https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:15:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1080185 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 21:51:14 +0000 margaretz 1080185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a couple of shoe stretchers that are really helpful. One is for high heels, the other for lower heels. They are wooden and come with plugs that help you adjust the width, and also a way to lengthen. Works best with leather shoes. I can check on the brands I have and post links if there is interest!</p> <p>I do love shoes...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1080093 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 18:57:08 +0000 Alexandra 1080093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As someone else already said, shoes made on a combination last may be your solution. Here is some good fitting information from Munro's website: <a href="http://www.munroshoes.com/customer-care/fit-your-foot" rel="nofollow">http://www.munroshoes.com/cust.....-your-foot</a><br /> I just bought my first pair of Munro two days ago and like them so far. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1079931 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 13:32:29 +0000 Deb 1079931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Solution for loose shoes.... You can buy inner soles that reduce the internal size of the shoe. You could even put 2 inside each shoe to reduce the size further. They are inexpensive and definitely help. Additionally, they make your shoes more comfortable. I don't know where you live.....if in Australia....Mountfords stock them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1079930 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 13:29:44 +0000 BlondeAmbition 1079930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the opposite problem. &nbsp;I bought these lovely BCBG high heeled wedges that fit beautifully in the store but have never fit me ever since. &nbsp;I don't know how it's possible that my foot grew a size since that day but there you have it. &nbsp;I've tried using shoe strechers to no avail. &nbsp;I guess I'll have to sell them. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1079234 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 18:58:33 +0000 shoemkr 1079234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Think Goodwill...and thus an excuse for a trip&nbsp;shoe shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1078977 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 14:52:19 +0000 rute 1078977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have narrow and small feet, I solved that wearing only boots or shoes with straps like mary janes.<br />For my personal experience cushions don't solve the problem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1073950 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:23:19 +0000 Suz 1073950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not tried these.&nbsp;</p> <p>You might want to start a new thread with their name in the title asking if anyone has tried, or else your question may get lost.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1073794 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 05:31:15 +0000 JAileen 1073794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you've tried insoles, and they're still uncomfortable, then there's no hope. If a pair of shoes are uncomfortable I get rid of them. Period. Unless it is dressy "party" heels, which are never comfortable. In that case I only wear them once or twice a year, so I tolerate them if they are cute. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1073390 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 21:41:30 +0000 pastrygirl 1073390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get rid of them (or return them or don't buy them). My foot usually can't hold onto shoes that don't have a strap. Maybe once every 5 years I find a pair without a strap that doesn't fall off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1073381 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 21:34:49 +0000 Anonymous 1073381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try to make them work.&nbsp; My foot is wide in front, narrow in back and short with high arches.<br />Ballet flats- I can tolerate, My heel will flip in and out at times but I guess I've developed a way of walking in them.&nbsp; It doesn't bother me.&nbsp; I do have to add arch support.<br />Pumps- My heel flips out and I can not tolerate it with a heel so I either add something to the front of the shoe under the insole or in the toe to push my foot back and/or add those back of heel inserts (see photo) and arch support.<br />You might try a wide width shoe half a size down.<br />Sling backs- I have trouble with the strap falling off, can't make them work but sometimes I'll find a pair that for some reason won't slip. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1073280 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 20:05:13 +0000 Suz 1073280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I cannot even wear the slipper flats that K links to. I have tried tons of different ones on, and they don't work, alas...</p> <p>So. We work with what we're given!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1073271 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 19:55:26 +0000 catgirl 1073271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have this problem with short wide duck feet. Mostly I wear boots but ballet flats and most girly shoes give me this issue... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1073268 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 19:53:07 +0000 Kristin L 1073268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm another narrowfoot person and, like others have said, I have to accept that I can't wear ballet flats or anything with a low vamp. I'd donate (or give away)&nbsp;the offending shoes. I can wear flats like these.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zappos.com/clarks-ashland-time-black">http://www.zappos.com/clarks-ashland-time-black</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zappos.com/franco-sarto-tweed-black-mohiar">http://www.zappos.com/franco-s.....ack-mohiar</a></p> <p>Also check out Borns. They're more expesnive, like Clarks, but they tend to run more narrow and they work well for my feet.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1073156 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 17:50:24 +0000 elpgal 1073156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got some good suggestions for brands in a thread I recently started. I have the same problem by with a wide foot. Try some styles with an elastic used back - Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet or the Ceils. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1073132 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 17:18:06 +0000 Aquamarine 1073132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Life is too short to have ill-fitting shoes! When you find a style/brand that works, duplicate. If a certain style/shoe doesn't work, move on and find an alternative. You don't HAVE to wear sandals or ballet flats if they don't work for you, for example. There are always alternatives....browse Zappos for ideas and read the reviews for brands/styles you may want to try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1073115 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 16:51:40 +0000 Laurinda 1073115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a wide forefoot with a&nbsp;narrow heel and&nbsp;I. Just. Cannot. Wear. Flats.&nbsp;<br />Sandals, clogs, mules, boots and booties, or sneaker type shoes are fine but pumps or slip-on flats are just&nbsp;not worth the effort (or heel blisters).&nbsp;</p> <p>I hear from older relatives that they used to sell pumps with separate widths for the forefoot vs. the heel. This is what I need:<b>&nbsp;Combination Last</b>&nbsp;<i>A footwear last in which the heel is two sizes smaller in width than the widest part of the shoe, producing a shoe with a narrow heel and a wide toebox</i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1073101 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 16:18:01 +0000 Anonymous 1073101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I can't fix them with an insert or two, they get donated. Life is too short to wear ill-fitting shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1073095 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 16:11:09 +0000 Aziraphale 1073095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Simple answer? &nbsp;I don't wear ballet flats. &nbsp;You never have this problem with boots, booties, oxfords, maryjanes, ankle-strap shoes or sneakers. &nbsp;</p> <p>I do have a couple of pairs of pumps without a strap. &nbsp;What I did was buy narrow, tight-fitting ones, and use a shoe stretcher to stretch out the width of the&nbsp;toe until it was comfortable. &nbsp;I'd probably have to do this with ballet flats, if I were inclined to wear them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1072990 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 14:42:18 +0000 Diana 1072990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly? &nbsp;I get rid of them. &nbsp;As another narrow heel/ankle person, I've found that there is no way to fix the problem of shoes falling off when you walk. &nbsp;I just avoid styles like ballet flats and pumps, and stick to high vamp shoes or shoes with ankle straps. &nbsp;</p> <p>I do have one pair of slipper flats that stay on. They are by Munro if you want to have a look at their styles. &nbsp;They are narrow overall though so if you have a truly wide forefoot they will probably not work (Munro does make wides but I imagine the heel would be correspondingly wider too). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1072970 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 13:55:55 +0000 kkards 1072970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>kelly from alterations needed has some tips on what you can do to help get a better fit.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.alterationsneeded.com/2011/04/secrets-my-high-heels-are-hiding.html">http://www.alterationsneeded.c.....iding.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1072969 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 13:55:47 +0000 velvetychocolate 1072969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another skinny foot/narrow heel person here! I have just one pair of flats that stay on - they have an elastic across the top of my foot, sort of like a cross between a ballet flat and a Mary-Jane style shoe. The only other flats I can wear are loafers, with a higher vamp. </p> <p>I don't really wear pumps at all. Heeled booties in fall/winter/early spring. I can wear heeled sandals in summer if they have lots of straps across the top to hold my feet in place. </p> <p>My go-to brands are Ecco in a 38 and Clark's sized down a half-size (7.5). My actual shoe size is an 8, but in these two brands, slightly smaller than expected. Rieker also works, but in a 39 and only in certain styles (closed shoes).&nbsp; </p> <p>I once went into a big dept. store and tried on all kinds of different brands of shoes, and made a list of what brands worked, and in what size. Unfortunately, I lost the list, so am going to have to do this again. There were some brands that didn't work at all on my feet, no matter what the size was. In the brands that did work, there was no real consistency as to whether a 7.5 or an 8 was my 'true' size. When measured, my foot is a size 8. Half of the brands I tried that fit were 7.5 and the other half were 8's. </p> <p>I recommend trying on a whole bunch of different shoes over the coming weeks/months. Keep a list going. Maybe you only try two or three 'new' brands at a time, but make sure you jot down what works. That way, when you spy a great sale somewhere, you know if the brand works and what size to order. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1072952 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 13:21:18 +0000 Janet 1072952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Suz and Stephanie that it sounds like you have a narrow foot or even just a narrow ankle. This is a common problem for me too, and one of the reasons why I don't own many ballet flats or pumps. Ankle strap styles tend to fit better, and pointy-toed shoes seem to fit me better than more rounded styles, which seem to be cut wider in general. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1072949 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 13:17:57 +0000 Stephanie 1072949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a narrow foot and had that problem as well.&nbsp; The only ballet flat that really worked for me was the Stuart Weitzman giveable flat.&nbsp; It has elastic around the top of the shoe and comes in 2 narrow sizes (slim and superslim).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1072948 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 13:16:21 +0000 Suz 1072948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah! Are you talking about low-vamp styles like pumps and ballet flats? If so, I feel your pain.&nbsp;</p> <p>If your heel is quite narrow this will happen, no matter what.&nbsp;</p> <p>However, it's possible that the shoe is too long or too wide for your foot overall, as well.&nbsp;</p> <p>Because I have such problems fitting pumps, I rarely ever wear them. Sandals in warm weather (or sling back or ankle strap shoes) and booties and boots in colder weather are my staples. I love the look of a pretty pump, and do try them on from time to time in the hope of discovering one that will work. (I do own one older one from about 5 years ago that works...so it can happen!)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-do-with-ill-fitting-shoes#post-1072940 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 13:07:48 +0000 Orla 1072940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Does anyone have problems with getting shoes to fit?<br /> My shoes keep slipping off me-help!!!! </p>