Heighten Your Confidence: Best Heels to Wear Out Nothing says power like a pair of stilettos. by SAM SHENKER
graphics by AMANDA PADEN
The power you feel when wearing the perfect heel is unmatchable. But with this unparalleled confidence comes the inevitable barefoot-at-2 a.m. walk of shame. It’s hard to find a good high-heel period, let alone one to ensure a sick night of running around. Keep reading to find the perfect heel that will snatch your legs, won’t burn a hole in your wallet, keep you dancing, and ensures the ability to be worn even after a night on the town. Let’s find the perfect going-out heel with the 4 C’s: comfort, class, cost, and control.
Comfort Photo by Steve Madden
The most important aspect of rocking a heel is feeling totally comfortable in it. We’re all way too familiar with the horrendous feeling of wearing a heel that will literally break your toe in half. A skinny heel with a lack of surface area may look nice, but in the end, you’ll be left behind complaining about your feet. Platform heels will give you that extra height and are comfortable enough to be worn all night. The platform provides a leveling effect in relation to the heel, and typically has a ‘chunkier’ look. The ‘chuniker’ the heel is, the more surface area it has, therefore resulting in more comfort. Yeah, that’s right. MATH.
Class
Photo by Steve Madden
It’s easy to look at a red-bottom shoe and declare it the best, but remember: brand name does not correlate to comfort or control. Some of the most famous brands in respect to heels are in fact, the least probable or comfortable. There are heels that display class that are also practical. A cheesy looking heel can take your night-out look from Kim K to Snooki in a heartbeat. Try to stay away from super-high or duped heels. Instead, look for a classic-clean style that will add some spice to your night while staying true to being a classy party-animal.
Photo by Steve Madden
Cost
The price range when it comes to buying heels is overwhelming. While price should represent the most practical and comfortable shoe, it usually doesn’t... but again, your cheapest find usually isn’t too practical or comfy either. It’s important to find a happy medium, especially if said heels are going to be worn out around the town. Who wants their $2,000+ Louboutin’s to be covered in tequila and sweat? A mid-price baseline ensures the shoe is well-made, but not unreasonable to be worn out.
Safety is a huge factor when wearing heels. A few drinks in, falling is probably involved in your night. I myself have been subject to many unsteady heels. As said before in the comfort section, a chunkier heel will provide more surface area. More surface area = more stability. Choose a heel with more surface area to ensure no falling in front of the person you’re trying to impress.
Overall suggestions for the PERFECT PARTY HEEL:
Steve Madden: most practical in relation to cost and class. Steve Madden is notorious for taking designer-styles and transforming them into a more affordable shoe. Additionally, Steve Madden has a plethora of sizes suitable for anyone. Asos: has the best biggest selection for the lowest prices. Asos has every basic heel you would ever need. DSW: Designer Shoe Warehouse. All the brands you hoped and dreamed about but at a low low cost. Strap on those heels, put on your mascara, and hit the road. The right pair of heels will quite literally grow your confidence, and more than the four-inch boost that comes from your favorite black booties. 38 UGIRL
Photo by Steve Madden
Control
