Giuseppe Zanotti Heelless Platform D’Orsay Pumps, $895 via Bergdorf Goodman

Heelless shoes have been lurking at fashion’s periphery for quite some time. Lady Gaga and Daphne Guinness are already well-known fans of the challenging shoes, and victoria Beckham has been known to experiment with them from time to time as well. Other than the world’s best-known lovers of extreme footwear, though, the style’s fans are a small group. With such a challenging shoe, they have to be.

That’s why I was mildly surprised to see the Giuseppe Zanotti Heelless Platform D’Orsay Pumps for pre-order at Bergdorf Goodman. Although we’ve seen semi-heelless platforms for sale on mass retail sites in the past (most notably Alexander McQueen), this pair is the most affordable fully heelless option I’ve ever seen.

Even though a three-figure price tag and distribution on a large retail site makes this shoe fairly accessible, as heelless shoes go, I don’t think it’s going to do much to make them more common. These designs are largely made by more esoteric brands on a custom-order basis for a reason; they need to be constructed and weighted just right so that you don’t break your ankle. As someone who has broken her ankle before, trust me, you don’t want to do it.

By all means, though, try on these shoes if you see them at a store. It might be one of the only chances you get to see what it would be like to be Daphne Guinness for a moment, and I’m dying to know how they feel. Just, you know, whatever you do, DON’T rock back on your heels. There’s nothing there. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $895.

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