I spent three years thinking that date night meant wearing stilettos because that’s what everyone else was stumbling around in and trust me and these blister plasters I have, that was a stupid rule to believe. Block heels are where it’s at my friends, I will bang my heels over this until I’m-old. Something about a good block heel makes you feel like your evening is considered, not something you’re just braving. You can walk into restaurants, up cobble stones side streets, down waterfall flights of shaky basement bar stairs and still have a conversation that doesn’t involve white knuckling someone.
A good one isn’t complicated. Height is great for your leg obviously, but the block does all the heavy lifting it needs to be wide enough that you feel like you’re not wobbling on tip toes. You need enough surface area to feel grounded and not tall just for trend.
I also want a heel with some shape to it, a little waist or a curve. A heel that is literally just a square block of wood does not scream date night, it screams sensible shoe.
And finishes are key, people underestimate the difference a slight gloss leather or a good suede makes. High quality materials catch light in a way that flat patent just can’t, it elevates the shoe from looking like you threw something on to dressed.
Block heels are way more versatile than people give them credit for, styling wise. Tuck that baby into a wide leg trouser and let it peek out over the ankle. It’s such a statement half-hidden-shoe thing to do and great for a first date when you want to look like you made an effort but also still be able to move your legs. They’re equally as beautiful peeking out under a slip skirt or a simple dress. Ankle straps are particularly nice because there’s something about a strap rubbing against bare skin that looks put together without trying too hard. I’d probably steer clear of anything too busy next to them, let the shoes be the statement piece at the bottom and keep everything else fairly simple.
Things to do when wearing block heels: Dinner dates, fancy coffee shops, romantic cocktails, walks in the park. Basically anything that involves actual movement. Dates that might take you places, that start at a bar and end up who knows where? Nights when you don’t want to be careful about where you step but also will still be wearing them when you get home. They’re comfortable enough that you won’t be focusing on how your feet feel by the second course but still sleek enough that no one would guess that was the entire mission.
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