October 13, 2026, 12:26 pm | Read time: 2 minutes

The flight attendants of Singapore Airlines, also known as Singapore Girls, are immediately recognizable due to their unique uniforms. These consist of a form-fitting blouse, the Kebaya, and a wrap skirt, the Sarong. Both are brightly patterned and have been the trademark of the female cabin crew since 1968. But it’s not just the clothing that’s iconic; the matching footwear is too. The flight attendants have traditionally worn sandals. However, this will end in 2027.

No More Sandals at Singapore Airlines

Starting next year, open-toed shoes will no longer be worn on flights; instead, a closed-toe version will be introduced, as reported by “aerotelegraph.” Singapore Airlines confirmed the plan to the newspaper “The Straits Times.” The reason is safety measures. The closed shoes are the result of a review aimed at improving safety, comfort, and support while meeting operational requirements.

Instead of open sandals, Singapore Airlines flight attendants will wear closed ballerinas with a small wedge heel in the future, designed to protect them from falling objects or spilled liquids. The typical pattern of the uniform will also be featured on the new shoes. There are different colors, each corresponding to the rank of the crew members.

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A spokesperson for Singapore Airlines also stated that the shoes are made of genuine leather and feature cushioned insoles and a breathable inner sole. Employees were involved in the development process. Several prototypes were tested on flights before the final design was decided upon. This process took 31 months.

Shoe Change Already in 2001

The sandals of Singapore Airlines were once designed by Parisian fashion designer Pierre Balmain. They were intended to highlight the flight attendants’ red-painted toenails.

However, a small change to the footwear was made in 2001. After a plane crash in Taiwan in 2000, it was decided that the sandals could only be worn during the flight, not during takeoff and landing. Survivors reported that their sandals simply fell off, and they had to walk barefoot through the debris.

With the new model, the change of footwear will be eliminated starting in 2027–the closed version will be worn throughout the entire flight.