Singapore Airlines (SIA) will replace the iconic open-toed sandals worn by its female flight attendants with a new pair of closed-toe wedge shoes starting January 2027. The change follows a review aimed at improving safety, comfort, and operational practicality, the airline confirmed on October 8.

The new footwear, developed in collaboration with local brand PAZZION, features a close-toe design made from genuine leather with thick lambskin insoles to provide enhanced cushioning. SIA’s signature batik print remains integral to the design, with colours customised to match the sarong kebaya uniforms of different crew ranks—for instance, burgundy for inflight managers. The closed-toe wedge style is intended to offer greater protection from spills and falling objects during cabin operations. Multiple prototypes were tested on flights before finalising the design, according to an SIA spokesperson.

The original open-toed sandals, designed by Parisian couturier Pierre Balmain in the 1970s, have long been a distinctive element of SIA’s “Singapore Girl” image, allowing flight attendants’ painted red toenails to be visible. The sarong kebaya uniform itself, adapted from Balmain’s 1968 design for Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA), has seen few alterations over decades.

In 2001, SIA introduced closed-toe slingbacks as safety footwear for female cabin crew during takeoff and landing, following the 2000 SQ006 crash in Taiwan in which open-toed sandals were reported to have posed hazards. Since then, attendants switched between these closed-toe shoes and the classic sandals during flights. The new shoes will remove the need for such changes, with attendants expected to wear the closed-toe wedges throughout all flight phases, enhancing consistency and practicality.

Male cabin crew will continue to wear black leather shoes as per current uniform regulations, with no planned changes.

A flight attendant who has worked with SIA for two years, speaking anonymously, described the open-toed sandals as a signature aspect of the airline’s uniform, distinguishing it from other carriers that typically require closed shoes. She acknowledged the benefits of the new footwear, noting the convenience of having a single pair of shoes and improved protection against common risks such as toes being stepped on or objects falling inside the cabin. Having tried on the new shoes, she said they appeared comfortable but has yet to assess their comfort during full work shifts.

Crew members have been advised to wear stockings with the new shoes to manage sweat and odor, though some may find this adjustment challenging. PAZZION has not provided further comment on the footwear ahead of its rollout.