Hollywood Trender: Zipz Shoes showcase American cleverness, design flair in casual shoes

By April MacIntyre Feb 8, 2011, 22:18 GMT

Hollywood stars have eaten these fun shoes up in a big way. The "Cali Classic" line, and the "Back Alley" line are seen on famous feet everywhere: AnnaLynne McCord, Teri Polo, Dominic Monaghan, and Jonathon Del Arco have been spotted in Zipz Shoes. Photo by April MacIntyre M&C

Ideas that seem to translate best from a fleeting thought to three-dimensional reality are usually quite simple in their premise. 

Yet another great American invention was born out of a family gathering at a barbecue, from an observation and a 'what if' conversation.

Zipz Shoes were created by California-based entrepreneur John Stefani, at a family backyard barbecue where his dad, Jerry Stefani, came up with the idea talking to a guest at this BBQ, who said that her children changed clothes often that she wished she had the shoes to match their outfits.

Light bulbs went off and sleeves were rolled up, as the Stefani family, John, his father Jerry, Stefani’s siblings Brian and his sister Terri, all invested a six-figure chunk of money to come up with the prototype and beginnings of a new concept in casual shoes - zip-off tops to switch up the looks - giving one pair of shoes a double life.

Zipz shoes were received extremely well, by both customers and angel investors who saw the brilliance in the simplicity and execution of the Stefani family's shoes designs.

Hollywood stars have eaten these fun shoes up in a big way. The "Cali Classic" line, and the "Back Alley" line are seen on famous feet everywhere: AnnaLynne McCord, Teri Polo, Dominic Monaghan, and Jonathon Del Arco have been spotted in Zipz Shoes.

The Zipz Shoes we tried out were a cool interchangeable hi-top that was a classic Licorice solid top, and underneath a crazy Graffiti mural design called Skull Roze: 

There are a myriad of styles, patterns and looks you can achieve, two sets shoes all for the price of one pair.  The shoe is solid, comfortable and fit true-to-size, and looked amazing on.

Simple to zip on and off, the covers are a canvas material that is durable and machine washable.

Affordable, Zipz Shoes range in price from $15-$80 and are available at www.zipzhoes.com