The father traditionally performs the symbolic shoe change at a quinceañera.
In the customary version of the ritual, the father replaces the honoree’s flat shoes with high heels. The action represents a passage from childhood toward young womanhood and often takes place in front of the assembled guests.
The practice is a social tradition, not a universal rule or religious requirement. Families may ask a mother, grandparent, godparent, or another loved one to perform the change, especially when the father is absent or the family prefers a different arrangement.
Because the shoe ritual is highly visible, it is sometimes mistaken for a formal Catholic rite. It is instead one of several symbolic customs that may accompany a quinceañera reception.