Will my new leather sandals stretch? A thread for those blessed with awkward feet

[iroblonegen]

I received some leather sandals that I had ordered. I really like them but not sure if my delightful feet do. I have osteoarthritis in both big toe joints (where the toe joins the foot) and many shoes seem to upset them. I usually know as soon as I put shoes on whether or not my toes will like them, but in this case they seem to just be gently grumbling, rather than being in actual pain.

I would like opinions please on whether you think the leather will stretch and my toes will just have to put up with it in the meantime OR whether I listen to my toes now and abandon the sandals. As they cost £80 it would be an expensive mistake to make!

These are the sandals:
http://www.timberlandonline.co.uk/en/women-bailey-park-cross-vamp-sandal-A1431.html?dwvarcolor=214&dwvarr_footwearSize=4055#q=Bailey&start=3&cgid=null

Thank you!

[abear]

I think I would abandon them. At £80 it seems too much of a risk to take. Like you I have awkward feet and have had to return some beautiful yet expensive sandals this week - broke my heart but as you know sore feet just aren't worth it.

[Chewbecca]

No, listen to your toes, be kind to your feet and get some that are comfy from the off!

[hiccupgirl]

I would send them back. If your toes are grumbling just trying them on, then they will not like wearing them for long periods of time.

I have awkward shaped feet and sometimes it is heartbreaking having to send back sandals that I love but that I know are going to kill my feet just from trying on

[iroblonegen]

Thank you for your replies. I knew really that they'd have to go back but I was hoping to somehow talk myself into it as I like them so much! No, you're all right - back they go.

Now back to square one, trying to find some that are comfy from the word go, and also (hopefully) semi-stylish. Good job I haven't got anything better to do

[Catmuffin]

I had some boots that I never managed to wear in as they were pressing on a bunion. I found out you can get them stretched at the shoe menders. (Timpsons in my case.) They have a stretching machine. Not sure if you could do it with sandals. My boots were stiff Nubuck. You could ask what they think

[Chewbecca]

Do you like these? I have difficulty feet & these were super comfy from day 1

[iroblonegen]

Thanks for the suggestion chewbacca - they're not quite what I am after. I really just want a band across the toes and some sort of strap round the back (not slingback though). As well as my dodgy toe joints I also have high insteps. If there is any way my feet can be bothered by shoes, they will find it. I truly am blessed, feet wise

[iroblonegen]

Oops, sorry chewbecca, I misspelt your name.

[ComaToes]

On another thread someone linked to some rather interesting looking shoes made of thick bands of elastic (if that makes sense) that I thought looked really good for awkward feet. I kept meaning to bookmark the website but lost it. If anyone knows what I mean, maybe they will link?

[Footle]

Mephisto are worth a look. The Timberland ones look too stiff to me - I'm a veteran of hurting feet.

[Footle]

ComaToes, if you find the link please post it. Sounds interesting.

[traviata]

Anything here Moshulu?

[iroblonegen]

Thank you traviata, i have to confess I've been dithering over Mosulu's Harissa style but can't make up my mind if they look a bit too walking sandal. Although they do look very comfy...

www.moshulu.co.uk/ladies/sandals/harissa_jeans.htm

Opinions please!