OK, so the title of this blog may sound absolutely absurd but IBM (International Business Machines) have carried out a survey on the predictions of what height ladies heels will be rising to next year and have found some surprising results. Many fashionistas have predicted that heel heights will reduce during 2012, so just what does this tell us about the current economy?

Firstly, lets take a look back over how heel heights have changed in relation to the economy. During the Great Depression in the 1920's high-heel pumps became favoured over low-heeled shoes, whilst during the oil crisis of the 1970's sandals with a low heel were replaced with platforms. Then, the 1990's saw the dot-com downfall and stiletto's rose the height stakes, casting aside the lower thicker heels that had become favoured during the 'grunge' era.

Speaking about this previous trend, IBM's consumer product expert, Trevor Davis said; “Usually, in an economic downturn, heels go up and stay up – as consumers turn to more flamboyant fashions as a means of fantasy and escape.”

So, what are those all-important predictions for 2012? Trevor Davis and his team have been looking at just what these fashionistas are expecting for heel heights in the up-coming year; “Key trend-watching bloggers between 2008 and 2009 wrote consistently about heels from five to eight inches, but by mid 2011 they were writing about the return of the kitten heel and the perfect flat from Jimmy Choo and Louboutin.”

However, these suggestions don't rule the high heel out completely, just that the high heel will be saved for the more glamorous of occasions, rather than it's use as an everyday shoe as it perhaps is now.

As the heel heights look set to be reduced, it could spell a change in the economy or is the longevity of the current economic climate we find ourselves in perhaps leading us to resign back to comfort?

Davis continued, “This time, something different is happening – perhaps a mood of long-term austerity is evolving among consumers sparking a desire to reduce ostentation in everyday settings.”

Thus, as we continue to battle our way through the pinch in our wallets, we perhaps are leaving the glamour and flamboyance aside for the more special of occasions, finally succumbing to the everyday reality...

OK, so depressing thoughts out of the way, we're sure you don't want to ditch the glamour completely, so here are four budget busting shoes, high heeled or flat...for whichever mood you're in!