SINGAPORE, Oct 8 — Singapore Airlines will begin rolling out new closed-toe shoes for its female cabin crew in January, replacing the open-toed sandals that have long been part of its signature look.

The airline confirmed the change to The Straits Times, saying the new footwear follows a review focused on safety, comfort, support and operational needs.

The new shoes, developed with local footwear brand PAZZION, feature a closed-toe wedge design and will be worn throughout the flight rather than being switched with another pair at different stages.

Made from genuine leather, the shoes have thick lambskin insoles and incorporate SIA’s distinctive batik print, while their colours correspond with the crew member’s rank, including burgundy for Inflight Managers.

SIA said the closed-toe design offers added protection against spills and objects that could fall on crew members, with female cabin crew involved in the development process alongside PAZZION.

Several prototypes were also tested during actual flights before the final design was selected.

The change means female cabin crew will no longer need to alternate between footwear during a flight, with the new shoes to be worn during take-off, landing and the rest of the journey.

The outgoing sandals have been closely associated with the airline’s Singapore Girl image, featuring batik detailing and an open design that has traditionally complemented the crew’s painted red toenails.

They have also formed part of the visual identity surrounding SIA’s sarong kebaya, which was created by French designer Pierre Balmain for Malaysia-Singapore Airlines in 1968 before being adapted for SIA in 1974.

SIA introduced closed-toe slingbacks in 2001 following the crash of Singapore Airlines flight SQ006 in October 2000, which killed 83 people, although the airline said the footwear change was not linked to the accident and that its review had begun two years earlier.

Since then, crew members have worn the closed-toe shoes during take-off and landing before changing into the open-toed sandals for the remainder of the flight.

The new footwear will eventually replace both styles, with SIA saying the move is intended to make the uniform more practical and consistent.

There will be no corresponding change for male cabin crew, who will continue to wear black leather shoes.