Kenneth Cole Toes the Line
Almost all little girls dreamed and wished of being a ballerina when they grow up. I never untile well, into my teen years. Ok, not exactly. But it wasn’t until I was 16 that I started taking ballet classes (in support of my competitive figure skating). I was hooked on the slow, strict grace and measured movements. I liked the delicacy of ballet. I also became obsessed with pointe, even trying to teach myself to dance en pointe (or at least stand).
Many seasons ago, both Gucci and Prada featured high-heels with ribbon ties and snub toes – high fashion pointe shoes. I was never able to find them, but never forgot them. These ballet shoes by Kenneth Cole shoes may not have snub toes or high heels, but it does have long satin ribbons that tie around and around. Those satin soft ties were the huge selling point I see. Ballet-like flats are jsut ubiquitous, ina lmost all color, material, and style. Some add variations: asymmetrical toes, bows, straps, ties. But I have never found ballet flats that have copious, ribbon ties that mimic pointe shoes.
Definitely, the second part that caught my fancy was the metallic, pastel turquoise color. In case you hadn’t noticed by now, I am working on a shoe wardrobe in as many colors as possible. This particular shade, neither too bright nor too pale, is a rather unique shade. I have yet to see a color that even comes close.
Like any woman, I can never resist such a very good deal. When I found these at a Kenneth Cole outlet shop, $80 marked down to $10, I almost bought every color they had. Wouldn’t you? However, after wearing them for the first time, I was quite glad that I hadn’t. I own several other pairs of Ken Cole shoes, and love all of them; even my husband likes Kenneth Cole Shoes. But these kind of shoes are downright painful – definitely the most uncomfortable pair of shoes I ever owned. It might be my own fault though.
The very first time I worn these flats was when I was out to meet my husband for a lunch date. After lunch, I decided to head to the mall. Since the mall was just a block away from his office, and it was another gorgeous day in Los Angeles, I decided to walk. I figured “I’m wearing flats – I can walk a bit in these.”The walk there wasn’t so bad at all. While walking around the mall, my feet start to hurt… time to leave. The walk back to my car was excruciating, more painful as I go along. The back of the shoe rides up high on the heel, straigh way up to the achilles tendon, rubbing, cutting, and irritating with every single step. I will spare you the negative details, but suffice it to say, my feet were but one hell of a mess by the time I finally got to my car.
These shoes are leather, so I am certain that they just need some breaking in. However, that first day scarred me (literally and figuratively). I have been too traumatized to try them again – but they are too beautiful to give up on. Does anyone know of a support group for people who want to forgive their painful shoes?
John writes articles on a fashion blog about shoes, watches, bags and jewelry. You can read information on Kenneth Cole and other designers at his blog: Kenneth Cole Shoes dot org.