The "Pumps You Can Dance In," Enhanced for Comfort and Fit

Every woman loves high-heeled sandals and pumps. They enhance our silhouette and lift our spirits, acting as little magical items in our daily lives.

But surely, everyone has experienced this: you go out in high heels, only for your feet to start aching little by little. Especially around the base of the toes and the balls of the feet. And your legs too. A dull ache assaults you with every step on the asphalt. Yet, does your boyfriend notice, or care, as he strides ahead? Frustrated by the inability to keep up and the pain in your feet, you arrive home with a frown etched between your brows. And the relief and exhaustion that flood you when you finally take off your shoes…!—Ah, if only there were shoes that could make our hearts flutter with feminine charm without causing foot pain. In most cases, achieving both is a rare feat. As your experience likely tells you, princess shoes often come with a price of pain.

However, this season, we may have finally encountered the magical shoes we've been longing for: the "Chelsea Pump Collection" from Cole Haan.

Cole Haan's pumps have previously revolutionized women's footwear by incorporating Nike Air into their insoles, achieving an unprecedented level of comfort and earning the title of "pumps you can run in." And this season? They return with a perfect silhouette that enhances the beauty of the female foot even further, boasting improved comfort and fit, now as "pumps you can dance in." It's no wonder fashionistas are taking notice. Stylist Keiko Hitotsuyama, who excels in fashion spreads for mode magazines and styling artists, is one of them. Here, she shares her coordinated outfits featuring these coveted shoes and discusses their allure.

Cole Haan is, after all, a New York brand, and it imagines the well-traveled New Yorker. Having lived in New York herself, Hitotsuyama shares insights from the city.


—You lived in New York for about a year, Ms. Hitotsuyama. What were your impressions of the city?

Keiko Hitotsuyama (hereafter, Hitotsuyama)New Yorkers really walk a lot. Even though there's the subway, you end up walking two or three blocks without even realizing it. But the streets are bumpy, and areas like SoHo have cobblestones, so heels can be tiring. Everyone wears flat, "comfort-focused" shoes. But I love heels, so I always chose ones that wouldn't hurt my feet as much as possible.

—What were your favorite places in New York?

HitotsuyamaThere's a rooftop bar at the new Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn where friends have birthday parties or we go for drinks. Also, The Standard and The Ace Hotel. In New York, people often go out for drinks at hotels. So, I tend to dress in a more mature style that would fit in at such places. I also enjoy going to secret live shows in Brooklyn warehouses and gallery hopping.

—Today, you've put together an outfit inspired by your life in New York. First, for the orange "Chelsea Pump" coordination, the shoes provide a striking accent against an otherwise monochrome outfit.





—How did they feel when you wore them?

HitotsuyamaThey were incredibly comfortable. Perhaps it's the subtle platform or the cushioning in the insole, but they really absorb the impact of walking on the ground. They say there's Nike Air in the forefoot and heel of the insole, and I can certainly feel it – the comfort is undeniable! The slope from the heel to the toe felt very calculated for comfort. It almost felt like I wasn't wearing heels. Even the underside of the pump, with its nubuck material and gold brand logo, exudes a sense of quality.








—What's the key point of your second outfit?




—The "Chelsea Pump Collection" also includes the 12cm-heeled "Chelsea Double Platform Pump" and the 6cm-heeled "Chelsea Low Pump." How would you style those?

HitotsuyamaThe layered sole of the 12cm-heeled "Chelsea Double Platform Pump" is also cute! This year, there are many voluminous coats with dropped shoulders or cocoon silhouettes, and I think a substantial shoe like this balances them well. It also lifts your spirits.





HitotsuyamaThe 6cm-heeled "Chelsea Low Pump" pairs beautifully with cropped pants. I also like the idea of styling them with boyish denim, rolled up at the hem, for a touch of elegance. Not only are they easy to style, but the real recommendation is that all the lines are genuinely comfortable to wear.

— Would these pumps allow you to enjoy a night out more?

HitotsuyamaI think so (laughs). I hope Japanese women will also start going out to various places more, like New Yorkers do!

Check Out the 4 Lines of the "Chelsea Pump Collection"!

Keiko Hitotsuyama
Born in Shizuoka Prefecture. Graduated from Tanaka Chiyo Fashion College. After working as an assistant, began her career as a stylist. Joined FEMME in 2004. Offers a wide range of styling proposals tailored to various media, from mode magazines to teen publications. Active not only in editorials but also in advertising and commercials. Studied abroad in New York from 2008 to 2009. During her studies, she analyzed New York fashion from her unique perspective, publishing columns in magazines and sharing information through her blog about New York topics and her daily life. After returning to Japan, she continues to actively participate in fashion shoots for international magazines, leveraging her study abroad experience and network. She has also consistently handled styling and costume design for artist album covers, music videos, and live performances, including for BoA, Girls' Generation, and Charice. Recently, she has expanded her activities beyond styling to include directorial work, releasing collaborative products with department stores, select shops, and brands.


Cole Haan Japan
0120-56-0979
http://www.colehaan.co.jp/