Saks 5th Avenue: Spring Shoe Week S/S 09

So you know that Saks ships to Canada, right?

They calculate all the duties, before you check out so there is no
surprise when you get your order.  I know, I know.  Beyond amazing.

Lets have a little fun today and check out the
glorious selection of Dr. Stephanie Approved shoes that come from our
American friends from a little street we love. 

Lets talk high-fashion, shall we?

YSL Tribtoo Slingbacks
$911.41 CAD
Heel: 100mm (4''), Platform: 40mm (1.5'')
Leather Sole

So someone, somewhere is crying. Explicitly written under every Tribtoo YSL on the Saks's online store is the following caveat for purchase:

DUE TO HIGH DEMAND, A CUSTOMER MAY ORDER NO MORE THAN THREE UNITS OF THIS ITEM EVERY THIRTY DAYS.

Rats.  I guess I can only get the chocolate lizard print, blue lizard print, and black leather this time around.  ;)

So these give the appearance of being really high, killer stilettos, but with the relative heel to forefoot height, we are only talking about about a 2.5'' heel elevation.  Not bad at all.  Almond toe front gives a wee point but is not severe enough to disrupt natural toe movement during walking.  

Christian Louboutin Double Platform Slingbacks
$701.50 CAD (from $1003.13 CAD)
Heel: 5'', Platform 1.25 ''

Exactly the reason why I must design shoes for this label.  Double platform shoes?  Absolutely. Brilliant.

Sky high 5'' heels are brought back down to the pavement with 1.25 inch platforms.  They are practically flats!

Leather peep toes can be slightly uncomfortable when initially breaking them in, I would go up a half size here. Your foot will naturally slip forward in a heel this high, so it will be necessary to have a slightly wider toe box to accommodate this phenomenon. 

Relative heel elevation is 3.75''...ok so..not quite flats.  These girls are great candidate for heel orthotics, and the interior has leather lining which means it will lovingly accommodate said orthotics.

Giuseppe Zanotti Foldover Boots
$1089.11 CAD
Heel: 100mm (4''), Platform 25mm (1'')
Leather lining and sole

Um... so...yeah. These rock.

Holy expensive.  But holy hanna.  *planting money tree* 

Again, love that they look high, but the relative heel height is only 3''.  Nice rounded toe for optimal forefoot and toe movement during walking.  This boot has a padded insole as well, albeit generic. 

Christian Louboutin Dillian Flower Pumps
$1943.20 CAD
Heel : 4.5'', Platform (hidden): 0.75''
Leather lining and sole

I am really trying not to make this all about looboos. Really, I am.  But the man knows good shoes.

Almond-pointed toe to elongate the leg, while still allowing for some of the benefits of a round toe - like toe wiggle and placement.  I would, again, due to the height of the shoe, and the way this particular style tends to fit -  go up at least a half size up.  For those of you with a wider toe-box - try a full size larger.

Heel orthotics are a must here.

Chie Mihara Suede Ankle-Strap Pumps
$418.45 CAD
Heel : 3.75'' (95mm), Platform (hidden): 0.75'' (20mm)
Leather lining

Blue suede shoes. Seriously - Elvis would be so happy.

Cute little every day, or work heels, right?  Rubber soles will make the shoe more flexible, which are great for prolonged standing or walking.  These could easily carry you into work drinks in the evening.  Leather lining also accommodate heel orthotics should you need them too.  The rounded toe is optimal again for approximating normal foot movements during walking.

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In general, these shoes are all have a higher heel.  Most have a pretty high platform which can offset this height, which is good news!

However, your foot will usually slip forward when the shoe height is this high, so it is recommended to go up at least a half size to give the front of your foot more wiggle room and breathing space. 

Summer heat, skin aggravation, and having the foot sliding forward in the shoe all demand a larger size than your normal one.  Don't worry!  No one cares what your shoe size is!! Heel orthotics also will help with the slide forward in the shoe as well as modify your walking pattern - so you can be tall, fabulous, and know you are protecting your precious feet!

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With that said, my first shoe week has come to a close!  I cannot say how easy it was to work with some of these companies, and their PR and marketing teams. I am very much looking forward to covering more shoes and companies in the fall/winter season.  If you have suggestions about places (or even a particular shoe) in Toronto that you would like to see reviewed, or would like to contact me about featuring your shoes, please email me!  I am very open to hearing your thoughts.

Dr. S

xo