Shoe woes *sigh* just unburdening myself,sorry!

I posted before that I *need* some neutral, maybe metallic, ballet flats (I have a hole in my closet for Spring/Summer closed toed shoes, as we often have cool, rainy days in the UK).

I bought these http://www.clarks.co.uk/find/d.....s-20344082 - they fit ok in the store, but when I got them home and walked around (on carpeting) they were pinching my toes and hurting my heels. So I returned them. I bought the Prior Square toe ballets (on this page http://www.hobbs.co.uk/index.c.....geNumber=2 ) yesterday, in the grey/snakeskin. They were fine in store, but walking around at home, they scrunch up my toes and hurt

I need to find some closed toe shoes that stay on my feet and are comfortable - I am investigating ballet flats that have a strap across the front, in the hopes that it will work around my fit problems (wide across the toes, narrow heel, and a half size). But will a strap being unflattering to my leg line - I don't have the longest legs in the world?

Roll on autumn/winter, and boots and socks - I don't have any problem buying those, despite my fussy feet!

14 years ago

Anonymous

A strap is going to be less of a visual cutoff if the shoe is close to your skin tone in color rather than high contrast. Since that's what you are after, go for it.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Your feet sound like mine! Have you tried Zappos? You can narrow down your search easily there and there shipping is unbelievably fast, you have up to a YEAR to return items (in very good condition- Ive used a pair of sandals for 2 months, trying to make them work once) the customer service is great and they are quick to refund credit cards...I mustve tried 15 pairs in the last 2 months (obviously not their fault they didnt work) Anyway, wish you good luck and I agree with Joy about the straps

ButterflyLady

(website)

Thank you biscuitsmom - unfortunately, Zappos don't ship internationally (I'm in the UK).

modgrl

Not all ballet flats are created equal. I also thought I couldn't wear them because of so many pairs that didn't work. Be sure to read the reviews and check that they meet your specifications. My Mee Too Linda's in Pewter are super soft and comfy. Others here have had luck with Bloch ballet flats. I can only wear Clark's boots, their other shoes never fit me.

rae

Have you seen this post?
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....flats-ever

Diana

I hear you! I have the same foot problems as you, plus flat feet and a bunion... I have pretty much given up on ballet flats in general, although I do have a pair of Campers like you mentioned with the elastic band. I find them comfy but can't walk long distances in them because they are soooo flat. You might want to try some ballet flats with an ankle strap or cuff too. Some of your toe problems may be caused by your feet scrunching and clenching to keep the shoe on your foot, so getting a more secure pair of flats might reduce that.
Personally, my feet HATE closed toe shoes without socks, plus I can't keep shoes without an ankle strap on my feet. I tend to go from boots straight to sandals, nothing in between. If you have similar problems, my suggestion would be to try spring/summer boots or oxfords, both of which can be worn with little hidden socks. They ARE higher vamp so your leg line will appear shorter; I am OK with this as this means I can actually wear the shoes, so I live with the shorter leg line.

@rae - I have read that,it's interesting, however I can't track down the ballet flats mentioned in the UK - only the actual ballet shoes (for doing ballet) - I will keep searching.

@modgrl - I think I am on year 3 of trying to find ballet flats - I feel like I have tried on every pair in my size in the UK! I'm not giving up, but I don't have many more places to look!

Polly (thunalata)

I've found Bloch by googling in the UK. I think ASOS have them sometimes. I'll have another look later when I have time.

Thanks thunalata - I found some on ASOS (£100 - a little bit out of my price range) - but I am wondering about the sole now - I need proper padded insoles in my shoes otherwise I can only wear them for about an hour - hmm, I think I am going to have to continue to my search ...

Sorry, didnt know that This may be helpful to you....not for 'hit or miss' shopping, but if you know you want something for sure...http://www.bongous.com/country.....ingdom.php Do you have any 'foot petals' type pad to keep your feet from sliding forward? They seem to help somewhat, although more so w/heels. Have you ever tried Walking Cradles brand for ballet shoes? Many styles have good cushioning...

Thanks biscuitsmom - that Bongo site is interesting. My cousin lives in New York, so she can always send things on to me, but I would need to try shoes on first - I did have a very good look in Nordstrom when we were in Vegas, but didn't find anything there, sadly.

Those Walking Cradles shoes look soooo comfortable! I am not giving up, just stopping looking for now, as I am driving myself mad!

Lisa

Maybe this was already suggested but I find heel inserts help me with shoes that fall off my heels but fit my wider toes.

JayS

ButterflyLady..I feel your pain. (Sorry 'bout the bad pun.)

Sally at alreadypretty.com had a great post on work arounds to shoe fit problems. Maybe the lambswool in the toe might help?

http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....table.html

Lots of good suggestions in the comments, also. I'm getting ready to try the freezing method to stretch a pair of Seychelles.

Good luck!

MsLuna

@ButterflyLady - I FEEL YOUR PAIN! I recently developed a case of super fussy feet myself that even Clarks - or almost ANY comfort brand for that matter would bring me into a whole world of pain!!!! My feet don't like flats (they cause me severe arch and shin pain) and I can't wear heels over 3 inches! And even then, I have a wide forefoot so OUCH OUCH OUCH!!!

Do keep us posted when you find something.

I'm not sure if you're on a lookout for heels but so far, these Tsubos are working wonderfully for me:

http://www.tsubo.com/womens-ac.....cgid=women

http://www.tsubo.com/womens-la.....cgid=women

I'll keep you posted when I wear one of them to work tomorrow!

@SuzyCue - I bought some shoe stretchers from QVC, which have 'saved' a pair of sandals that dug into my toes - good luck with stretching your shoes!

@MsKatieKat - I have found some Tsubos here in the UK - (noticed that they are expensive here - the first style you posted is £144 - over $230!!) - so thank you for the tip, and I hope they are comfortable for you.

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Shoe woes sigh just unburdening myself,sorry!