Last year around this time, I did a short series called Women and Shoes (Women and Shoes: Preferences and Habits and Women and Shoes: Sacrificing Comfort for Fashion). Using data from a ShopSmart magazine survey, I learned that most women (60%) were willing to occasionally wear shoes that hurt their feet.
I was reminded about this series yesterday when my new Anthropologie Sweetbriar Skimmers made me say, “ouch!” I had been eying these shoes since they were full-price at $98. So, when they were marked down to $49.95 recently, I immediately purchased them.
Luckily, I read the reviews of these flats, which overwhelmingly described the shoes as painful because of their narrow cut. Since my foot is somewhat narrow, I decided to give them a chance. I took them on trial run yesterday. You know, walked on carpeted surfaces only. After an hour, the shoes sure did hurt.
Today, my sweetbriar skimmers are going back to Anthro. You see, I enforce a zero tolerance policy on painful shoes.
Where do you stand on painful shoes? Do you believe in “breaking in” shoes?
Recently I bought to pair of shoes that I just swore I could break in. I wore them once and that was enough pain for me. I just can't rock painful shoes. They have to be comfortable in the store or it's not going to be purchased. Those flats are cute, love the color.
Call me a glutton for punishment! Im a total heel girl and am a believer of "breaking shoes in". The things we'll go through in the name of fashion. SMH
I'm totally with you, I don't sacrifice comfort, especially when it comes to my feet. It's too bad that these shoes are painful; they're so freaking cute!
I only shop for shoes in the evening. When I try on the shoes then if they hurt the least bit it is surely a sign I should not purchase that shoe.
Recently I tried on a pair of shoes and they felt great in the store. At home I tried the shoes on to walk around to test the waters…oh my poor feet. They went back to the Rack.
I simply cannot wear a painful shoe. My job requires me to stand in front of a college classroom sometimes for hours and anything painful won't do. The last time a shoe hurt me was after my daughter's wedding. I had been dancing for several hours and wearing a 4" heel.
I'm really bad I'll wear shoes less often but still keep them if they hurt me! I need to let them go. Once or twice a wear is needed for me to break shoes in though. Some of my most comfortable shoes were so painful to break in, but after the leather stretches to fit my flat feet they are perfect 🙂
AwayFromTheBlue.blogspot.com.au
I agree with Purple Butterfly Crochet. If the shoes aren't instantly comfortable, then they're not going to become more comfortable after wearing them for 8 to 10 hours on the job. Even for evenings out, I will, at most, wear a wedge shoe because they are easier to walk in and most importantly, cute and comfortable. A heavenly combination (for my feet)!
I break in shoes by wearing them with thick socks at home all day. I also spray the shoes with water to help them stretch even more.
It works so well, I can make tight shoes half a size bigger.
I rarely wear shoes, i am very comfortable with sandals or slippers but shoes i just can't wear it for whole day and i observe its always bite you when it new, your feet skin is just gone red and the heel pain so much.I just try to avoid it.
I will buy painful shoes and wear them to "sitting-only" occasions…like work…haha. I love the color of those flats though. Love the new blog layout!
Shasie of Live Life in Style
Amen on enforcing a zero pain policy. I just made a big change this year when I resolved to take better care of my feet. I donated all the ones that hurt and started replacing them slowly but surely with more feet friendly brands like naturalizer. I found that their heels and wedges are cute and comfy and now I'm shouting out from the mountain top about it. It's really a life changing decision, as subtle as it sounds. I applaud your efforts!