If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The Founder of Spanx Unveils Sneex—Luxury Heels That Take Sneakers to the Next Level (Literally)

Unlike your average pair of heels, these shoes were made for walking, according to founder Sara Blakely.

By

Published on August 26, 2024 10:17AM EDT

sneex sneaker heels — Photo:
Courtesy of Sneex

If even the thought of wearing high heels makes your feet hurt, we may have some good news. Sara Blakely, the founder of the billion-dollar shapewear company, Spanx, is back with a new invention aimed to transform the way we feel about heels—if you're into the niche aesthetic.

Sneex is the new luxury footwear line from Blakely that combines the best traits of sneakers and heels into one shoe, so you can say goodbye to grumpy feet after a long, hard day. The hybrid three-inch stilettos, named “hy-heels,” aim to mix, “the style of a traditional high heel with the performance and comfort of a sneaker,” according to the press release.

Blakely designed the shoes to address the three main pain areas caused by traditional heels. First, she filled in the gap between the foot and the sole of the shoe to give support. Second, she evened the weight distribution between the ball and the heel of the foot. Lastly, she designed the shoe around the toe’s natural shape to ensure no toes would be squished.

"There has been a void in comfortable footwear, and women deserve a new option. I wanted to create a luxury high heel that prioritizes how women feel, not just how we look,” Blakely says per the press release. “We are fed the line that 'beauty is pain'... but I don't believe it has to be. As a consumer, I have wanted to solve this problem for years."

Another goal of Blakely's with this launch was to introduce something new to the elevated comfort market. So while you may not be able to pair the unique hybrid shoe with your average outfit, there are options; think high-quality matching loungewear sets, relaxed yet tailored fits, a crop top with cargo pants, and even dresses.

"Consumers are dressing much more casually now," Blakely says. "While sneakers have been embraced as an option, there are many times I put on clothes and still want the height and look of a heel with the vibe of a sneaker. There was an opportunity there."

The patent-pending luxury heeled sneaker is handmade in Spain, with high-quality fabrics like Italian mesh, Napa leather, and suede. The shoes come in 10 colorways and three different styles: The Tepper, which has one strap, The Blake, which has two straps, and The Icon, which has one wide strap.

The Tepper

The Blake

The Icon

"You have to try them on to feel the magic hidden inside," says Blakely. "Women either cry, dance or take off running. They can't believe it's a 3-inch heel!"

The hy-heels range from $395 to $595 and can be purchased on Sneex.com in sizes 5-11. Sneex also offers an ankle and no-show sock both made of silk on the online store.

“Sneex are my 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,” Blakely says via the Sneex website.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!