Scarlett Chase, named after one of Murphy’s daughters, is solving the so-called shoe problem by refusing to sacrifice chic looks in the name of comfort.
Powered by proprietary, first-of-its-kind technology called SC360, each Scarlett Chase offering fuses orthotic-grade support (think high-rebound, energy-returning foam insoles; constructions that transfer weight away from the ball of the foot and into the heel, crafted with guidance from orthotic experts and biomechanical engineers alike; shock-absorbing platforms on the outsoles; and bunion-accommodating uppers) with trend-right silhouettes that point to one of the label’s most notable accomplishments — manufacturing its styles in the same European footwear workshops that give birth to Jimmy Choo’s, Prada’s, and Miu Miu’s latest.
Accordingly, Scarlett Chase “spares no expense,” as Murphy puts it, swathing its highly rated models in natural, crème de la crème materials like Italian suede or sumptuous napa leather. Cameron Diaz, Viola Davis, and Kelly Clarkson have all cosigned the “Scarlett Chase difference” over the years.
To fill a major, glaring hole in the women’s shoe market (that is, not having a suitable pair of heels for keeping up with male colleagues’ comparatively effortless treks from building to building), Murphy first came out with a hero product called the Scarlett 75 Pump. Its pièces de résistance? “A patented, hidden platform bottom made of leather to give you the illusion of even more height, as well as a cushiony, custom, removable OrthoLite orthotic that can work in your running sneakers,” Murphy says.
Taken together, these elements result in a pitch change that takes pressure away from the toes. ”As people age, like it or not, the fatty part of the front of the foot spreads and thins,” Murphy explains, which makes it all the more crucial to find a shoe capable of evenly distributing the weight and preventing joint strain that could radiate all the way up to your back. Scarlett Chase is that shoe.
Beyond its Scarlett 75, the same principles apply across the women-owned company’s Portia 75 Stretch Bootie, Audrey 55 Pump, Chase Loafer, Cali 45 Sandal, and more quick-to-sell-out bestsellers. Unifying most selections is an ability to fold down to tidier proportions (the real luxury for frequent travelers), a surprisingly light weight, and inclusive fits: evident in everything from expanded-width boot shafts that pamper larger calves (“ women literally try our boots on and cry,” per the founder) to more spacious toe boxes.
Looking at the Scarlett Chase lineup as it stands right now, it’s hard not to acknowledge just how aligned each shoe feels with footwear directives set in stone on recent runways. Strappy sandals in metallic finishes, horsebit loafers, and kitten-heel slingbacks abound at scarlettchase.com, but Murphy is quick to point out that Scarlett Chase is trying to be classic, not trendy.
In other words, timeless versatility is the bedrock of the assortment, but Murphy doesn’t shy away from giving customers a bit of a “choose your own adventure” when styling their fresh purchases.
Take the Fiona Cowboy Boot as an example. The patent-pending design boasts an incognito zipper, inherent forefoot lift, and foot-cradling tech guaranteed to make your festival-season outings more enjoyable. But the star of the show is undoubtedly the boot’s sold-separately, interchangeable gaiter, taking it to full length in seconds while ensuring you can easily stow the style in a carry-on versus hauling it through airport security in original packaging.
Genius? That’s Scarlett Chase’s defining adjective, and Murphy hopes to introduce the brand to a younger crowd demanding the same commitment to their foot health as someone in their 40s to late 60s — while still working with a close eye on the latter demographic’s needs and wants.
“ I think fashion totally misses out because these are the women who have money to spend, and nobody cares. People don’t pay attention to them enough. My target customer won’t just buy one pair of shoes. They’ll buy 10. They’ll buy the bootie and the boot. They want the look without the pain, and they’re not going to compromise anymore,” shares Murphy.
“ You’re paying way more than that for solving the problems you create. You wear a bad flip-flop once, and all of a sudden you need to go to the chiropractor. People don’t connect those things together, but they really should,” Murphy tells us.
She views Scarlett Chase as the antidote to the “ low-cost Amazon solution,” ideating pieces that can and will last a lifetime — no need to keep the receipt for a future return.
On what motivates Murphy to keep doing the thing, day in and day out: “I want to empower women, from journalists and attorneys to doctors, athletes, and the Kelly Clarksons of the world singing on stage. I want women to realize they can look amazing and feel supported at the same time. When someone says, ‘I never thought I’d get another pair of boots’ or ‘I gave up on heels’ and now they’re saying, ‘You’ve given me a chance to do that again’? This is why I get up in the morning.”
— Stacia Datskovska,
Senior Commerce Writer
