Skechers, Australia’s latest ‘it’ shoe

IT’S definitely no Louboutin, but Skechers are running out the door in Australia. Could this be the end of wearing uncomfortable shoes?

Skechers. Shape Ups. Mary Jane in nubuck silver/stone. Shoes.

IT’S definitely no Louboutin, but Skechers shoes are running out the door in Australia, with the company reporting a 35 per cent rise in sales in the June financial quarter.

The brand, who are known for their comfortable slip-ons and pastel-coloured running shoes, claim to be a “billion-dollar plus global leader in the high performance and lifestyle footwear industry,” with “more than 3,000 styles for men, women and children.” Thanks to their recent success, they’re planning to open another three flagship stores in Australia by the year’s end.

Skechers Shape Ups.

So could this truly be the end of uncomfortable heels, and the beginning of a beautiful relationship with our feet? Yes, according to Skechers co-founder and president Michael Greenberg.

“People are really into dressing comfortable today — it’s more of a relaxed lifestyle,” he told the Financial Review.

“We’re never going to be in the business of manufacturing stilettos or heels,” he said — and thank goodness for that, if recent runway trends are anything to go by.

A model walks the runway during the Vionnet show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 on September 24, 2014 in Paris, France. Photo by Francois Durand

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that ‘flatform’ footwear is back: “With plenty of support built into artful soles, these platforms are footwear that women might wear all day without having to secretly remove it under the table to wiggle pinched toes.”

Comfortable shoes were a staple both on and off the runway in Paris, Milan and London during the Spring/Summer 2015 showings, and hey — if it’s good enough for Christina and Cara, it’s good enough for us.

Christina Aguilera was the face of Skechers in 2003.

The Leitmotiv collection during the 2015 Spring/Summer Milan Fashion Week on September 22, 2014. Picture: TIZIANA FABI

Cara Delevingne and Kate Moss attend the Burberry Prorsum show during London Fashion Week Spring Summer 2015 on September 15, 2014 in London, England. Photo by Anthony Harvey.

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