Flats are back

Once upon a time stilettos (high heels) and platform heels were the queens in the footwear market. Flats - often considered their poor cousins - were relegated to an unflattering corner on the display racks. But since the past couple of years or so, young ladies have been toeing a new line.Heels, -synonymous with style and glamour is slowly giving way to fashionable flats among most. Both college goers and young office-going women are increasingly finding flats a better option in terms of comfort and health. Sensing this, manufactures of various brands too have been adding to their stock an array of attractive and fancy footwear in flats.“Flats are more comfortable for college use as we are always in a rush to reach classes in time. They don’t cause cramps or aches even after a long walk,” says Anu, student of Rajagiri college. People who earlier used high heels are now moving to flats. “I am a short person and that’s why I used heels but it created back problems for me. So I gradually changed to flat sandals which I feel is more comfortable,” says Anju, St Teresa’s College.The other reason why youngsters are choosing flats is for health and fitness reasons.“High heels are never good for health. It gives back pain, can cause foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes and the like,” says Dr Saji John, Crescent Hospital, Palakkad. Also, there’s always a fear of getting sprains and fractures with heels.For media professional Preeti Nair, flats and shoes are desirable from a fitness point of view. “I end up walking quite a lot in a day, and it doesn’t make sense to do so in heels. With flats, it becomes a good work-out. I do wear heels for special occasions or at times when I know I wouldn’t moving around too much. But these situations are less. My preferred choice is always flat-heels - that way the posture is taken care of, and one doesn’t compromise with one’s health either.”“40 per cent of customers who come to our shop go for flat heels,” says Jenson K John, manager, Mochi. Colourful,imported slippers with latest designs are much sought-after among college students, he adds. The price for these start from Rs 190 which makes it all the more attractive. Girls can have a whole collection of footwear which can go with their wardrobe. The middle aged crowd prefers leather flats. But even in this category new designs have come up in the market.There’s plenty to choose among shoes also, a favourite with both collegians and office goers.“Peep toes - a current hit- is quite ideal for work-place as it gives a nice, formal yet classy look. The price range is from Rs 990 to Rs 1090. Back open shoes will now give way to closed shoes as we slip into the winter season,” says Jenson.Gladiator, inspired from ancient  Greek slippers, is another trendy wear that is becoming a favourite among girls. “Females are increasingly using flats that go with casual wear like skinny jeans and trousers,” says Jimshi V K, sales personnel, Metro.In the women’s category whatever be the fashion, a diverse range is there to choose from, unlike men’s footwear. “The reason is that men usually go for quality and women go for looks,” says Jimshi.And for ladies who can’t do without flat even for parties, shoe manufacturers have introduced an array of flat sandals and slippers in party wear, to make sure your feet looks dressy enough. They are as stylish and classy as stilettos.