Pointy-toed shoes: Am I the only one who can't wear them? - YouLookFab Forum

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Pointy-toed shoes: Am I the only one who can't wear them?

Wendi1984

It seems that pointy-toed shoes are the most popular style these days. However, I have never found a pair that felt comfortable. I have slightly wide toes/ball of foot area compared to the rest of my foot. 90% of the time, I wear regular size shoes; maybe 10% of the time, I go with wide (usually for athletic shoes).

How do I find pointy toed shoes that look good and feel comfortable? Or will I have to skip this trend, and keep looking for non-pointy shoes?

I also don't like a super high heel; 3" max. So it seems like shoe shopping is getting complicated for me. I'd love to find a pair of pumps in cognac for the fall/winter.

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30 replies

Latest reply was from Beth Ann

tammyw

I found some great pointy flats this year, but I've never found a pair of pointy heels I could wear. My toe box ends up ACHING after a short period. I'd love to find a great pair of pumps though, but so far no

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

For me it depends on the shape of the point and where it starts to narrow - anything super-skinny that doesn't give me room for my toes is out, but a wider point, kind of a cross between a point and an almond toe, is usually OK.

On the plus side there are a lot of flats and low heels around right now, so that part is great. For your cognac pumps, do you want a traditional pump heel, or are wedges a possibility? Leather or suede or something else? What's your price point? People here are great about making suggestions when you're looking for something in particular.

Wendi1984

I'm not sure if I want regular heels or wedges; I'd consider either. They just need to be 3" or less. Leather, probably. I'd like to wear them with midi skirts to church, and maybe try them with my boyfriend jeans for a different look.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

So for the heels, do you want to avoid pointy toes completely? I was just doing a quick search on Zappos for you, and it seems easier to find flats that aren't pointy but a lot of traditional pumps are somewhat pointy-toed. If you haven't already checked Zappos, you can narrow down pretty tightly - specify heel height, cost range, color, and of course size.

Something like the Rockport Seven to 7 heel might work:

Rockport Seven to 7 Low Pump

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Greyscale

Veteran

I have wide, square toes and I also have trouble with some pointy toes, but not all. I have a pair of LD Tuttle pointed flats that have more room for my toes than any round-toe flats I've owned. It really depends on where the point starts and how wide it is at that part of the shoe.

But, for my next few shoe purchases, I'm prioritizing things that don't compress my toes at all.

Anonymous

Are you kidding? You're not the only one - half the female population can't wear pointy toed shoes comfortably, and besides - they are horrible for your feet anyways. I LOVE the look of a pointed toe pump (not a fan of pointy flats which make me feel like an elf child) and am completely open about the fact that I do still wear them occasionally even though they are horrible for my foot . There are very few brands that make a cut I can wear - and I'm with you in wanting a max 3 inch heel. I have luck with Nine West and Calvin Klein (the licensed department store line, not the designer line , if there even still is one) . I never wear them all day long - probably couldn't anyways - but they sure do flatter a foot, ankle and leg. I don't necessarily agree that they're the most popular look right now though.... -I just see them as a classic .

unfrumped

Veteran

No, you're not alone! The orthopedists of the world would agree, these are not shoes made for human feet.
I have a couple of items and have targeted a kind of "broad point" with a wide toe box, but overall I had to realize, this is not a good direction for me.

The main style issue is that there is no "point" in my creating outfits, or acquiring pants or skirts/dresses, that somehow depend on the pointy toe to look "right". This also goes for heel height, though boots with chunky heels allow me some heel height.

That means I either need to be okay with just whatever shoes with whatever outfits, or instead, since I do have my own "sugar eye" and "poison eye" I focus on outfits that work with the types of shoes I can wear. So I admit I'm not completely above being influenced by the "right" looks, so will choose those that look most in step for what I can wear. And then just have to relax about the whole thing.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

I have quite a few pointy-toed shoes, because I love the look of them, and, honestly, on the comfort scale, not too many of them make a high grade, although there are a few.

I think the leather has to be soft and supple and I wear low or kitten heels, nothing higher than 2".

What about an almond toe that Angie often mentions? Also, some heels have Nike air technology and the Walking Store may have some that are quite comfortable, although I've never bought any there. However, I worked on the set once with a woman who had a cute pair called Beautifeel, I believe. As for flats, London Sole has a quality product at a hefty price. I've not tried Agnes B, Louise & Cie and French Sole, but I hear these are also comfortable.

Staysfit

Veteran

I have to size up to wear a pointy toe shoe. I have skinny heels and require a comparatively wider toe box. I have a hard time with pointy toes, but it isn't impossible. I have found that certain brands of shoes work., but I had to hunt for the right shoe. They were very expensive though, so that may be a deal breaker -Anyi Lu and Stuart Weitsman. If you really want a pointy toe, you should be able to find something.

Echo

Veteran

I have the same issue in that I have a semi-wide, high volume foot. Pointy toes are generally awful for me, and the higher the heel, the worse the pain.

And I have finally accepted the fact that I will never again wear 4" heels comfortably. I have been searching for shoe for an event in December, and it has been miserable trying to find something I will actually be able to wear for more than an hour.

The shoes I have chosen aren't everyone's style (I purchased the black ones), but with a 2-1/2" heel (and honestly I think it is less than that IRL), they are SO comfortable to wear. I wore them around the store for a long while, walking around the aisles, before purchasing them, so I know they will work for me. They have a pointy toe (though not ultra-pointy), but suit my wide, high volume foot quite well.

BCBGeneration Niro Pump

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anne

Veteran

You are not alone!! I also have a "shallow heel" and also have to wear orthotics. No pointy heels is just one of the challenges I face!

Tania

Veteran

You are not alone!

Nebraskim

Veteran

I am a member of the "no pointy toes" sorority. Not only do they squish my toes, but the length of them causes me to trip. I have big feet (10 to 10.5) and the pointies just make my feet look longer and actually be longer, hence the tripping factor. I have made peace with wearing somewhat ugly shoes because I can not deal with the pain and the falling.

trying...

I know you are looking for a heel but these pointy flats have worked well for me although they took some breaking in : http://www.payless.com/womens-.....ne#start=3

The toe box is larger than other pointy toe shoes I have tried so no toe cleavage.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I hear you! I think a shoe with a refined and elegant shape does not necessarily require a pointy toe. I've been shopping for a pair of dress shoes for interviews, funerals, and performances. I found these at DSW. Some of them are not leather. Since I won't be wearing these every day for 8 hours, that's OK with me. They all fit my wide forefoot and toes (4 of them go across in a straight line).

I usually size up with a pointy toe pump, and add a gel ball of foot insert. There are lots of modest height heels and wedges this year, and almond shaped toes are still out there!

CL by Laundry Nima Wedge Pump

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Naturalizer Believe Pump

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LifeStride Karlyle Pump

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LifeStride Stockard Metallic Pump

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LifeStride Stockard Fabric Pump

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Wendi1984

Thanks for all the ideas! I don't necessarily want to wear them, but it seems like they are everywhere around here, so I was feeling like I would look out of style if I didn't wear them. I do like a vintage look. Do these shoes look frumpy? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM.....B&...

Or these? http://www.cobbhillshoes.com/C.....ck&st...

Sal

Veteran

I have only one pair of true pointy toes and they are strictly for certain types of events. I find an almond toe just fine and in fact prefer this for boots to a pointy toe.

Wendi1984

I gave up looking for pointy toes that feel good on my feet. I did find a comfortable pair of cognac heels. They will be great with dresses and skirts, and I may even try them with my boyfriend jeans.

https://www.nordstromrack.com/.....lor=COGNAC#

Anonymous

I can't wear them.

Renee P

Pointy toed shoes hurt me, too.

Bonnie

Veteran

I can't wear them either and recently bought these Clarks which I love.

Clarks Women's Claribel Fame Wedge Pump

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Anonymous

Those are cute, Bonnie G!

Colette

Veteran

I love pointy toed footwear. I agree that they are classic. But I can only wear pointy toed shoes and boots for special occasions where I will not be doing a lot of walking. Even then I always have a comfy pair waiting in the car. But I have found a few pair of Marc Fisher shoes/boots this year that are pointy and comfortable. For heels, my sweet spot is between 3-3 1/2" Sizing up doesn't work for me because then I just can't walk without the shoes flopping off. If you like pointy toed footwear, just keep trying different styles and brands because I have found they are all cut differently.

MARC FISHER LTD 'Yale' Chelsea Boot (Women)

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Anonymous

I have to size up a full size for the toe box to be big enough.
Because I size up, the back of the shoe slips off, and so I'm limited to footwear that works when it's a bit too big, such as something with an ankle strap, or a bootie.

Peri

Veteran

I can't wear them. I think most people with genuine foot problems would have a hard time with them. If you wonder whether a shoe style is designed with comfort or health in mind, ask yourself if men would put up with it. Only women would keep trying to wear something that hurts just to look good. I doubt many men end up with bunions later in life.

I am mild mannered in the extreme, but nothing turns me into a raging feminist quicker than the topic of women's shoes. Except maybe the topic of women's swimsuits.

Anonymous

I've gotten to the point where I refuse to wear anything I can't walk in all day.

MovingFashionForward

I have some that are completely fine, but others have been absolutely dire. I've had to donate a lot of shoes I loved the look of but couldn't wear for more than half an hour without pain. I have very wide feet at the toes end.

The ones that cause no problems are more cleverly shaped, with the pointy bit starting further away from the heel than those of the ones that I can't wear. Or in some cases, the pointy bit is a different shape, with a non-crushing straightish line along the inside, the point sweeping back and out towards the outside of each foot. They look less deformed than I'm making them sound.

The more 'refined', dainty shoes with points are a disaster, because the point crushes the big toe unless you have very odd-shaped feet.

Sarah

Style Fan

Veteran

I don't remember the last time I wore pointy toe shoes. I do wear almond toe shoes. I refuse to wear anything that hurts.

dakotacheryl

Veteran

The shape/contour of my toes very closely mirrors the shape of Birkenstocks LOL...pointy toes just don't work for me.

I have those gorgeous calf hair Sam Edelman Okalas that I can only comfortably wear if the only walking I do is from the car to sitting down at a restaurant...they will never wear out!!

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