Helle Comfort Yovela – Fashion Tech Forward or Shoe Antique?

I’m not quite sure how to categorize these Helle Comfort Yovela shoes:

Are they technologically forward footwear or are they antique shoes?

On the outside, they look like they were inspired by silk and brocade shoes that were popular in the 17th century:

17th century shoes

The metallic floral-inspired pattern on the Helle Comfort Yovelas resemble the embroidery on the 17th century shoes above. Even the way the shoe wraps around the foot and the way the toe box tapers to a rounded square toe look like the antique shoes. Only the heels are different – a wedge heel for the Yovelas and a flared heel for the antiques – but the heel heights are still comparatively the same.

But on the inside, the Helle Comfort Yovelas are an entirely different pair of shoes. Why? Well, firstly, they make use of doctor-prescribed footbeds:

Orthotics

These footbeds, called orthotics in the medical field, improve the functions of the feet, body alignment, and posture. The ones already inside the Helle Comfort Yovelas are removable and can be used with other shoes or can be replaced with a different orthotic.

Secondly, the Yovelas are made of geniune leather that molds to the feet and are lined with a special leather that wicks away moisture. I guess that means that you can wear them without socks but I wouldn’t risk it especially with leather shoes.

Lastly, the Yovelas’ outsoles are made of non-skid rubber which provides durable traction and absorbs shock.

They may look like old shoes, but clearly, the Helle Comfort Yovela is light years ahead when it comes to footwear technology. Both the green and brown colors are currently on sale ($107.75 for the green and $111.31 for the brown) at Zappos.com.