THE PASHION FOOTWEAR STORY

By Miranda Knight

In 2016, Haley Pavone was a business and entrepreneurship student, enjoying a night out when inspiration for her ultimate venture quite literally struck — in the form of another woman’s stiletto heel impaling her bare foot.

It was then, or rather a few hours after a hospital visit, that Haley started to questioning: Why are women either stuck in heels all day and night or left taking their painful heels off just to get dirty (or impaled) feet, with no in-between option?

Not long after, her idea of convertible heels was born.

And after years of research and development, team building, fundraising, and being told by industry professionals that heels that turn into flats were “impossible” — all while continuing on as a full-time student — Haley officially launched Pashion Footwear in 2019. She had made the “impossible” not only possible, but practical. Wearable. Purchasable.

Pashion heels originally launched in 3 silhouettes:

  • The Goddess: a trendy, lace-up look

  • The Girlbos: a strappier take on a Mary Jane

  • The Pashionista: still a core style today!

Although our original styles were solely available with stilettos, we quickly expanded into offering block heel kits, thus added an all new element of customization to the shoes.

As we continued growing our collection (to include the D’Orsay, Sandal, and Pump), we kept close tabs on customer feedback and style demand, which led to several exciting updates.

Since then, we’ve gone on to:

  • - Pitch on ABC’s Shark Tank, during which she ultimately declined an offer from Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O’Leary. (Spoiler: He predicted the company wouldn’t last 6 months, yet here we are, writing this 3+ years later…)

  • - Improve and perfect our convertible heel design and technology based on our incredible early customers’ feedback

  • - Obtain our issued US, EU and China Patents for our Stelo™ removable high heel support mechanisms, which is what makes our heels so unique in their ability to fully flex into comfy flats.

  • - Launch groundbreaking convertible ankle booties and knee high boots

  • - Continue growing our incredible community of thousands of convertible heel converts

… And keep bringing all-day style and comfort to you, Pashionista!

Women do it all, and your shoes should, too. We couldn’t be more proud to be the team making that a reality.