Another New Shoe For You: The Flatform!

Flatforms vs Platforms

Yes, you heard it right! It’s the flatform, not the platform!

The flatform is really just a flat sandal elevated on a platform sole. This geisha-inspired look is basically one of those styles that you either love or you don’t. And it’s another shoe that is trying to compensate for the painful high heels that have been so prevalent in past seasons. (Remember yesterday’s post on the Mid-Heel?) Women are asking for change. Women are wanting the height that the high heel gives but without the foot pain associated with them, so the shoe makers and designers are trying to come up with different ways to solve this problem and give women what they want…but in a stylish shoe. So take a look at these examples and tell me if they accomplished that goal!

Flatforms by Derek Lam

Flatforms by Derek Lam

Flatforms by Phillip Lim

 

Flatforms by Marc Jacobs

Flatform 'Arco' Espadrille by Robert Clergerie

One more example I want to show you is a look from the 70’s that was part of the inspiration for this new trend: the wooden wedges. Remember these? 🙂

Platform Wooden Sandal by Buffalo

So tell me what you think…do you like this look? Or is it too fashion-forward?

Footwear News also took a poll of women of all ages and asked them if they thought that this look was a Hit or a Miss? Their results: 1 in 4 women said that this look was a Hit. I know you can do the math, but I still want to say it: that leaves 3 out of 4 women saying that this look is a Miss!

I have to agree with the majority for these reasons: 1. Women who love their high heels do just that…they love their high heels and getting them to switch to a flat, even if it is a flatform, is not easy! It’s going to be a hard job to convert high heel lovers to liking this look. 2. Women who love their flats don’t really care too much about adding extra height to themselves. They are more concerned with comfort. 3. The small percentage of women who will try this look (maybe 25%, or less, in my opinion) may like it or not like it once they try out the shoes.  So I say that Footwear News and their poll were right on with this one!

On another note, would I try them out myself? Sure! I love trying new shoes! 🙂

But do YOU like these shoes? Do YOU like this trend? Or do YOU still prefer your high heels (or flat flats)?

Dedicated to your foot health and to your shoes,

Dr. Michele, The Shoe Expert

“All Shoes, All the Time!”