The first thing to go is usually one of the heel caps leaving me with a metal peg at the bottom of the heel.  That tiny piece of black plastic protecting the metal falls off or wears down, and I can be heard tapping around on any hard surface.  I get very self-conscious when only one heel is missing the cap, and I make a tap sound with every other step.  My least favorite is when I make a sliding move causing my metal heel to screech like nails on a chalkboard.

I have taken my precious shoes to the cobbler and had them repaired.  Sometimes I go to payless and buy plain black pumps during a BoGo sale.  This upkeep is maddening.

I’d like to ask my fellow heel-wearing friends: what brand do you turn to for your trusty black pumps and how long do these last?

Exhibit A: the metal peg that will make me tap as I walk