A good pair of strap heels is probably one of the most iconic and timeless wardrobe pieces. Besides looking great on most foot types, the wide range of ankle strap shoe styles allow for many fashion combinations, from nude elegance to statement-making colours. Find your favourite pair and enjoy the endless style versatility.
What, Exactly, Are Ankle Strap Heels?
Ankle strap shoes got their name from the strap attaching to the ankle. The universal design of strap footwear has been around since people began wearing shoes; the ancient Greeks wore laced sandals that remained popular until the time of ancient Rome. The more strappy variations today are the gladiator shoes because they resemble the Roman gladiators’ sandals.
However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that these classic shoes took off. Worn by celebrities, they were all the rage that became a wardrobe staple that never went out of fashion.
Nowadays, you can choose from a variety of ankle strap heels designs. From luxe high stilettos and block heels with a platform to cute kitten heels and foxy flared heels, there’s a pair for every woman and any style.
Why Wear Ankle Strapp Heels?
While there’s no one answer to this question, there are definitely some reasons why you might want to consider donning a pair of these stylish shoes.
Elevate Your Outfit
Imagine wearing your favourite jeans with walking sneakers: everyone rocks the casual jean-rock outfit. It’s the best way to look classy and feel comfortable. Now imagine wearing the same jeans with ankle heels; your look instantly went from class to sass, from perfect for a day outing to one that screams ‘I came for the margaritas’. A pair of classic heels can immediately give a massive boost to any outfit.
Embrace the Versatility
One of the most versatile footwear designs, an ankle strap heel works well with various looks. You can pair them with almost any piece of clothing for different occasions. For example, a cute dress and strap sandals will work magic when going out to meet friends. The same heels and a pair of jeans is perfect for running a few errands in a laid-back outfit with a confidence boost. Pair them with wide-leg trousers or a pencil skirt for a casual work look that says ‘I mean business. The possibilities are endless.
A True Style Staple
From the Golden Age of Hollywood to today, strap heels went a long way in styles, but the basic design stayed the same. Even celebrities don’t seem to stop rocking them anytime soon. Their classic look and silhouette make for a style staple indeed. If you’re looking for a shoe that’ll be fashionable in twenty years as it’s now, ankle wrap heels are the way to go.
Are Strappy Heels Comfortable?
How comfortable you’ll feel in ankle strap heels depends on many factors, including the height of the heel, the material used, and the design itself. Also, everyone has a different foot shape, and just like any heels, strap heels can cause overall discomfort. The good news is there are ways to make them more manageable. Here are some simple tricks to do this.
Find the Right Pair for You
It’s crucial to find the right pair to make a balance between style and comfort. Since wearing ill-fitting footwear is the main factor for discomfort, the first and most important thing is to find the right fit. Because our feet expand throughout the day, it’s best to try fitting your heels later in the day, as is with buying any other shoes. Allowing enough room for your toes is a way to make your feet more comfortable without letting them slide out.
Choose a Comfortable Strap
The straps are the main reason strap heels are one of the most comfortable high heels, even more than some flats. It keeps your feet in place and makes walking easier. One thing to be careful about the strap is its fit – it should be just right, not too tight that it’ll restrict your movement and not too loose that your shoe will practically dangle on your foot.
Another strap issue is its width: thinner straps tend to rub the skin more than wider ones. Also, choose your materials wisely; hard plastic and leather can be too stiff and irritate the skin. Look for cushioned strips that are much more forgiving. You can even buy some of those separately to add them to a pair you already have to make it more comfortable.
Start Short
The higher the heel, the more it puts your foot at a more severe angle, and the more you have to change your natural body position to accommodate the shoe. That’s why it’s best to start with shorter heels, as they’re much easier to walk in. Strap shoes with kitten heels approximately 2.5-5 cm high are the easiest to wear because they’re the most similar to wearing flats.
Check the Heel Style
The thickness of the heel is as important as its height. When bare feet, we walk on our full heels, followed by ball and toes. Heels that follow this natural proportion make for easy walking. Skinny stilettos provide much less support, while thick block heels have a broader surface area to walk on. Wedges have the most surface area, meaning they’re the most comfortable ones.
Break In the Heel
Having sore feet at an important event is no fun. Try to break in your heels before the event to prevent an embarrassing or dangerous mishap. One way to do this is by wearing your new shoes around the house a few times, ideally with an extra pair of socks. Wet socks work well too, but ensure the heels’ material won’t get damaged by moisture.
Also, take your time to learn how to walk in your new heels. Practice walking on your feet balls, and learn how the heels grip on different surfaces. Only that way, you’ll be confident and comfortable before venturing out in your new heels!
