In the 90’s, all females had an agenda… basically, the clunkier the footwear, and the chunkier the heel/wedge, the more authority! Girl Power was everywhere and Steve Madden represented more than just shoes for this wave of female enthused chicks, but an era of madness spread. At first, the style provided an element of comfort as ladies could strut down the street with ease while still looking “on fleek” by today’s standards. The symbolic designer owned the decade, from their famous double-decker sneaker to their black strap sandal and trend worthy booties.

Reminiscing of a fad inspired by the Spice generation, with their thick, over-dramatic platform, it seemed like every woman placed themselves up on a pedestal- or a podium to say the very least. This nostalgic shoe was the equivalent of walking on a set of stilts, as well as a big “F You” to short gentlemen across the country.

Chunky and clunky was simply the name of the game- a true testament to a woman’s ultimate challenge as she attempted to balance her life being a chic fashion maven with practicality and structure. However, these shoes were anything but dainty and graceful. They stood for stability and “feminism” at its finest- proving a girl didn’t have to be in an uncomfortable pump to feel sexy and empowered.

What started off as a traditional homage to the 70’s disco dance shoe, quickly transformed into a competition solidifying, “the higher you go, the more you stood for!” This form of expression reached new heights with the evolution of the Moon Shoe bouncing its way to the top. These shoes were the catalyst behind pre-Gaga’s artistic mission and undoubtedly dedicated to the respected teen bop renaissance which redefined the 90’s.

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Although style, substance and a strong message may have always been the priority, unfortunately the damage had been done for girl’s who spent their objective pursuit of women’s lib marching on elevated, flat surfaces and calling them shoes. These chunky clunkers were an official send-off into outer space – the millennium. Shortly after 2000 hit, and women realized we had a lot more ground to cover, the movement reverted back to a more “normal” and appropriate level of comfort- enter the ballet flat! Welcome, 2000’s… that's progression.

On the heel of the millennial, classic peep toes, more conventional boots and glamourous stilettos reappeared back into the limelight driving mass appeal once more. With the modern millennial approach to mixing optimal healthy feet, fashion and comfort with products like Pillows For Your Feet Foot Sprays and Gel Inserts, women never have to stress about conquering the world again!

Goodbye 90’s, Hello Fashionistas!