We’ve all got a bit more used to caring less about what department our clothes come from these days with many of us picking up a cool t-shirt or pair of trousers from the womens department if the fit is right. Graham has even been known to buy the largest sizes in the kids department for a sweatshirt or two. But shoes have mostly stuck to very rigid gender boundaries for some reason. Maybe it’s because high heels are seen as very culturally gender defining but beyond a spiky strappy sandal, it’s strange that ‘neutral’ styles like loafers, Chelsea boots and sneakers still get divided into mens and womens. Zalando is aiming to change all that however with a new collection called “Walk A Mile”.
Teaming with European designer brands such as Holzweiler, MISBHV, Filling Pieces and Eckhaus Latta, Zalando have created fourteen pieces of footwear, ranging from boots, clogs, loafers and, yes, heels that come in sizes 35 to 46 thus opening them up to everyone from Cinderella to Prince Charming. Sure, the launch presentation in Berlin homed in on ballroom vogueing and partying but, outside the clubland vibe, these are shoes that work well in everyday life whatever foot size or gender you identify with. A good step forward we think!
