https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 16 May 2026 23:55:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery/page/2#post-1769942 Wed, 18 Jan 2017 19:22:05 +0000 Lisa 1769942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh drat, sorry you are having shoe shopping trouble. &nbsp;I do not like shopping for shoes because my feet are so fussy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery/page/2#post-1769883 Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:41:23 +0000 Anonymous 1769883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh, bummer about Vivobarefoot not fitting. I've never bought from them directly, only through Amazon or other sites. I tried to place an order on their site once and the site blocked me. I emailed and they said that if my card refuses the charge (which it only did because it showed up as an overseas company), they may block me from placing any order with any card for up to a month afterwards. Their CS does seem somewhat appalling.</p> <p>I agree about the Lems. I wouldn't feel "right" wearing them with dresses or nicer looks either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery/page/2#post-1769764 Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:06:19 +0000 gradfashionista 1769764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I can't, in all honesty, although I've tried a huge range. I really never wear proper dress shoes, except for the rare conference or formal event, and in the case of the latter, I always get blisters. I started looking at how to design 3D models today with the hope of printing a pair of shoes--no idea if it's possible, but why not?</p> <p>Elpgal, the company ended up authorizing a return. They weren't sure why the fit was so off, but they saw in the photos that it was.</p> <p>Catty, thanks for your long and thoughtful comment. I agree with your point about the eye getting used to certain toe boxes, and having worn running shoes straight for several decades, I'm less sensitized than anyone. But believe me, when I say clown or hobbit, I'm saying that it's unlike anything I've seen compared to the typical, wide toe-box shoes. I'm not blaming anyone, but it was an absolute no.</p> <p>I had a terrible CS experience with Vivobarefoot (they refused to refund me for a pair of ballet flats, after many days of ignoring emails/calls) and refuse to ever deal with them again. Conveniently, they also don't fit my feet. </p> <p>Lems are the only brand that fits comfortably, and that allows me to wear the size large toe spacers, but I really can't wear those shoes with a silk dress, dressy pencil skirts, etc. It's not just that it looks bad, but no matter much I tell myself "the health of my feet is more important," the look bothers me to the point of distraction. It doesn't feel like me in the same way that going out in a midriff baring top &nbsp;wouldn't feel like me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1769695 Tue, 17 Jan 2017 19:15:45 +0000 Anonymous 1769695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have a pair of the Drifter chelsea boots. I got the pebbled, not the patent. I was also disappointed when I got them. For one thing, it took 2 months from when I started the convo to when I received my order. Of course that all makes sense, because they're custom made and they're shipping across an ocean, but 2 months is still such a long time to wait in this day and age! By the time they arrived, the excitement had long worn off.</p> <p>I ordered based on a foot tracing and I actually expected them to round off the toe but they are kind of shaped like my foot, with the shoe jutting out a bit at my pinky. They're a bit odd, but very very comfortable. Maybe the pebbled leather breaks in better than the patent. I like them overall but probably will not order from them again.</p> <p>The thing about "clown shoes" is that shoes with a tapered (or worse, pointed) toe box aren't healthy. A healthy foot is shaped like a wedge, widest at the toes, so a healthy shoe is going to give space for the toes and inevitably look different from what we're used to. It's just because we have this idea in our heads that "fashionable" shoes are shaped like shoes, not like feet.</p> <p>I don't see Vivobarefoot mentioned here. Have you tried them? I have several pairs in different styles and really like them. They have a more refined look than the Drifters (which of course look a bit handmade, because they are). You mentioned orthotics so I'd also recommend you look into Otz. Otz shoes come with a Birkenstock-style footbed that can be removed, leaving lots of nice volume inside the shoes. They are zero drop, light, flexible, and foot-shaped. The styles are a little on the funky side, not exactly polished or office-appropriate. But there are a few that would work well for casual looks, like the Pilgrim sneakers or some of the espadrilles. They also make a Chelsea boot but it's more rugged looking.</p> <p>Lems are great; the Primal 2 sneakers are available in some colors that feel less masculine (I have the purple and red; they also make a bright turquoise). I don't have much hope of them making a cute women-specific style, though. I've seen photos of the Mary Jane they used to offer and... not good.</p> <p>I only wear "barefoot" shoes these days so I Have Opinions, clearly. You could also follow calceology.com as she is the most fashion-forward blogger/grammer for women's minimal shoes that I've found so far. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1768057 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 04:44:39 +0000 elpgal 1768057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I can guess where you ordered those custom shoes from because I have 2 pairs from the same place. You are correct about the lack of structure and issues with the upper. I sent them back the first pair I ordered and they were very helpful and worked with me and sent me a better fitting pair. A closed toe shoe I ordered from them looks pretty clownish but it fits better than other and has a bit of the Fluevog vibe, so I wear it. I think the issue is that once you make the forefoot wide and the heel narrow, it is difficult to cut a well fitting upper using just one or two pieces of leather. The best fit, IMHO would be if they used a leather with more structure and molded it. On the upside, they do get the sole right. So, it might be worth exchanging them.</p> <p>I tried both Aurora and Soft Star and ended up having to return the shoes. Neither will make a custom footbed. They use your measurements to determine the best size</p> <p>There is one other bespoke place that makes men's shoes (can't find the link and can't remember the name) but the shoes are pricey.</p> <p>If you haven't, try Xero. They are CO based and offer returns. They don't do custom sizes and have only barefoot styles. I like their sandals and plan to try their closed-toe shoe when they release the women's version this spring.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767918 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 22:31:34 +0000 Suz 1767918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. Can you remember the most comfortable shoe (fashion shoe) you have ever owned? This problem has got to have a solution! :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767905 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 22:04:42 +0000 gradfashionista 1767905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LP, I tried Soft Star a few years ago (and didn't know about the return policy) and end up having to donate the shoes. My feet looked like they were wearing large drawstring bucket bags (vanity, I know). The new lines seem cute, but very casual. There also doesn't seem to be enough structure in the shoe to hold an orthotic/toe device in place. </p> <p>Annagybe, the Frye's boots I tried on in the store felt amazing and soft, they became really cramped in the toe quickly. I also got horrible blisters in the heel (not uncommon) because my foot doesn't have enough of an indent or is too low. I had $40 rubber insoles attached to the shoes, thinking they would be my go-to boots, so I need to decide whether it's worth paying to have them stretched, or whether I should cut my losses now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767870 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 20:25:30 +0000 annagybe 1767870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Doc's are a beast to break in; Frye's less so but still I find need some time.<br /> They have a tendency to use thick leather, so I'm not sure why you're expecting immediate comfort. Also I've heard there is a big difference in UK made versus Chinese.<br /> Even Birks require a bit of time, the whole molding to your foot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767862 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 20:05:12 +0000 LaPed 1767862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GF, I just noticed that you mentioned Lems. If Lems work for you, check out <a rel="nofollow" href="http://softstarshoes.com/">Soft Star Shoes</a>. They're made in Oregon, their reps are super helpful with fit/sizing, and they do returns and exchanges, even on customs, as long as you return them in new condition. They're not exactly revolutionary, style-wise, but the Metros and Ballerines are pretty darn cute.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767859 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 20:01:59 +0000 Sal 1767859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh GF, how difficult and frustrating!! &nbsp;No advice here - just my sympathy!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767853 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 19:43:47 +0000 Anonymous 1767853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hugs! I have the fussiest feet in the world, and the one thing I hate more than anything else is to walk around in uncomfortable shoes. You have my sympathy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767839 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 18:42:06 +0000 lpr200 1767839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Big hug of sympathy </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767823 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 18:07:07 +0000 RobinF 1767823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, very disappointing! That is one reason I shy away from internet shopping, just too iffy. I'm lucky in that my feet aren't very picky though, that would be the worst. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767780 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 15:37:12 +0000 JAileen 1767780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so sorry. I also buy only returnable shoes too. Nordstrom and Zappos are great. I think once you find a company that "gets" you, you'll stick with them. </p> <p>My big toes curl up, so high toe boxes are critical for me. I've found that Salomon is great for this. So that's what I stick with for hiking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767770 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 15:12:27 +0000 Angie 1767770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SUCH rotten luck. Shoes are sooooo tricky.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767744 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 14:01:35 +0000 Sisi 1767744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow. Do they have&nbsp;Camper where you live?&nbsp;Have you ever considered to have your shoes hand-made by a good cobbler? I hope you will finally find "your" brand. </p> <p>(You made me giggle with your "I scour&nbsp;buses and subways ... "! He-he. Excellent strategy!)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767725 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 12:59:32 +0000 LaPed 1767725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yikes! I have a hard time with shoes, too, and limited local retail options. I basically only order from Zappos, Nordstrom, or Amazon Prime at this point. I need the returns process to be hassle free. </p> <p>Be patient with the CS folks, though! Post-holiday is their busiest season (my mom runs the returns department for a mail order company) and things can get pretty backed up. I'm still waiting on a couple of my December returns to process. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767719 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 12:23:14 +0000 Anonymous 1767719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Horrible.&nbsp; I am sorry this happened to you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767711 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 11:24:14 +0000 Chris987 1767711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow that really stinks. I don't have any suggestions, sounds like a rough situation. I've seen quite a few postings here on YLF about fussy feet, with lots of ideas and suggestions. Maybe you have already looked at them? If you do a search for "fussy", "forum titles only", you'll find a few of them. If you do NOT filter on forum titles you get a much bigger list but would have to sort through them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767706 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 10:58:02 +0000 Bijou 1767706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sad to hear this, I also have fussy feet and for that reason have never bought shoes off the internet. Hopefully the items that you bought from the designer will be resolved and you get a full refund because you returned the items. As for the shoes from Greece, that is seriously bad luck and definitely a lesson for us all to be cautious when dealing with companies that don't provide refunds. Hoping you come across the perfect shoes and on discount too, you deserve it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767687 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 09:47:38 +0000 Lucy 1767687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh what a shame. No advice, just commiserations...&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767686 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 09:47:02 +0000 Style Fan 1767686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a nightmare.&nbsp; I have bought many shoes that were very expensive and ended up being torture chambers for my feet.&nbsp; It is so hard to tell what shoes are going to be like until you wear them for awhile.&nbsp; I have found a couple of makes and styles that work for me but that doesn't help someone else.&nbsp; Our feet are so particular.<br />I haven't gone the custom route.&nbsp; I have had some custom clothes and jewellery made.&nbsp; For some reason it never turns out quite right except for one ring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767681 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 08:54:37 +0000 jenanded 1767681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not sure of your feet details if you are looking for a shoe twin... I know I am twins with at least one other so not sure given your shoe lament sounds like mine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767677 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 07:49:58 +0000 Jane 1767677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find shopping for shoes a challenge . I've tried all sorts of different approaches and budgets. I would definitely invest in the return of the boots to the shoemaker - even if only to ask them to see if they can stretch them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767658 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 05:19:06 +0000 Barbara Diane 1767658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>:(. I hope the return sorts out soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767648 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 04:09:32 +0000 Diana 1767648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You might want to check out Aurora Shoe Company. They custom make the shoes based on a tracing of your feet, and I believe they are returnable. (I haven't personally tried them, but I know people who swear by them.)</p> <p><a href="https://www.aurorashoeco.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.aurorashoeco.com/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767642 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 03:47:18 +0000 gradfashionista 1767642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, yeah, ordering a custom item is very risky, and most stores--even with something simple like mongramming--don't accept returns. Years ago, I ordered two pairs of shoes from Shoes of Prey, which Nordstrom's now carries. You were allowed to return the item, and the return shipping charge would serve as a credit for future orders. I'm surprised there was no leeway offered, since men's cuts tend to be more amenable to tailoring.&nbsp;</p> <p>Suz, I only shop online now, because I've had too many experiences of shoes feeling fine in the store and causing horrible blisters within ten minutes of wear--Fry, Doc's, Birk's, etc. Even the usual orthopedic shoes, like Birk's, Munroe, Algeria, etc. are problematic.&nbsp;I read shoe threads here, but haven't found my shoe twin or even shoe sibling, although I try to chime in whenever I see people struggling with some of foot issues (wide forefoot, narrower heels, low volume).&nbsp;In the summers, I scour buses and subways for people with similar feet, but haven't seen any--perhaps because they wear orthotics and require closed shoes, or they don't like having people stare at their feet. The one company that works best is <a rel="nofollow" href="https://lemsshoes.com">Lems</a>, but those are too masculine/casual for me outside of the gym...great for running and lifting, though.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767636 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 03:21:36 +0000 BrieN 1767636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>oh! I'm sorry. I hope the online return sorts itself out.&nbsp;</p> <p>It does sound like a rotten shoe day; I know you have trouble finding shoes that work for you, and I wish the shoes from Greece had been the discovery you'd hoped they'd be.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767625 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 02:56:31 +0000 Suz 1767625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an awful day for you. Ugh. I am so sorry.&nbsp;</p> <p>Are your shopping options for footwear pretty much limited to online? At this rate, a trip to the big city might be cheaper. So frustrating.&nbsp;</p> <p>It sounds as if you have very fussy feet. Maybe some forum members can help? Maybe you can find your "foot double" on the forum and find out what makers work for this person.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-day-of-shoe-misery#post-1767624 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 02:54:50 +0000 Janet 1767624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no! That sounds so frustrating. I would be terrified to order something custom-made without being able to see it in progress in person, without a generous return policy. </p> <p>My husband once had some shirts custom made at Ralph Lauren in NYC. He was so excited to go pick them up...until he tried them on. They were skin-tight. Somehow they had been cut to his exact measurements, without allowance! Fortunately, they didn't charge him. He didn't bother reordering. ;-)</p> <p>I hope you get to the bottom of the missing returned shoes. </p>