“I just can’t be bothered anymore.”

This was a statement a friend and I mutually agreed upon when out for a Friday night dinner in Darling Harbour. Now before you panic, we weren’t talking about anything all that serious (though some may beg to differ). We had decided that we had given up on heels… well, kind of.

As we chowed down on some pizza, we watched as groups of young 20-somethings uneasily stumbled out of taxis and tottered along on 5-inch cobalt and hot pink suede platforms. It was somewhat comforting to know that these girls weren’t us.

I say this as myself, a uni-student, recently cleared an entire shelf in my wardrobe to house my “prettiest” heels – the studded black ones, the fuschia wedges, my super-high beige strappies… you know the sort.

But recently, I’ve found myself opting more and more frequently for flats – largely out of comfort, and with the knowledge that by the end of a night in heels, I’ll find myself wearing the spare pair in my bag, or even worse, without shoes at all. Definitely not a good look!
 

Before you protest - I know I’m not the only one. It appears a flat revolution is upon us. It’s no longer unusual to find young women out and about in town on a Saturday night in shoes that take them closer to the ground. And you know something is up when even the queen of heels (or should I say, lack thereof when she wore those ridiculous heelless boots) Victoria Beckham is opting for the flatter sort since slipping a disc in her back last year. Ouch!
 

I know, I know. There are reasons why we endure the pain – besides adding a whole lot of va-va-voom to your step; they can also make you feel oh so glamourous. With years of dancing resulting in whopper calf-muscles, I do personally realise the slimming benefits heels have on your legs.


But while we may be able to put up with the blisters and bunions for a night each week, there are serious long-term health risks that wearing the tall-sort can produce: the shortening of your calf muscles, loaded pressure on your joints, varicose vains, hyperextension of your knees, a tilted pelvis and a spine whacked out of alignment – and that’s just the start of a pretty ugly situation.

Now while I’m not advocating we ditch the heels altogether (that shelf in my wardrobe is certainly not designed to be a museum), I’m suggesting the idea that we trade in our heels every once in a while for flats. Because really, let’s face it: the fact is that the growing styles of flats on the market mean you really don’t have any excuse not to try it. And I’ll prove it!
 

Excuse #1: “Flats are generally boring.”
 

Completely wrong! Just because they don’t have stilts on the back doesn’t mean flats still can’t be colourful, quirky and just plain cool. The ongoing colour blocking trend has risen in the form of flats as well – check out these bright yellow Chloes, and for a more affordable sort, these red suede cut-outs from ASOS. And I can tell you now; you won’t be able to find a pair of ultra-comfy and trendy moccasins in heels – at least not at the moment.
 

Excuse #2: “Heels make me feel glamorous." 


Enjoy dazzling crowds in your party heels that would rival those of Priscilla Queen of the Desert? Don’t think this still can’t be done in flats. These Carvella flats sport bright blue glitter with bows, while these shiny Michael Kors hot pink flats add some pop to any outfit. For those with an inner-wild side (or if you’re just like me, and love a bit of leopard print), these Quinnie pointed toe flats add that little bit of glamour to your look.
 

Excuse #3: “I need a smart and classy pair for big meetings.”

Okay, I understand. Sometimes plain black flats just don’t cut it. You want to look smart but you also want to look like you’ve made some effort into your appearance when you have a large work meeting, conference or function. These shiny patent Sportsgirl flats show that Mary Janes can look just as spiffy without the heels, while those keen for a touch of Chanel can try these black and white quilted lookalikes from Bally. And if you still want professional but want to add some colour, these yellow and brown loafers from River Island are the perfect pick – very affordable and with unique detailing like tassles and chains.
 

Excuse #4: “Only heels can take me from day to night.”

Sorry to say, but you’re wrong again. There are a myriad of options right at your fingertips for solving the day-to-night shoe dilemma. Sandals are your first point of call – metallics can often add some formality to any outfit (like these ASOS Ferne sandals) and jewelled detailing are the perfect accompaniment to any evening maxi-dress, while still working with day-wear. If you need more cover on your tootsies, a style like these studded flats from Marais is your pick. The gold studs and t-straps take plain black flats to a whole new level!

Excuse #5: “I’ve got some serious cankle-issues.”

Probably the most common excuse for wearing heels is that you’d like to give your legs the chance to look that little bit more lean – and fair enough. But these sorts of illusions also work with flats if you know what you’re looking for. Nude-coloured shoes – flat or heeled – are known for their ability to make legs appear longer, and for those fretting about their ‘cankles’, sandals with a strap give your leg definition as they break up your calves and ankles. And what better way than to combine the two with these braided-strap flats from Chloe?

Note: Prices of shoes listed above are approximate as they depend upon international currency rate conversions.


Would you be willing to ditch your stilettos in favour of flats?


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