My Life In Shoes: Hiba Waleed
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My love of shoes started with my mum. She kept all her pairs in boxes, not some fancy closet or shoe wall, so I’d come home from school, pull them all out and try them on one by one. I remember one particular pair of Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos she really wanted for her birthday – we all went with my dad to buy them for her, and I told her those were the only hand-me-downs I’d ever want.
I didn’t grow up casually splurging on designer shoes. I come from a big family – five siblings, all just as obsessed with footwear – so my first proper designer pair were the Valentino Rockstuds. Don’t judge! I know their moment has passed, but at the time, I felt like that girl wearing them. The pair I truly begged for, though, were the Isabel Marant wedge sneakers. No idea why I ever gave them away — they’re trending again, and I’ve got major regrets.
When I interviewed at Level Shoes, I wore black Gianvito Rossi thong sandals. They’re simple, round-toe, wearable for day and night – I still wear them all the time. I think it’s funny because my first ever job before that wasn’t even in fashion and I showed up in sneakers. But this pair felt right.
Open my wardrobe and you’ll find a solid mix of heels I love but rarely wear, and shoes I live in every day. There’s a lot of Amina Muaddi, Paris Texas and The Attico, plus far too many thong sandals. Sneakers are in heavy rotation too, mostly Adidas and Salomon. I wouldn’t say I have one single pair of power shoes, but I do have my go-to brands: anything from Paris Texas makes a statement; Amina Muaddi always makes me feel feminine and confident; and my little pink D’Accori heels – not too high, but super flattering – are a current favourite. Also, never underestimate the power of a great boot. There’s a pair from The Attico that just dropped, and I haven’t stopped thinking about them.
My Salomon XT6s are my ride-or-die – I wear them everywhere: to the gym, on flights, even styled into actual outfits. They’re totally battered at this point, but I still can’t part with them. The colourway’s perfect: a beige base with pops of purple, green, pink and orange, and they’ve developed so much character over time. I’m a firm believer that a worn-in shoe tells the best story. I do rotate in a few others – Adidas x Wales Bonner and ASICS Gel-Nimbus are both great for comfort and style – but if I’m packing one pair, it’s always the Salomons.
For something that takes me from day to night, I always go for a thong sandal. Underrated but so versatile. I love my new red pair from Neous and my brown suede Tony Bianco wedge thong sandals – both work for meetings, dinners, whatever. Another amazing pair is the halle sandal from The Lline which I’ve been wearing. It’s about finding those pieces that just work without having to think too hard.
Lately, I’ve been really into regional brands like Duha. We actually pre-launched the brand exclusively at Level Shoes, and her designs are so fresh. She plays with colour and shape in such a fun way. There’s this one pair of purple heels I’m obsessed with. Another favourite of mine is The Lline. It’s one of those low-key brands you kind of want to gatekeep, but I’ll share. Its ballerinas and mini mules are the definition of effortless chic – timeless shapes, super wearable and cool. I’ve been wearing the silver ballerinas on repeat. And just a heads-up, they’re dropping thong sandals soon, and they’re unreal. It’s the kind of brand that doesn’t shout but always delivers.
Don’t make me pick between suede and leather – that’s like choosing between my parents. Suede definitely feels riskier in rainy cities (not a Dubai problem), but there’s a richness to it I can’t resist. Leather, of course, is forever. I’m into Jacquemus, Khaite, Toteme and The Attico suede bags and shoes right now –they’ve made suede feel way less seasonal and more like a year-round staple. The same goes for boots. The Attico just dropped the Robin combat boots. I already have them in leather and wear them all summer. But I need them in suede too. Also eyeing a staple ankle leather pair from Khaite. Clearly, it’s becoming a problem.
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There’s so much freedom in fashion right now that I don’t think anything’s really “out”. You’ve got clogs, boxing shoes, ballet flats – all making comebacks. But if I had to get rid of one trend forever... Crocs. I know some people make them look cool, but I just can’t get into them.
I get inspiration from everywhere – old photos, my mum, my friends, strangers on Instagram. But I’ll always come back to people like Veneda Carter (her Timberland collab was unreal), Gilda Ambrosio from The Attico, Elsa Hosk, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Cam Quittner. If Cam ever styled me, I’d be over the moon.
Right now, my wish list includes the Alaïa platform thong sandals – I want them in every colour. They’re bold but timeless, and I already know I’d live in them. Then there’s this Paris Texas peep-toe cow print pump I keep circling back to –it’s loud in the best way, and I feel like it’s only a matter of time before I cave. I’ve also been quietly (or not so quietly) obsessed with the Ferragamo ribbon sandals since the first time I saw them. They’re so understated and chic, I just know they’d be a forever favourite. And finally, the Lea boots from The Attico in the most perfect shade of burgundy. I’m genuinely hoping that they find their way into my closet soon.
For a hot summer’s day, I live in cargo pants or jorts, a crop top, and either Havianas or jelly sandals. I wore that uniform the entire time I was in Bali. Ancient Greek Sandals has some amazing jelly options right now, Christopher Esber jelly thongs are perfect – and I have TKEES in every colour. Flip-flops can even work at night if you style them right.
My shoe pain hack? Be smart. If you’re sitting at dinner, wear the wild shoes. If you’re standing all night, be realistic. Those clear gel inserts for the back of your heel are a pharmacy essential. And — this one’s extreme – but on my wedding day, my sister-in-law brought foot-numbing spray and it actually worked. Maybe not for everyday use, but for big moments? Life-changing.
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