EF Milo oxfords: perform surgery?

I was so happy to find these EF Milo oxfords recently as they are super cute, ticked off a lot of boxes for me, and were quite comfortable testing them out in the store:

https://www.eileenfisher.com/milo-oxford-ef45878/

(See also my recent WiW)

However on first real-life test, they aren't working. At all.

There's this elastic band across the top of the foot underneath the tongue, and I believe the problem is it's just too tight. Tight enough that after an hour or so *just sitting* it feels like my toes are going numb.

Meanwhile there does seem to be a lot of room for my toes in the toe box area -- so this is not an issue of needing a wide. The shoe fits overall -- except for this dang elastic band, which is cutting off circulation because my foot is high volume.

The shoes hurt nowhere else. My toes and forefoot are just going completely numb! Not while walking. While *sitting.* This is after loosening up the laces -- it's not that they are tied too tight. It's this stupid elastic band. When I bought these it was late in the day, I'd been walking a lot, my feet were as wide as they were going to be, and yet, I didn't notice this. Imagine if someone put a 1-inch too-tight rubber band around your foot at where your top sneaker laces sit.

Since it's elastic I don't think the shoe stretcher will do anything, nor do I think wearing them in will do anything. So I am thinking about performing surgery and cutting off the elastic band.

Do I dare? Do I do it myself, take it to a tailor? These were pricey. I got them from the EF store, not from Nordstrom's, so I don't know about returns as I've already worn them out. I would love to get them to work, as they are otherwise perfect, the leather is lovely, I like the cute stitching, they don't make my feet look enormous, etc.

What do you think? Risk it? Has anyone else done this?

Why oh why, Eileen? Why?

5 years ago

Anonymous

Do you have a cobbler nearby to ask? If not I'd ask a tailor. You just want to be sure that it wouldn't cause any structural issue.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Can you take a pic of the elastic?

kkards

Veteran

Oh how annoying! 2nding suntiger..do you have a shoe repair guy you can take it too?

shiny

Here are some pictures!

This feature would be brilliant for lower volume feet. Just not working for mine. Though I suppose I could have a cobbler replace the elastic with one that's longer?

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AHA. Thanks for the pics. I'd be a devil and commence surgery, since you have laces. That said, you should see a cobbler first!

nemosmom

What could the purpose of that elastic piece even be?? To hold the tongue of the shoe down? Isn’t that what laces are for?? I would find a cobbler.

P.s. I can't tell where the elastic is attached to on either side. There's no annoying seam or anything that would give me a clue. In that way, they are really well made. When I pulled on the elastic (which I was doing the other night while sitting, trying to regain circulation) it did come out more from the slit in the sides there, but still without enough give for my foot.

Angie, I might just cut them once, see how they work, then take to the cobbler to do the rest of the surgery...

Nemosmom, Not sure except maybe the shoe is designed for lower volume feet, or older ladies (ahem) who's shoes may come untied, yet they won't trip/walk out of their shoes? I don't think it's holding down the tongue.

Jaime

I would give them a snip - it won't be visible and you seem willing to commit to tying your shoes !

Jane

I think I would call or email the Eileen Fisher store and see what they say - I would think that you are unlikely to be the only person affected and they may have a tip or sort for you.

AndiB

I’d try to return, even if you’ve worn them. They want to keep customers, are a quality store. And it never hurts to try!

Jennifer, that's exactly what I would do....

Firecracker (Sharan)

You could cut the elastic and insert another piece of elastic, or even something non-stretch like grosgrain ribbon--under that holder. You'd have to sew in the insert.

P.s. my ahem above was because I am now an older lady! My feet are just getting higher volume with age, not lower.

Stagiaire Fash

I agree with Jane. EF ought to be good at customer service. Ask their opinion. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
If you still decide to do surgery, I’d want to find where it’s attached and remove stitches, or else the ends might be scratchy.

Or you could wait a while. Elastic on clothing eventually gives, but of course that’s after a lot of wear.

BrieN

The internet tells me you can stretch elastic 1) using moisture and heat (iron). as well as 2) stretching the elastic for 24 hours. 1 would be hard to do for shoes but 2 might be possible. I’m thinking cutting the elastic might not end well

Jessikams

I have had this exact problem before! Once on a pair of Camper Mary Janes, and once in a pair of Toms slipons. It is SO uncomfortable and definitely must be resolved. Good luck!

I wonder if a curling iron/flat iron would work for Brien’s first suggestion. People iron their collars with them.

Bijou

I once had this issue with some shoes and just cut the elastic, problem solved! The shoe did not fall off my feet and immediately became comfortable.

Lesley

I would cut it myself since it's invisible and seems to be serving no purpose! If you find you miss it, a cobbler can put something else in there.

My most uncomfortable pair of shoes of my life involved a piece of elastic across the top of the foot. I used to think elastic would equal comfort in a shoe, but even those ballet slippers with the elastic backs are less comfy than a more straightforward design in leather or canvas.

Jenn

My guess is that the elastic is to allow you to slip the shoes on and off without untying. I’d snip one, see how it feels, and then assess whether you want to have a cobbler put in a longer elastic or they’re fine without.

April

Shiny, it is so hard to find shoes that work (says a lady of roughly the same age) that I say do whatever it takes to address this elastic issue.

My concern about snipping them yourself is what if the elastic leaves "stubs" that rub your feet? Adding my voice to the cobbler fans.

Ginger

I would go to the cobbler first. The way these are constructed, they may be able to stitch down the elastic at the sides, where it comes out of the slits, so you have the extra room you need without destroying the elastic entirely.

fifthandfinest

Active Member

I'd give them the snip. Let us know what you decide.

Nomad

I would also snip, but whatever you decide, I hope it resolves it. Uncomfortable shoes are no good at all, and hopefully these are salvageable.

Karie

Ginger’s suggestion- take them to a cobbler, have him stitch the elastic down at the sides and remove the piece that goes across the top.

Robin

What about trying to snip partway? Usually the edges of elastic are tighter than the inside. Would it help to do a small snip from the top of the shoe (or the bottom or both). Then you wouldn’t need to worry about removing the stubs or stitching down the cut part. With a great deal of wear, the cut edges could fray, but it seems like you could cross that bridge if you have to.

bj1111

im with brien--i wonder if the laces are meant to actually lace up. the elastic holds the sides together and the laces are decorative. so the holes might not be reinforced to take much tension for a long time or some such.

i would try to return if at all possible even for store credit

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