For those of us whose work day involves a lot of footwork — getting to and from the office, lunch meetings, appointments and events — our feet can take a beating, especially in the warmer months, no matter how diligent you are about pedicures.
I’ve often struggled with the idea of cramming a backup pair into my bag. First, I don’t like to carry a very big handbag during spring and summer. Second, there’s something quite ick and not so hygienic about letting city-worn shoes touch your other belongings.
At the FN CEO Summit in Miami recently, I asked Rania Masri, who runs Level Shoe District in Dubai, what she wears for her action-packed daily tasks. “I couldn’t imagine wearing anything but heels during the day at work,” said the glamorous executive, citing Gianvito Rossi, Francesco Russo and Paul Andrew as recurring choices. “But I switch into ballet flats for the drive to and from the office. My secret is this brand I discovered at Level called Bagllerina,” she confided.
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The under-the-radar foldable flats have a cult following across France. Now, with a stateside push and an expanded e-shop, Paris-based designer Christine Natkin is hoping her Summer Feet collection of flats and sandals will relieve many a foot woe.
Masri also confirmed that they solve the street-shoe-in-your-bag issue as well. “They come in this little leather pouch, so it’s easy to pop them in my handbag.”
With prices starting at about $91 (the low euro is a shoe lover’s friend right now), we’d say this is one shoe problem that’s solved.
