Ask Angie: I can't wear heels due to old injury. What do I do?

Renee P

I can't really wear heels that are too high because I obliterated my Achilles tendon. If the heel is too high, it shoots excruciating pain up my leg. How can I still be stylish when I'm pretty much so stuck with flats or heels not more than maybe two inches (about five centimeters)?

9 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from Renee P

Astrid

Veteran

I don't think you need to wear heels to be stylish and there are a lot of great flats available out there. If you have examples of the type of clothes you want to wear we could help you out and suggest the right shoe to wear with it. I personally don't wear heels either.

9 years ago

anne

Veteran

Astrid is right. And you have plenty of company here on YLF. I very rarely wear shoes with heels higher than 2 inches either.

9 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

Flats are so stylish right now! (And will continue to be.) I had to avoid heels entirely for a few years because of an injury, and I didn't particularly miss them, though I hadn't ever worn them much.

If you do have an outfit that you would prefer to wear with heels, a 2" heel is often enough to make a big difference. Angie has posted some good tips over the years for choosing footwear that elongates the leg when needed - and it's not just high heels.

9 years ago

gryffin

Veteran

Renee - I totally empathize. I developed dorsal neuritis in my left foot and can't wear any heel over an inch. I find pointy toe flats the most elegant for dress wear. Because this looks like it might be a prolonged situation for me, I saved up and just bought the valentino rockstud caged flats in noir. They are so awesome I don't care that they are flats, I'd try and find something you love so much that you won't care that they are not heels!!

9 years ago

Ginger

Veteran

I agree with gryffin. Pointy toe flats are very elegant and refined in appearance; a heel isn't necessary for them to look nice. Also, I just got these Cole Haan pumps. They look extremely fancy, though the heel is definitely under 2", and very comfortably made. This particular one is sold out, but the "Juliana 45" seems to be a staple.

If you haven't worn pointy toes before, you may need to experiment to find the right size. I have medium to narrow low-volume feet, but I've discovered that my toes are "blunt" and don't fit my regular size in pointy toes. Sizing up half a size has worked well.

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Cole Haan Women's Air Juliana 45 Pump

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9 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I think there are more stylish lower-heel and flat shoes out there now than there have been in decades! My heel tolerance has lessened just over the last couple of years, and I've been pleasantly surprised at how many great shoes I still find that suit my needs for comfort but also great style. Even a heel of two inches allows for a bit of leg lengthening flattery too.

What kind of shoes do you need for your lifestyle and outfits? Pumps, boots, sandals? Start with that and maybe Angie and the YLF ladies can share some recommendations.

9 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I wear flats and shoes with heels less than 2 inches exclusively. And I'm a fashion stylist! It's a non-issue. Shop for footwear with those heel heights and continue to enjoy fashion. Flat footwear is more fashionable than ever.

9 years ago

Anonymous

I find low block heeled sandals very stylish.