Spring is now in full swing and with the change in season come more outdoor occasions, from garden parties to the races and, of course, weddings.
In the UK May-October is considered to be the height of wedding season but we all know that feeling of panic when we leave finding the best wedding guest dresses until the last minute. The same is true of shoes and heels are a classic choice, though they’re not always the most comfortable wedding guest shoes around.
Walking on grass in stilettos can be a nightmare but the royals have come to the rescue with a practical - and very affordable - solution. Zara Tindall was spotted last year at a Buckingham Palace garden party braving the rain and the immaculate lawns in a pair of suede court shoes with heel protectors on.
Shop Heel Protectors
These flexible heel protectors are such an easy way to protect your heels when you're walking on grass this spring/summer. They come in a pack with three different sizes so you can pick the ones which work for your specific shoes. Pop on before you head out or carry in your handbag just in case you need them.
This pack of heel protectors comes with six pairs and 3 sizes to suit different styles of shoe. They have a practical anti-slip design and as well as helping to shield your shoes from wear and tear, these protectors can also reduce the noise of heels too and, of course, help to keep them from sinking into the ground.
Easy to pull on and off, this pack of 21 heel protectors will last for such a long time. They're made from strong, flexible rubber and come in three sizes, which each size coming in a different colour bag to help you distinguish between them. They have anti-slip stripes at the bottom and are discreet.
Shop Zara's High Heels
Zara's high heels are an investment piece and so protecting them is a no-brainer. They are suede and although the Rebecca heels come in so many different shades, her choice of 'Makeup' pink is a beautiful one for summer. It's relatively neutral which makes it very versatile and the straight heels and pointed toes are stunning
These suede sandals are a sophisticated choice for special occasions and have a leg-elongating stiletto heel and a peep-toe detail. The slim ankle strap has a buckle at the side to help keep them securely fastened on your feet. When you want a simple heel to dress up an outfit, these fit the bill.
Not everyone will be a fan of high stilettos like Zara is and these pretty slingbacks are a lovely wedding guest shoe alternative. They are a subtle beige hue and have a kitten heel for some elevation. An adjustable slingback strap secures your stride and they also feature a pointed toe.
They were incredibly discreet as they were clear and slotted neatly on to the bottom of her £495 Emmy London Rebecca shoes. The luxurious suede material, delicate stiletto heel and soft rose-pink colour all made these shoes a bold choice for a rainy outdoor event. However, Zara’s heel guards helped to shield them from too much wear and tear and also prevented her from sinking into the wet grass.
They’d be just as effective on dryer ground and heel protectors also provide more stability when you’re walking on other uneven surfaces and can stop your heel from getting caught in things like grates by making them less narrow. Although we can’t tell exactly what brand Zara Tindall was wearing at the garden party last year, you can purchase a pack for under £6 on Amazon.
Most packs come with a variety of different sizes which means you can select the perfect fitting protector for each of the heels in your collection. They can also be re-used and we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see the King’s niece wearing clear heel guards again this spring and summer for some of the key events coming up in the royal calendar.
She’s a regular attendee of Royal Ascot in June, Wimbledon in July and garden parties will be held once again in May at Buckingham Palace. If you have a wedding or another special occasion on the horizon that you want to wear heels too then it’s well worth picking up some heel protectors ready. Alternatively if you tend to steer clear of heels when you attend an outdoor event, these can make the prospect of wearing them a little less daunting.
It’s comforting to know that even seasoned heel wearers like Zara are reaching for something so affordable and useful to aid them too. Because hers were clear, the flexible heel stoppers didn’t detract at all from the beauty of her pastel pink shoes, which she wore with a gorgeous Suzannah London petal pink midi dress.
She generally wears timeless court shoes to formal occasions and whilst we only got a close-up look at her heel guards in pictures last year, it’s likely she’s added them to plenty of her other shoes too. It’s also possible that some of her fellow royals like the Princess of Wales, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice have dabbled with wearing heel stoppers over the years.
