Sandals out, shoes in: Singapore Airlines cabin crew to don new footwear in 2027

A signature blue kebaya, complete with a pair of open-toed batik sandals — the attire of a Singapore Girl as long as recent memory serves.

But part of this iconic look is soon about to become a thing of the past.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be progressively introducing new closed-toe wedge shoes for its air stewardesses from January 2027, replacing both the open-toed sandals and closed-toe slingbacks currently worn, the national carrier confirmed to the media on Thursday (Oct 8).

Photos of the new footwear had earlier circulated on social media, alongside what appears to be a notice introducing the new design.

It illustrated features such as a round and widened toe box for comfort, as well as padded back counter for cushioned support. 

The change follows a review to improve safety, comfort and support, while meeting operational requirements, according to media reports. 

Currently, female cabin crew wear closed-toe slingbacks during take-off and landing, before switching to their signature open-toed sandals for the rest of the flight. 

Both shoes were designed by late French designer Pierre Balmain.

With the introduction of the new footwear, they will no longer need to change shoes, allowing them to wear the same pair throughout the journey. 

The new closed-toe wedge shoes, designed with local footwear brand Pazzion, are made from genuine leather and has thick lambskin insoles for enhanced cushioning, a spokesperson told The Straits Times. 

It also features the airline's signature batik print — complete with colour variants to match the kebaya of the different crew member ranks. 

Apart from aesthetics, the closed-toe design is intended to offer greater protection against spills and falling objects while crew members are working in the cabin. 

According to SIA, it also worked closely with female flight attendants throughout the design process. 

AsiaOne has reached out to SIA and Pazzion for more information. 

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carol.ong@asiaone.com