Upon first glance, this combination is definitely eye-catching. Part of the reaction is making sense of what you are looking at, and the other part is digesting how well the contradiction works. Typically, heels give the impression of being sexy, grown, and confident. The popularization of shorter heels into corky or casual outfits has proven how there is something about a heel (at any length) that elevates the outfit to a more mature standard. Conversely, sneakers have the same effect of pulling together an outfit with a more laid-back vibe. It gives the impression of not trying when you are still trying hard to look put together.
So, to combine both contradicting perspectives requires achieving a level of balance that requires a good eye. Throughout @sonsmall.nys Instagram account, he shares his process of taking a signature sneaker, maintaining the logo integrity while fitting it into a silhouette of a heel. He does this with several brands ranging from New Balance, Nike, and Adidas. He even has a Levis Croc that he created. His craftmanship is unique and brings a fresh feeling of heels and sneakers. It’s cool to see how he was able to bring the most fashionable elements of a heel and sneaker together (despite their contradictions) in a way that adds dimension to an outfit.
Sometimes, combinations like these can sound off-putting. However, through his creativity, this combination looks stylish. Automatically, it’s easy to visualize this shoe casually with a fun baggy pant or being an outfit statement when worn with a long, simple skirt and top. The way he keeps the integrity of the brand and uses the lace-up section as the accessory point of the shoe gives it so much personality. At the same time, having the height and silhouette of a heel brings an element of maturity and elegance to the look. Visually contradicting fashion is finally a realm that people are beginning to accept more of. Much of this can be attributed to the value of fashion rewarding the expression of personality.
That said, it opens up a conversation on what consumers are craving. It’s clear that people are bored of the expected and crave a more relatable and real brand, voice, or social expression. Although this shift is exciting, it’s the first time there has been a new surge of unpredictability in the creative space. This desire reveals how almost everything has been done at one point or another, making it natural for the next phase of expression to be a space for combining and creating based on what has always worked. In this instance, the cross-over of a heel and shoe sounds good but is hard to materialize – until now.
Overall, craftsmanship like this is becoming more common online, and it also feels like a fun new perspective to add to fashion. Consumer demand is changing, and those desires are always reflected in the creativity society focuses on, such as beauty trends, fashion trends, or lifestyle practices. Popularizing this direction is exciting because it means that a broader sphere of creativity is appreciated. Can you pull off this fun take on a heel?