Un-supportive Shoes?

While browsing through the pages of the August 2009 issue of Elle, I came across a pair of ponyskin pumps from Nina Ricci, with no heels. The pump is several inches high with a large, sloped platform that looks like it was inspired by elf shoes.

I've seen something like this before on Victoria Beckham--a pair of thigh high vinyl boots by Antonio Berardi which she donned at a fragrance launch. Yet even Victoria's pairs seem a little comfier than those Nina Ricci shoes.

As stated to the The Daily Mail, a representative from the British Chiropody and Podiatry Association has said "I certainly would not recommend these shoes. The heel is there to stabilise. When you elevate the rear of the foot it makes you lean forward, which is bad for both the back and the food."

I'm curious about these shoes and if I could have a chance to try them on, I would--just to see how long I'd last striding in them. I'm imagining that walking on them is like being perpetually on your toe with a large paperweight beneath them.


They're fascinating but I guess these heel-less pieces are better to look at then worn on your feet--displayed proudly beside other deviant pairs like the famous Vivienne Westwood platforms that Naomi Campbell tripped in.