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Truly Walkable Dress Pumps?

rae

(website)

Veteran

Some of you know I swore off pumps because mine all have given me blisters if I have to walk in them - I'm talkin' around the block to lunch!

But Angie and others were so happy with my pumps today and during my night out that I'm considering nabbing a pair I can actually walk in. Any suggestions? I need arch support, I have long toes, and when we go out dressed up, we usually end up standing and walking a lot, somehow, even if not intended.

Right now I'm looking at the closed toe version of Angie's rec. Sofft Ramona, but I'd love to hear additional suggestions. I'm on SYC at the moment but I have one gift card, and I don't mind a long search.
http://youlookfab.com/2011/04/.....ramona-ii/

Shopping

37 replies

Latest reply was from Vicki

Jenniferblue

I'm listening too. I posted a request for shoes that are updated recently.

Anonymous

How high? 3 inches OK?
and where is your problem area generally, back of the heel, toes???
I would start with wedge pumps. They are the greatest thing ever invented.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Zap. My comfy boots are all about 3" maybe more if there is a platform.

Problem areas:
- long toes get bruised
- peep toes cut into my skin
- heels will blister one foot but not the other
- arches sometimes in the wrong place, causing arch pain

Aida

Veteran

Rae, this has become one of my shoe obsessions!! As a devoted member of Team Heels, especially pumps, and with more walking happening in my days, most of my taller (4"+) pumps have been getting neglected; most are only 2-3 hour shoes so they need replacing. But, BOY, it's a hard mission! No specific shoe recs, but I can tell you what shapes work well for me since our feet are really similar.

To my surprise, the type that I've found work best for me are shorter cone-shaped heels with a longer semi-pointed toe; lots of room for the long toes, enough arch support if you can find one with a cushioned footbed, and stable heel. I got these from Nordstrom (they're Halogen, no longer for sale unfortunately) and with the cushioned footbed these are TRULY all day walking shoes for me. I have other kitteny heels with this same type of shape (snakeskin, black/cream, cream booties), and those are also long walk appropriate but not all day because of lack of cushioning (an insole would solve that though).

As for a taller heel, the type that works well for me is a 3" sturdier stiletto type heel with a half-round half-almond toe (more room for toes) and a cushioned footbed. Harder to find this toe shape right now, though. I have one from Target, Mossimo "Pearce", which I can walk for many hours in (not quite an all-day shoe) and I am fretting about what I'm going to do when that pair dies ><

EDIT: You can kind of see in the photos how much higher my arches go over both shoe shapes, but I have yet to find an insert that will actually support that part of my foot

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Rae, I'll be listening in. I would LOVE a pair of pumps that actually STAY ON my feet (this is my big challenge). But I'm also frustrated by the arch in the wrong place that you refer to.

Pumps are ladylike, true, and with the wrong outfit can read conservative. But they're the most leg-lengthening shoe on the planet and for that reason alone I desperately want a pair I can wear to walk in.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, Aida. I agree it is a tough search. Even the comfort brand reviews don't seem to jive with what I need - I don't have bunions or arthritis... just need to pound that pavement!

Suz, I wish our Report booties came in a dressy pump form!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Okay - just remembered. Una has these. They're not true pumps (more like funky Mary Janes) but in a nude-for-you colour might read as pumps: http://www.tsubo.com/womens-ac.....omen-heels

I tried them on in Alberta and they didn't have my size or I would have bought them. They were amazing!

Aida

Veteran

I do think that the cushioning and longer toe box really go a long way in walkable pumps for feet like ours Rae. My snakeskin kitten heels in pretty much exactly the same shape as the cobalt have NO cushioning, and it's night and day difference of how walkable the two shoes are. Same with the light gray pumps; compared to the ones I have without any cushioning OR that have a true almond toe (which is my favorite *sniffle*), it's like adding an extra 2-3 hours of walkable time.

Anonymous

I love, love pumps. Based on what you are telling me I have the following ideas.

- Stay off *most* patent leather shoes: If peep toes cut you, perhaps your skin is very delicate and prone to bruising. I'd say stay clear of patent leather and any shoes that appear to have any riveting in that area.

- Man made materials kill my feet. I cannot, for no reason whatsoever, wear anything other than leather shoes. My feet will blister and peel for weeks. I suggest you do the same.

Also, make sure you are wearing the right size. If the back of the shoe is coming off with each step, the shoe is likely to be too big, or too wide ...or too.... something....! That is a sign the shoe is not right for you plus that movement will scrape you badly.

Some suggestions:

Nine West Rocha : Tried and true. These are the official pump of NYC women, I swear. I don't own a pair but all of my friends swear by them. They have the right "incline".
http://www.endless.com/Nine-We.....Redirect=1

Kate Spade Kiki and any and all KS wedge pumps: These are pricey but with your eBay prowess, you might yield a pair for cheap. These are beloved by capitol hill and you know those ladies need to walk!!!! I have not had a good experience with the actual pumps. They do not seem to fit me right.
http://couture.zappos.com/kate.....nen-patent

Check Sofft
http://www.sofftshoe.com/
The brand promises to be super soft and the shoes are not frumpy.

Also check Clarks. They have come a long way:
http://www.clarksusa.com/?SR=s.....4AodIW0A8A

My most comfortable pair are these. They happen to be peep toe but they feel like I'm walking on water:
http://www.6pm.com/nine-west-danee-natural-leather

...And Ditto on Aida and all of her comments. Yes, too round shoes are as bad as too pointy. You want to go for an almond shape.

Gaylene

Veteran

I'd follow Sveta's method of trying on every shoe in sight and not settling until you find one that feels like you could walk out of the store and spend the rest of the day in it.

I think feet are so individual that what works for one person can be a disaster for another. And while price does not necessarily equal comfort, I find that it can be easier to find a comfortable pump if you are willing to spend a bit more money. The better shoes usually are made of softer leather, use more cushioning, and provide more arch support. If you care for them (and use shoe trees-- something that my husband convinced me was absolutely necessary) they can last a long time.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

This is a great question and an excellent discussion - I'm learning so much from everyone's useful tips! For instance, I didn't realize that it might be the patent that is a problem. I bought a pair of Sofft pumps awhile back, and they were incredibly comfortable in-store, comfortable around the house and so on. But when I wore them for a night out with my husband (involving a fair amount of walking to and fro - restaurant, concert etc.), my feet were killing me. I haven't worn those shoes again since. That said, the shoes are patent...maybe that was the problem?

In terms of walkable pumps - I swear by Ecco. Naturalizer might also work, but I don't have any Naturalizer pumps - just a cute pair of red flats that turned out to be amazingly comfortable and very walkable. I have a hard time with both flats and pumps. Very high arches, narrow feet to begin with and I share the "shoe flipping off the back" problem with Suz.

With Ecco's I've gone on serious shopping marathons all day long (6+ hours) and was very surprised to find out how comfortable these shoes are - I think they just work with my feet? That said, sometimes you need to really look to find something new-ish/trendy or what have you.

Has anyone tried the Cole Haan "Air" shoes? I've tried some of these on in store and they also felt extremely comfortable, but I haven't yet bought - or tested them out where I had to actually walk for any length of time. They seem like they might be a good bet though...I'd try them, and see if you can find on sale etc.

In the meantime, here's a whole page of Ecco pumps on Endless (not all are proper pumps, just what Endless comes up with for Ecco 'pumps'):

http://www.endless.com/ECCO-Wo.....=242321011

That said, I'm guessing it depends on your style, and more importantly, on your feet. I don't have bunions either, but I *do* have picky feet when it comes to shoes I can actually walk in.

Looking forward to hearing which shoes work for you or don't work for you as you mull this one over.

April

Veteran

What about Merrell's Evera line that was designed to be compatible with riding a bike? I have been wondering if they would work for walking as well: http://www.zappos.com/merrell-evera

Aida

Veteran

With patent you have to have a shoe that fits with some wiggle room right up front, since it doesn't stretch (or stretches verrrry little); you also want those to feel comfortable right out of the box. Some of my most comfortable heels are patent, usually sized up a half size knowing that there was going to be no give.

MsMary

Veteran

I have the Madden Girl Sursey pumps in 7 colors and they are fantastically comfortable on me. They are mostly gone now, although they have a few at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Madden-G.....girl+pumps

You might want to try some other Madden Girl styles. They are fairly inexpensive, too.

I also love my Seychelles Petunia t-strap pumps: http://www.amazon.com/Seychell.....lles+pumps. I have several styles of Seychelles and they are nice and comfy.

The ladies at Corporette swear by the Cole Haan Air pumps, although they are quite pricey.

KathyL

Veteran

These are not the most fashionable pumps, but I have two pairs of the Tsubo dufay pumps (nude and red). I have super fussy feet, and I was able to wear these out of the box all day.

http://www.amazon.com/TSUBO-Wo.....subo+dufay

I also have these Clarks pumps in black. Again, not super fashionable but comfy. They required some breaking in but now are all day walking shoes for me as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Clarks-W.....arks+pumps

Anonymous

I cannot take patent generally, because as Aida said, it does not stretch. The only two pairs I have are Cole Haan - Not air tali - and the Kate Spade wedges. I think those two are known for comfort.

If you have a DSW nearby, check out the sales racks. I have found the pricier shoes deeply discounted.

ETA: I don't mean to discourage anyone from patent. It is just a disaster on me. I just went over my previous post I come across as if I am some sort of all knowing.... Nah, you know Rae, I'm just giving you my loooonnngggg fifty cents...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have long toes too. I like Chie Miharas A LOT. My best.

Kate Spade makes comfortable pumps but they are generally too high for me - so I don't walk around in her stuff for long periods of time.

Stuart Weitzman, *of course*.

Prada too.

I also like Fluevog and Fly London - but their pumps are often a little too casual for my style.

And the comfort brands are always worth a look.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Wow, thank you, everyone! I have my work cut out for me in reading reviews and checking out all these brands. Then comes figuring out if they will work for my outfits.

Do Zap and Aida, do you think glitter is bad like patent? My glitter pumps are my favorites, but they are the ones that make the worst blisters. Maybe I could DIY glitter on top of suede or such?

cciele

Veteran

Good luck in your search Rae! To add to your check it out list is the Fly London Livya. I almost kept them, but I don't wear pumps so back they went. They are super comfy and super cute!

http://www.amazon.com/FLY-Lond.....ondon+pump

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

Good luck Rae! My most comfortable pumps and high heels usually happen by total chance/accident but i don't think my feet are that fussy.

Also i have some $4 off coupons for Dr. Scholl's "Her High Heels" inserts if you (or anybody else) wants one. I got a pair for free because i'm a "Bzz Agent" and they have a bump in the middle for extra arch support, i like them!

Aida

Veteran

I think if you found a patent pair that was comfy you could easily glitter it. I'm not sure how well glitter would work over suede? Wonder if a stretching material like leather would cause the glitter to fall off....

DonnaF

Veteran

Due to my bunions, I generally need C/D or W/WW, but I have a super narrow heel. Ros Hommerson pumps are super staid, including the shape of their lowish heels, but they stay on in back. Got mine at Zappos and sized up.

Krista

Veteran

Rae,
I have very specific needs around pumps as well. My list of requirements is similar to yours and I have very similar problems with my arches.

Have you checked out Clark's and Indigo by Clark's? I am only suggesting them because in the last year, I have purchased a heeled boot by Clark's (pic 1) and heeled sandals by Indigo (pic 2) and they are by far two of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I own. Comfortable enough that I will deliberately check out their heels selection for the fall to see what I can buy (looking at pic 3).

A few people have mentioned Sofft pumps - I have a pair and while the leather insole is comfortable, I find the toe box incredibly short and I don't have long toes. My feet are hurting by the end of the day.

Also, have you ever considered the Dr Scholl's hidden arch supports for women's shoes? My arches are so high that I really can't wear flats, but I stick these little items inside my flat shoes and I am good for an entire day - which is pretty miraculous. See pic 4. One pair of the inserts runs me about $8.99 (cdn) and they are adhesive so they can be removed and used in other shoes. They can also be moved around inside your shoe to find the proper arch placement - I even use them as additional support in shoes with arches sometimes.

I am always amazed at how much effort it takes to find myself a good pair of shoes, so I don't envy you your upcoming journey. Best of luck!

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Anonymous

Rae. I think I saw someone, perhaps a blogger, doing a DIY on glitter pumps. Little Zap wanted to try it. I'll ask her tomorrow, she has gone to dreamland, but I'm pretty sure it can be done. It would be a matter of finding a strong glue.

Aida

Veteran

Oh! Zap you just reminded me that KeepTheKey did this a while back and posted about it: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....s-i-did-it

EDIT: OK Now I totally want to do this again, I loves me some glitter! Must find shoes....

Anonymous

Yes, that's where I saw it... Our very own KeepTheKey!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Awesome! Now, the hard part: actually finding the shoes!

rachylou

Veteran

I've had some good luck with Softt (sp?)... So I second Angie on that.

And frankly... Payless shoes, because they have wide widths.

ramya

Veteran

Rae no help at all, but marking this thread because everything you told is what i suffer from

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