s
Heel to Toe
5 Ways to Wear Pants with Heels

It is a puzzle trying to figure out which style of pants look best with which heels. From skinny jeans to a party to trousers for work, there are a few keys to wearing pants with heels and looking fabulous. In an effort to try to take the guess work out of your style game, here is a handy little cheat sheet.

Skinny

We love the flattering look of a skinny jean or skinny pants with heels. Our most elegant look is a skinny pant paired with an untucked shirt and a mid-height heel, say 2 inches or less. This look works best if the pant ends clean at the ankle bone, without any bunching.

Trouser

The most important aspect of a trouser is that it is long enough. The leg of the trouser should be about 1” from the ground leaving the toe and heel visible. That said, the length should not be too long, bunching up or skimming the ground, which will simply ruin your pants.

We LOVE a long trouser with mega heels, a solid 3inch heel and even a platform will get you feeling extra fierce. A trouser pant with heels adds up to a formidable statement look that is very appropriate for job interviews and power lunches.

Capri

The mid-calf cut of a capri pant works well with a pointed toe mid-height heel. A fun look to play with for the summer season, this is professional enough to wear to work and afterwards this little number can do double duty at Happy Hour.

White denim

White denim and summer were just meant to be.  The combination of a stark white denim with a spikey nude heel is simply irresistible. You can mix it up with distressed denim, capri, or flared and you will look flawless when sporting a nude heel.

Zipper

Pants with zippered hems are one of the best blast-from-the past 80’s holdbacks. The edgy detail is so fun and so perfect when worn with a tall heel; say a classic pointed toe pump with a 3 inch heel. Bonus, this look also works well with a jogger especially in a flowy silk.

No need to fret the pants with heels puzzle. The next time you go shopping for pants, remember this handy guide. You won’t need to lug around a bag full of shoes so you’ll find you have more energy for shopping. Style game strong!

 

What to do Before Going to the Cobbler

Does the word "Cobbler" remind you of warm gooey peaches topped with a crunchy crust, straight from the oven? Cobbler is not only a favorite dessert, it’s an old word and an old profession. A trusted Cobbler can be the shoe lover's best friend.

With the amount of thought, mental scrutiny, money and time that you put into selecting every pair of shoes, wouldn't it make sense to take precautions to protect your investment in fabulosity? Use our three "step" program below before going to the cobbler.

The Pre-Cobbler Three Step Program (no pun intended)

shoe repair

Step 1. Pre-treat: A little shoe-shine can go a long way! Have you spotted one those funny couches in an airport or city street? Well, they serve a function! Treat your feet and your shoes to a little treat. Shoe polish not only cleans and sparkles a dull finish but can condition a shoe's material and extend the life of a favorite pair of kicks. If its the winter season, add a water repellent.


Slippery Shoe

Step 2. Clean: For the same reason as periodic treatments, keep those shoes clean. Dirt will degrade leather, suede or man-made material and lead to a faster break-down, which can result less traction and a less-than-solid shoe statement. Make sure the heel and sole are clean and free of debris as well as the interior of the shoe and foot bed.    

Shoe Care Cleaning

Step 3. Protect: For every type of shoe, there is a treatment to ensure your feet are looking their best. Consider a high heel protector for higher heels and for peace of mind that those heels are resting assuredly on your favorite bar stool rung.

And, last but not least...

High Heel Protector

Repair: If there is damage beyond what a clean and polish can take care of, such as a deep nick, scratch, or a snapped heel, you should head to the nearest shoe Cobbler. In case of breakage, remember to keep any and all parts of the shoe. The cobbler may need them to reconstruct. This can be a hefty investment but worth it for a favorite pair of shoes. 

Note that many cobblers don’t have websites. Ask other snappy shoe owners for their go-to spot. We're sure they’d be happy to share.

Images (top down): jikatu, statickflickr, cocoparisienne, weinheld90

Clickless High Heel Protectors

The Art of High Heel Walking

Marilyn Monroe was quite right when she claimed that all women owe a lot to the person who invented high heels. Ask most women and they’d tell you that they cannot function without their heels. It's not just those wanting a little elevation, although that's certainly a factor. High heels can offer class, confidence and character to any woman wanting to look effortlessly fabulous. But effortless is one thing that high heels are not.

You may beg to differ based on how easily Beyonce sways on stage or how Jennifer Lopez does jumps and lunges in her music videos wearing stilettos. But the fact is, high heel walking is an art, one that requires tactics and practice to master. Following are a few tips and tricks to help you make strong personality statements by walking tall in high heels:

Buy the Right Heels

In order to wear the heels correctly, the first thing you need to nail down is the right purchase. A lot of times people end up compromising on size simply to get their desired look, however, high heel walking is greatly affected if the heels don’t fit perfectly. Make sure that the centering of the heel and your foot’s arch placement are correct. This may seem like a small glitch, but in the long run it can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort.

Choose The Right Heel Height

Effortless high heel walking for you might mean 2-3 inches, whereas someone else might consider heels above 4-5 inches doable. Don’t let someone else determine the right heel size for you. Always start with shorter heels and then increase the size with time. A good way to determine the most comfortable heel size is to stand on your toes with the back of your foot at least an inch above the heel of the shoe; if you can easily do that then the heel is the right size for you. High heel walking is all about practice and time. With practice you can gradually increase the size of your heel to as long as is practically possible. You may find that you need to purchase shoes with broader heels or wedges at first as they are easier to handle.

Practice, Practice and More Practice

Now that you have understood the level of your high heel walking incompetence and found the right pair of heels, it is time to get down to business. Follow these steps and you will be gliding in 6 inch heels in no time!

  • Start by standing in your heels. Stand for a few minutes and then sit down. Gradually increase the time to about 40-50 minutes so that you can get used to standing for prolonged periods of time. Try standing in front of a full length mirror so that you can observe your posture and adjust it accordingly. Be sure not to bend your knees while standing.
  • Take small steps at first at a slow pace on a non-slippery surface like a carpet. The stride tends to get shorter with higher heels, so don’t try to take long strides initially. Make sure that your knees don’t bend too much.
  • Gradually increase the speed and practice turning, sitting, stopping, changing directions and dancing as you would do all these things without heels.
  • Try wearing heels on different surfaces inside the house as well as outside. Many people only practice at home and then cannot hold the same stride and posture when wearing heels outdoors. High heel walking is even more difficult on outdoor surfaces like grass and gravel, so make sure that you practice on them too.
  • It is very important to learn walking on stairs with the heels on. Make sure that your entire foot is on the step when coming down the stairs. When going up, place the ball of your foot on every step, and don’t forget to hold on to the railing!
  • It is a good idea to practice several days before the event so that the sole of the heels will become less slippery and you can get used to the shoe.
  • One of the best ways to practice high heel walking is to wear them when you go out to do normal errands like buy groceries, after you’ve had ample practice indoors, of course. Generally the floors are a little slippery, but you will have the cart for balance, so it will be a great way to practice.

Whether it is the red soles of Loub’s, Carrie Bradshaw’s fetish for Blahnik’s or sheer love that's got you hooked to heels, with regular practice and determination, you, too can “run the world” like Beyonce in no time!

Clickless High Heel Protectors

High Heel Covers & Why You Need Them

 How many stiletto heels have you bid goodbye to by walking on uneven ground, breaking or chipping off a heel? Or perhaps your downfall is that you let your high heels deteriorate in storage or during travel, shoving them into too tight of a space.

Whatever the reason you keep ruining your favorite high heels, it’s time to wise up and start using high heel protectors. That’s right, they are known by various names like ‘heel protectors’, ‘heel covers’, ‘shoe stopper’ or ‘heel cap’, but they all have the same function: to lengthen the life of your high heels.

What Are Heel Covers?

There are different types of heel covers, and what you choose will depend on the type of wear your heels typically see. Some are nothing but a small case or bag for your shoe to protect it from dust and scratching while in storage. There is also the good old-fashioned type of shoe cover. First, the shoehorn, which will maintain the shape of your high heel if you have it shoved into a tight space for storage or travel. Second, a simple leather protectant balm or spray can help keep your kicks looking fabulous.

Predictably, your heel tip is the most vulnerable to damage on any surface, and once the heel tip is damaged, the shoe by itself loses its purpose. Hence, some high heel covers are caps that you put over the tip of the heel to protect it. It doesn’t matter how hard you work out with that gym membership, your heels have to carry your entire weight on a teeny tiny heel point. So, this type of heel cover protects the heel and allows for more “give”, not only extending the life of the heel, but also cushioning the step for the shoe’s wearer.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Heel Covers?

  • Extends Life of Heel – What could be more rewarding than your favorite shoes lasting longer than you thought? Heel covers can actually extend the life span of your heels. Since high heel fashion is timeless, they’re a worthwhile investment.
  • Saves Money – Heel covers help you save money in the long run, because your favorite black, red, nude, and white heels will stay intact and looking like the day you bought them. No more last-minute runs to the mall when you need a pair to match tomorrow’s outfit.
  • Reduces Slip Risk – No more slipping and embarrassing yourself on the dance floor. The heel cap covers will give you the grip you need to enjoy yourself without concern.
  • Prevents Damage – Now you can be sure that your heel is safe from harsh surfaces like gravel, as well as dust, grime, salt, water and such harmful properties that can literally kill any beautiful heels.
  • Makes High Heels More Comfortable - Certain heel covers preserve the shape of your shoe or even make walking in them more comfortable. That's a benefit we can all get on board with!
So what do you think? Will you be purchasing high heel covers to help keep your stilettos last longer? You get them in different shapes, sizes and colors, so you can get them according to your dress or the function that you may be attending.

Clickless High Heel Protectors

How to Make High Heels More Comfortable

You love your high heels. They make you look like the fashionable career woman you are, and the height boost isn't bad either. But do you find yourself a little extra grumpy on the days you wear them? If your high heels make your feet hurt, it can really affect your mood. But, beauty is pain, right? Maybe not. There are a few proven tips and tricks to help make your current heels more comfortable. Try these on for size!

1. Buy the Right Size

This might seem "obvi", but heels that are even a touch too large or small can affect your comfort. Small heels create areas of pressure and can be extremely uncomfortable, especially if you have any foot swelling due to heat or change in elevation. Heels that are too large can cause rubbing and blisters. So, it's of utmost important that your heels fit properly. This may mean that it's better to put those "half-size too big" kicks back on the clearance rack.

2. Stick to Round Toes

Pointed toe heels seem to come in and out of fashion, but if you have frequent problems with uncomfortable heels, it's best to avoid the pointed or oddly shaped toes. Round-toed heels are more contoured to the natural shape of your toes, thus are bound to extend the amount of time you can wear those heels.

3. Break Them In

You know your favorite old pair of heels, the really comfortable ones? Yeah, that didn't happen overnight. When you buy a cute new pair of heels, it's always tempting to wear them out immediately. Hold up, cowgirl. If you have frequent problems with foot comfort when wearing heels, try easing your way in. Don't go out and wear them to a four hour event or a full work day. Start with walking around the house for an hour or wear them to the grocery store to break them in slowly.

4. Tread Lightly, Girlfriend

We know, we know. You're always in a hurry. But if you are able to slow down and use your leg muscles more as you step, you'll have more control and less weight will fall on those aching feet of yours. Another tip is to take smaller steps. Larger steps put more pressure on your feet and can cause those aches and pains.

5. Get Them Stretched

If you've bought a pair of heels that is too small in a certain area, consider having them stretched to make them more comfortable. There are services online that can professionally stretch your shoes, which we'd recommend if you really love them (and they cost enough to justify this additional expense). There are also ways to stretch them at home, such as putting a sandwich bag of water in them and putting them in the freezer.

6. Use an Insole

There are two basic options when buying an insole. You can purchase a regular "one-size-fits-all" insole, typically made of gel, that conforms to your foot. You can also consider a custom foot insole from a local company who will custom mold it to your foot. The only caveat to this is that the insole could alter the fit of the heel, potentially shifting the hot spots to different areas and not solving the underlying issue.

7. Tape Your Feet

There is a strange trick that we've heard works to make your high heels more comfortable. Apparently, taping your third and fourth toes together not only prevents toe rubbing but makes the shoes more comfortable overall. If you try it, please let us know how it works. Here is an article about taping your toes for high heels.

8. Be Clickless

Now you know we couldn't overlook this one. The Clickless for Stilettos system was designed to prevent the annoying clicking sound that your high heels make. But, an unforeseen benefit of Clickless is that they make high heels more comfortable. Just ask our founder, who is 8 months pregnant and still wears her heels. The heel cap and sole pads soften your step and help you to glide through your day pain-free. Buy Clickless today.

Clickless High Heel Protectors