How to wear boots?--gak! - YouLookFab Forum

I'm just jumping in all brand new so I hope this is the right section for a lesion or two for an old chick on boots.
One of my first forays into fashion tonight was to pick up a pair of slouchy boots--and found a place with a nice selection with cowboy boot style heels I like so much. The sale was buy one get another pair for 10 dollars so I bought a low boot and a med boot from Urban Planet--56 dollars I thought a good deal!! With the added bonus of hubby and the kids liking them too! I put the low cut boots on out side the store I was so excited about them--may as well start breaking them in in the mall and get used to the height--I like!!! I walked around in the store before I bought them but once out in the mall I noticed my feet went to the front of the boots and basically tore the skin off the knuckles of my toes on both feet by the time I was out to the car---What am I doing wrong???? I sat to wiggle my toes at one point and once again watch women effortlessly walk in boots by far more dramatically heeled than mine --why can't I figure it out. Now I question my purchase and what the heck to do now--I am trying to figure out if I somehow break these things in will it be better and how the heck do I do that without wearing my toes to nubs. Maybe fatter lumberjack socks to stretch the toe--but I'll still slide down---I also realized the upright part above my ankle is pretty loose--nothing to hold my foot back--but I see these styles all over --what's my problem and how exactly do you women walk in fancy boots? Do you really walk on your tip toes the whole time? does your arch really sit on the sole of the shoe/boot or is it arched off? I'm mystified and blistered. My imagination tells me there is a secret rig that holds the foot just right and I don't know where the rig store is LOL.
(I also wondered if buying a Urban Planet was like getting sushi at a pancake restaurant--should I buy boots at a clothing store??)
Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!!
(There were no boots in the Urban planet website so post pics from or I would'a)

13 years ago

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

Hi Patty and welcome!

So sorry you're having a bad experience with these boots. I suspect you may have just hit unlucky with this pair - it's not necessarily a question of heel height but may just be that your feet don't suit those boots! I suggest you only try the other ones on inside while you work out if they are any better, so you can return if not.

Others may have other suggestions on how to help with the low pair. Do hope you can make them work.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Rotten luck

Can you return the boots?

Kristine

Hi Patty! I think it's probably just the boots! Shoes are hit or miss and everyone's feet are different. I've tried on some shoes at Urban Outfitters and they seemed kind of cheap. So I'd probably return them if you can. Maybe try a department store like Macy's or a shoe specialty store in the mall.

tarzy

Unfortunately, I've also learned the hard way that I have to try on shoes - at home, on the carpet - for a while, before I commit to them. Each brand seems to fit me differently, and there are some brands I can not wear at all. There are also certain shapes and heels that are better for me, and I often have to pass up really cute shoes because they just won't work on my fussy feet.

Sorry your boots didn't work out, but I'm sure there is a pair out there that will!

Jenava

Hi Patty,

It's true that with high heels your foot might slip forward. This is why you see some women getting "hammer toes". I think the trick is, as you rightly guessed, to find a pair that fit a little snugger in the right places, but looser in others, so that it's not rubbing anywhere but hugs your foot and holds it in place.

Unfortuantely it is true that spending more money does, in fact, often yield a better quality item especially in terms of fit with shoes. But, even then, some higher end brands fit some people better than others! Everyone's feet are so, so different that you really just have to try a million pair on.

At least now you know what to watch out for in terms of fit when you try things on. Nordstrom is a nice place to shop because the sales people can advise you based on their experience of helping lots and lots of customers try on the same shoe. I'd recommend that approach for your first pair.

Patty

Thanks for the quick replies ladies--this helps me with my clenched stomach over another dumb buy. Buy and learn!! I'm gonna wipe them off and see if I can return them tomorrow.

Megan

Active Member

If not, try foot petals to stop your feet moving forwards and try some stretching spray on the toe box (if the shoes are leather).

I'm a total convert to flat boots as of this year. My boyfriend bugged me into them since he prefers the look and now my heeled boots almost never get worn.

Aida

Unfortunately, as others have said, with heeled boots sometimes this is what happens (shoes too, for that matter). I wear heels (2-4") almost every day, boots or otherwise, and I feel your pain. I've turned down plenty of shoes because they don't fit my foot shape, but the size was correct.

You'll want to find a pair that fits your particular foot shape better; it sounds like this pair doesn't. Ideally you want boots that your foot has a little bit of room to move in, especially since your feet will grow/shrink about a half size throughout the day. When you walk the boot should gently grip your foot, keeping your heel from moving forward, and the shape should help keep your foot from moving forward much; your toes shouldn't be sliding forward with each step. Sounds like you may need a pair that's narrower through the top above the arch to keep your foot in place. Hope you can return them!

Thanks Aida for the fit info--this is what I need!!
I have no idea what I'm doing (not so much bad luck-lol) and have never had anyone to ask how exactly this stuff works. I have been taken advantage of in the past when not knowing what exactly to scrutinize so I'm really taking notes----seems I've got LOTS of boots to try on just to get the fit/feel right!
Are more dressy (as opposed to snow boots) meant to be worn with any kind of sock in particular?
I must sound like I just crawled out from under a rock somewhere--I sorta have --I've been a watcher not a shopper.

Patty, you are definitely not alone! I recently started focusing on footwear and only buying/keeping pairs that are comfortable and fit well. I'm learning that I need more support in the arch and a roomier toe box yet the heel needs to be on the narrow side or have some kind of strap that will help hold my foot in place. Not easy requirements to find I tell ya!

I've also learned that it takes more than walkiing around in the store to know if they'll fit comfortably. I'm now testing out pairs indoors for hours to see how they feel. So I'm definitely returning more than keeping, but those that pass the test are getting used and my feet are still happy at the end of the day.

Don't give up hope! It may take awhile, but you'll find something. : )

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