https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:55:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats/page/2#post-1991945 Mon, 14 Jan 2019 05:12:50 +0000 Well Dressed Guy 1991945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><br /> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/member/jenninz/"></a> </div></p> <p> <div></p> <p> </div><div></p> <p> </div></p> <p> <b>Jenni NZ</b> Thank you.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats/page/2#post-1991869 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 23:47:14 +0000 jill58 1991869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with WDG. I guess I don't see the point of getting rid of all heels unless they are truly uncomfortable. I have heels that I wear for occasions when I know I won't be walking long distances. They're not uncomfortable per se but I wouldn't wear them for a full day of work. At 5'5" with relatively short legs I do like the extra height--but I have found that I no longer wear anything over 2 1/2 ." I can't wear totally flat shoes, but 2" seems pretty comfortable to me these days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats/page/2#post-1991717 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 16:20:44 +0000 Bennett 1991717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Keep a couple of the pairs you *love* for special wearings. For work, I think patents and metallic finishes elevate any flat to a dressy level. As well as a pointy or almond toe.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats/page/2#post-1991623 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 08:19:21 +0000 Cee 1991623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nothing too high a heel if they cause physical pain/discomfort, even if you do love 'em. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats/page/2#post-1991621 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 07:13:32 +0000 Jenni NZ 1991621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi from me too Well Dressed Guy. We have had a few guys over the past 2 years on the forum and a bit of a masculine viewpoint is always appreciated! Otherwise we really only have our significant male others if we have them, and occasionally our sons. Many male SOs and sons are not very interested really and we get a "you looked fine" sort of response which is not detailed enough to help. If I get a compliment from husband I take it I look better than usual </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats/page/2#post-1991564 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 01:38:02 +0000 Well Dressed Guy 1991564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b><br /> </b><b>Fashintern</b>, I think you may have misunderstood my post.&nbsp; We are thinking the same thing.&nbsp; You told the OP that she might as well just go with the flats, which is exactly what I suggested to her for work.&nbsp; Where we differ is that you suggested getting rid of the heels altogether, while I suggested keeping them, to give herself the option of wearing them, or not wearing them, for other things in life when she may want to wear the heels, when she is not on her feet for so long.&nbsp; If she was truly ready to swear them off, she would not need advice from an internet forum.&nbsp; There is nothing wrong with that, but many were suggesting getting shoes that she likes, for work, and having only those shoes for non-work.&nbsp; I saw a way that no one else suggested, to give herself the option of wearing them again, or not wearing them again, if she so chooses.&nbsp; I hope I have cleared things up.&nbsp; Unless you were talking about a different topic.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sterling</b>, your post was very kind.&nbsp; Thank you.&nbsp; I will try my best.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats/page/2#post-1991545 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 23:32:37 +0000 Anonymous 1991545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of course, you are completely correct, <b>Well Dressed Guy</b>. &nbsp;It might be prudent for&nbsp;<b>Rosee </b>to keep her heels until such time she is ready to purge them from her wardrobe. &nbsp;I personally know the challenges of finding shoes that I like that are both wide enough and comfortable. &nbsp;There is certainly&nbsp;no harm whatsoever in keeping the shoes just in case.</p> <p>Welcome to the Forum, <b>Well Dressed Guy</b>. &nbsp;I hope to hear your wise and considerate thoughts on future posts. &nbsp;Best wishes. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1991539 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 22:57:33 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1991539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WDG, I don't mean to be harsh, but you might want to look up a few sites for women professionals that include sections on attire in their advice on how to move up in a career. Not fashion sites--places giving advice for work. Flats are slowly advancing, but we are not at the point where tossing the heels at work is a simple choice. Not yet, anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1991536 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 22:39:32 +0000 Well Dressed Guy 1991536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rosee, you seem right to hesitate.&nbsp; It seems as though you feel as though you may still have reason to wear them, and you are definitely doing no harm whatsoever in keeping the shoes just in case. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1991463 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 16:50:16 +0000 rosee 1991463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Following this. I have about 24 pairs of shoes/boots right now and 5 of these shoes are heels - even 2" block heels (2 pairs of dress shoes, plus 3 pairs of ankle boots which are very comfortable and supportive). I am currently contemplating getting rid of anything above 2" (3 pairs) as I rarely wear them, but I also don't want to be too hasty in case the need arises for them. It took me a long time to get footwear I really like and find comfortable so I don't want to go through that process again of finding the right shoes. I have a slightly wide foot with high arches so finding footwear is a pain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1991447 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 15:19:24 +0000 Glory 1991447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1991329 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 05:40:52 +0000 shiny 1991329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did it in the more gradual way. I still own heels, I just have few and I wear them rarely.&nbsp;</p> <p>Years ago hubby was complaining that I was often complaining about my shoes when we were out and about. So he made a deal with me: for every pair of heels I bought, I had to buy a pair of flats!</p> <p>This got me to 50/50 fairly fast. In more recent years, I've been wearing the flats so much more often, often enough my eye has adjusted. And that's no small feat seeing as I'm only 5'0 tall.&nbsp;</p> <p>Recently I did a major shoe cull and many many heels got decluttered as they just don't make me happy anymore. I kept the ones I can stand in for 4 hours, or wear to a business meeting which is a combo of sitting and standing for 8 hours. The rest are all gone now. </p> <p>So I am now more like 80 percent flats, 20 percent heels. And I have some sparkly ballet flats that I can wear to formal events to switch in and out of, to get there and back.&nbsp;</p> <p>I reach first these days for flats. My most comfortable heels are wedges, but even those can't beat my flats.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1991324 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 05:19:59 +0000 Well Dressed Guy 1991324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I noticed that everyone was thinking in terms only of work.&nbsp; I would agree, if wearing heels that long are making you uncomfortable, then wearing flats <i>to work</i> is the only thing that makes sense.&nbsp; I get the impression that you still do like to wear them, though, at times, in principle.&nbsp; My suggestion would be to get the flats that you would have anyway to wear to work, but save your heels for other occasions when you need / want to dress up.&nbsp; For example, a date with your boyfriend / husband, when you may only be going out to dinner, and won't have to walk far enough or long enough to cause your feet to hurt.&nbsp; Just keep what you have, so that you can put together then right outfit.&nbsp; Then, even if you can't handle <i>that</i>, then there would be no point in keeping them.</div><div><br /></div><div>The transition does not need to be an all or nothing proposition.&nbsp; Just don't let your work life needs rule your personal life.<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1949587 Sun, 19 Aug 2018 22:41:24 +0000 Anonymous 1949587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Flat to you may not be completely flat. It depends on your arches and how your foot naturally angles from your leg. How your foot is naturally is going to be the most comfortable. To me the truly flat shoes with no support at all are worse than heels. In other words, experiment!<br /> I can't condone wearing sneakers to work though, unless youre a personal trainer:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1949562 Sun, 19 Aug 2018 20:43:01 +0000 delurked 1949562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, rip off that bandaid. There are tons of flatter shoes that have style. You may just need to experiment to find what makes you still feel good without the added height. You’ll get used to it. If you want, keep a couple backup pair for dressy occasions, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself in lower alternatives even for those events. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1949558 Sun, 19 Aug 2018 20:31:56 +0000 cindysmith 1949558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to RIP the bandaid off when we moved out here. It hurt like nobody's business at first because I had to stretch the muscles and tendons back out (I had worn nothing but 4" or higher heels for years and years).<br /> I did keep a couple of pairs that I just couldn't bear to part with, and now I'm glad I did because I'm about to be job hunting. I've also added a couple more pairs just for the hunt &amp; potentially occasional wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1949389 Sun, 19 Aug 2018 07:03:23 +0000 Jane 1949389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm on this journey. I wear dressy heels in the office, but as soon as I can find some dressy reasonably priced comfortable flats / 1.5 inch heels, my black patents are going. I liked wearing them but I'm moving on...when I can find comfy dressy flats suitable for work....I am reading with interest!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1949233 Sat, 18 Aug 2018 20:09:06 +0000 Jenni NZ 1949233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was never a high-high heel wearer. Even in my 20s, they were only worn for special occasions, not work, and they weren't those really high, really spiky ones even when they were pumps and stilettos. For me, who has almost transitioned out of heels, it has been giving up the perceived idea of more glamour and elegance when wearing heels, especially when I am now about 5 foot 1 having shortened by an inch over time. I still own 5 pairs of high heels and I do wear them occasionally for special events like Christmas parties or weddings. If the parties involve dancing then I take along a more comfortable pair that is usually something lower heeled that also matches my dress. The last pair of actual high heels I bought in 2014.<br /> I have another collection of what I call mid heels. These are more like 7 cm or 2.5 inches. These are worn maybe a couple of times a year each, again for a more special occasion. I think I've now sworn off buying even these ( the last pair was early last year, and I've only worn them twice). Because I'm aiming to do #30 wears and can see that at that rate I'd need to own them 15 years to do that! Not perhaps a happening thing.<br /> And when I buy flats that I love, and that are comfy but still meet my needs for interesting shoes as a "shoe person", I wear and wear them. The black fringed booties I bought on 1 April, which took 3 attempts to get ( ordered and returned 2 others), cost $110 and have just hit 55 wears in under 5 months. $2 a wear now and make me happy every time. That's what I'm aiming to do now.<br /> So, I suppose I didn't rip off the bandaid, I have done it more gradually. But in some ways it has prolonged the agony. So if you can rip, good luck to you I say. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1949117 Sat, 18 Aug 2018 15:16:37 +0000 anchie 1949117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It could be just the case of getting used to heels again after prolonged period in flats. It happens to me too. But if you want to transition to flats, and it seems to me that you do, just go ahead. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1949112 Sat, 18 Aug 2018 15:08:30 +0000 cinnamon fern 1949112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kkards, even a year ago I would have agreed with you!&nbsp; Now I only buy the 'not all flats are comfortable' part </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1949074 Sat, 18 Aug 2018 13:54:12 +0000 kkards 1949074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>hmmmm, well i just want to add not all flats are comfortable, and not all heels are uncomfortable.....so that's not how i'd make my decision....but you can find tons of fab shoes with less than a 2 inch heel so if that's your goal, you should be able to have complete collection of shoes for all&nbsp;occasions </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1949047 Sat, 18 Aug 2018 12:15:19 +0000 cinnamon fern 1949047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for your thoughts!&nbsp; This is helpful.&nbsp; I would not exactly say I&nbsp;<i>want&nbsp;</i>to make the change - but I think I will be happier if I do.&nbsp; There is no reason to be distracted by my footwear all day at work.&nbsp; So, bandaid ripping it is.</p> <p>Fortunately the budget is looking good these days.&nbsp; And I will keep one pair of generic pumps in case of emergency.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1949031 Sat, 18 Aug 2018 09:10:17 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1949031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, why no sandals? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1948938 Sat, 18 Aug 2018 00:16:36 +0000 Anonymous 1948938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Angie said.&nbsp; I ripped the bandaide after being told by a doctor: no more heels or sandals, and have never looked back.&nbsp; As Angie says, life is too short for uncomfortable shoes...or shoes that may damage your body, for that matter.&nbsp; Not wearing sandals was harder than not wearing heels, but it can be done. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1948867 Fri, 17 Aug 2018 21:21:25 +0000 Angie 1948867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Life is too short to wear uncomfortable shoes.</p> <p>Pass on everything that is uncomfortable. Start afresh. Dressy flats DO exist. I wear them all the time. </p> <p>1.5 inch heels are best. Start looking for those as your new high heel height. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1948860 Fri, 17 Aug 2018 21:06:41 +0000 Echo 1948860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did not get rid of all my heels, but I did find that I NEVER wore them as time went on, so they got donated one by one. I do still have a couple of pairs that are too beautiful to get rid of and I do still have several lower heels to wear to special non-walking occasions, but the bulk of them are now gone.</p> <p>I think the reason I didn't get rid of them all at once was because I didn't necessarily have the flats to replace them. I LOVE having shoe variety, and it took me a while to build that up with a flat-shoe wardrobe. I kept the heels in the meantime, not because I wore them, but as a security blanket. I couldn't imagine not having a huge variety of shoes I could potentially choose from (even though my odds of choosing the heels was almost zero). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1948850 Fri, 17 Aug 2018 20:30:25 +0000 Suz 1948850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd say it depends on a couple of factors, most of which you allude to in your original post.&nbsp;</p> <p>1. Do you <b>want</b> to make the change?&nbsp;</p> <p>2. Are there certain outfits (esp. dressy outfits) that won't work with any flats you can imagine and do you have a pair of heels that would be wearable for such occasions, if not for regular daily wear -- i.e. can you tolerate some "sitting shoes" in your closet?</p> <p>3. How's your budget? It could be a pricey proposition to rip the bandaid off completely and all at once and you'd have to know you were able to cover your needs with your available funds. Footwear is not cheap, especially comfortable footwear. Can you get by without many new clothes this year?&nbsp;</p> <p>4. If you need dressier shoes for the office, are dressy flats any more comfortable for you than low heels? Sneakers are one thing...but as <b>texstyle</b> notes, just because a shoe is flat doesn't mean it will work for all feet. Like her, I find most flat shoes don't offer enough support and most don't stay on my foot, so I have to be picky.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm not sure what I would do in your position. But in switching to flats I'd be aware of outfit proportions and try to wear higher waisted bottoms or dresses to lengthen the leg line.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1948844 Fri, 17 Aug 2018 20:10:53 +0000 texstyle 1948844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never really worn higher heels much but even low heeled to flat shoes can be a problem I've learned as I've gotten older . I didn't realize I had a higher arch for example and hadn't been properly supporting it. Also some of my shoes suddenly started giving the tops of my feet pain. Now I am extremely picky - even some fairly recent purchases have quickly been passed on after just a few wears. Sandals can't be saved with inserts so I'm having to be extra careful with those choices. I've also resorted to wearing "indoor" shoes to help keep my feet happier. I bought an affordable pair of skechers that do not see the outdoors but give me support and padding on harder floor surfaces (rather hard wood floors in my case). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1948826 Fri, 17 Aug 2018 18:45:39 +0000 JAileen 1948826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just get rid of everything that is uncomfortable. </p> <p>I stopped wearing heels when I was pregnant. I never went back. I figured I was a very good accountant, better than most (if not all) of the men, and they didn’t wear heels, so why should I? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/transitioning-from-heels-to-flats#post-1948823 Fri, 17 Aug 2018 18:13:20 +0000 Ginger 1948823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a good point. I could have been more specific. There are particular muscles in your legs, ankles, and feet that work together to help you balance and walk in high heels. For me, that seemed to be what either weakened or fell "out of practice" while I was wearing flats only. I don't think it's merely muscle mass. My legs felt tired (not to the point of aching, but it was significantly noticeable) because they just weren't used to acting that way any more. </p>