Singapore Airlines to replace crew sandals with closed-toe shoes

Singapore Airlines is to replace the sandals and slingbacks worn by its female cabin crew with a new closed-toe wedge shoe, while keeping its sarong kebaya uniform. According to Live and Let's Fly, the new shoes will be introduced progressively from January 2027.

What is changing

The new wedge will replace both the open-toe sandals and the closed-toe slingbacks that crew currently wear during different phases of a flight. Crew will be able to wear one pair throughout their duties rather than switching between styles, Live and Let's Fly reports.

The outlet, citing an interview by CNA Lifestyle with the airline and footwear designer Pazzion, says the shoe took 31 months to develop. Listed features include:

• a widened toe box
• a padded back
• cushioned insoles
• a supportive wedge heel
• a closed toe offering extra protection against spills and falling objects

Pazzion says flight attendants took part in fittings and wear tests, and prototypes were tested on flights.

The kebaya stays

The Pierre Balmain sarong kebaya is unchanged. Singapore Airlines describes it as a hallmark of the carrier, with four colours denoting different female crew ranks. The new shoes keep the airline's signature batik motif, with colours matching those ranks.

Live and Let's Fly's author welcomes the change as a sensible update that preserves the look, though notes that the real verdict will come from the crew who wear the shoes over long flights. That is the outlet's opinion rather than a statement from the airline.

What this means for travellers

Passengers should see little difference in the overall look of the cabin crew, as the sarong kebaya and batik pattern remain. The visible change will be closed-toe wedges in place of sandals and slingbacks, introduced gradually from January 2027, so some crew may wear the old footwear for a time. The airline has not said when the transition will be complete. The sources do not suggest any change to fares, schedules or onboard service.

Sources: Live and Let's Fly