Dr. Steffie Tomson is a pioneering cognitive neuroscientist who, despite her academic commitments, consistently found herself preoccupied with the discomforts associated with high heels. Rather than a desire to enter the fashion industry, her interest lay in reconciling the painful reality of high-heeled footwear with the demands of professional life. Her journey began with a distinct personal struggle: balancing the professional image of wearing heels while managing the physical toll they took on her body. This conflict ultimately motivated her to explore innovative solutions that combined her scientific expertise with her obsession for comfortable shoes.
As she delved deeper into her research on synesthesia—the neurological phenomenon where senses intertwine—Dr. Tomson began to realize that her choice of footwear affected not just her physical health but also her cognitive performance. The act of wearing heels became a logistical calculation, impacting her daily professional choices. With the burden of pain radiating from her feet to her lower back, she found her mental and physical energies diverted from her scientific pursuits to managing the effects of her footwear. Frustrated by this distraction, she decided to conduct an experiment: slicing her heels in half to investigate their construction, revealing a shocking truth: regardless of price, they largely consisted of hard materials such as plastic and metal, contributors to her discomfort.
Inspired to revolutionize the high-heel experience, Dr. Tomson teamed up with experts in orthotics and prosthetics. Her vision relied heavily on redesigning heels to incorporate the cushioned support commonly found in athletic shoes. By experimenting with various densities of foam, she aimed to create footwear that provided the aesthetic appeal of heels without sacrificing comfort. However, she faced skepticism from manufacturers who doubted the feasibility of creating durable, foam-based wedge heels. Undeterred, she championed her concept through relentless testing and iterations, ultimately leading to a breakthrough design that flexibly absorbed impact while maintaining stability.
In May 2021, Steffie’s Shoes launched with a range of styles intended to blend comfort and elegance. Each design was meticulously crafted with an “optimal heel height” that alleviated pressure on the balls of the feet while safeguarding posture. The shoes included thoughtfully engineered buckles for easier wear and enhanced security. Through this innovative approach, she sought to free women from the discomfort associated with traditional heels, allowing them to focus on their professional and personal pursuits rather than their footwear.
Dr. Tomson’s work signifies a broader conversation about societal expectations surrounding women’s fashion, particularly the pressure to wear high heels. Many individuals, particularly men, often fail to grasp the complex dynamics at play. While some might suggest simply avoiding heels altogether, she emphasizes that for many women, the choice to wear heels is not merely about aesthetics but also about meeting gendered social expectations. Her frustration reflects the reality that the fashion industry often overlooks comfort in favor of style, perpetuating a cycle of discomfort that women routinely endure.
Alongside her entrepreneurial venture, Dr. Tomson offers practical advice for shopping for shoes. She encourages consumers to consider not only aesthetics but also their overall comfort and daily usability. Her recommendations include testing shoes in motion, favoring supportive wedges over stilettos, and seeking designs that allow for natural foot movement. By promoting a conscious approach to footwear, she hopes to empower women to prioritize their comfort without succumbing to societal pressures, ultimately reshaping the conversation around women’s fashion and health.
