A young Canadian woman, Charlize Esguerra, is singing the praises of her platform Ugg boots after a recent experience that highlighted their unexpected protective qualities. The 23-year-old had a close call at a mall when she unknowingly stepped on a rusty screw, prompting a reflection on the safety benefits of her footwear.
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Esguerra shared her alarming encounter on social media, where it quickly went viral. While casually strolling through the mall in her tan platform Uggs, she felt a sharp sensation beneath her foot. Initially, she thought she had merely stepped on a piece of rubbish or perhaps some gum. However, upon inspection, she was shocked to discover a sizeable rusted screw lodged vertically within the sole of her shoe.
In a video posted on Instagram, Esguerra documented the moment her boyfriend attempted to remove the stubborn piece of metal. Gratefully, the platform design of her Uggs—featuring a thick foam sole that offers additional height—also provided extra protection from the screw. “I was very grateful to be wearing my platforms,” Esguerra remarked. “If I hadn’t been wearing such tall shoes, the screw would have gone through the shoe and likely into my foot.”
The severity of the situation was further underscored by the rustiness of the screw, which Esguerra noted could have posed a serious risk of infection had it penetrated her foot. Once her boyfriend successfully extricated the screw, he held it up to display how far it had pressed into the sole of her shoe, demonstrating just how close Esguerra had come to injury. For comparison, he showcased the same screw against her grandmother’s boot, signalling that a different type of footwear could have resulted in a more painful and hazardous situation.
Following the viral reaction to her video, responses within the comments on social media were mixed. Some critics accused Esguerra of overreacting, while others empathised with her legitimate concerns about the incident. Despite differing opinions, Esguerra remained resolute in her gratitude for her chosen footwear. “All I know is my day would have gone a lot differently if I had a rusty nail going through my foot instead of the bottom of my shoe,” she stated.
Esguerra’s humorous take on the experience prompted her to advise others in her comments, urging followers to “stay safe, wear your platforms.” In an additional quip to PEOPLE magazine, she reflected, “I definitely won’t be going barefoot in the malls after this.” This incident, while alarming, has shone a light on the functional advantages of fashionable yet protective footwear.
As consumers become increasingly aware of the importance of safety in footwear, it is likely that Esguerra’s experience will resonate with many. The event serves as a reminder that when it comes to choosing shoes, style and safety do not have to be mutually exclusive. In Esguerra’s case, her choice of platform Uggs not only offered her considerable height but also an unexpected layer of safety that may have prevented a serious injury.
With incidents like Esguerra’s circulating on social media, discussions surrounding footwear safety could encourage other shoppers to consider not just the aesthetic, but the protective aspects of their choices. As more people reflect on their own experiences with footwear, it might just lead to a new trend in prioritising protection alongside style.