Quinceañeras are packed with traditions and symbolic gestures throughout the day . The changing of shoe ceremony is a tradition practiced in most quinceañeras . In this tradition , a quinceañera will start by wearing flats to mass and the reception . Before the traditional waltz , the quinceañera will trade her flats in for high heels ( Or the shoe of y o u r choice ). Dress and shoe shopping can be stressful but it is essential in order to have your personality shine through . XV