Irregular Choice have just launched a purrrrfect new feline concept heel for lucky cat lovers everywhere!

We’ve brought you three new styles showcasing gold hand painted maneki-neko style lucky cat heels, with each pair featuring a raised static paw, a red scarf with gold bell, and complete with a fish to draw an abundance of good fortune into your home, work, and heart with your every step!

Irregular Choice Owner and designer Dan Sullivan loves Japanese culture and the beauty of the country. He travels there regularly to enjoy the creativity and unique fashion of the Japanese people which is ever evolving.

All over Japan in homes and businesses, you will see lucky cat figurines called maneki-neko. Maneki-neko, which translates to beckoning cat, is the most popular lucky charm in Japanese culture. Their upright paw is said to beckon good fortune for their owner!

Although there are many stories surrounding the true origin of the lucky cat, one of the most popular tales of all is the legend of the Gotokuji temple. The story tells of a priest who looked after Gotokuji temple in Tokyo; who, despite being very poor, would share his food with his cat.

One day, a passing samurai took shelter during a storm under one of the temple’s trees. The man saw the cat beckoning him to come into the temple. As he approached the cat, a bolt of lightning struck the tree he was under, causing it to crash down onto the ground where he would’ve been taking shelter, had the cat not signalled him to move to safety.

Grateful to the cat, the wealthy samurai rewarded the temple with funding. Years later when the cat died, a special burial was made in honour of what we know today as the lucky cat.

Early examples of maneki-neko statues, traditionally in the form of a calico Japanese Bobtail cat and white in colour, were used to invite good luck and happiness, and were made in stone, metal, cast iron, carved wood and porcelain. Originally sold in the temple, and now found worldwide, these ornamental cats are now commonly placed outside houses and shops due to their lucky symbolic nature.

Modern versions are sometimes equipped with a mechanical paw that slowly moves back and forth.

We are lucky to have a lot of fans who adore kitties as much as we do. Irregular Choice has included cute cats in hundreds of our designs over the years, so it was natural to celebrate this iconic feline in the best way we know how - a new concept heel.

Introducing “Fortunate Feline” featuring a statement happy cat applique on the toe, spotty upper, cherry blossom trim and embroidered ‘lucky cat’ wording.

“Pretty Paws” celebrates those sensitive toe beans that are so adorable. Paw print details adorn the whole upper and strap!

Completing our trio is “Tricky Tom” adorned with a floral lace overlay, glitter and organza pleating topped off with a bow!

WIN a pair of Irregular Choice shoes of your choice! We're running a competition to coincide with our Lucky Cat launch! Head to our competition page to enter!