Perhaps it's just me, but I really don't understand how the height of girls' shoes ended up being a topic explored in the New York Times fashion pages, especially when the article is highlighted by a photo of an uber-innocent looking Suri Cruise sporting an adorable pair of sandals. I suppose as a bit of a shoe freak myself I could be a bit biased, but since the so-called controversial "heels" are apparently selling like hot cakes, I'm guessing lots of parents would agree with me: It's just not that big of a deal.
Read more ¿Qué más?: Legos for girls are necessary, not sexist!
Shoes are fun! They are an awesome way to show some personality while maintaining a certain level of modesty. Why should anyone have to question whether they are doing something wrong by allowing their child to have that experience? Like I've said before, if you don't like it, don't buy it, but don't judge someone else for having a different opinion.
As parents, it's our job to use our own discretion to make decisions regarding our kids. And if I were to side-eye another parent, it wouldn't be because her 8-year-old was wearing childrens sandals with a two-inch heel. Perhaps if she were wearing daisy dukes and a belly shirt designed for an adult, but definitely not over a pair of shoes with a slightly elevated sole. And even if I did think a child's outfit was inappropriate or too grown up for her age, I fully understand that it's not my business–that it's the parents' choice and that they alone will have to deal with any repercussions if and when they happen.
Sarah Cannova, an owner of Sassanova, a chain of women's and children's shoes and accessories in the Washington area, said, "You're basically giving the green light to expediting childhood and going full speed on to womanhood." To Ms. Cannova and anyone else who feels the need to scold the shoe designers pushing the trend, I say, it's not a pair of shoes that's going to make your little girl grow up too fast, it's the people around her who suck the fun out of childhood by pointing out to her that her shoes might be inappropriate.
Honestly, the shoes being targeted here don't look a whole lot different from the dress shoes I wore for Domingo de Pascua when I was child. I'm sure you wore a pair too–you know the pretty, shiny shoes with straps and maybe a bow that clicked when you walked? So much fun, right?
Image via Gap.com
