Sales of high-heel shoes are on the decline as Korean women are increasingly seeking shoes with lower heels. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, May 10 (Korea Bizwire) – Sales of high-heel shoes are on the decline as Korean women are increasingly seeking shoes with lower heels.
According to Kumkang, a major shoemaker in Korea, high heels (taller than 7cm) accounted for only 54 percent of its women’s footwear sales in 2015. The figure was 83 percent in 2013, and 74 percent in 2014.
As the popularity of sneakers, slip-ons, and loafers continues to rise, the figure is expected to drop to less than 50 percent this year.
One of the reasons behind the change is the easing of company dress code policies, with many employees now permitted to go to work in more comfortable shoes.
A shift in fashion trends also contributed to the change. Normcore, which is a style characterized by unpretentious, average-looking clothing, and Athleisure, in which people wear clothes for workouts and other athletic activities for casual occasions, are popular among women.
Domestic shoe brands are also adapting to these changes by presenting new models of loafers fit for both work and social occasions.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
