Goodbye, Louboutins
These beauties have been laying in their box for two years. I had to say goodbye, Louboutins! I wore them only twice since getting it as a Christmas gift from my hubby.
I use to love going in the Christian Louboutin store and look at all these beautiful shoes that I could not afford. For me, it became a goal that one day I would be successful enough to afford a pair and could walk around rocking these red soles.
Christmas came and my husband spoiled me with the most beautiful pair of Louboutins. For days after I would just stare at it. I could not believe that I own a real pair of Louboutins. Somehow it felt like I became part of this secret club where successful women wore their Louboutins and when they walk past each other give one another a secret nod. A nod that says, hey girl you made it welcome to the Louboutin club.
That brought me to the first time I went out to an event wearing the Louboutins. It looked amazing but was extremely uncomfortable after standing an hour in the heals. I constantly had to go to the bathroom take off the shoes rub my feet and then put on a brave face and the shoes and walk without looking like something is eating away my toes.
After the evening the shoes made their way back to the box. I took them out again to wear to our wedding anniversary dinner and I suddenly remembered why I have not worn them in two years. They look amazing and feel great for the first few minutes but as soon as you leave the house it felt like the shoe monsters came alive and started eating away at my toes.
I was walking very tall but very slow not to damage the shoes and to keep a straight face although my feet were hurting like hell. After arriving back home I felt the biggest relieve to take them off. I stared at them with a sense of sadness. The shoes that once represented a sign that I have made it was now nothing more of a sign of foot pain.
There was no secret Louboutin club, no one treated me better than usual while wearing them. The only thing that it did do was to make me uncomfortable to walk or stand for long periods of time. The confidence I thought I would get when wearing the shoes was exchanged for self-consciousness and feeling stressed to not look like an idiot when walking although I was super uncomfortable.
I packed the shoes in their box for the last time and decided it is time to let them go. Having a pair of shoes that only gets worn once every two years is just not worth it. If you are not 100% happy with anything in your cupboard and do not really use it. Let it go and have a second life.
I also realized that I have grown so much in the last few years and realised that it is not the shoes that make the woman but the woman that wears the shoes.
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.