Heel shortening and other shoe alterations (K/R Ann D's) UPDATED - YouLookFab Forum

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Heel shortening and other shoe alterations (K/R Ann D's) UPDATED

approprio

(website)

Veteran

The Ann D's have arrived. In case you missed the previous thread, I finally tracked down my ultimate fantasy footwear after hunting high and low since I first saw them in 2008. I traced back my activity over the last few years and I've had multiple alerts out on these for a very long time.

These shoes are fully awesome. I'm not going to bother posting a picture just yet, because if I were to base this decision on looks alone they'd be a keeper for sure.

I've been wearing them around the house today, practicing my best High Heel Sashay and wondering whether I'm willing to commit to such a tall shoe. For all their towering 4" they're surprisingly comfortable but not great for every day wear. If I keep them, I'd like them to be the workhorses I know they could be, so I'm pondering a few solutions.

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UPDATE: I will NOT be altering these shoes. It would be sacrilege. They are good as they are. I may be crazy but I'm not stupid.

The first test drive went well. They were acceptably comfortable over a several hours and they are looking like keepers. Much as I would love to wear these shoes all the time, that's not what they're for. I have plenty of pairs of comfortable shoes and this was never going to be a practical purchase anyway.

They are a trophy which I will enjoy and wear as I would an art piece. With judicious use of inserts and a little practice they will be just fine.

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1. Shortening the heel: A google search leads straight back here. Look at my surprised face Standing on the edge of the carpet, I can tell that extra half an inch could make all the difference. I know an excellent cobbler so it shouldn't be a problem.

2. Inserts: I've had life-changing success with Insolia inserts. These work not by cushioning but by shifting the weight backwards onto the heel and taking pressure off the toes. If you've never tried these, I thoroughly recommend them, but I've heard they don't work for everyone.

3. More inserts: I'm thinking another possibility is to rig a little extra padding into the sole of the shoe to reduce the elevation. Given the open design, this should be possible without compromising the fit.

So, what do you think? Have you ever had a pair of heels shortened, and was it a success? Do you have any other tips to make heels more wearable?

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26 replies

Latest reply was from jill58

Sara L.

Veteran

I know there's people on the forum who've shortened heels with good success although I've never tried it. However, I'm thinking maybe the inserts would be something to try first since those aren't permanent and are inexpensive. If that solution doesn't work, you could look into the permanent solution of altering the heel.

Sisi

Veteran

I have never had a heel shortened, but since you have a good cobbler, I would ask him: he will surely suggest the best solution.

Ginger

Veteran

Those Insolias sound amazing... but as a recent Amazon review says, someone is getting greedy. The cheapest price is $30 a pair (other listings are for $50-60+) and they're not supposed to be moved around from shoe to shoe. Yikes...

I'm with Sara L. It makes me nervous to shorten a heel, since the sole and shank are engineered for a particular heel height and ball angle. But those look like they may be less rigid than pumps or oxfords. The cobbler's opinion would be good to have.

Marilyn

Veteran

I've thought about heel shortening in the past but I've read that it can throw off the fit of the shoes. I often add inserts for more comfort but at this point I avoid footwear that isn't super wearable for me even if it means passing on something great. I suppose I've been more practical in my choices because I've had too many pairs languish in the closet.

JAileen

Veteran

Years ago I had some heels that needed repair. They ended up taking off some of the heel. The shoes were out of whack, and I never wore them again. Angie only shortened her shoes 1/3 of an inch. So your shoes might still be 3 2/3 inch. Wow - that's still really tall. I can't even wear 3 inch heels comfortably. And if it doesn't work, you can't return them. I'm just pointing out the obvious. I'd start with inserts, probably.

Mochi

Veteran

I would imagine that if the shoes weren't as pricey as they were (even after your discount), then it would be worth experimenting with the heel shortening. However, you face a substantial loss of money if it doesn't work. If you can't be satisfied with them as they are, I'd be thinking of passing them by.

karen13

Veteran

I have seen this somewhere else - I'l will see if I can find the link.

Found it - shows an picture of a 1/2" shortening of a block heel.
http://www.awellstyledlife.com.....-woman-50/

Glory

Veteran

I think it can be very tricky to shorten the heel. Hopefully the cobbler will be able to advise.
I have done it once to a fave pair of booties. I had 1/2 inch taken off and never wore them again because in this case it changed the overall fit of the bootie. However that is only one pair of shoes. I am sure there are many success stories as well.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Thanks all! Great wisdom here as usual.

Mochi, you're right, and permanent alteration would affect the resale value even if it were a proven solution. Best to hold back and explore other avenues before taking drastic action. Sara, Ginger, inserts are the absolute minimum and the place to start. And I have no idea why Insolias are so expensive on Amazon - they're listed here for €10!

Thanks karen13, for the link to another success story and JAileen, Glory, for sharing your bitter experience So sorry it didn't work out for you.

My hunch is that something along these lines will work. These seem like a well-balanced pair of shoes, but comfort at this elevation is all about shifting the weight backwards. With this in mind, I'm wondering about raising the sole instead of lowering the heel. That's probably my question to the cobbler, Sisi,

For the most part, though, I need to get comfortable with them. Walking in heels this high is a skill and an art form, and if you're not feeling it, it doesn't work. I'm out of practice, but they're beginning to feel more comfortable already.

I'm thinking they could be a keeper after all.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

For something that pricey, they must work as is, and tweaking them would not be an option in my book. I'd enjoy the fact I got to try on something I wanted of so long, but I'd also pass them on if they are not perfect. That's emotional aspect covered

Also, for practical -- as someone who has actually lowered the heel, I would not do it again, regardless of how much the shoes cost. The fact is, shoes and soles especially are constructed for a particular heel height, and anything that skews that balance is risky business. With these, if I'm correct, you have no room for error, so heel height would be a deal breaker for me.

Ginger

Veteran

Walking with heels is definitely a skill. Thankfully that sort of thing tends to stay in muscle memory, even if said muscles are out of practice! I've been wearing my tall Aquatalias a lot this winter. They have a 3 1/4" heel, albeit with a 1/2" platform. But since I've worn little but 2 1/2" heels at most for several years (and that usually to church), it was a transition to try to wear them all day. But I was motivated, because I love them. And it's worked! My ankles and legs remember how to walk now, and it's not uncomfortable. The key for me was good inserts that provided the right amount of additional padding at the ball. (Insolias might do away with that, if I can bear to shell out for them!)

So I'm glad you're getting used to them already. They are definitely shoes it's worth making the effort for.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

OMG. OMG.

I missed your first thread, so just seeing these now. They are to die for. I really really hope that you can make them work for you... I can totally see why you've been obsessed for years. But of course actually wearing them, even if they don't become workhorses, but rather just occasion shoes, is key. I say talk to your cobbler but don't do anything until you've tried the inserts, or are very very (very) sure (based on thier advice). I would be nervous about ruining them. But maybe a really small amount like 1/4 inch would make a difference to you but not the design on the shoe?

They remind me a bit of these lace up Doc Marten sandals that I have... which I love, they feel very me (but are also pushing heel height for me). But I much prefer the heel on yours. Well, I actually pretty much prefer everything about yours except the price!

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Jenni NZ

Veteran

Oh, dear, I don't know. I have a horrible feeling about fantasy personas here. Having wanted them for over 8 YEARS ( have to shout as that's such a long time) they've obviously taken up residence in your psyche. So I wonder if rather than just being shoes they represent some persona that you feel you are, deep down. And then if they're not comfortable to wear, you'll be so disappointed. You've already talked about selling other things to recoup the cost, so I feel like you wouldn't be happy to just let them sit in your wardrobe unworn. So I'm with the others who say don't make any permanent alteration but try inserts so that at least you could consign them if it doesn't work out with that heel? Or else I agree with Ornella that it's a deal breaker.
Maybe though, you can practice, practice, practice your High Heel Sashay ( does that very term confirm a fantasy persona? ) and be able to prance around tall and proud!
Now I'm feeling like I'm being a 55 year old boring practical mother... so I'm back to oh dear, I don't know.

Anonymous

They are gorgeous, but I vote return. I see you talking yourself into them and trying to tweak them to make them work, but if you are already questioning them, that's never going to go away IMO. A purchase like this should leave you no doubt.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Ah yes, there's the rub. Can I bear for them to be just Sitting Shoes? Am I kidding myself that I can still do this?

Ornella: for any other shoe purchase, I'd probably agree with you. I've ruled out any irreversible alterations though.

Jenni: the High Heel Sashay isn't a fantasy, it's a necessity! Really, it's all about technique and it takes practise. But thank you for being the voice of reason. I've been down the high heel route before, and I've had some good ones at least as tall as these. In fact, the shoes I'm trading in, another pair of tall collectibles, are even less wearable, but that didn't stop me from wearing them from time to time. So in that respect, this is a step up. It's not so much recouping losses as eliminating something I've just rendered obsolete. One in, one out.

Ginger, thanks! I was starting to doubt my sanity there. You're right, it's embedded in muscle memory and once I'd gotten over the initial shock of being so very tall again it didn't take long to find my stance. Having spent a few hours with these without any inserts, I'm starting to think they might not be that hard to wear. And yes, it will be worth the effort.

Elizabeth P: nice shoes! Funnily enough, I'd been looking at Docs to replace a pair of inexpensive TopShop platforms which have served as a proxy for these for the last few seasons. They had something similar a while back, but I can't seem to find them this year.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like your strategy, Liz. Personally, I felt off-kilter when I had my heels shortened and eventually passed on the shoes - and am not going down that road again. BUT! Others have had great success, so it might be worth a try.

BrieN

Veteran

I vote that you decide on the pair of shoes as they are now (or maybe with an insole). I would consider it a foolish experiment to try and cut down the heels of an uber-expensive pair of shoes.

Isabel

Veteran

I used to have heels shortened and boot shafts tightened and move straps on sandals so that my little toes wouldnt slip out...lol. been there done it. The other ladies are so correct. The height that you can change depends on the design of the shoe. I always had great results except for one time. The booties were just too high and the most that the cobbler could do was about 1/8 of an inch. And it just wasn't enough for comfort. And I couldn't return them after the alteration. I say, talk to a top notch cobbler and ask the maximum he or she thinks could come off. Then you have more information.

in the end, only you can make a call as to whether or not rolling the dice on the money you pay is worth it. If you can comfortably lose the money and the shoes, then do it. If not, then don't do that to yourself. : )

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think the ultimate solution is making peace with the heel as you say, because the heel is a lot of what these are about. BUT I would also take them to the cobbler and am already planning on finding some Insolia inserts for my (2 inch) heel problems.

Anonymous

The shoes were designed to be that height, they might look ill-proportioned with a shortened heel and might equally be less comfortable. The risk of destroying a nice shoe is too high.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Thanks so much for all the feedback. You're all absolutely right - it's a high-risk strategy and I shouldn't try to improve on perfection, because this is about as good as a high heel gets. Still, I figured there was no harm in asking.

I've posted an update above. I'm pretty sure they're keepers but I'll give them another turn around the house before the end of the return window just in case. Once I'm certain, I'll post some pictures and give you all a detailed review.

These shoes are so, so awesome. Worth the expense, the effort and waiting ten years for.

Style Fan

Veteran

I can't wait to see these gorgeous pieces of art in action. They are amazing.

Anonymous

Oh, good choice! These gorgeous shoes are't the ones to take that risk on!

Anonymous

Good decision.

Missey

Veteran

Those are some seriously awesome shoes and fit your style to a T! I love them. The block heel at least adds some stability...now for some padding for the ball of your foot. Gorgeous shoes all around and well worth the wait!

Love- your fellow shoe-aholic

jill58

Veteran

So happy that you've decided to keep them. I think you have the perfect philosophy, i.e., wearing them as you would an "art piece."