Ask Belle: Replacing High Heel Caps
Oct 9, 2014
Belle,
Have you ever tried to replace heel caps yourself? It’s not that I’m cheap, I just don’t have the time or energy to run to the cobbler every few weeks to drop off another pair — let alone go back in a few days to pick up the ones I dropped off!
If you have any tips please let me know! Julia
Wow. Every few weeks? I thought I wore out heel caps quickly, and I only need to take mine in twice per year. Luckily, there are a few solutions.
The first is to buy heel cap covers. They slide on over the caps to protect the original cap, further shielding the nail, and minimizing the wear on the heel. Quicktips cover the bottom of the heel; they’re best for a quick fix in between cobbler trips.
There is also a product called Soulmates that covers the cap and the heel. These are great for extending the length of your toe caps, but their real value is that they make it possible to wear heels on grass. So if you’re attending an outdoor wedding, you don’t need to wear wedges. They also come in clear plastic for use on any color heel.
The option of last resort is to learn to replace the heel caps yourself. Real Simple has a tutorial for how to replace them. Amazon sells heel caps in different sizes and colors so you can find the right ones.
I swear by Soulmates. i put them on every pair of heels I buy. I work on a cobblestone street, and besides protecting the heel, they keep me from getting stuck in the cobblestones too.
I can’t see myself ever wearing the Soulmates option. They just look… silly to me. But that said, I guess they would come in handy on grass–I’ve sunk in or had to stand on tip toe far too many times.
Style by Joules
I could see them being an option for commuting. They would certainly look less silly than sneakers or flip flops or whatever else women switch out their heels for. And a lot easier to carry around.
These have done wonders to extend the life of my heels.
https://www.beclickless.com/
I am big fan of only wearing my heels when I need to. I wear really cute leather flats for my commute and take my heels with me. I didn’t spend this much on Jimmy Choos just for the DC pavement to destroy them.
I actually have the same problem- I wear down heels (and the soles of flats) really, really quickly. I’ve replaced heel caps on two occasions by myself. Both times were Cole Haan heels (two different pairs), because Cole Haan heels actually come with an extra set of heel caps when you buy them. (Picking out the correct heel cap size is what has kept me from attempting to replace the caps on other heels myself.) I found a tutorial online, but it’s pretty straightforward- you just pull out the old caps with pliers, and then screw/push in the new caps. While it’s simple in concept, it takes some serious arm strength to pull out the caps. Sometimes even within the same pair, one cap will be in there really tight while the other is much easier to remove. Don’t underestimate how difficult it can be- I ended up with blisters on my hand from one shoe!
I’ve tried replacing heel caps myself– I consider myself pretty handy and watched a couple tutorials– but was unable to pull the old ones out.
I just try to have a couple different pairs of oft-worn shoe types, like black pumps. That way when one wears down I don’t necessarily have to race to the cobbler right away. Switching to flats for commuting and other long walks helps extend the life of your heels, of course, but if you’re like me and find heels much more comfortable it’s easier said than done.
Belle, do you have any recommendations for a dc area cobbler. I need to get my boots re-soled and I have yet to find anyone
Julie, I don’t know where you are in town, but I took my Frye pair to American Valet in Tenleytown last fall and they did a WONDERFUL job. I don’t think the price made me wince either, but my tolerance for Frye maintenance might be higher than the norm!
If you don’t mind going to Old Town, these folks are the best: https://www.alexandriashoe.com/
@Hope, I just ordered the Clickless heel protectors from http://www.beclickless.com! Thanks for the great recommendation!
[…] may have to start looking into doing this. My heel caps are being burned through like no […]