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Original poster

Formal shoes that don't hurt...

27 replies

Ephiny · 18/03/2011 11:00

I wondered if anyone can suggest shoes suitable for formal occasions that aren't too painful to wear. I really struggle with this - fortunately have a job where I can dress casually, but occasionally need to dress up (other people's weddings, playing in orchestral concerts etc) which means wearing Proper Women's Shoes. I've never in my life been able to find a pair that don't cut my feet to shreds.

Gave up on heels some time ago but even my most recent attempt - flat ballet-style pumps from Zara - left my feet rubbed and sore in several places (backs of heels and little toe) and actually cut and bleeding at the back of my right heel. This was after wearing them for maybe three hours and doing a fairly small amount of walking around within a building. Don't need to be able to walk miles in them, and would not be travelling to/from a venue in them, just the walking and standing around and maybe a bit of dancing you do at the average wedding or party.

Do I just have weird over-sensitive feet? It's like the princess and the pea or something, just ridiculous Blush.

Any suggestions gratefully received...

OP posts:
CMOTdibbler · 18/03/2011 11:12

You need to persevere a bit - most new shoes will rub at first till they soften, so put blister plasters on and gradually wear them round the house a little more each day - just a few minutes to start with.

Shoes with fastenings tend to rub less

thenightsky · 18/03/2011 11:18

Zara ones are the work of the devil.. especially their flatties. They have no flexibility in the sole, so pull badly on heels, causing splitting of skin.

I always do the bendy test before I even bother trying on.

I have found the cheaper ones the best... just buy new ones more frequently.

Last year I got some reasonable ones from Next and Clarks.

minipie · 18/03/2011 11:34

Zara shoes are made from very hard cheap leather which does seem to rub. Softer leather makes a huge difference.

Also, if you're used to wearing trainers or other non-leather shoes, your feet won't have developed the hard patches at the back of the heels to cope with the rubbing. You can get some waxy stuff which you rub on the back of your heel to stop it rubbing - can't remember the name, but it does seem to help.

I actually find flat shoes often rub more than heels, because my heels come out of them more when I walk. A low heel could be better?

Gillybobs · 18/03/2011 12:34

Clarks are the only ones I can wear for any length of time, their new boutique collection is just lovely and much more on trend than you might think here it is

Have also tried Heavenly Sole collection from Next which is not too bad either

Gillybobs · 18/03/2011 12:35

ps. there is a 20% clarks discount code on a MN thread at the moment

higgle · 18/03/2011 13:13

Any M&S shoes with "Insolia" are very comfortable, despite very high heels. I have some very high heeled lace ups which are as comfy as flats.

ChippyMinton · 18/03/2011 13:19

LOL at princess and the pea. My feet are the same, and I rarely wear shoes - boots in winter, sandals in the summer. If I need proper shoes, I find that a pair with a strap that holds the shoe on are more comfortable. Can't wear ballet flats or court shoes.

ChippyMinton · 18/03/2011 13:20

Just checked - my one pair of high-heeled party/wedding strappy sandals are M&S Insolia, and I can wear them all day and night.

pink4ever · 18/03/2011 13:34

Yes Zara shoes are very bad for this but I always get suckered into buying them as they so pretty!. Clarks flats are the comfiest but feel so mumsyish wearing them!. Just bought a beige pair of ballerinas from peacocks but havent been able to try them yet due to weather.

minipie · 18/03/2011 14:30

By the way, you can buy Insolia inserts by themselves (for using in non M&S shoes)

basana · 18/03/2011 15:25

I find LK Bennett brilliant for this. I have Shilo for work, and keep buying pairs in different colours/leathers because they are so darn comfy despite a sizeable heel. Currently coveting nude patent for the summer!

Moulesfrites · 18/03/2011 16:58

I was like this until I discovered kurt Geiger. They are expensive but I can wear a pair of their heels all day in my job as a teacher, so on feet a lot, and my feet don't hurt. I really think with shoes you get what you pat for...

EvilTwins · 18/03/2011 17:02

I have a couple of pairs from M&S which I wear for work (teacher, so on feet a lot of the day) I have quite wide feet, but feel more comfortable in heels (am short and teach secondary - I don't like having 15 year old boys towering above me!) so M&S has been a good place for me. Am currently wearing these for work and they're v comfortable.

minipie · 18/03/2011 18:21

It's about finding a particular brand that works for you, I think.

My comfiest pair of heels (by a long chalk) is by a company called Ash - they're amazing. But I don't know if they would be for everyone - they just happen to fit my feet really well.

foxinsocks · 18/03/2011 18:25

I have recently discovered I have a skin condition that means too much pressure in one position (or tight clothing) brings me out in painful hives Grin

I get them all over the soles of my feet if I stand up too long in uncomfortable shoes

so I am now an absolute convert to Comfort shoes from Clarks - I think they are called Comfort? They have extra padded bits on the bottom and are extremely comfortable. I can even wear heels in that range.

foxinsocks · 18/03/2011 18:28

they are Comfort soles in certain Clarks shoes, that's what they are

Bunbaker · 18/03/2011 20:50

I find M & S Footglove shoes very comfortable. Mind you, when I looked at their range the other week I didn't find it very inspiring.

Original poster
Ephiny · 18/03/2011 21:00

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I will check them out. Looks like the Zara shoes were a bad idea - they look very cute, but are also very hard and rigid now I think of it, so proper soft leather is probably going to be better.

The Insolia ones look a bit high for me, but I will try them on if I see them, in case they really are as miraculously comfy as they claim!

OP posts:
BogWoppitt · 18/03/2011 21:14

oooh, I have the same problem - usually end up bare foot by the end of a wedding Blush

Can only wear Clarks or M&S Sad

the only tip I have is wear sling backs rather than high heeeled court shoes - good for summer weddings but not winter offices.....

thenightsky · 18/03/2011 21:31

Next shoes (certain styles) have a soft comfy sole inside. I have a pair of huge heels from there that I can dance in all night.

lackaDaisy · 18/03/2011 23:07

I only buy certain brands, all of which have been mentioned here already. I stick religiously to Clarks, M&S Insolia and Kurt Geiger. I do get tempted by the pretty shoes in Zara, New Look et al, but have learnt through bitter experience that they will be worn once, my feet will be shredded to bits, and they will then languish in my understairs cupboard forever more. I prefer to save those wasted pennies and buy just two new pairs each year from the aforementioned brands.

I also love Irregular Choice, but their designs are crazy quirky and cannot be worn everywhere Grin

Original poster
Ephiny · 19/03/2011 09:57

Does anyone have opinions on soft stretchy type shoes like these - they look very comfy but not sure if it'll look like I'm in my slippers? :)

OP posts:
Gillybobs · 19/03/2011 11:22

I find those elasticated shoes always dig into my heels and the soles tend to be very thin so, all in all, NOT comfy : )

Polgara2 · 19/03/2011 12:00

Gillybobs - where is the 20% discount for clarks thread - I can't find it. Thanks Smile

Polgara2 · 19/03/2011 12:01

Oh and I agree those elasticated heel shoes hurt!