Pumps for narrow heels?

Aurore

I love pumps. I love the leg-elongating look of classic, medium-heeled pumps.

But I have tried many (so many!) pairs, and never found one that was narrow enough in the back to prevent my heel from slipping out of it.

I have used adhesive heel pads (did not work, my heel slipped out and removed the pad), various sole shapes (made no difference), and finally fell back on strappy pumps.
But I still yearn for classic, simple, strapless pumps.

Does anyone here face the same issue? Do you know brands or particular styles that work on narrow heels?

6 years ago

Shopping

20 replies

Latest reply was from Aurore

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ankle strap pumps solve the problem.

6 years ago

LaPed

Veteran

Ankle straps are a reliable solution, but if you want the more classic open look, you might check for options with an elastic back. I don't have any brand suggestions since I think you're in France (?), but something like the Everlane Day pumps in the Find (I haven't tried them, since pumps are not a high-need item for me, but I am tempted).

Everlane

The Day Heel

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6 years ago

Aurore

Veteran

Yes Angie, ankle strap pumps or mary-janes do solve the problem, and I actually own two pairs I love. But I'm trying to extend my pump wardrobe, and I crave for sleek, classic strapless pumps...

Thank you very much La Pedestrienne, that's a great idea and I will give it a try (if I find such pumps)!

6 years ago

Helena

Veteran

Well, this happens to me with pumps but I never knew the reason - so thanks for this; good luck in your search

6 years ago

always trying

Veteran

before everything was made in China and my job required suits and dresses, I could get pumps at Nordstroms with everything from A, AA, to AAA heels. I have rarely been successful with pumps not slipping off my heels since they quit making them. recently as I am getting old, my feet are getting even skinnier. Two pairs that used to stay on my feet are now slipping. I too have tried all sorts of heel pads, probably every solution to stick in the shoes out there. Nothing works!

I feel just like you-longing for classic plain pumps. Just last week I tried every pump in my size in DSW. Found none. One thing I did not try as they did not have my size were higher vamp ones, not quite like shooties, just higher pumps. So I am going to try those-like Angies silver ones she showed on here. I am thinking the problem is the shoe has to fit tight over the instep and top of the foot to keep it from heel slipping. This I discovered when I had to return a pair of booties because my heels had some slipping.

Lets share our finds --I am sure there are many of us on here with this problem!!!!!!!

6 years ago

kkards

Veteran

I don't know if the brand Vaneli Shoes are available in France, but they do come in a wide assortment of sizes and widths

always trying...Marmi (see link) is a great US resource

https://marmishoes.com/all-shoes/vaneli/

6 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

My only suggestion would be to look for patent leather pumps with a pointy toe. I have a pair of Michael Kors pumps that fit very well (I have a narrow heel also), and I think it is partially because the patent leather makes the shoe less stretchable, and the pointy toe gives a tighter fit in the forefoot to make the shoe more secure on the foot.

Macy's

Michael by Michael Kors MK Flex Pumps

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6 years ago

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I have the same issue! I find that a higher heel usually fixes it, because the foot naturally slides forward at that angle, but that obviously isn't comfortable for long periods. The other thing I do is wear those no-peek socks with my heels, which helps give some more friction to keep them on my feet (material like nylon tights is slippery, so I'd often wear no-show socks over the top of tights, too).

I've heard some people also use talcum (baby) powder, but I've personally never tried it.

6 years ago

Aurore

Veteran

It seems like my issue is far more common than what I thought

torontogirl, thank you for your support!

Thank you always trying, for your experience and idea of hight vamp pumps...I'll give it a try too!

kkards, thank you for the brand advice! Vaneli shoes may be available in France via Nordstrom.

Gigi, patent leather and more pointed toe sound like a good idea, thank you! I'm glad you found pumps that fit - and these ones are gorgeous.

Zaeobi, I definitely should try no-peek socks to see if it helps me as well!

6 years ago

tulle

Veteran

I have the same problem, Aurore, and also wish I could just slip on a gorgeous pair of classic pumps without slipping out of them like Minnie Mouse! For me, the only reliable answer has been the (also classic) sling-back pump. From the front, the effect is the same, and from the other angles, it's still better than coming out of my shoes...

6 years ago

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I can’t wear pumps or anything that doesn’t zip, tie, or have an ankle strap. No pumps, no loafers. And I need a wide toe box.
Your not alone.

6 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

What used to be available was what was called “ combination last” sizing which would specify sizing like 2A shoe with 4A heel. I have no idea if any brand specializes in that anymore. Because you can still find some narrow size shoes but they may be too narrow in the toe.

6 years ago

always trying

Veteran

UNFRUMPED-I am fairly shure they do not make the narrow heel only anymore. I have not found them since about 1990 or before. The all narrower shoes do not work for me as I have a bunion on one fot.

6 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Always trying, I suspect you’re right.
Used to be fun shoe shopping with my mom in the previous millennium- ‘60’s and ‘70s. We both wore very narrow shoes and super narrow heels. 4A/6A for her.
Bunions plague me also making many styles difficult. It’s one reason I gravitate towards suede footwear which I can sometimes find with more clingy heel and stretchy toebox.

6 years ago

Aurore

Veteran

Thank you all for your ideas and solutions! I did not imagine this issue was so common.

6 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I share this difficulty and I also have short calves so especially would value the leg lengthening properties of a lower vamp shoe. But it's virtually impossible for me to find. I did, years ago, own one patent leather pair (Ecco) that miraculously stayed put on my foot. They are the only pumps that ever did. And as for sling-backs...ha!!

My solution has been to buy ankle strap and Mary Jane styles in low contrast to my foot, so the visual line is more or less preserved. This does not mean nude shoes, necessarily. For me, pale silver or gold or light grey or tan can also work. And the shoe can be darker if the straps are lighter, as well.

I continue to experiment and hunt for the rare pump that will work -- I'll never completely give up hope. But I've come to believe it will be luck only when I find them!

6 years ago

Freckles

Veteran

I share this problem. 2A foot with a 6A heel. Sling backs are the only shoe that works for me, I just used to ignore the etiquette for when and how sling backs are appropriate.
A lot of the stores that used to specialize in narrow shoes are gone and the same stores now specialize in the wide foot.

6 years ago

Aurore

Veteran

Suz, I love your idea of low contrast shoes for a leg-lengthening look despite the straps. I had not thought about colors other than nudes, but I will definitely try it. Thank you very much for this idea!

Thank you Freckles for your experience!

6 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thank Angie! It was she who taught me this trick. In winter I use it to good effect so I can wear booties with dresses. The booties can be light and low contrast to nude or light sheer hose -- in theory -- but in my harsh climate this rarely works. So it is darker booties toned to darker hose for the most part. But in summer, without hose, the light coloured footwear comes into play.

You might find that yellow works as low contrast. Grey, pale blue, silver, buff, white, cream, ivory, pale gold, pale pink...there are many options. And again, you can play with two-tone effects.

Another trick -- this only works when such footwear is in style and available -- look for straps that form a sort of V over the vamp. Criss cross vs. horizontal lines.

Or look for very very narrow straps that don't show too much but still hold the shoe in place. Here are a few options in Finds that might, conceivably do what you are after. Some are sandals vs. closed shoes but you get the idea.

Nordstrom

Nine West Wendor Slingback Pump

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Nordstrom

Naturalizer Greyson Open Toe Bootie

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Nordstrom

Linea Paolo Dean Pointy Toe Flat

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Amazon

Franco Sarto Franco Sarto Women's Caleigh Pump

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Zappos

Franco Sarto Caleigh

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Nordstrom

Via Spiga Dinah Ankle Strap d'Orsay Pump (Women)

$195.00

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Nordstrom

Via Spiga Dionne Block Heel Ankle Strap Pump

$195.00

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Boden

Catherine Mid Heel

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Zappos

Calvin Klein Georgette

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Hudson's Bay

Sam Edelman Odynna Floral Cut-Out Patent Pumps

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Hudson's Bay

Topshop Jolene Leather Buckled Shoes

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Shopbop

Wynne Wedge Pumps

$275.00 $110.00

Sale

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Amazon

Sam Edelman Women's Okala Dress Pump

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Nordstrom

Sole Society Julianne Hough for Sole Society 'Olyvia' Pointed Toe Pump

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Nordstrom

CAMPER Kobo Strappy Sandal

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Zara

Leather Strappy Heeled Sandals Details

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Nordstrom

Söfft 'Innis' Low Wedge Sandal (Women)

$89.95 $53.96

Sale

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6 years ago

Aurore

Veteran

Thank you so much, Suz, for all these great examples! I love the shape of the Sam Edelman and Sole Society - very classy. Criss-cross straps also sound like a good idea!

6 years ago

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