Sara Blakely Unveils Sneaker Stilettos, Sparking Mixed Reactions
Billionaire entrepreneur Sara Blakely has introduced her latest innovation: Sneex, a hybrid footwear combining sneakers and high heels. The concept, which Blakely first proposed over a decade ago, has finally come to fruition after eight years of development.
Blakely, who sold a majority stake in Spanx to Blackstone in 2021, is reentering the entrepreneurial arena with this new venture. Sneex offers three styles in various colors, priced between $395 and $595. The shoes feature a widened toebox and improved weight distribution, aiming to provide comfort without sacrificing style.
The unveiling of Sneex on social media has generated diverse reactions. While some applaud the concept of comfortable stilettos, others have criticized the aesthetics. One social media user commented, “Definitely seems like a thing that should exist but… why does it have to look like that.” Another drew comparisons to Crocs, noting, “They are def ugly — but people also said the same thing about crocs, and look how successful they’ve been, mostly due to comfort.” However, some supporters described Sneex as “super cute.”
Casey Lewis, a TikToker known for trend analysis, acknowledged the resurgence of wedge sneakers but expressed reservations about Sneex’s appearance.
Blakely frames Sneex as her latest effort “to advocate for women through product.” However, she is not the first to enter the comfortable heel market, with several companies already exploring this niche.
As of now, Sneex has not responded to requests for comment from Business Insider. The launch of this unique footwear line marks another chapter in Blakely’s entrepreneurial journey, as she continues to innovate in the fashion and comfort space.
