After 56 Years, Barbie Finally Kicks Her Heels for Flats

Barbie finally kicks off her heels! For the first time in 56 years, a new version of the iconic doll will wear flats

After more than 5 decades of high heel torture, Barbie can finally chill in flats (Photo: Mattel.com)

She can’t keep a career for more than a month but for more than five decades she has been defying the laws of physics to strut around in her high heels. After 1959, Barbie is finally trading her her pumps for a stylish range of flats.

Mattel, the toy company behind the iconic figurine, is finally changing the doll’s ankles to allow her to wear flats. The new line of ‘Fashionista’ dolls, will come with non-frozen ankles that can be adjusted so that her feet can slip into flats or heels.

And that’s not all. In a bid to reflect diversity, fans can pick up 23 different styles of Barbie with 22 hairstyles, 18 eye colours and 14 facial shapes. Sure she’ll be as stylish as ever but also more real like the girls who play with her.

Take your pick: This new line representing the evolution of the plastic dolls will be rolled out in October (Photo: Mattel.com)

“Barbie Foot”

These shoes might be sexy but did you know a 3 inch heel puts a 75% pressure on your front foot? (Photo: iStock)

Personally, I’m heaving a sigh of relief for the poor doll who has been standing on her tippy toes for 56 years!

And like her, even if your heel game is strong, you know that terrible ache stilettos give at the end of the day. There’s a name for it. Yes,  Barbie Foot is an actual condition where your ankles and heels feel frozen from a perpetual arched position.

And doctors warn that heel injuries have almost doubled in India in the last decade. Sprains and strains are the most common complaints in patients. In the long run, it can lead to deformed feet, back pain and unhealthy walking patterns.

But if you feel you can conquer the world only in high heels, then buy them smartly. Opt for a pair of heels with a front platform. So instead of a 4 inch stiletto, opt for a 3 inch one with a one inch platform.

Opt for a wider, chunkier heel for more stability and support.

The Year of Flats

(Photo: Mattel.com)

So is it officially the year women are taking their arches back? Remember the ‘Flatgate’ brouhaha at the Cannes Film Festival, where officials pondered on whether or not women were allowed in flats on the red carpet?

And after kicking heels for comfort, you know what will be really epic? Plus size Barbies. One small step for the doll, one huge leap for womankind.