I’ve revisted these Salvatore Ferragamo heels several times and I’m still not quite sure.

There’s no doubt the design is distinct, featuring leather petals with metal studs and a contrasting two tone metal spike heel.

The colour makes me think of Autumn/Winter.

(The detail reminds me of fish scales, but more in a Koi sort of a way. Koi in Japanese art and depicted in tattoos has been on the rise in popularity for some time now, so it’s in an artistic way that I think of fish scales rather than the petals. It’s possible the double rubber platform could also come into play.)

Nonetheless, I adore the heel.

When I see some of the variations of these heels I can imagine why it probably wasn’t as popular as it could’ve been. There is quite a bit going on, ankle cuffs with open toes and straps that cross over with small buckles.

However when I look at this particular style for some reason I immediately think of Napoleon Bonaparte, an Admiral’s uniform or something slightly regal.

I feel as though I shouldn’t really like them because I’ve always found that colour of gold a bit garish, but I really, really like the cuffs.

As of writing this post (November 2009), surprisingly the heels are actually still available at Flannels and are on sale.

Well “Closed Front Cage Sandals With Ankle Pads” is a bit of mouthful, but boy did these heels make the rounds.

Fondly known as the Lego shoe by Balenciaga, these heels have been likened to everything from the United Colors of Benetton to the Transformers, and, even a reminder of baseball. It’s definintely a love or hate relationship which was revived when Beyoncé wore them while performing at the AMA later on in the year (2007).

I actually like them. The overlapping layers on the back might detract from the heel, but then I’d probably be more likely to wear the black pair, which also came in another variation.

Steve Madden released a replica shoe, which, sorry Steve, (IMO) didn’t quite make the grade.