Way up high on Aerosoles

If high heels get you down, rediscover how uplifting flat shoes can be with popular Aerosoles from the US.

Back in 1987 Jules Schneider noticed all the New York women who wore sneakers for the walk to the office, where they’d switch to posh heels. Meanwhile the sneakers looked silly with their nice outfits, so he decided to give the ladies an alternative that was both comfortable and stylish.

Schneider has spent the two decades since then developing and improving the technology to produce healthy but fashionable footwear in a variety of styles.

His original technology is still in use – “stitch and turn” involves stitching the sole to the upper and then twisting it inside out so the shoe is more flexible.

Then there’s the heel rest for high heels, which distributes the wearer’s weight between the ball and heel of the foot for better balance and to fend off fatigue.

Every shoe incorporates suede socks and a “memory foam” insole for softness and comfort, and a diamond pattern on the sole absorbs the impact of each walking step and spreads it out across the foot.

“Aerosoles are for every woman out there who wants comfortable shoes with style. We do not target their age but rather their lifestyle,” Schneider said.

“Every year we work hard to study the trends in the world and how they can be interpreted in Aerosoles. And in every design we always think whether our customers will be comfortable in our shoes or not.”

Aerosoles are exported to Europe, China, South Korea and Southeast Asia. In Bangkok, sole distributor (no pun intended) AA Footwear offers the full range at its shops at CentralWorld and Central Lad Phrao and outlets will soon appear at Central Bangna, Mega Bangna and Central Chiang Mai.

Buyers have a choice of three “themes” this year. The Garden Party shoes look sweet with floral prints, polka dots, bows and gingham. Earth Angel reflects a bohemian spirit with denim and canvas, animal prints, crocheting and beads. And Color Theory treats the eye to bursts of various hues.

“My mother and I first discovered Aerosoles while visiting Hong Kong years ago,” says AA Footwear assistant president Jane Chongsatitwatana. “We bought many pairs back home because they were so comfy. And I think they’ll do well on the Thai market.”

The shoes are mostly made with cow or lamb hide, suede and printed fabric. The variety runs the gamut in high heels, sandals, slippers, flats and even boots.

 CUSHION CENTRAL
- Aerosoles is in the Central|  Court zone on the second|  floor of CentralWorld.
- It’s open daily from 10 to 10.
- Find out more at |  (02) 646 1253 and|  www.AAFootwear.com.

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1. Attache sandals in orange and pink cost Bt2,995.
2. Bec 2 Differ flat shoes with a floral design sell for Bt2,995.
3. Night Club flats with crocheted tops are Bt3,595.
4. Becentric flats with flower bows cost Bt3,195.
5. Metallic Bengal Rose high heels are priced at Bt3,395.
6. Striped Bectify casuals go for Bt2,995.
7. Brasserie high heels with straps and a snake pattern are Bt2,995.

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