You've spent years adjusting to life on stilettos but guess what? What goes up must come down and it's time to invest in some midi heels. Georgia Axtell-Powell reports
If anybody had told me a year ago that midi heels were set to be the footwear of choice for SS13, I'd have laughed in their face before squirming at the thought of an unflattering kitten heel.
For years heels have been getting increasingly taller and more painful; by the end of 2012 the fashion world was practically tottering around on ten inch stilts (I'm blaming you Lady Gaga)... that is until now.
Inevitably, what goes up must come down, and so the in-your-face skyscraper heel is out and the demure midi is in.
Designers such as Miu Miu has moved things closer to earth with its OTM block midi heels, while Valentino didn't compromise on elegance when designing a range of pointed-toe midi heels.
Even Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo, who are well-known for their bigger-the-better approach when it comes to heel height, have produced a number of midi heels. Naturally the high street has followed suit and this new easygoing sole companion is set to make happy feet across the land.
Celebrity poster girls who have already adopted the midi include Alexa Chung, Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey, but the pioneer of this new height?
Kate Middleton, who is rarely seen out of her L.K. Bennett numbers. Shoe designer Kat Maconie explains why this shoe appeals to busy women saying they make sense for people who are "always on the go".
But the joy of the midi goes beyond comfort. Personally, I like the fact they're more sympathetic to the shorter men. If, like me, you are over 5"6', a pair of 1' – 2.5' heels will leave you feeling less like the BFG and more ladylike.
Stylist Heather Shears recommends teaming a chunkier midi heel with a monochrome pencil dress and a slick of black eyeliner for a sixties inspired look.
She adds "Wear skinny jeans with a sharp point-toe midi heel to give the illusion of height and an extended leg line without the pain of a serious high heel."
But is the humble midi heel really a match for the fierce stiletto? After years of being inspired by Carrie Bradshaw in her heels higher than the New York skyline, are we ready to end our obsession with the super-skyscraper?
Well, with all the reality stars being papped unable to walk in their flashy yet trashy mega-heels, a more graceful shoe, as seen on real fashion icons, is a welcome change.
So will you be wearing the effortlessly glam yet practical midi heel? Go on, your feet will thank you for it.
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