Heels have been in my life since forever. From mother’s neatly arranged shoes to that of visiting aunts and big cousins. There were always some new beautiful heels to display in front of our entrance by guests coming to visit.

So no surprise, I started on heels (my choice) at a wee age. I wasn’t starting from zero. Considering growing up, I had those party shoes with blocked 2-inch heels as regular shoes for the day. By senior high (SS3) stilettos 5 inches was nothing from Zamani Senior’s Gate (my secondary school) to the auditorium upstairs. (You know how far that is, it is longer than the average runway).

There are people who love trainers, those of flat lovers, those of just bare feet. Then the heel lovers. This is for the heels lovers and those who are curious about heels.

Because of how early I was on heels, I dance, run, jump, and do any regular thing easily. I have also see heels transform not just a look but a personality (I understand notion behind the Stepford Wives looks.) Like on me especially; It has fixed my posture, the way I walk and generally move with an air of non existing arrogance.

Why you should get heels, from kitty heels to stilettos (PROS)

My 3 favorite heels;

1. The Black Must Haves: Its sleek, shiny, black dominating color speaks to me in confidence. It looks trendy in that shiny way, but it’s a timeless piece. I saw this shoe from across the street at a mall and knew it was a must-have. It’s comfortable to walk in and stands still. Could be worn with business outfits or that yellow plaid skirt from Alicia Silver Stone‘s Clueless.

2. The ballet blocked heels by Zara. It was bought at a food and fashion fair. It was either that or food. I chose shoes (Carrie Bradshaw will be happy with me). Luckily, it was a size small, and no one could fit in. *Then here comes Cinderella* It’s pop of color and sturdiness is worth every naira.

3. This was a gift from a friend. Spikes and heels excite me for real. This shoe is when I’m out with the girls for a fun day. The nature and shape of the heels make it a shoe for dancing/walking all day or night without getting muscle pull or sore feet. Investing in shoes is a big deal if you can afford it. Always seek comfort first.

But what happens when you put in quite a lot to invest in a good shoe, and it just stays for a long time, do you get bored with it, don’t know what to do to keep it a bit longer so you give it out prematurely… well here is an idea, you just customize it to you liking.

When buying heels, thrifted or not, look out for signs for longevity.

1. Wear them and, importantly, walk around. Being your size is not enough reason to purchase them unless you need props in your closet.
2. Keep them standing to see if either will tilt or stand still. If either tilts, it’ll give you wobbly steps when purchased. Drop it.
3. Look round for scratches, smudges and sole. If it is preloved, understand why it was let go before purchasing.
4. Is it sewn, or glued together? Always try to get shoes with thread markings. They last longer than glued/gummed up shoes.

Tips to care for heels longer.

1. Before putting them back, clean them up.
2. Check where you are stepping to avoid a heel breaking or distorting. That could dampen one’s favorite shoe.
3. Fix a shoe as soon as a cobbler passes. The longer you live a shoe unfixed, the more detached you get.
4. Use shoes, or they will rot on shelves. Shoes that haven’t been used in a while tend to cut mid activity or peel off for no reason other than it’s been sitting doing nothing.

Use your shoes before someone outside uses them for you. For shoe upcylcing ideas, reach out on pearlsonthescene@gmail.com

Cheers to the soft life 🥂