The High Heels Experiment

I had an interesting conversation with a person we can call X about high heels once. I’ll spare you the details but the bottom line is, I said (according to X), that I only wear heels if I’m getting…err…. laid. I remember saying something about getting something in return, but that’s a pointless argument. Let’s focus on the fact that I generally don’t wear high heels often. Until recently, I had one black pair that served all high heel purposes. I would not wear them to club because I like to dance without the possibility of an ankle injury. I would not wear them to work because…well…. no reason actually. I just believed that high heels (like mini skirts) are inventions by men to slow us down (another argument for another time).

I know you’re wondering about the experiment. Patience!

So. Miss No Heels Ophelia had one pair of heels, stowed away because she never wore them ever (except weddings. I love weddings…*sigh*) yet, last week, she decided to wear heels everyday for 5 days. Yes. Me. If you met me looking like a giant, saw me almost tipping over in them (although they aren’t that high), or something like that, now you know the reason. I recently acquired a diary, so I decided to jot down the experience.

Day 1

I want to start on a high note so the heels are worn with a short dress and more make up than usual. I get comments ranging from: “What’s wrong???” (With concerned look) to “Wow! You look…. *confused look*…. gorgeous!” (I was hurt by the surprise in some people’s voices). In the evening, I had to go to town, and I finally appreciated the role of pavements. There were some moments when I was strutting like I owned the whole town, but mostly, I had to try not to fall, while still holding my head up the way I was taught. Suffice to say it was no easy feat.

Day 2

I don’t usually wear dresses (there’s another experiment I should try), so Day 2 took me back to my pants. I got lifts and took bodas all day so I didn’t go through the pavement suffering. Just when I was thanking the heavens for the gift of bodas, it happened. The rain. Have you ever been hit by the rain on a boda? More importantly, have you ever tried running to a dry spot in heels? That was not a good day. No, I don’t want to talk about it.

Day 3:

I was traumatised by the rain experience. I cleaned the heels, but passed them up for comfortable shoes when it was time to leave the room.

Day 4:

I wore the heels again.

(The contents of this entry are censored)

Day 5:

Today is my version of Monday. I wore the crisp white shirt and short black skirt with the heels. I have not felt more like a lawyer. And this includes the few times I have submitted cases authoritatively at the front in class. I had a birthday thing with the girls and got all the “How come you’re dressed like this on a Friday???” questions. Smiled sweetly and said I had nothing else to wear.

Lessons learnt?

Heels are good for confidence but bad for rain. And it’s good to get something in return for the effort (this includes, but is not limited to a couple of pleasantly surprised looks.) I am stowing them away again, but they will reappear every once in a while. I am a pro at walking in them now.