The traditional quinceañera ceremony in which the birthday girl receives new shoes is called the changing of the shoes.
In this symbolic ritual, the quinceañera’s father or another close relative replaces her flat or low-heeled shoes with high heels. The change represents a move from childhood toward young womanhood. The custom is especially recognizable in Mexican-American and other Latin American quinceañera traditions, although families adapt it in many ways.
The shoes are not a required part of every quinceañera. Some celebrants already wear formal shoes, and others choose sneakers, flats, or another style that suits them. The central idea is the ceremonial change, not a particular brand, color, or heel height.
This ritual is distinct from the presentation of a tiara or crown. It also differs from the “last doll,” another childhood-symbolism tradition that may appear at the same celebration.