Spanx founder unveils stiletto sneaker hybrid starting at $395 a pair

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The brand claims ‘style of a traditional high heel with the performance and comfort of a sneaker’

Why are women still torturing themselves with high heels? That was the question Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, was thinking about as she considered the fact that women have embraced more comfortable and casual footwear in recent years, making all kinds of sneakers trendy to pair with dresses and business casual apparel. But, Blakely thought, some women still want the height that a high heel offers, so she set out to create a happy medium: the comfort and style of a sneaker with the height of a heel. And that’s how her new brand Sneex came to be.

In addition to being stylish, Sneex solve some other problems with traditional high heels — like how they don’t offer much support through the sole, which results in wobbly feet, and how they lack padding, which can leave your feet blistered and sore, especially after hours of wear.

In this article: Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Nova Sneaker , Converse Jack Purcell Gold Standard Leather Oxfords and Dolce Vita Zina Sneaker

“Men invented the high heel centuries ago, and its basic construction hasn’t really changed,” Blakely said in a press release . “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. 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.”

Sneex are now available in several styles starting at $395 — or, if you still want to give up heels and embrace a casual look , check out our list of sneakers that look great with dresses and officewear further down.

Get the comfort of a sneaker with the height of a heel with Sneex

The Blake

The Blake is a black-and-white sneaker with two straps and a stiletto heel.

The Icon

The Icon is an all-black sneaker with one thick strap and a stiletto heel.

The Tepper

The Tepper is a sporty sneaker in mixed shades of green with one strap and a stiletto heel.

Ditch the heel altogether and try out these sneakers that still look great with dresses

Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Nova Sneaker

This slip-on canvas sneaker comes in tons of neutral shades that complement many different types of outfits. You can dress them up or down and wear them with all kinds of casual summer dresses and skirts.

Converse Jack Purcell Gold Standard Leather Oxfords

These white leather sneakers are the perfect complement to a breezy summer dress or skirt — plus they’re comfortable enough to wear all day long.

Dolce Vita Zina Sneaker

Looking for a comfortable shoe to match your classic little black dress? These black, leather-accented sneakers might just fit the bill.

Vintage Havana Bianca Sneaker

When you need to dress up and be comfortable, you’ll likely find yourself reaching for these glittery sneakers that will go with any evening dress.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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