I often find myself drawn to really high heels when browsing online. They promise to make my legs look super long and give my feet that sexy arch. But from experience, I know these towering shoes are a danger to me. If I wear heels that are too high for my weak ankles, it turns into a disaster. My steps become wobbly, and my legs feel so tight it’s like I’ve got tennis balls at the back of them. In these heels, I don’t look sexy; I resemble someone uncomfortably crammed into a suitcase or a penguin awkwardly heading into the sea.
So, I just admire these high heels from afar because buying them could be my downfall. I’ve stumbled down stairs, slipped off curbs, sunk into grass, and tripped through gaps in friend’s decks. It amazes me how I still have two functioning feet. Even in medium heels, I’m a hazard, and in stilettos, I need extra support and padding.
Despite this, I can’t stop looking at them. So here are some shoes that could do me in—not just because they’re expensive, but because wearing them might lead to an accident. I wonder if high heels are a common cause of mishaps. Loose shoelaces are probably the biggest problem, but trying to balance on thin heels must come close. I mean, we’d all gasp at someone in stilts by the edge of a train platform, but heels are even worse! There’s so little contact with the ground, it seems crazy to choose to walk in them.
Still, I love these dangerous heels, and if they weren’t so pricey, I’d buy them just to wear while sitting or lying down. I’d love to review them for you, but after trying on a pair from Jimmy Choo and hurting my back, I’ll only do it if someone offers me hazard pay.
Here are some risky shoes I’m tempted by:
The Paloma from Charlotte Olympia, priced at £595, is gorgeous. With its peach satin, unique heel, and small sole, it would be my perfect shoe to go out with an edge. Its 145mm heel height could easily send someone to the ER if they tried running in them, though the 35mm platform helps a bit.
The So Kate pumps from Louboutin have a sharp 120mm heel with no platform. They look stunning, but I remember trying this style for a shoot and ending up with some tiny broken bones in my foot.
The Anouck pointed-toe pumps from Jimmy Choo, at £475, are amazing for a night when you plan to stay seated. If you choose to venture out in these, pick a place with carpet; shiny floors are asking for trouble. These come in various colors and finishes too.
A more affordable option is the Stessy courts from ALDO at £36.98. They’re extremely high, and you’d likely break a heel stepping on a drain, but at least you won’t break the bank.
Lastly, the Alice shoes from Carvela start at £69. With a 110mm heel, they’re high if you’re headed down a runway concentrating more on who’s watching than walking steadily. They come in great colors and patterns; my favorite is the zebra ombré.
Go ahead and buy your daring party shoes. Your ankles might be stronger than mine, or maybe you handle heels better, especially after a couple of drinks. If heels are your thing, good for you—I’ll be sticking to my mid-height ones and probably still have trouble with those. I think I’ve found my preferred heel height: flat.