When Bernd Jablonka uses the phrase beginning with “if the shoe fits,” he’s probably referring to the floor space in your closet.

But the president of Global Comfort International is so excited about a new brand of women’s shoes the company is rolling out this month, he’s guaranteeing the revolutionary “system” will free up more than foot room.

The sandal is called Topless Footwear, so named for a customer’s ability to interchange different “tops,” or “uppers,” with a given sole. With 40 “tops,” and four styles of soles in two colors, there will be 160 combinations available on a moment’s notice.

“We are ecstatic about the prospects,” said Jablonka, whose firm has offices in both downtown Santa Barbara and off of Patterson. “Goleta and Santa Barbara will be the launching pads for entire U.S. We’ll have plenty of product for the holidays, and are expecting to be ready before Thanksgiving.”

Shipments are on the way for Topless Footwear sandals that will first feature a traditional “low” or “flat” sole design. A typical “thong,” foot “slide in,” and “heel” will follow in two colors.

Of the 40 “uppers” soon available will be such familiar styles as zebra, smooth leather, metallic and flower.

But Jablonka, formerly at the helm of the upscale European comfort shoe company specializing in the Portania brand on Aero Camino, promises a low-key sophistication to the sandal.

“These are not ‘niche,’ or wild-styled shoes,” he said. “They’re elegant footwear. We’ve done extensive research, and we’re very excited about the response in sample groups.”

Those in Jablonka’s inner circle of friends, family and at his church are already lining up for the debut of Topless Footwear. They’ve been fortunate enough to get a sneak peek.

But what’s going to knock many people’s socks off is the way the shoe is to be sold. While Jablonka has been in talks with a major department store chain, Topless Footwear will be as mobile as any Avon or Tupperware party.

In fact, Jablonka is following that very successful line of marketing and selling with his brand of sandals. He’s looking for “consultants” to organize “hosts,” who in turn will invite guests over to check out, try on and purchase sandals.

“Every two seconds there’s a Tupperware party,” he noted. “But this has never been done before with shoes. We’re just grateful we thought of it.”

In tune with these projected “shoe parties,” Jablonka plans to throw a big shindig of his own to introduce the shoe line to the public once his product is in hand.

“We’re going to have a very classy, catered shoe party, with hundreds of people invited from Santa Barbara and Goleta,” said Jablonka, growing more excited with each additional piece of information.

And his enthusiasm is warranted. Instead of buying a new pair of expensive shoes for $275, you can get one sole and 10 uppers, or “10 pairs of shoes for $27 each.”

Jablonka is equally charged up over the quality and design. He hired one of the key innovators involved in the development of the Nike Air Insole “to finish up the design” that’s been in the works for some three years.

“I acquired the license from Lock-In-Air, where Bill Peterson was involved,” he said. “The Nike Air Insole is what really made Nike. Everything took off after that.”

Even people outside the world of sports can recall the impact that such brands as the “Air Jordan” — showing commercials of NBA star Michael Jordan in a wide-legged, tomahawk dunk — had on the public at large.

And if Jablonka has his way, Topless Footwear is also destined for the red carpet treatment.

In the meantime, Jablonka is actively seeking consultants and hosts. Email bjablonka@yahoo.com or call 637-8663. The date, time and location of the first public “shoe party” will be announced in short order.

PHOTO BY GLOBAL COMFORT INTERNATIONAL