Leave Her Heels Alone

IIn a world where women are judged for their choices, it is time to end an unnecessary critique: high-heeled shoes. Whether at the office, a night out, or a special event, heels have long been a fashion staple; however, there is a growing trend of women criticizing other women for wearing them, often based on their inability or choice not to.

Your Shoes, Your Choice

The decision to wear heels - or not - should be personal without judgment. But, women who wear them hear comments like, I could never wear heels all day, or I hope you brought flats because I know your feet will hurt by the end of the day. While these statements may seem harmless, they perpetuate a cycle of negativity that undermines personal choice and reinforces the notion of a right and wrong way to present ourselves. Women should not have to defend their footwear. Some women feel empowered wearing heels because they boost their confidence and enhance their outfits or style. Women who choose not to wear heels for health reasons, comfort, or personal preference should respect women who don't.

The Impact of Judgment

Criticizing or questioning a woman's choice to wear heels contributes to a culture that distracts us from more important issues. Women already face societal pressures - from body image to career expectations, and the last thing we need is more scrutiny, especially over something as trivial as footwear. Instead of tearing each other down, we should lift each other. If one woman feels empowered wearing stilettos while another prefers flats, why not celebrate both?

Change the Narrative

Wearing heels does not make a woman less intelligent, capable, or progressive, and it does not mean she is seeking approval or conforming to outdated standards. And wearing flats does not make someone less fashionable or put together. Every woman should express herself freely (i.e., what feels right to her) while shifting this narrative by not concentrating on what women wear and celebrating the confidence, intelligence, and power they bring into the world regardless of their shoes.

A Call for Sisterhood

To the women who proudly wear their heels: keep doing you because your choice is yours alone, and no one has the right to question it. To women who do not, you are equally valid and beautiful in your choice. Fostering a culture of mutual respect, where we celebrate the liberation of our choices, will improve how we feel about ourselves and each other. The next time you see a woman in heels, compliment her about something that matters - her strength, intelligence, or kindness because our heels do not define us - it is how we walk through life.