They might sound gimmicky but bendy pumps with elasticated backs are, in fact, the next step in the natural evolution of the ballet pump. This, after all, was a shoe so easy to wear that, en masse, we just refused to give it up.
It's hard to pinpoint exactly when and where ballet pumps morphed into banana pumps, but the catwalks of Lanvin are partly responsible. Thereafter, the trend has flourished primarily among designer brands, possibly because the soles of these shoes are so minimal and the leather so soft that they lend themselves to a posh, taxi lifestyle. Thankfully, the high street is catching up quickly, so we have both pricey and cheaper choices.