A good-looking pair of shoes is all we need to complete our style for an occasion. However, when we shop for shoes, we tend to look for the trend and the style, often forgetting that our feet may not fit in comfortably.
Choosing the right shoe — comfort is key
Comfort is the key when it comes to footwear. An uncomfortable pair that lacks proper cushioning and support can cause us pain, and with continuous use, we may develop bigger foot problems such as bunions or plantar fasciitis.
A bunion is a painful bony bump on the outside of the big toe. Ill-fitting shoes and prolonged standing can aggravate bunion pain, necessitating a bunion surgery or bunionectomy.
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue in the foot, which can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including the type of shoes worn.
The writer spoke with Amy Chiew, the Founder and Director of Nottingheels, to better understand how to choose footwear that ticks all the boxes for comfort and style.
In 2017, the writer saw her receive a shoe award, and this year, Chiew served as a judge with her in a national shoe design competition in Melaka.
This interview took place at Chiew’s Nottingheels “Podiatrist Tested” showroom in Bangsar Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur, a pleasant and modestly sized shopping centre that caters to high-end buyers and quality products.
Q: Do you consider yourself a shoe designer, and how did you become one?
A: Academically, I was not trained to be a shoe designer. However, the conception of Nottingheels was mostly the result of my creative idea and careful research into the market and product innovation.
The idea struck me when I was in the United States. I came across a shoe shop that sold medical shoes for feet with bunions. So, I thought, no one had really thought of a bunion design concept for stylish shoes.
I then began my research, which involved meetings with podiatrists in Malaysia and the US. I learned more about the nature of bunions.
Then I went to talk with a couple shoemakers about how we could incorporate the concept into the shoemaking process.
We eventually managed to create shoes for bunions. For this innovation, I had also submitted a patent application for this design concept (Patent No PI2018700988). So I can say that I’ve been the Creative Director from the start.
What specific types of shoes do you produce? Why are your shoes unique compared to others?
These are the four features of my shoes:
a) Bunion Supported Design — As indicated in the response to question 1, our bunion design concept is unique. After a few years, we had sold to many clients who were relieved that they could now wear fashionable shoes that addressed their bunion concerns.
b) Comfortable Insoles — We regularly receive testimonials from customers who were pleased by the level of comfort in our shoes, especially in high heels (with platforms) ranging from 3″ to 6″. This is primarily due to the insole design, which prioritises optimum support and cushioning.
c) Anti-slip outsoles — This is another important factor that affects the stability and durability of the shoes.
d) Our fashionable shoes show that comfortable shoes do not have to be associated with medical or “auntie” shoes. Even stylish shoes can be comfortable.
A shoe with a too-high heel lift may be unstable and often uncomfortable. How do you deal with high heels issues?
We’ve always been open with our customers about this issue. Many people do not understand the difference between improper foot cutting and improper foot sizing.
Finding the appropriate shoes is always a challenge for them because of their perceptions.
First of all, the design of the shoe last (mould) will decide a properly fitting and comfortable shoe.
The shape of the shoe last (mould) will have an impact on how well the shoes are constructed and how steep the soles are. For example, heel height and platform height combination.
We simplify it into four points:
a) Choosing or developing a quality shoe last (mould) during the designing and manufacturing process.
b) In terms of comfort and support for the feet, high heels with matching platform heights are a better option.
c) Insole design — Cushioning and support contours (such as arch support) on important places.
d) Stability from the heel — good workmanship will secure the high heels to the outsoles.
Tell us about your awards and how Datuk Jimmy Choo chose you for a shoe designing award.
We are pleased that within the first three years of our operation, our shoes have received significant approvals and recognition.
The Professor Datuk Jimmy Choo award was given to recognise innovation and creativity in the footwear we presented at Malaysia Fashion Week in 2017.
Datuk Jimmy Choo had personally evaluated all entries and determined on the award’s deserving winner.
Our entry focused on bunion-supported designs, as indicated in our email submission to the organiser.
The same bunion concept had also earned us two (2018 and 2019) Malaysia Good Design Awards (by Malaysia Design Council).
The other significant award we earned was for our entry in the Creative Design Competition, organised by Malaysian Investment Development Authority in 2020.
Her footwear caught my attention, and I noticed that she had a few pretty tall pairs that would be great for night-time events as well as for modelling and beauty pageants on the runways.
Her high heels are also used by many beauty pageant contestants and fashion models.
Chiew’s brand, Nottingheels, works with organisers of both national and international beauty pageants, such as the “Queen of the World Pageant 2022” in New Jersey and New York in the United States.
Pageant organisers, fashion models, and anybody interested in learning more about her shoes can call her at +603-5885 3866 or email amysychiew@gmail.com.
