Heel protectors

Unbranded heel protectors

I recently went to a wedding that was held in a villa on the beach, what the invite didn't say was that it would be held in a Marquee next to the villa on the beachfront. Aaargh, as soon as I stepped out the car my lovely stiletto's just sunk into the sand, I could barely walk. Then I saw many other guests wearing flat shoes and sandals, I was envious that they could walk. My first thought was, 'why didn't they lay something down for people to walk on?' But I suppose it was too much work and costly, after struggling for awhile I just remained seated while the celebrations were going on.

When I left I had to shake my sandals properly to get rid of all the sand, then when I went hope I decided to find something that would prevent me from being in the same situation again.

Are they necessary?
Well it really depends on where you are going and the type of shoes you are wearing, for example if you have thin heels like stiletto's then I would say they are a must, if you have chunkier heels then you probably won't need to protect them as much. Do you know that some places require you to wear sensible shoes that do not damage the floor surface such as listed houses.

Heel protectors and heel sleeves
Heel protectors or stoppers have a large rim base so your heels don't sink into the sand, grass etc they also protect floors such as wood from scratches and dents etc, they can also help when you have to negotiate uneven surfaces when going out. Heel sleeves are like shrink wrap for heels, a clear plastic film or sleeve is wrapped around the heel so that they don't get scratched up. Some heel sleeves are like little plastic blocks that you slide the heel into, then using a hairdryer it shrinks provided secure coverage, when you no longer require it just cut them off. Another type of heel sleeve can just be stuck onto the heel and peeled off when no longer needed.

How much do they cost?
Now if you buy from a well known brand such as Timpsons or Clean Heels prices start from £4.99 but if you buy unbranded you can get it for a few pounds cheaper. Clean Heels charge £4.99 for 1 pair or £7.99 for one pair with a flower decoration.

If you want to just protect the heel from scratches then heel sleeves may be sufficient, there are two types one that you push the heel into like a small plastic tube and use a hairdryer to shrink it round the heel or another that is a sticker that provides the same coverage. Heel sleeves cost £3.90 for two pairs but I have found them as cheap as £0.99 on the internet.

Remember that heel protectors, sleeves etc also come in sizes so measure your heels first before ordering.