Sara Blakely, the visionary behind the globally recognized Spanx brand, is once again making headlines, this time in the footwear industry. Blakely, who became the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire in 2012, is now turning her innovative mind toward revolutionizing women’s high heels with her new brand, Sneex.
Blakely, now 53, with a staggering net worth of $1.3 billion in 2024, is no stranger to breaking boundaries. Her journey started with Spanx, the shapewear company she founded in 2000 that redefined how women wear undergarments.
Fast forward to 2024, Blakely is set to disrupt yet another market—this time with Sneex, a brand dedicated to creating comfortable high heels for women. The official launch took place today, August 20th, 2024.
When asked why she chose to venture into footwear, Blakely’s response was simple yet profound:
“Have you ever worn high heels?”
She further elaborated, sharing that the concept of designing comfortable high heels had been on her mind since she first started wearing them.
According to the brand’s official website, Blakely has invested nine years into developing the patented design of Sneex.
The footwear is a unique hybrid of sneakers and stilettos, cheekily dubbed “hy-heels.” These shoes are meticulously crafted in Spain using premium materials such as 78mm heels, Nappa leather, Italian mesh, and suede.
The design of Sneex is not just about aesthetics, it’s engineered for comfort. Blakely’s team has reimagined weight distribution, created a more comfortable toe box, and provided enhanced arch support—addressing common issues that have plagued traditional high heels for decades.
Currently, three different styles of Sneex are available for purchase, each offered in multiple colorways. However, these innovative heels come with a premium price tag, ranging from $395 to $595.
“Love letter to every woman who has taken her shoes off at a party, who wears flats to work with heels in her bag, who thought her days of wearing heels were over.”
Sara Blakely
Despite Blakely’s intentions and the years of development, the public’s initial reaction to Sneex has been a mixed bag. Social media has been buzzing with opinions, with some users expressing their dissatisfaction with the design.
One X user bluntly stated, “This is an extraordinarily ugly shoe.” Another echoed similar sentiments, saying, “The idea makes sense. The execution is HORRIBLE.” Another user did not mince words, labeling Sneex as “one of the worst-looking shoes I’ve ever seen.”
However, not all feedback has been negative. Some have drawn parallels between Sneex and another once-controversial footwear brand: Crocs. “They are definitely ugly,” one user admitted, “but people also said the same thing about Crocs, and look how successful they’ve been, mostly due to comfort. We’ll see how they do!”
As Sara Blakely steps into the footwear industry with Sneex, the brand faces a unique challenge: balancing innovation with public perception. While the design has sparked controversy, the focus on comfort could be the key to its success. Just as Spanx transformed the shapewear industry, Sneex might just be the answer to women’s long-standing grievances with high heels.
