Walk tall: Stiletto heels are on the rise once again
Yes, the style that Germaine Greer deemed the “f***-me shoe” is back
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It’s official: after seasons in obscurity the stiletto heel is finally clip-clopping it’s way back into the fashion mainstream.
For months, designers have endorsed their love affair with sneakers, flat sandals, and the occasional mid heel – but as unlikely as it might have seemed, the fashion pendulum has swung so far to one extreme that it’s coming back in full force.
This time, the stiletto is higher and more needle-heeled than ever.
Once considered tacky, the sky-scraper shoe has always stood for style that’s bold, brash and unapologetically sexy – but now, that’s something the fashion world is lusting after.
It’s inevitable then, that designers, editors, models and street-style stars alike should all embrace the shoe once again.
On the runway, Saint Laurent escalated its Eighties revival of puffed shoulders, pelmet skirts and plunging bustiers with towering heels finished with a ruffled metallic flash of colour at the ankle.
The look was also adopted by Nina Ricci, where sportswear inspired garb and Eighties tailoring made way for crossover stilettos in purple, electric blue and, in all their tackiness, the whitest of whites.
Elsewhere, Balenciaga embraced the decade with spandex tights worn over stilettos and body contouring boots in vibrant florals, pink and Kermit green.
When it comes to real life wear, the problem with super-high heels isn’t what to wear them with, but rather how you’re meant to walk in them without toppling to the ground.
That, my friends, is never a good look.
First and foremost, you need to make sure that your heels are the right size. This might seem obvious but the size of your feet can fluctuate so make sure to get them measured frequently. If your shoe’s too big, your foot will slide around and if they’re too small, it will feel cramped and cause you pain.
Additionally, it’s important to wear them in so pull on a pair of socks and stroll around your house for a few house before you head out.
Stilettos also tend to have very little platform on offer so, if the balls of your feet are the main issue head to the counter and buy some sticky gel inserts to cushion the blow.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments