It never ceases to amaze me how few designers consider the importance of comfort in their styles, despite advances in technology that really should make the unwearable quite wearable. Don't they realise that however sexy and slinky their shoes look on the shelf, nobody will buy a second pair if they also destroy feet?
Finally, more major brands are beginning to wake up to the fact that today's women demand a little more comfort in their style, but it was particularly exciting to hear that such a big designer name as Kenneth Cole had taken on the challenge. The US shoe guru has come up with a range of sandals, heels and flats using brand new comfort technology incorporating memory foam and flax seed. He seems to have achieved the apparently impossible, and designed shoes that are seriously comfy, but really don't look it!
When I caught up with Kenneth in London yesterday, he told me that he intends his range to be 'the most comfortable shoe a woman can look good in'. He recognises the fact that our tastes are more practical and realistic than ever before, and wanted to design a collection that responds to that need. The collection has already had huge success in the states, and is available now at House of Fraser.
You heard it ladies: There's definitely no excuse for Uggs and Crocs now!
The range will be available online from Monday; prices start at £125 and go up to £190.
