Founder of SPANX, Sara Blakely, introduces Sneex, a luxury sneaker line responding to the growing consumer preference for stylish and comfortable footwear.
Sara Blakely, founder of the popular women’s shapewear brand SPANX, has recently unveiled her latest venture: Sneex, a luxury sneaker brand designed with both style and comfort in mind. Launched amidst a shift in consumer priorities towards comfort-led footwear, Sneex reflects a growing demand among women for shoes that combine aesthetics with wellness. Blakely emphasized her vision, stating, “Sneex are my love letter to every woman who has taken her shoes off at a party, who wears flats to work with heels in her bag, who thought her days of wearing heels were over.”
The global footwear industry is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from the traditional understanding that prioritized style over comfort. The pandemic has played a pivotal role in this change, as remote work and the decreased necessity for formal attire led consumers to prioritize comfort during long hours spent at home. As a result, an increasing number of women report difficulties wearing high heels, with some noting changes in foot shape after prolonged use of roomier, more supportive footwear.
Market dynamics are shifting to reflect these trends. Brands such as Allbirds, VIVAIA, HOKA, and On have experienced soaring sales, fueled not only by performance but by stylish designs that appeal to a new kind of consumer. For instance, VIVAIA recently opened its first stand-alone store in SoHo, New York City, signaling its profit from this evolving market.
Industry experts have noted physical changes in women’s feet due to these lifestyle shifts. Orthopaedists and podiatrists have tracked adaptations among women who, after spending time in comfortable, wider shoes, are experiencing wider feet, altered arches, and decreased tolerance for high heels. These changes underscore a broader narrative around footwear: the growing acceptance of comfort as a central component, rather than an afterthought.
Luxury fashion houses have also responded to this transition by adding performance elements to their designs, integrating features like arch support and technical materials while maintaining high price points. The traditional landscapes of fashion, previously dominated by towering stilettos, are gradually giving way to designs characterized by chunky soles and sporty silhouettes.
Forecasts predict that the global footwear market will exceed $412 billion by 2027, with segments focused on casual and comfort-driven styles set to outpace conventional formal styles. According to a 2024 consumer survey released by Statista, the factor of comfort has become increasingly important, with 65% of global respondents citing it as their primary purchasing criterion, a marked rise from 48% a decade ago. Furthermore, the sales of hybrid footwear that blends support and style are expanding nearly twice as fast as regular fashion shoes.
This emerging trend also reflects a broader shift in consumer perceptions surrounding comfort. The terms that were once associated with practical shoes, such as “orthopaedic,” now signify innovation and luxury rather than a lack of style. Language surrounding footwear has evolved, with concepts of “cushioning,” “support,” and “zero-drop” becoming part of the everyday conversation around shoe choices, suggesting an integrated understanding between health, comfort, and fashion.
However, despite these changes, the communication of comfort within retail environments remains a gap. While many performance brands have adopted techniques like fit assessments and gait analysis, many fashion-oriented retailers have yet to embrace comfort as a primary selling point. This presents an opportunity for retailers to enhance customer experiences by integrating fit technologies and expertise into their sales strategies.
The evolving footwear landscape signifies a quiet revolution, as consumers increasingly opt for shoes that prioritize comfort and style, challenging long-held norms of beauty and poise in the industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
