Why everyone's buying these shoes..
WHEN Sarah Palin stepped out to deliver her speech at the Republican national convention it was her feet that did the talking.
The self-styled “pit-bull in lipstick” stole the show with her buckled red peep-toe patent heels – and now women across America are rushing to copy her look.
Sales of the striking scarlet shoes have soared since the 44-year-old Republican vice presidential candidate’s speech earlier this month.
John McCain’s running mate is an unlikely model for the £45 Double Dare shoes from the Naughty Monkey label, whose edgy styles usually target the 20-something market.
But perhaps the same women who have copied her smart up-do and rimless specs appreciate the devilish touch these red shoes can bring to such a prim image.
Double Dares have almost sold out in Los Angeles and online orders have doubled – just as those trademark specs have been flying off the shelves, with manufacturers working round the clock to keep up with demand.
A specialist wig company is even making hair pieces to match her brunette locks.
A spokesman for Naughty Monkey shoes said: “It’s been a crazy week.
“Everyone is after these shoes. Retailers are calling to back up their orders because sales have been snowballing. It’s taken us all by surprise.”
The interest in a female politician’s footwear is hardly new to us in Britain, of course – Tory Theresa May has wowed the electorate on more than one occasion with her daring footwear.
Over the past few years the Shadow Commons Leader has appeared at functions in an array of kitten heels, leopard-print shoes and even wellies. We have yet to see a Theresa May wig – though perhaps there’s still time.
Mrs Palin’s choice of footwear is part of an approach that has turned the campaign for the White House around.
Before she arrived on the scene it was all about Democrat presidential candidate Barak Obama and the Republican campaign was seen as dull as dishwater.
It has been electrified by Alaska governor Mrs Palin, a former beauty queen who is being hounded for autographs and starting a whole new look.
However, the Democrats’ campaign shows no sign of giving in to the political storm she created.
Yesterday it was revealed that Mr Obama raised a record $66million (£36million) for his campaign in August.
The latest figures bolster expectations that the Democrats could have a money advantage in the final two months of the campaign.
But with the stylish Mrs Palin, the Republicans are hoping for a shoe-in …
