Behold, intrepid shoe explorers, the DKNY Vanessa-Vulcanized pump. Because underneath my cold, hard fashionista exterior is a hard-core nerd girl (a stylish one, at that), when I first saw the name of this shoe, my thoughts were “No Vulcan would ever wear something like on their feet!” I then lifted my fists to the heavens and cried out “Donna Karaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!!”

Of course, the DKNY Vanessa-Vulcanized pump does not refer to Vulcans, neither the race nor the planet, but to the process the rubber sole underwent to give it more durability. However, in Donna Karan’s and DKNY’s ongoing mission to seek out strange new fashions, somebody stepped in a big puddle of fug. I’ve never supported the cross-breeding of high heels and running shoes, and this is why. The DKNY Vanessa-Vulcanized pump is just another love child in a long line of heel-runners hybrids (inlcuding the L.A.M.B. Denver). However, the DKNY Vanessa-Vulcanized pump is based on the far more attractive DKNY Vanessa pump:

This is another vulcanized pump, so the rubber soles are strong and durable. I actually really like the original Vanessa. It’s an Oxford style leather pump, as oppose to the aforementioned canvas, runner inspired pump. It’s stylish, and the durable rubber soles are appropriate for all types of weather, making this a perfect choice for Springtime wetness. What do you think of the two DKNY Vanessas? Do you agree that the original is best?

Tags: dkny, donna karan, heels, l.a.m.b., oxford, pumps, running shoes, spring, vulcanized

Posted: Jan 27th, 2008 at 5:55 pm