Wear n’ Tear
A good example of a sturdy but stylish ballet pump. Etty by Moda in Pelle from their Spring Summer Range
by Grainne
If ever anything should be deemed ‘unfit for purpose’ it’s the kind of shoes an awful lot of people are wearing around these days. No, I’m not talking about those vertiginous high heels we see young women (and sometimes older women who really ought to know better) teeter around in on nights out, but the ballet flats that have been fashionable for some time.
I mention this now because it seems it’s a trend that’s set to continue. What’s this you say? Why criticise these pretty and comfortable ultra-flat pumps?
First of all, I’m not criticising all of them. I like flat shoes, per se. That is I like the sturdier ones, the ones with a proper sole. I’ve a few pairs of them myself.
It’s the much flimsier ones that are all the rage that I have a problem with. Come on ladies, look at ‘em. Constructed from cheap materials they scuff and tear, sole separating from upper in ultra quick time, leaving the wearer looking scruffy and feet unkempt. Time was when a decent pair of shoes was considered a wardrobe staple. The average flip flop, plimsoll or sandal is a good bit sturdier than these little absurdities. I’ve seen slippers made of stronger materials. But they are cheap and cheerful, I hear you say! Cheap maybe, but there’s nothing cheerful about being shod in falling apart shoes. If they really are bought by the cash strapped then it’s false economy because they simply don’t stand up to prolonged wear and one decent pair of shoes would end up costing considerably less than the half dozen pairs of such flimsy whimsies that’d be needed to see you through a season. And remember women, these are your feet we’re talking about. Pounding footpath and road daily. Do you really want to feel every stone, every sharp object, every piece of detritus that litters your path? Not to mention the more serious consequences to the wearer caused by their lack of support Put feet first, I say, and bin these shoddy little shoes.
Tags: Consumer, footwear, Shoes, value