Women's Heels and Court Shoes: How to Buy Pairs for Your Occasion
Start with the occasion, not the brand
Shoes for a farewell party, a wedding, the office and everyday wear are different footwear. For evening outings people choose patent stilettos or satin pumps, for work leather shoes with a low, stable heel, and for daily wear ballet flats or Mary Janes. If you need shoes for a single event, you can consider renting or good-condition second-hand pairs, but for regular wear it is better to invest in quality.
Heel, last and material
The heel decides how long you can really stand. A stiletto looks striking, but the foot does not last long on it; a block heel of 5–6 cm or a low platform is much more comfortable. The last decides whether the toe will pinch: a pointed toe is narrower than a round or square one. Slingbacks and Mary Janes hold the heel better.
The material matters too. Genuine leather breathes and stretches to your foot. Patent looks great but does not stretch and can pinch. Suede is beautiful but fears moisture. Satin is ideal for evening looks, but you do not wear it in the rain.
What to put in your request
- style — pumps, Mary Janes, slingbacks, mules, ballet flats, platforms;
- heel height — in centimetres or “stiletto”, “block”, “low”;
- size — UK or EU size, ideally with the insole length;
- material — leather, patent, suede, satin, faux leather;
- occasion — office, evening, wedding, party, everyday;
- colour — black, nude, red;
- brand, if you have a preferred one;
- condition and budget — new or second-hand, and up to what amount.
Example: “I need new leather pump shoes for a wedding, black patent, stiletto 8–10 cm, size EU 37 (insole 23.5 cm). Delivery to Pretoria before the 20th. Budget up to R 990.”
What a request on BlaBlaPrice gives you
You describe your shoes once in a request, and footwear sellers send offers themselves, with photos, the price and delivery times. This matters when you have an event date: you see at once who can make it in time. BlaBlaPrice shows the best offer first, with the seller's reviews next to each. Contacts are hidden and opened only to the seller you choose. Details are on the “How it works” page.
Compare on the same parameters: heel height, upper and insole material, and whether you can exchange. Before paying, check whether you can try them on at home and return them if they do not fit.
What to pair them with: boots for cooler weather, loafers and slip-ons for every day, or sandals for summer.
