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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oops, sorry chewbecca, I misspelt your name.

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?

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

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

Anything here Moshulu?

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!