After 50-plus years of strutting around in stilettos and sky-high sling-backs, Barbie’s feet and ankles are getting a much-needed break.
The doll's latest "Fashionista” line, recently introduced by toy manufacturer Mattel, features “articulated ankles” that can adjust for both high heel shoes and flat-soled footwear.
It’s the first time in the iconic doll’s history that she will be able to step out in relative comfort. Past incarnations have always featured heeled-shoe accessories for the ever-youthful party girl, whose feet were perpetually frozen in an angled position.
But Mattel figured it only made sense that the new “Film Director Barbie” would wear “running-around-the-set flats.” Don’t worry though, she can still put on a pair of heels for the movie premiere, the ad reads.
Another ad, for “Pink Petals Barbie,” features “an amazing pair of silver flats and the perfect matching silver bag.”
In a YouTube video promoting the new line, the animated dolls are seen wearing everything from hot pink heels to white running shoes.
The feet aren’t the only changes Mattel is making with the Barbie line. The toymaker is said to be releasing new models with a variety of skin tones, eye and hair colours as well as different body shapes and sizes.
