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Heel to Toe
How to Make Old Heels Look New

When you step out to strut your stuff, it’s always a good idea to put your best foot forward. But what if that foot is firmly planted in a favorite pair of heels that has started to look a little worn? Splits, chips, scuffs, scrapes and rips are common high heel problems that can all be fixed at home. Whether a furry friend has used your heels as a chew toy, or you're the victim of simple wear and tear, there are a number of steps you can take to put a spring back in your step and give an old pair of heels a loving little face lift.

5 Ways to Make High Heels Look Newer

1. Replace the Heel Tip

Because of pressure that the heel endures, a lost or chipped heel tip is a common issue. A replacement kit can be found at a shoe repair shop, online or at your local craft store. First, glue any split or torn fabric back to the heel with adhesive applied with a sponge or small nail brush. If damage is extensive, camouflage with a matching color acrylic paint. Second, either glue or hammer the tip into place. Lastly, file the heel tip to fit the shape of your shoe, but not too much that you weaken it. One way to prevent the need for this type of fix by wearing high heel protectors, especially when walking outdoors and on rough surfaces. 

2. Fix a Broken Ankle Strap

Don’t let this common problem slow you down. A sketchy heel strap, or blown out flip-flop or sandal is actually a very easy fix! A number of shoe adhesives are available at drug stores or even superglue would work in a pinch. First, remove any dirt or dust with a dry cloth, surfaces must be dry for the glue to set. Second, remove any stray thread or torn fabric. Apply glue and let sit for at least two minutes. Third, press pieces gently together and use a clamp to hold, a clothespin or paperclip will do. Let dry for 24 hours.

3. Walk This Way

When heels don’t fit properly they will show signs of age sooner. Luckily, there are a number of products that do double duty to help your feet and your fabulous heels! If an ankle rubs the back of the shoe, apply a band aid to create a barrier, or gel pads are re-usable. Foot inserts are available to take pressure off the ball of the foot, and arch supports help support the foot and back. The better fitting heel will instantly look newer.  

4. Condition, Condition, Condition

For any heel material, there is a way to clean and a way to pre-treat. A favorite shoe store or online site features a number of products to spiff up your heels. Each season, take out your collection of shoes and give each a clean. Then, depending on the circumstances, waterproof, de-salt, brush and buff each pair to perfection. Each pair will look renewed and this will prolong the life of the shoe.

5. Scratch & Color Fixes

When conditioning alone doesn't fix scratches, tears and scrapes, additional repair might be necessary. This is difficult with fabric shoes, but can be done with other materials as long as it isn't too deep or wide. First, prep the shoe by buffing out each scrape with leather oil. Then, use a color matching shoe polish to disguise the blemish.

Conclusion

Old age isn’t a good reason to retire a pair of heels, and expensive high heels are particularly worthy of the effort to keep them looking new. Renew your shoes with these handy tips and tricks and old becomes new again. It’s like getting new shoes without spending much money, and that makes everyone feel fabulous!

Clickless High Heel Protectors

Shoe Brands That Give Back

As women, we work hard and we play hard. And we care about how our feet look and feel while doing it. Our shoe fetish feels a lot more "right" knowing that many top shoe designers are highly regarded in the philanthropic world. Many of them raise awareness and donate millions to diverse causes from agricultural scholarships to rape centers. Here are just a few examples of shoe brands that give back. 

Prada

Miuccia Prada, granddaughter to the fashion empire’s founder Mario Prada, started a nonprofit organization in 1993 called Prada Arte Milano to support contemporary art and industrial building in Milan. It has been renamed to the Prada Foundation and has broadened focus to include photography, cinema, design and architecture.

Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo’s philanthropic efforts seem to be as dynamic and diverse as his shoe designs. He has partnered with The Elton John Foundation and has raised millions for a South African Rape Centre. He designed a one-of-a-kind line of shoes to raise funds and awareness for the disaster in Fukushima, Japan. He used local fabrics and silks as well as shoe making techniques with all proceeds donated to local organizations. Co-Founder Tamara Mellon has recently launched the Jimmy Choo Foundation which is focused on women’s empowerment.


Donna Karen

Donna Karen has been a distinguished philanthropist her entire career. She uses her company’s visibility and resources for a number of social causes including AIDS awareness and education, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and - along with her husband - formed the Karan Weiss Foundation in 1999. In 2007, she began the Urban Zen Initiative, which works to advance wellness, preserve culture and empower children. She also works closely with the Clinton Global Initiative to support and develop Haitian Artists.

Manolo Blahnik

When sample shoes build up to a sizable supply for Manolo Blahnik, they are taken to a sample sale at Litchfield, Connecticut’s Arethusa Farm. The sale benefits the Arethusa Farm Scholarship Fund, which helps agriculture students pay for their education.

BCBG Max Azria

One of the most philanthropic couples in Las Angeles, Max Azria and Lubov Azria support an array of compelling causes. The American Cancer Society as well as Susan G. Koman for the Cure are just two. Their interests span into the art world and include NYC’s Whitney Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, or MOCA, Los Angeles.

This short list is really just the tip of the fashion iceberg as to what socially conscious designers do with their time and resources. As a consumer, we have the opportunity to make informed choices and choose where our money goes... right down to the shoes that we buy. It's just another way to feel good while looking good.

Clickless High Heel Protectors

Our Favorite Kitten Heels for Spring

Something about the name kitten heels just makes us giggle. It's like you're not a full fledged cat yet, and aren't ready for the big girl high heels. But, we at Clickless LOVE kitten heels and think they're versatile for all sorts of activities. Try these kitten heels on for size the next time you're looking for a new work outfit, going out on the town, or want to look nice on a shopping outing.

But first, for the record, what defines a kitten heel? It's typically a stiletto heel that is less than 2 inches in height. Often, it's 1 or 1.5 inches. They were introduced in the 1950's and can be found on many types of shoes, from pumps to sandals. 

Kitten Heels Spring 2014

Coach Manya Sandal

French Connection Pointy Toe d'Orsay Pump

Jimmy Choo Mandy Pointy Toe Pump

Kurt Geiger London Tilia Pump

Maxstudio Mac Sandal

Michael Kors Trisha Genuine Snakeskin Pump

Salvatore Ferragamo Primerose Pointy Toe Pump

See by Chloe Hera Ankle Strap D'Orsay Pump

Trotters Prima Pump

Valentino Metallic Nappa Couture Bow Pump

Clickless High Heel Protectors

22 Shoe Hacks To Keep You Kickin'
  1. Use beeswax to waterproof canvas shoes. Don't forget to set the wax with a blow dryer. 
  2. Use a mixture of vinegar and water to scrub salt and water stains off leather shoes.
  3. Clean dirt off suede by rubbing it with a stale crust of bread.
  4. Make patent shoes shiny again using window cleaner such as Windex.
  5. Remove scratches on leather shoes with a tiny bit of moisturizer. 
  6. Break your shoes in by wearing them with socks and making them more pliable by blowdrying them.
  7. Look for stitching in shoe soles to determine if they can get re-soled. This is especially important when shopping for vintage shoes.
  8. Throw canvas sneakers into the washing machine to clean them. Let them air dry.
  9. When traveling, pack your shoes in a plastic bag or shower cap to keep the soles from touching your clothes and other belongings.
  10. Put wadded newspaper into shoes when you're not wearing them to absorb odor and moisture. 
  11. Use your shoe to open a bottle of wine in a pinch. See the video here
  12. Air dry your socks to make them last longer.
  13. Use pant hangers (the kind with clips) to store tall boots. It'll reduce mess and keep the boots from slumping.
  14. Add a colored pom pom clip to your shoes to add some flair to your next holiday (St. Paddy's, Christmas, or Independence Day).
  15. Add a pop of color to your oxfords by spray painting the soles.
  16. Use iron-on fabric to replace the insoles of your shoes once they get old, if you purchased a vintage pair, or if you just want to liven up the pattern.
  17. Once the heels of your high heels or stilettos are damaged to the point where you can no longer wear them, add glitter to the heels to cover it up and get more mileage out of them.
  18. Spray tights and leggings with hairspray to prevent runs.
  19. Use a ladder to store your high heels.
  20. Reduce the look of small nicks by using a similarly colored nail polish.
  21. Use a metallic spray paint to add a shiny tip to ballet flats.
  22. If you get a run in your pantyhose, use nail polish to prevent it from running further. 
Sources: lifehacker.comwhowhatwear.com, complex.com, lovelyindeed.com, thebudgetfashionista.com, grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.ro

Clickless High Heel Protectors

Maybe You Shouldn't Wear Heels to Disneyland

As much as we love our heels, as much as putting our "best foot forward" is one of our vital beliefs here at Clickless, as much as being fashionable matters, it might not always be appropriate. If you're walking Disneyland with your family all day long, your feet may get a little uncomfortable. 

Take this endearing clip from Modern Family wherein Gloria refuses to sacrifice her heels to meet Mickey, Minnie and the gang. She is clearly in pain, and it's affecting her mood. In a heartwarming moment, Jay brings her a pair of slipper heels from the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and she is walking on air. 

So hear this, dear readers. Fashion is always first, but there is a time and a place. We can't help but think if Gloria had been wearing her Clickless she may have had less to complain about. At the very least, she would be able to protect those little babies from the damage of walking around on harsh surfaces all day.

Clickless High Heel Protectors