Kenneth Cole Leads The Shoe Line Empire

Most little girls dream of being a ballerina when they grow up. I didn’t until well into my teens. 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 similarly became obsessed with ballet pointe shoes, even trying to teach myself to strut en pointe or at least stand on them.

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 ties were the big selling point for me. 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 failed to notice by now, I am working on a shoe wardrobe in as many colors as possible. This specific shade, neither too striking nor too pale, is a rather peculiar shade. I have yet to see a color that even comes close.

Like any woman, I can’t resist a 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 shoes are downright painful – possibly the most uncomfortable pair I own. 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 strolling around the mall, my feet started to feel pain… 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, all the way up to the Achilles tendon… rubbing, cutting, irritating with every 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.