Are these $228 convertible heel to flat shoes the solution to sore feet? I put them to the test to find out
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There’s no denying that closet space is a finite resource, so any wardrobe items that can perform double duty are a win in my books. Personally, shoes are one of my biggest style weaknesses, despite my best intentions at keeping my growing collection to a minimum.
That’s one of the reasons that I was so intrigued when I recently heard about Pashion Footwear — the brand that prides itself on being “the world’s first fully convertible heels.” The brand has also just come out with a new Nude Suite collection of heel to flat shoes in four skin-toned shades for the ultimate in versatility.
I ended up putting a pair of the D'Orsay Patent Block 3" to the test to see how convertible they truly are, and whether they’ll be replacing any of the heels and flats currently in my closet.
SHOP IT: Pashion, $185 USD/$228 CAD
The details
Like all shoes from Pashion Footwear, the D’Orsay uses the brand’s patent-pending Stelo support system to create an innovative heel to flat design. A removable heel insert with an extended sole creates the structure that's needed for added height, while a memory foam midsole provides arch support for flats.
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The D’Orsay shoes from Pashion Footwear aren’t necessarily reinventing the classic footwear style, but they are a unique way to bring some added versatility to your closet. All of the brand’s assortment of removable heels are completely interchangeable, meaning you can go from a wooden block heel one day to a rhinestone heel in just seconds. You can also switch things up depending on your mood, and choose between 3” or 4” heel heights.
Based on the brand’s sizing chart, I followed the recommendations and opted for a half-size smaller than usual in order to get the best fit. I’d say that I have an average width but need extra room in the toes, which is why I went with a half-size down rather than a full size as the brand suggests. If you do have a narrower foot, you may want to opt for a full size down before you buy.
As heels, I found that they fit really well and gave plenty of cushion, though admittedly I was only wearing them for short periods of time around the house. As flats, I was a little less impressed by the shoes, because their curved sole when the heel is removed definitely takes some getting used to.
The insole still provides plenty of cushioning, but I wasn’t a huge fan of how the toes curve slightly upwards. They do flatten out with every step and when you’re standing, but the curved fit is especially noticeable when you’re sitting down. That said, it was pretty easy to transition from heels to flats, making these a perfect choice for long days on your feet.
What shoppers have to say
Available in six classic shades and a handful of rotating seasonal styles, shoppers have called the D’Orsay shoes both “cute and comfortable.” Though they have only received a handful of reviews so far, they’ve earned a 4.4-star rating in the process.
“Elegant, versatile, masterfully engineered! The shoes are great and it's true that they are more comfortable as flats than regular flats and more comfortable as heels than regular heels. The propulsion effect is there and I love it,” shared one reviewer.
“I travel regionally for work, so the flat-to-heel concept was really appealing to me. I drove two hours in the flats comfortably and then snapped on the heels when I got to my destination,” added another. “The flats take a bit to form to your foot, so they fit a little strange with the arch at first, but have patience, they do mold.”
Verdict
While I don’t think that I’m quite ready to replace any of my footwear in favour of these convertible heels, I can definitely see a place for Pashion’s D’Orsay heels in my life. Weddings immediately come to mind, since after a long night of celebrating, I’m always tempted to take off my shoes. These eliminate the need to go barefoot, since you simply need to twist off the heels and hide them away inside your handbag.
Personally I prefer the look of them as heels anyways, so it’s nice to have a backup plan in the event that I need to relieve my sore feet after a long night out. They are pricey at $185 USD/$228 CAD, but if you do plan on purchasing one pair of heels that will give your closet plenty of longevity, these may be worth investing in.
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