Please note: T-Rex is not to scale.

A couple of days ago I had an early dentist appointment. Afterwards I had some time to kill before work, so I thought I’d do a little window shopping. I wasn’t planning on buying anything – until I saw those shoes. They didn’t look like much on the shelf, but there was something that made me want to try them. A combination of pearly patent and black suede, their Deco lines and towering, knife-thin wedges made me think of the Empire State Building. What choice did I have? (One should never pass up the chance to try on footwear that looks like of architecture.)

I put them on and fell in love. Now, I’m usually at least an 8.5, but to my surprise, they felt quite roomy. I slipped into the 8s. They were a little snug, but not bad. That heel was going to force my foot forward, I thought, and the shoe would be sure to stretch. I didn’t want to get stuck with a shoe I kept slipping out of so, after walking around a bit just to be sure, I went with the smaller pair.

They don’t fit.

I wore them to work the next day. Inside of two hours they were cutting into the sides of my foot; my toes were sardines in a very pretty can. Yet every time I looked down I couldn’t bear the idea of giving them up. I wanted to cry, but I didn’t. Instead, I went back to the store and bought the exact same shoe in a half-size up.

Now I have these 8s – these barely worn, beautiful 8s that I can’t return and can’t wear – just sitting on my bedroom floor. The good news? They could be yours.

Tell me why you need to have these shoes. The most compelling response (according to my very subjective judgment) wins and that very lucky person gets them. Yes, for free. This is open to anyone, WORN staff included. They wear shoes too, after all.

You can email me or make your case in the comments. You’ve got until Wednesday, June 3 to make your case. There are really only three conditions: First, I’ll pay for postage inside Canada, but outside of that you’re on your own. Second, we at WORN reserve the right to post responses on the site if we choose. Third, if you’re going to the SOL[e]D party, you have to promise not to wear them. Since I bought them twice, I think I should get first dibs on that.

So let’s hear it, Cinderella. Move me.
c.b.

Dinosaur not included.
Shoes are a US size 8, or Euro 38.
Heel measures just shy of 4 inches.