As an avid shoe lover, admittedly, I’ve developed quite a collection. It’s also probably no surprise that one of my most frequently asked questions, is on the topic of shoes. Whether it’s “should I get this style versus that style..?” or “what’s the best way to care for them?” I figured it’s about time I properly answer your shoe related questions.
So, first, the brand breakdown of my favorites.
The
Manolo Blahnik BBs : Out of all the “fancy” heels that I own (rather than my trendier, more disposable, pairs) The Manolo BBs are hands down, the most comfortable (I buy the 4″ heel height). With these, it’s not
as necessary to walk around with a backup pair of flats in your bag. If you’re looking to invest in a sleek, classic heel, that you can actually wear for multiple hours a day, I
highly recommend these. Granted, if you’re a commuting New Yorker, you’ll still want that backup pair, but you get the point. While I don’t mind these with dresses or skirts, I like them best with jeans. Totally just my own personal preference.
I only own the
red pair, but am thinking of getting
the grey for fall. I’ve been lusting for them since last year and might take the plunge. Already have multiple outfits brewing in my head…. (edited to add: I’ve since gotten them and it was one of the best buys I’ve made. Worn
here and
here)
The
Christian Louboutin So Kate: Aesthetically, these are my favorite. I’m convinced that they make any outfit look better, whether it’s a fancy dress or a distressed pair of jeans.
My nude pair, is the #1 pair of heels I reach for in my closet. Cost per wear, these have paid for themselves 10x over. As far as their comfort, honestly speaking, I wouldn’t rank them high on the list. They’re definitely a pair of shoes that I’m either a) hopping in a car in or 2) changing into right before my final destination. I also prefer these over the popular
Pigalles. They have a slightly longer/pointier toe box, which I love. Now, there’s also the Pigalle Platos, which are actually quite comfortable!
Something else to keep in mind: most of these shoes, particularly the Christian Louboutin So Kates and Pigalles, take time to “mold” to your foot. No, they don’t become walking shoes, but they become significantly more comfortable than what they first feel like.I should also add that I get so many questions asking me “how the hell do you walk in your shoes?” For starters, I always have a back up pair in my bag and I often change at my location, especially if I’m walking or taking the train. Secondly, I’ve always had a pretty high heel tolerance. I don’t know if it’s because I have an extremely high foot arch, which I heard has a lot to do with how your foot handles heels, but either way, I’ve become an expert heel wearer.
PROPER CARE
1. Whenever I get a new pair of designer shoes, I try to get the bottom soles protected right away! Even though I’m somebody who is VERY hard on my shoes, this is a one time thing. A major added bonus, the rubber sole will significantly improve the comfort of your heels, especially if there was a thin sole to begin with. If you’re not already getting rubber soles, they will give you life! I cannot stress it enough. Go out and get them! And of course, make sure you get red soles for your Louboutins.*In NYC, I like Leather Spa for my Louboutins, primarily for the red sole. They’re a bit pricey, but they always do such a great job. This is also the place I bring my designer handbags, when something needs to be repaired or cleaned. For my other shoes that don’t require a red sole, I’ll go to my local shoe cobbler that I trust. If any of you guys have any recommendations other than Leather Spa, I would love to hear!
2. Make sure you replace your heel tips as soon as you see metal coming through. For me, it happens often, but it will make your expensive shoes last for years and years. Side note: one of my biggest pet peeves in the world is hearing the metal *click clack* sound when a female, including myself, needs to get her heels replaced. Nails on a chalkboard….
3. Make sure you properly protect them before/after wearing. Below are my favorite ways to properly care for them.
Satin: Apple Garde Rain and Stain Repellent.
Suede: Apple Rain and Stain Repellent, immediately before wearing.
Leather: Apple Leather Cleaner.
Other tips:
1. For removing black marker lines, try Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
2. For keeping patent leather shiny, try baby wipes + a drop of petroleum jelly.
3. If your heels slip out of the back (always a problem for me) try heel liners.
4. When you travel, make sure you store the shoes in your dust bags!
5. Edited to add a reader tip: taping your third and fourth toes together, before slipping them on, helps a lot with comfort! Did a little research and many claim that it helps! Something to do with our nerves. Definitely going to try it!
Well, I think that’s it! I hope I answered any questions and if I didn’t, feel free to ask below!
And remember…
83 comments
Federica Guatelli
That's a shoot!! Love them all!!
August 8, 2014XOX, Gap.
http://www.gaptoothedgirl.com
Sabina B.
Love the first photo! And the tips too – thanks for sharing!
http://jeansandroses.blogspot.com/
August 8, 2014Wishes and Reality
Great tips for care! I've long loved Manolos, so beautiful and comfortable.
Heidi D.
August 8, 2014http://www.wishesandreality.com
Natali
Such a great, informative and helpful blog post!
Thank you!!! I will def. go to Leather Spa when I come to NYC in October
as I need to bring few things to clean/ repair and I've read only amazing reviews
about them 🙂
http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com
August 8, 2014Juliana
Great advice and great shoes!! Still drooling over the So Kate's..
August 8, 2014Elizabeth Hawn
love this post even though I don't have many designer shoes!
http://www.atlantastateofmind.blogspot.com
August 8, 2014Natalia/Shandrese
Thanks so much for this post! I'm definitely getting the heel liners, and I have been thinking about getting rubber soles for a while. I'm going to look into it for my thinner soles 🙂
http://sincerelyrenay.blogspot.com/
August 8, 2014Adrienne Scott-Trask
Great post!!
Thanks for sharing all your tips! 🙂
-Adrienne. xo
Citizen of the World
Citizen of the World
Check out my new online boutique!!
August 8, 2014Wanderlust Boutique
Maria Fischer
I needed this!
Maria
August 8, 2014From Metro Cards to Meal Plans: a College Lifestyle Blog
http://mariaefischer.blogspot.com
Rachel Lynne
These are all great tips, thank you for sharing!
August 8, 2014grace at leangirlsclub
These are great tips. I also like using my blowdryer to "soften" the shoes a bit when I first get them. It's a trick that has saved me blisters and cuts.
Also, if you tape (use med tape) your third and fourth toes together it lessens the pain. It's something about the nerve in the foot.
August 8, 2014BrooklynBlonde
OOh good tips!! I'll be sure to try these! Thanks for sharing.
August 8, 2014Beauty Vanity
Love this, I'm totally going to try this out this weekend!
xx Alyson
August 8, 2014The Beauty Vanity
Marilyn
The blow dryer tip definitely works to stretch/mould the shoe to your foot. Leave them on until the shoe cools to maintain the stretch.
August 13, 2014Nicole Layne
That for sharing these tips! I totally agree about getting the protective sole put on! It is a great investment to protect your shoes!
Nicole
August 8, 2014Nicole to the Nines
Melissa Tierney
Great post and tips 🙂
August 8, 2014xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Enter My Sparkle Republic Jewelry Giveaway on my Blog –> http://bit.ly/1pWM8k2
Fortune Tarantola
I'm an avid shoe collector too! It's crazy. Thanks for the great tips!
http://www.fortunetellerfashion.com/
August 8, 2014xxFTF
Anonymous
What height do you buy in the Manolo BB's?
August 8, 2014BrooklynBlonde
The 4" height!
August 8, 2014Q
Great tips…. I agree with Grace at Lean Girls Club… the blow dry trick is MAGIC!!…. you have to keep the shoes on though until they cool down…. as your blow drying flex your foot back and forth… it doesn't work well on patent leather shoes and not at all on pleather (so no Stella McCartney!) but for leather shoes, its wonderful.
http://www.myclayexperience.com/
August 8, 2014BrooklynBlonde
So excited to try this! Thanks!
August 8, 2014Grace - Stripes and Sequins
this is such an awesome, helpful post! thanks for posting 😉 xx
August 8, 2014Temi Truly
Great care tips, I will definitely try to incorporate these!
❤ Temi Truly
August 8, 2014New Blog Post: July Lust List
Alela Sirah
Great tips! I got the forever red soles on my shoes too! It's a great investment!
August 8, 2014http://www.fashionablyspeakn.com/2014/08/halo-flower-visor-diy.html
Alisa Noel
I've been dying to get my first pair of Louboutin So Kates, but am unsure what size to get. I normally wear a size 9, but multiple sources online claim that they run a size small, that they're especially narrow.. what do you recommend for sizing? Thanks!
August 8, 2014BrooklynBlonde
Hi Alisa! In American sizing, I normally wear a size 8.5 whereas in European designer shoes, I'm generally a 39.5 across the board. With my Louboutins, it's no different! I take a 39.5 in all of them. I would try ordering from a site with free shipping and returns. In the event that they don't work out, you can easily send them back.
August 8, 2014Alisa Noel
Great! Thanks so much.
August 11, 2014Liz | Shopping My Closet
Great tips! Thanks for the round-up!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
August 8, 2014Come by! Weekly Style Me Wednesday fashion blog link-up
Revital
oh gosh, suxh perfect shoes
http://www.aboutacloset.com/
August 8, 2014FASHION SNAG
Great tips!
http://www.FashionSnag.com
August 8, 2014Diana
Great tips!! Thanks for sharing!
August 8, 2014xoxo, Diana
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
Laura Mitbrodt
Great advice!
August 8, 2014xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Kat Murphy
I don't have rubber soles on any of my designer shoes… I've been doing it wrong all this time! Researching where to do this in Chicago right now!
August 8, 2014Eat Play Dress
These are such great tips! I haven't heard about the taping of the third and fourth toe, but definitely would like to try it.
Minas Shoe Repair in the Financial District does a fantastic job fixing shoes! Plus, they have the red rubber soles for Louboutins. He is also very passionate about shoes, so it's always fun to talk with him when you stop in.
xx
August 8, 2014Kayla
Eat Play Dress
Gabriela
Awesome tips! A pair of Louboutins are my "dream shoes"…one day!
I have flat feet but adore heels, and one thing that I've really found helps is the Dr. Scholl's ball-of-the-foot inserts. You have to be careful about where you place them in the shoe and the stickiness is very hard to get rid of if you remove them, but it seriously works WONDERS in terms of wearability. I tried it on a few pairs of cheapie heels before I started using them in my nicer pumps, but now they're in every pair!
August 8, 2014Sarah Enuwa Audu
Amazing collection I adore the nude pair and I'm definitely going to try taping my toes together.
http://princessaudu.blogspot.com/
August 8, 2014ravenlocks
Haha…I love that pin with the quote you added in the end. 😉
Thanks for this advice! I've always wondered about getting the bottoms done on my Italian leather heels. I will definitely do that! Oh, and I so have to agree with you. Designer shoes DO take time to mold to your feet. I've found that the patent leather ones are better at that than the others.
Have a great weekend, Helena!
xo Azu
http://www.raven-locks.blogspot.com
August 8, 2014Daniella C
awesome!
August 8, 2014xx
daniella
simplybeautifulelegant.blogspot.com
Allison Weeks
So many beautiful shoes! <3
Sweet Madame Blue
August 8, 2014preppylove
I really want to save up for a pair of nude Louboutins. I was looking at the Pigalles but I will check into these other shoes too!
Kasey
August 8, 2014http://www.preplovelove.com
Lauren
gorgeous shoe collection!!
laurenslittleblogs.blogspot.co.uk : Student Box Swap
xx
August 8, 2014Kacie Cone
Love this! I can't wait for the day I can afford my first pair of Louboutins! So good to learn how you care for them, I'm totally clueless when it comes to caring for my nice things!
http://www.shygirlloudvoice.com
August 9, 2014Haley Valerie
Great post! You have very pretty shoes!
Haley
August 9, 2014haleyvalerie.com
Diva Style
Thank you for sharing these tips! I, too, CRINGE when I hear that click-clack of the metal coming through on the heel! Aaaaaargh!
August 9, 2014Stephanie Gille
Nice post!
August 9, 2014Love it!
Have a nice weekend.
xx
Stephanie
http://www.stephaniegille.blogspot.com
Anonymous
Thanks for sharing these tipps. I love heels, but mostly I'm too lazy to wear them. But at the moment I'm trying to change that a little. Bringing some flats is for sure always a good idea!
August 9, 2014Have a nice weekend,
xoxo
Caro
Valentina Duracinsky
wow, I definitely don't take enough care of my shoes haha
Valentina
August 9, 2014Valentina Duracinsky Blog
Sweets & Style
Thank you for such amazing article! It is quite helpful to know how you take care of your heels. I love your shoes;-)
XX
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
August 9, 2014vogueetvoyage.com
amazing post, I definitely need to take more care of my shoes! And great pictures and shoes, want them all! <3
August 9, 2014http://vogueetvoyage.com
Jo Sharma-Stray
Such a great informative post with some amazing tips. I have just moved to New York so great to know your recommendations for repairs etc!
Jo | A Little Pop Of Coral
August 9, 2014Pia
beautiful pictures! and nice tips btw 🙂
August 9, 2014Sandra
I own a pair or suede Louboutins and I'm always afraid to wear them whenever it's raining outside… How do you make sure your suede shoes still look great in case they get wet? Because I'd love to wear them more often…
August 9, 2014Emily
Obsessed with this! You're such a heel aficionado 🙂 XO
August 9, 2014Katarina Stimac
This is hands down my favorite post! Thanks for sharing!
August 9, 2014Kat
http://www.lakatwalk.com
Kelly Marie Keating
Amazing tips. I didn't know you could get your soles protected like that. Thanks for the great post; shared it on FB! xoxo, Kelly | KMK Styling
August 9, 2014sarahsreallife
OK, I am VERY intrigued by this taping your toes together business. I have never heard that! I love my heels, but I would be lying if I said they were comfortable. I don't wear them for comfort, people. I have incredibly flat feet, so maybe that's why my tolerance is pretty low. I usually don't go over 3" for that reason – I'm not a total masochist!
~Sarah of Sarah's Real Life
August 9, 2014Aysha K
Lovely tips! Will definitely use them! xo
My Blog
August 9, 2014Am2Pm Chic
Lovely tips, thanks for sharing.
xoxo
Christy
http://www.am2pmchic.com/
August 9, 2014caitlinpomeroy18
Ah I love this post! Beautiful shoes and super helpful tips. I feel like shoe and wardrobe care can almost feel taboo to talk about for fear that the reaction to your questions will be, "HOW do you not already know this??" Thanks for sharing the shoe care love!
August 9, 2014anoddgirl
great tips on caring for your shoes
August 10, 2014i cannot wait to invest in a great pair of heels
x
http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au
A Lychee a Day
Firstly I loveeee the photo of the shoes! You've given some good tips – I've never really replaced the heel tips before so I should start doing that.
Ayesha xxx
August 10, 2014http://alycheeaday.blogspot.co.uk/
Vera
Amazing post! Thank you for sharing!!
http://www.verasawicki.com
August 10, 2014Dawn Lucy
Thanks for the tips! Wish I had your collection of beauties! I am thinking of investing in a really good pair, so these tips will help a lot.
August 10, 2014OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Jeanne
Amazing collection of pumps!
XO
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.blogspot.fr
August 10, 2014Style Sprinter
Leather SPA is also my favorite shoe repair salon. They have a very cute studio in the basement of Plaza hotel and always do a great job. Once I scratched badly the heel of my Filo 120mm Louboutins and they were able to replace leather on the entire heel.
I also agree with your comment about dust bags — these are must-have travel accessories.
http://stylesprinter.com/
August 11, 2014Evi
Great post! Thank you for the tips!
ENTER MY GIVEAWAY TO WIN A MUST-HAVE PAIR OF SHORTS
Evi xoxo
The Notebook of a Fashion Lover
August 11, 2014Christina Storm
Love this! You have a gorgeous collection!
The Style Storm
August 11, 2014<3, Christina
Laiyin
Oh what a great great post!! Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Love from Munich, L
THESTYLECIRCUS.net
August 11, 2014Maggie Vidal
You have an amazing pumps collection !!
August 11, 2014Do you have any idea where can I get a pair of So Kate nude Louboutins in 37.5 ?
Thank you for sharing !!
Love your style !
Maggie Ruesga
Sarah
Okay, I just got my first pair of luxury pumps (The Manolo BB – a gift from my mother-in-law who has impeccable taste!) so this post couldn't have come at a more perfect time. I haven't worn them yet because I wanted to do a little research on proper care and how to make them last. So seriously, thanks for for this post! So helpful! I just ordered the Apple leather protector!
August 11, 2014Carrie Lyman
Thanks for the tips! These are great! Going to go through my shoe closet now!
Carrie // Look at the world around you
August 12, 2014Anonymous
Thanks you are more than a Fashionista you are a girls besties!!
Alicia
August 13, 2014madelene
The stunning red shoes are my favorite style, it is among the most popular items this year.
August 27, 2014Su Ho
Really beautiful, Isabel Marant really stylish, I also intend to buy a pair of Isabel Marant Sneakers wear in the usual leisure time
December 2, 2014ayme nicole
Thank you so much for this post!! Definitely bookmarking it. And I'll be getting my first Louboutins this month so I'll definitely check out your rec in NYC.
coffeeslag
COFFEESLAG 06/26/15
August 31, 2015Patrick Greer
Thanks for sharing the tips admin! I love to wear classic high heels but I feel pain after walking some hours. Is there any remedy of this type of heel pain? It will be great if you share!
January 13, 2016www.fashionandlifenews.tumblr.com
Oh, the too interesting tips. Sometimes I buy shoes just interested in what color, style like, trademark, .. but never care about the sole new exciting things you've shared on. Keep sharing ideas or cough them!
January 19, 2016Lori Garcia
Wonderful shoes with big heels! They are simply great for my wife. I will surely buy the red one for the next birthday. How much they will cost?
February 22, 2016shoes for plantar fasciitis reviews
Whenever we are trying to heel shoes, they can be broken down at any time. Thanks for sharing the tips. I think keeping an extra pair in the bag is also good, isn’t it?
February 23, 2016dentgap
cool shopes really love them
April 17, 2016Cinco de mayo
i just love these awesome shopes
April 17, 2016Allali
Thanks great article
June 13, 2016http://www.Allali.us
ChrIstina
I just bought my first pair of CL’s in the Pigalles and I’m curious how long do the red rubber soles last before they need to be replaced again? Thanks!
March 18, 2017