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Heel to Toe
6 Famous Movie Shoe Fails

It’s no secret that shoes play a center role in entertainment. And when those shoes fail, it takes us off guard and makes for memorable moments we'll not soon forget. Shoe malfunctions, breakdowns, glitches and blips really bring life to any story, fiction or non.

1. Cinderella & the Glass Slipper

Oh dear, this heroine would still doing chores out the wazoo without her glass slippers and their famous malfunction! The latest version of Cinderella is not animated and will appeal to a more sophisticated audience. It looks like sophistication is exactly what Disney is aiming for, offering a line of Cinderella-inspired footwear by nine top designers including Jimmy Choo and Salvatore Ferragamo. Stewart Wietzman presents a jewel encrusted bootie for the line especially designed for the modern princess, priced at a cool $3,500 (available at Saks). And here's a pretty hilarious spoof on the new movie from Saturday Night Live. 

2. He Stole My Strappy Sandals!

We can’t discuss famous shoe malfunctions without the girl who brought the name Manolo Blahnik into every woman’s living room. In hindsight, it’s hard to know if Carrie chased more men around NYC or more pairs of shoes. How can we forget a young, bumbling Carrie in Sex In The City’s “What Goes Around, Comes Around” episode. Poor Carrie is robbed and not only are her hand bag (bagette to be exact) and keys stolen, but her favorite pair of designer strappy sandals.

3. Uh, As If!

Who can forget the 1995 cult hit Clueless? From Tai learning to drive to the famous party scene ("rollin' with the homies"), there are so many memorable moments that are so 90's. But do you remember Cher's shoe malfunction? Travis spills Coke onto Cher's satin sandals and she is not too happy about it. 

4. Don't Make Me Drop a House on You

Coveted by the Wicked Witch of the West, Dorothy’s ruby slippers are considered one of the most important film props in the world. And who can forget this amazing bit of 1939 cinemagic? After the house falls on the Wicked Witch of the East, her sister of the West comes for the slippers, and they magically disappear as her feet and legs recoil under the house. Say what?! Can you say "shoe fail" on the part of the Wicked Sisters? In 2011 this crimson pair sold for a whopping $2-3 million dollars and another pair are currently on display at the Smithsonian, one of the most treasured and asked about pieces in their collection.

5. Death by Stiletto

Here's another outrageous 90's movie shoe malfunction to add to the list. Bridget Fonda shines in the "erotic thriller" Single White Female, playing a psychotic character who causes turmoil for her roommate and her fiancé, Sam. At one point, she gets the same haircut and clothes as her roommate and impersonates her in bed with Sam. When Sam threatens to reveal the truth, she gouges his eye out with a stiletto heel, killing him. Yowch. What a way to go.

6. How Do They Walk in These Things?

In this hilarious 1959 classic, two men witness a murder and are on the run from the mob. They cross-dress into an all female band. Problems ensue when one falls for Marilyn Monroe's character, but he can't tell her because he's a "woman". The other is pursued by a rich suitor who is relentless. In the scene below you get an idea of how difficult it must be for a first-time walker in high heels, as the men wobble through the transit station.

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

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