I must have missed this class in Girlyness 101.
August 18, 2005 4:40 AM Subscribe
I must have missed this class in Girlyness 101. Hip, trendy chicks, I need your help! How do I find heels that will not murder my feet?
I have survived the summer at my business casual workplace by wearing open-toe heels and flat sandals, but fall is quickly approaching and I need some good, comfortable closed-toe heels that will a) not give me blisters, and b) not make me look frumpy.
Are there any particular styles, brands, attributes I should look for? Is it worth paying more for high-end shoes? Please tell me I am not destined to hobble around for the rest of my working career! My toes will thank you!
I have survived the summer at my business casual workplace by wearing open-toe heels and flat sandals, but fall is quickly approaching and I need some good, comfortable closed-toe heels that will a) not give me blisters, and b) not make me look frumpy.
Are there any particular styles, brands, attributes I should look for? Is it worth paying more for high-end shoes? Please tell me I am not destined to hobble around for the rest of my working career! My toes will thank you!
I wear very low-heeled pumps that I get at Payless -- they always seem to have them. They are not extremely padded, but are pretty comfortable and have professional-looking pointed toes that are not *too* pointed so there's room for my toes. My last pair lasted five years, because, as ThePinkSuperhero noted, I wore sneakers to work and carried the shoes, so the pumps rarely went outside and never drove the car (a shoe killer, always). I would recommend getting these for now, which will give you time to shop around for something ideal (that was my original intention, but I never got around to getting anything else).
posted by JanetLand at 5:16 AM on August 18, 2005
posted by JanetLand at 5:16 AM on August 18, 2005
I recommend Aerosoles. I got a great pair of closed-toe, black heels there a couple years ago and people still compliment me on them. And they're comfortable enough that I could wear them around the office all day without a problem.
That said, I also wear different shoes to and from work (and on lunch). I found a pair of "dressy" sneaker-type flats (hard to describe) that didn't look as bizarre as a regular pair of sneakers can look with a dress or nice suit. I actually just left my heels at work, since they worked with about every outfit I had.
posted by bibbit at 5:41 AM on August 18, 2005
That said, I also wear different shoes to and from work (and on lunch). I found a pair of "dressy" sneaker-type flats (hard to describe) that didn't look as bizarre as a regular pair of sneakers can look with a dress or nice suit. I actually just left my heels at work, since they worked with about every outfit I had.
posted by bibbit at 5:41 AM on August 18, 2005
Long (knee-length) boots. 1-2 inch heels, pointy toes. Good ankle support, won't rub anywhere around the foot, the only problem is blisters on the balls of your feet if the heels are too high - you know what you can handle there. You can wear them under jeans, smart trousers, with a skirt, anything. I swear by my increasing collection couple of pairs.
posted by corvine at 5:42 AM on August 18, 2005
posted by corvine at 5:42 AM on August 18, 2005
Saucy--I don't know where you live, but SuperFeet insoles might be your answer. Although you can buy on-line, it's best to go in somewhere to try them, first. Places on the West Coast like REI carry them. SuperFeet were recommended by my podiatrist. They have various thicknesses, including insoles for heels. The caveat is that you need to have them prior to trying on shoes. They have their own website (same name) and you can find a dealer near you. (I do not own stock in them, but damn I have happy feet because of them. I only use the green ones in my sneakers. I don't have to wear heels at work, so I have not tried the ones they have for heels).
posted by 6:1 at 6:08 AM on August 18, 2005
posted by 6:1 at 6:08 AM on August 18, 2005
Personally, I find that shoes with an ankle strap of some kind are more comfortable, less prone to rubbing and more stable. Beware the straps that are merely a loop wrapping around the top of the ankle (not helpful), and search out a mary jane or another style with a strap lower on the foot. T-straps are quite fashionable this fall, and combine maximum comfort and stylishness.
Any kind of D'orsay style has a higher potential to rub and cause blisters, so beware.
Do not be afraid of the pointy toe! In many styles, your toes will sit quite comfortably in the widest part of the shoe, while the "point" hangs out in front, virtually empty. Not every square inch of shoe real estate needs to be packed with digits. Many girls cling to their frumpy square-toes, not realizing that equal comfort can indeed be had in a more femme style.
Pumps are great, but only a sadist wears them every day. The kitten heel offers both feminine grace and womanly comfort, as do ballet flats.
As for brands, PinkSuperhero is right -- it's very hit or miss. I will say that comfort does not increase in direct proportion to price; a $70 pair of shoes is not going to be twice as comfy as a $35 pair. It will probably be made from a slightly higher grade of leather, but will have just as much potential to rub, pinch and cause sore arches as a pair you buy at Payless. Even shoes that are $100+ are not comfort-guaranteed: their value lies in better craftsmanship and durability, not extra cushioning.
Franco Sarto and Enzo Agliolini are available at almost all department stores and offer affordable, comfy basic styles that you will find in almost every office girl's closet. Nine West is a bit more fashion-forward, but their leather is often stiff, prone to rubbing and requires a lot of "breaking-in." Both Aerosoles and Naturalizer have worked hard to shed their "grandma" image the last few years and appeal to a younger, more stylish consumer: they offer both basics and trendy styles with a maximum of cushioning and comfort.
Finally, there is the mecca of Zappos.com. Free shipping will allow you to try any of their myriad styles in the privacy of your home, and send them back (free!) if they don't work out.
posted by junkbox at 6:10 AM on August 18, 2005
Any kind of D'orsay style has a higher potential to rub and cause blisters, so beware.
Do not be afraid of the pointy toe! In many styles, your toes will sit quite comfortably in the widest part of the shoe, while the "point" hangs out in front, virtually empty. Not every square inch of shoe real estate needs to be packed with digits. Many girls cling to their frumpy square-toes, not realizing that equal comfort can indeed be had in a more femme style.
Pumps are great, but only a sadist wears them every day. The kitten heel offers both feminine grace and womanly comfort, as do ballet flats.
As for brands, PinkSuperhero is right -- it's very hit or miss. I will say that comfort does not increase in direct proportion to price; a $70 pair of shoes is not going to be twice as comfy as a $35 pair. It will probably be made from a slightly higher grade of leather, but will have just as much potential to rub, pinch and cause sore arches as a pair you buy at Payless. Even shoes that are $100+ are not comfort-guaranteed: their value lies in better craftsmanship and durability, not extra cushioning.
Franco Sarto and Enzo Agliolini are available at almost all department stores and offer affordable, comfy basic styles that you will find in almost every office girl's closet. Nine West is a bit more fashion-forward, but their leather is often stiff, prone to rubbing and requires a lot of "breaking-in." Both Aerosoles and Naturalizer have worked hard to shed their "grandma" image the last few years and appeal to a younger, more stylish consumer: they offer both basics and trendy styles with a maximum of cushioning and comfort.
Finally, there is the mecca of Zappos.com. Free shipping will allow you to try any of their myriad styles in the privacy of your home, and send them back (free!) if they don't work out.
posted by junkbox at 6:10 AM on August 18, 2005
also, you have to practice walking in heels so you don't have the frankenstein lurch. take smaller steps--reduce your stride. your ears may be able to tell you when you have it right--too long a stride makes your high heels come down bang bang bang!
maybe watch some old movies--women moved quite differently when they habitually wore heels, dresses, tailored clothing, structured undergarments--the whole shebang!
posted by subatomiczoo at 6:20 AM on August 18, 2005
maybe watch some old movies--women moved quite differently when they habitually wore heels, dresses, tailored clothing, structured undergarments--the whole shebang!
posted by subatomiczoo at 6:20 AM on August 18, 2005
Maryland Square has the Naturalizer Royal Pump - my all-time favorite shoe. It is one of their classics, they always have it in my size, it comes in a lot of colors, and I can order it without trying it on. At $40 a pair, it's inexpensive, too. Not frumpy looking, either.
I just checked the Naturalizer website. I couldn't find this shoe! Ye gads. Maybe they are just selling it through dealers. I hope so. I'm gonna be one sad shoe addict if I can't replace my black ones this fall.
posted by Corky at 6:22 AM on August 18, 2005
I just checked the Naturalizer website. I couldn't find this shoe! Ye gads. Maybe they are just selling it through dealers. I hope so. I'm gonna be one sad shoe addict if I can't replace my black ones this fall.
posted by Corky at 6:22 AM on August 18, 2005
Do you have to wear heals? Couldn't you wear a nice, businessy pair of flats?
If you have to wear heals, I find this style pretty comfortable (I don't have this exact pair, but a one with the same heal). The heal is flared at the bottom, so you get a lot more surface area, which is the main thing that makes shoes comfortable. They are resoleable, which means that they will last pretty much as long as you want them to, and they have a six month warrenty during which all repairs are free.
posted by carmen at 8:01 AM on August 18, 2005
If you have to wear heals, I find this style pretty comfortable (I don't have this exact pair, but a one with the same heal). The heal is flared at the bottom, so you get a lot more surface area, which is the main thing that makes shoes comfortable. They are resoleable, which means that they will last pretty much as long as you want them to, and they have a six month warrenty during which all repairs are free.
posted by carmen at 8:01 AM on August 18, 2005
Trial and error is what worked for me. Try on lots and lots of shoes (if there is a Nordstrom where you are, go there- they carry shoes in a range of prices, and their sales staff are well-informed and helpful. I also second Zappos.com) I have found that certain brands tend to fit my foot very well, and certain brands are murder on my feet. So now I gravitate towards Stuart Weitzman, Bruno Magli and Merrell, and walk right past Via Spiga and Steve Madden. YMMV, of course, so do your own test driving.
Don't be scared of expensive shoes. Take good care of them, and they will last you for many years. Six years ago I splurged on three pairs of Stuart Weitzman shoes that have now been re-soled a few times, but they still look great, fit well, and amortizing the $500 I dropped in 1999, that comes out to about $25 per pair per year. When you take the long view, $200 shoes aren't necessarily much more expensive than $40 shoes that fall apart after six months of wear.
Give your shoes a day of rest in between wearings- they will last a lot longer that way, and your feet will thank you for the variety. If you have the space at work, keep a few different pairs there- you can gradually break in a new pair that way, and you can spare expensive shoes from bad weather by keeping alternatives on hand.
posted by ambrosia at 8:06 AM on August 18, 2005 [1 favorite]
Don't be scared of expensive shoes. Take good care of them, and they will last you for many years. Six years ago I splurged on three pairs of Stuart Weitzman shoes that have now been re-soled a few times, but they still look great, fit well, and amortizing the $500 I dropped in 1999, that comes out to about $25 per pair per year. When you take the long view, $200 shoes aren't necessarily much more expensive than $40 shoes that fall apart after six months of wear.
Give your shoes a day of rest in between wearings- they will last a lot longer that way, and your feet will thank you for the variety. If you have the space at work, keep a few different pairs there- you can gradually break in a new pair that way, and you can spare expensive shoes from bad weather by keeping alternatives on hand.
posted by ambrosia at 8:06 AM on August 18, 2005 [1 favorite]
Is there a DSW near you? If so, I'd check them out and try on some Ralph Lauren or Anne Klein shoes. The two least comfortable *looking* pairs of shoes I own (super-pointy toes, stiletto heels) are actually the most comfortable *feeling*, not to mention stylish. I think it's because the toe box (before the actual point) is nice and wide. Both pairs were between $50-$70 at DSW. The store also carries Enzo Angiolini and sometimes Bandolinos (also available at most decent department stores), both of which tend to be comfortable as well. The least comfortable dress shoes I own are from Nine West. I agree wholeheartedly with subatomiczoo that their leather is stiff, plus the shoes seem cut more on the narrow than other brands.
posted by justonegirl at 8:54 AM on August 18, 2005
posted by justonegirl at 8:54 AM on August 18, 2005
I make sure every shoe I buy passes the bend test.
The bend test: fold the toe of the shoe up and back towards the top of the shoe. Some Aerosole type shoes will bend completely back so that the top of the toe touches the top of the shoe, others won't bend at all.
Closed shoes that don't flex at all in this way won't be comfortable. When you walk, your heel hits the ground first and then you roll forward onto your toes. If your shoe is totally inflexible and your foot is securely strapped into it, this can't happen, and it leaves you walking flat-footed.
posted by orange swan at 9:09 AM on August 18, 2005
The bend test: fold the toe of the shoe up and back towards the top of the shoe. Some Aerosole type shoes will bend completely back so that the top of the toe touches the top of the shoe, others won't bend at all.
Closed shoes that don't flex at all in this way won't be comfortable. When you walk, your heel hits the ground first and then you roll forward onto your toes. If your shoe is totally inflexible and your foot is securely strapped into it, this can't happen, and it leaves you walking flat-footed.
posted by orange swan at 9:09 AM on August 18, 2005
Junkbox mentioned Franco Sarto shoes -- I vote for that line too. I've also had a few different pairs of Sudini shoes that have been easy on the feet and good-looking.
I agree that when the base of the heel is wider, the shoe is more comfortable. Another thing I've noticed: if the sole is very thin, you feel the hard floor and every bump in the sidewalk; feet get tired a lot quicker.
Are your feet wide? Extra room in the toebox can feel like a miracle. At the Zappos website, you can search specifically for styles made in W sizes.
Someone above talked about insoles. These can help a lot, even if they're just Dr. Scholl's. If a shoe is already tight though, the insole will make it less comfortable.
If you wear pants, ankle boots can look as spiffy as tall boots.
Have fun exploring. Good, attractive shoes can make you feel very chic.
posted by wryly at 10:22 AM on August 18, 2005
I agree that when the base of the heel is wider, the shoe is more comfortable. Another thing I've noticed: if the sole is very thin, you feel the hard floor and every bump in the sidewalk; feet get tired a lot quicker.
Are your feet wide? Extra room in the toebox can feel like a miracle. At the Zappos website, you can search specifically for styles made in W sizes.
Someone above talked about insoles. These can help a lot, even if they're just Dr. Scholl's. If a shoe is already tight though, the insole will make it less comfortable.
If you wear pants, ankle boots can look as spiffy as tall boots.
Have fun exploring. Good, attractive shoes can make you feel very chic.
posted by wryly at 10:22 AM on August 18, 2005
There are tons of variations on the high heeled loafer or ankle boot that have superb slightly thicker heels. Stable and comfy, and they look great with trousers. Lately I've seen some incredibly sexy styles reminiscent of a Mary Jane, but with an ankle strap and wedge heels that might be better for skirts. Those are a bit harder to find - more "indie" stores seem to be stocking them. I'd also recommend checking that the heel (and if possible the toe) have a soft/rubber sole or cover. Even if the interior cushioning is good, slamming down on a hard heel all day can give you shin splints.
In terms of brands, I've had lots of luck with Cathy Jean (generally found in slightly upscale malls, but reasonably priced). I also love love love Damiani's, but I don't know if they make closed-toe options.
Finally, I concur on DSW and Nordstroms for their overall style selections. Even if you don't buy there, you can browse a good range.
posted by synapse at 1:42 PM on August 18, 2005
In terms of brands, I've had lots of luck with Cathy Jean (generally found in slightly upscale malls, but reasonably priced). I also love love love Damiani's, but I don't know if they make closed-toe options.
Finally, I concur on DSW and Nordstroms for their overall style selections. Even if you don't buy there, you can browse a good range.
posted by synapse at 1:42 PM on August 18, 2005
Nordstrom's--gotta love them. Very liberal return policy, great for shoes. It's worth it, to me, to buy from them because of the return policy.
posted by 6:1 at 3:32 PM on August 18, 2005
posted by 6:1 at 3:32 PM on August 18, 2005
First off: You did fine during the summer in sandals and no one in your environment is forcing you to get high-heels.
But due to some perceived peer-pressure, you're forcing yourself to get uncomfortable shoes which have been proved to cause foot injury, spinal deformation and other nastiness.
But let's say you still want to get heels.
My advice: look into medical shoes.
Dr Scholl's and other comfort brands make heels and pumps nowadays.
No, they're not going to be hot off the catwalk or signed Valentino, but they will have the best support for your feet. Which means your feet won't be blistered, puffed up or even aching after being 12 hours on your feet.
You know who gave me this tip?
A flight attendant.
Pass it on.
And finally, here's a secret of women professionals:
No one looks at your shoes.
No one cares about what you wear unless it's downright freaky.
But if you're uncomfortable in your clothes/shoes/hair or makeup, I can read that in a single glance, and will subconsciously judge you accordingly.
posted by ruelle at 4:10 PM on August 18, 2005 [1 favorite]
But due to some perceived peer-pressure, you're forcing yourself to get uncomfortable shoes which have been proved to cause foot injury, spinal deformation and other nastiness.
But let's say you still want to get heels.
My advice: look into medical shoes.
Dr Scholl's and other comfort brands make heels and pumps nowadays.
No, they're not going to be hot off the catwalk or signed Valentino, but they will have the best support for your feet. Which means your feet won't be blistered, puffed up or even aching after being 12 hours on your feet.
You know who gave me this tip?
A flight attendant.
Pass it on.
And finally, here's a secret of women professionals:
No one looks at your shoes.
No one cares about what you wear unless it's downright freaky.
But if you're uncomfortable in your clothes/shoes/hair or makeup, I can read that in a single glance, and will subconsciously judge you accordingly.
posted by ruelle at 4:10 PM on August 18, 2005 [1 favorite]
I personally swear by Nine West, but every brand is going to fit people differently.
You may want to check out Cole Haan. They're very well-made, gorgeous shoes. And if you have major foot issues they have some pretty cute flats that are made with Nike Air technology (I think they're owned by Nike). My friend w/ bad feet swears by their Nike Air flats.
posted by awegz at 4:19 PM on August 18, 2005
You may want to check out Cole Haan. They're very well-made, gorgeous shoes. And if you have major foot issues they have some pretty cute flats that are made with Nike Air technology (I think they're owned by Nike). My friend w/ bad feet swears by their Nike Air flats.
posted by awegz at 4:19 PM on August 18, 2005
Thanks to all of you for your posts! I'm not used to wearing heels but want to look elegant for my nephew's wedding. Because of you I checked out zappos.com and found a good selection of wide-width dress shoes.
Question: Does anyone have any experience with fitzwell shoes? They're supposed to be comfortable because of the shock absorbing gel pads. Any comments?
posted by mormorcat at 1:58 PM on August 31, 2005
Question: Does anyone have any experience with fitzwell shoes? They're supposed to be comfortable because of the shock absorbing gel pads. Any comments?
posted by mormorcat at 1:58 PM on August 31, 2005
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Plus, remember the secret: a lot of women in very uncomfortable looking shoes walked to work in sneakers and carried their office shoes in their purse.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:46 AM on August 18, 2005 [1 favorite]