Refinery29

Still available in many materials from leather to rubber, sandals can provide great air flow to keep your feet cooler in the summer heat while gracing summer fashion with looks from the ultra-casual flip flop to the “dressed to the nines” calf-strap sandals. You can dress down with sandals, and you can certainly dress up as well.

Fred Perry Sneaker @ Little Burgundy

Tennis shoes or sneakers maintain their comfort and versatility. While rarely appropriate for wear to a business meeting, styles and structure allow for hours of wear without surrendering to torture.

Photo Credit: Edmundo Castillo @ LuisaViaRoma

While extended wear is almost always painful from the stress on heels and toes as well as the calf, the elegance of the stiletto is just superb. For those who can wear them well and not break their necks, the stiletto melds elegance, sass and eye-catching style. If they could make a comfortable version, women everywhere would make it a continual best-seller. Some might even wear them to the grocery store. Except in boots. We won't go there.

Do you think people would notice if we design our very own line of shoes? We could combine the comfortable support of a sneaker with the simplicity of a well-made sandal and call it The ShoeTease Special Edition. We could make a winter version with a hook-and-loop wrap. We'd probably make a fortune if we showcased it at a fashion show.

After all, that's how “new, innovative ideas” are introduced, right?

The better question, though, might be which ‘new'–the original one decades ago or the revamped one, desperately revived from lack of creativity and imagination by current designers.

Holly

This article was written by Holly Miller of Coupon Croc, where you can save on all your favorite shoe brands when you shop online with Debenhams discount codes.

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