Shift toward flat shoes? your thoughts

***pinksugar*** · 07-09-2008, 11:09 PM

One of the guys at work brought this up and at first, I thought it was just me getting older and lazier, but I have to say, since he's mentioned it I do notice that more and more women are wearing flats rather than heels out and about - not just me!

Ok, the obvious thing is that they're uncomfortable and women want to be comfy at work or out at night or whatever. BUT! women have been wearing uncomfortable heels for centuries - why the sudden shift? Here are my personal thoughts as to why there might be a shift in fashions:

the heels available are much thinner and higher than before, or flat. Hardly any mid-height heels
Not to blame men, but less men stand up on buses and trains for women. It's hard to balance in super high heels if there are no seats
Stilettos are hard to maintain - they get caught in cracks and need to be reheeled. In these days of financial hardship, it's difficult to keep reheeling shoes.
My mum suggested that skirts are shorter and that lower heels look less skanky with super short skirts!

What do you guys think? I can't figure it out.

I just cant be bothered with heels anymore. They're uncomfortable, expensive, guys don't appreciate it (although that guy in my office asked me why women don't wear them as much and said he missed them - but he doesn't have to wear them all day!).. I thought it was just me getting lazier as I get older - less prepared to make effort to look good since people don't even notice. But apparently it's not.

Your thoughts pls!

***brewgrl*** · 07-09-2008, 11:22 PM

Okay- I am gald you brought this up!
Last Wednesday, I was at a bar and my friend pointed out that every girl in there was wearing flats!!! We were tripping out, because the year before, we were complaining about getting stabbed by drunk chicks in their stillettos... hahaha

***bella1342*** · 07-09-2008, 11:29 PM

I love heels! I have a super high arch, so flats actually do damage to my feet. My doc said I should always wear somewhat of a heel. Don't get me wrong... I'm not really a fan of 5 inch heels... but I just love wearing heels. I haven't really noticed if more women are wearing flats, but I'm going to try to pay attention next time I'm out. I don't blame them for wearing flats though... if I didn't have the higher arch, I probably would too.

***xtiffanyx*** · 07-09-2008, 11:33 PM

A few years ago, a lot of the flats I'd see were ugly. Nowadays there are tons of cute flats, so maybe with more options more people buy them. I still wear heels most of the time; I can't part with my stilettos

.

***pinksugar*** · 07-09-2008, 11:41 PM

Tiff, I think you're right about there being more attractive flats. I also think that it's the reverse - the heels that are out don't really appeal to me at all - and there are lots of styles that are available in the shops that I haven't really seen many people wearing, so I guess other people don't like them either!

Bella, I know what you mean - I have HEAPS of them in my wardrobe, and I'm totally more drawn to heels than flats - but when I'm getting dressed I think, hmm, I might have to walk a fair distance today, so I'll go the flats.

***blueangel1023*** · 07-10-2008, 12:20 AM

Flats are the new heels! Haha, after work I just go out to bars/lounges in flats because not only are they more comfortable to dance in, but you don't have to worry about busting your butt when you're in 3 inch heels. Not to mention I don't look like a giant being 6 ft tall, whereas when I wear my flats I'm a good 5'8. hehe

Speaking of flats, I have four pairs in my work locker. Haha, it takes up some space in my locker, but now I can match each one with my work clothes :P

Rissa928 · 07-10-2008, 01:26 AM

I'd agree with Tiffany, that there are more attractive flats out now. There seems to be a demand for it. But, one must also think about the season right now. It's summer, shoes in the summer temd to be more laid back. Besides who wants to trek around in 3 inch heels in the sand on a hot day. I know... over exaggeration, but season makes a big difference. I bet when winter comes along our beloved heels will be back in vogue.

***pinksugar*** · 07-10-2008, 04:51 AM

hmm, see in terms of the season I disagree - it's winter in Oz, and still, hardly any heels

***Karren_Hutton*** · 07-10-2008, 04:54 AM

Well before you throw all your heels away.... I'll send you my address..... and you can send any size 11's to me!!! lol I have high arches and can't wear flat anythings.... But then again I don't want to wear flat anything either...

***monniej*** · 07-10-2008, 08:11 AM

this isn't happening in my area. the ladies i see are still rocking heels most of the time. i do see some more sensible shoes like rubber wedges and chunky heels, but not too many flats.

***StereoXGirl*** · 07-10-2008, 08:12 AM

I own one pair of flats and haven't worn them in months. lol. I actually feel weird walking in flats. Like I'm wearing those floppy clown shoes. lol. I guess I'm just SOOO used to walking in heels.

I love wearing heels and wear them almost all the time!

***Nick007*** · 07-10-2008, 08:15 AM

I think it's just the trend or style now. Flats are everywhere, there what's in.

***internetchick*** · 07-10-2008, 09:25 AM

I think it's just that more styles are available. I think this time around, flats will stay. They may come and go as far as how popular they are, but I think they have become more of a staple now versus simply being a trend.

***Adrienne*** · 07-10-2008, 09:52 AM

I think it has a lot to do with the trends, especially the ballet flats.

***-Chelsey-*** · 07-10-2008, 10:22 AM

I think it has a lot to do with the different styles they've put out too. I am not a fan of ballet flats at all but I've noticed a lot of girls getting into that trend lately too.