By Katy Caric
For most women, a great pair of vegan heels can instantly boost confidence. For me, it’s a no brainer. If I have to choose between flat shoes that may be comfy, but make me feel squat and mousy, or heels that elongate my legs, accentuate my calves and make me feel taller, I’ll take the heels every time!
‘But wait!’ I hear you say. ‘Heels are just so…uncomfortable.” And I get it – they certainly can be. But a well-crafted heeled shoe will make strutting simple. It should have a padded toe (since that’s where your weight is), a sturdy metal-reinforced heel, and of course, a durable upper.
Personally, I find that a bit of a platform and a chunky heel are the two key qualities that make it easier to walk in heels – stilettos are tough for even the most experienced heel-lover, and they tend to get stuck in cobblestones, sidewalk cracks and sewer grates!
The new O2 Monde Paula sandals come with mid-height block-heel to combine style and comfort
How To Walk In Vegan Heels
If you’re like me and could use some tips on how to walk in vegan heels, never fear. I’ve asked shoe expert Kaya Capriole for some advice. Here’s what she had to say:
“Firstly, choose your heels wisely. For example, find a heel-height that works for you and don’t start off with stilettos if you’re not an experienced heel wearer; your confidence will shine if you’re wearing a pair that don’t make you nervous from the outset!
Secondly, focus on your posture; keep your head up, shoulders back, chest out and back straight. This might sound simple but it’ll make the world of difference. Good posture will help you find balance, making you more stable on your shoes. If anything’s the key to wearing high heels successfully, it’s this! Of course, focusing on your posture whilst walking isn’t easy. One trick you can use to guide you is focusing on your destination ahead, choosing something specific in the distance to concentrate on.
Finally, practice makes perfect! Wear your shoes around the house to get used to how they feel. I would also recommend walking around your house on the balls of your feet to improve not only your balance but the muscles in your calves and feet.”
Ready to strut your stuff? Here, I’ve rounded up 10 of the best vegan heels to lift your spirits – and your style.
O2 Monde
We may step into our heels to pop out for drinks. But what if the footwear you rock was made from said wine? Making waves in the luxury fashion industry, O2 Monde is the first sustainable shoe made out of wine waste. Yep, you’re reading that right: the first shoe made from your favorite tipple!
Vitigna is an innovative eco-friendly “wine leather” that is a 100% plant-based bio-engineered material that feels and performs the same as conventional leather. It’s just another one of O2 Monde’s eco options for vegan heels – they also offer Piñatex.
The O2 Monde Judi pumps are made of "wine leather" (coming this Fall) and will be available in three different heel heights