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Heels for teen with narrow feet/slim ankles?

48 replies

ittakes2 · 19/05/2023 17:07

My 16 almost 17 year old daughter needs heels for her prom dress (she prefers a mid heel as not worn them before).
But we have now tried on 6 pairs (including rainbow club) and she seems to have very narrow feet and slim ankles. Even shoes where the reviews say that overall people find the ankle bit too tight she would be on the tightest setting and they would still be lose.
Can anyone recommend some narrow heels please? I think we have given up on sandals and she needs something more fitting to stay on.
thank you

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Greyhairwarmheart · 20/05/2023 07:32

I second James Inglis and Special Feetures. I have had 2 pairs of dress shoes for years which are brought out for every wedding or evening do as my feet are so tricky. I have long narrow feet so can't size down.

ittakes2 · 20/05/2023 08:52

CindersAgain · 20/05/2023 08:41

What about these - make an extra hole as needed

https://www.dressedinlucy.com/products/white-mini-buckle-heeled-mules

thanks for the suggestion - I see what you mean. Worth a try although she has never worn heels before so I am a little anxious she will keep them on but your point of an adjustable strap around her toes is a great one thank you because that's one of the key areas which are loose. Thanks again I will also look for other shoes that have this feature.

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ittakes2 · 20/05/2023 08:52

Greyhairwarmheart · 20/05/2023 07:32

I second James Inglis and Special Feetures. I have had 2 pairs of dress shoes for years which are brought out for every wedding or evening do as my feet are so tricky. I have long narrow feet so can't size down.

I have looked and I completely agree they look fab thank you - she also has long narrow feet.

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ittakes2 · 20/05/2023 08:52

YouHeardTheRumoursFromInes · 19/05/2023 21:01

River Island kids' shoes are narrow. I'm a narrow size 3 and shoes from there fit well. Not sure if the kid section goes up to a 6/7 but worth checking out.

thank you

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JoeMaplin · 20/05/2023 09:05

I have narrow feet as do all my kids. School shoes were a nightmare and we often ended up with European males so might be worth considering those for heels?

ideally if you have an independent shoe shop - they might look like they are for ‘comfortable’ or problem feet, but they will definitely be able to advise on brands to look at.

High street wise - I would look at next, new look and Jones. These have sometimes worked. Both my daughters prom shoes were/are new look (one has prom this year). Both myself and one daughter even got ballet flats from new look when those were in fashion (I’ve never found a pair that fit -anywhere).

i see you’ve looked at Gabor - again they give the impression that the shoes might be ‘comfortable’ which unfortunately often go hand in Hand with wide, but I’ve had shoes and boots from here before.

my ankles used to be super slim, sadly now pretty destroyed due to rheumatoid arthritis but I never found an ankle strap good. The design of the shoe just doesn’t seem to work well on very narrow feet.

Aldo I see your daughter is a 6, like me which is often on display. Ask for a new pair to be brought out rather than trying the display shoe. I drive shop assistants mad by doing this but the display one is always stretched by people with wider feet trying it. Honestly, it can make a huge difference!!

AwkwardSquad · 20/05/2023 09:08

Depending on budget, it may be worth trying Hobbs. It’s been many years since I wore heels or anything scrappy, but I remember Hobbs shoes being narrow-fitting. I have very narrow feet and ankles, and shoe-shopping is an utter pain.

CindersAgain · 20/05/2023 09:19

There are lots of flat ones like this, but they’re more casual. There might be more formal ones out there.

https://www.johnlewis.com/mango-nani-buckle-slip-on-sandals-black/p110351357?size=6&s_ppc=2dx92700069723213768_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1p-zobqD_wIVzO7tCh28Wg2jEAQYBCABEgK5oPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Mushroo · 20/05/2023 09:25

I have the same problem and actually get on really well with Primark shoes!

Otherwise dune / aldo as mentioned.

or if you want to splash the cash Russell and Bromley

Sewaccidentprone · 20/05/2023 09:34

I have exactly the same issue!

Though I’m now a lot older so no longer look for high heels.

I always found Dune to be narrow fitting

BunnySneezes · 20/05/2023 09:35

Insoles (doubled up if necessary) also work for me. You can't see them when your feet are in them!

Cyclingmummy1 · 20/05/2023 12:41

I've never got on with ankle straps. If you pull them tight enough to keep the shoe on, you can't move your ankle. I much prefer a strap across the foot.

ittakes2 · 20/05/2023 16:31

JoeMaplin · 20/05/2023 09:05

I have narrow feet as do all my kids. School shoes were a nightmare and we often ended up with European males so might be worth considering those for heels?

ideally if you have an independent shoe shop - they might look like they are for ‘comfortable’ or problem feet, but they will definitely be able to advise on brands to look at.

High street wise - I would look at next, new look and Jones. These have sometimes worked. Both my daughters prom shoes were/are new look (one has prom this year). Both myself and one daughter even got ballet flats from new look when those were in fashion (I’ve never found a pair that fit -anywhere).

i see you’ve looked at Gabor - again they give the impression that the shoes might be ‘comfortable’ which unfortunately often go hand in Hand with wide, but I’ve had shoes and boots from here before.

my ankles used to be super slim, sadly now pretty destroyed due to rheumatoid arthritis but I never found an ankle strap good. The design of the shoe just doesn’t seem to work well on very narrow feet.

Aldo I see your daughter is a 6, like me which is often on display. Ask for a new pair to be brought out rather than trying the display shoe. I drive shop assistants mad by doing this but the display one is always stretched by people with wider feet trying it. Honestly, it can make a huge difference!!

thank you - I have looked at Next but you have reminded me of Jones and new look thank you.

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ittakes2 · 20/05/2023 16:31

Sewaccidentprone · 20/05/2023 09:34

I have exactly the same issue!

Though I’m now a lot older so no longer look for high heels.

I always found Dune to be narrow fitting

thank you we are trying some dunes today!

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IDontWantToBeAPie · 20/05/2023 19:41

If it's mostly the ankle you can get a leather punch and add an extra hole. I've always had to do this for watches as I have tiny wrists (unlike the rest of me sigh)

woodhill · 20/05/2023 20:07

The John Lewis Mary Jane shoes are good but they are flats but may be useful for a different occasion I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?  https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-harrietta-leather-t-bar-mary-jane-square-toe-ballerina-pumps/p109963275?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

AliMonkey · 20/05/2023 23:51

DD wore these recently for prom: https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/footwear/shoes/occasion-shoes/black-suedette-block-heel-sandals/p/842144301

New Look had a surprising number of narrow shoes and you could easily add another hole on strap if needed. DD normally wears flat shoes so these were ideal as not too high. Her feet did hurt by end of night though!

Black Suedette Block Heel Sandals | New Look

Shop Black Suedette Block Heel Sandals. Discover the latest trends at New Look.

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/footwear/shoes/occasion-shoes/black-suedette-block-heel-sandals/p/842144301

ittakes2 · 21/05/2023 11:18

woodhill · 20/05/2023 20:07

The John Lewis Mary Jane shoes are good but they are flats but may be useful for a different occasion I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?  https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-harrietta-leather-t-bar-mary-jane-square-toe-ballerina-pumps/p109963275?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

Thank you - you have reminded me she used to wear Mary Janes when you’ve so worth considering as an option for 6th form.

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ittakes2 · 21/05/2023 11:19

AliMonkey · 20/05/2023 23:51

DD wore these recently for prom: https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/footwear/shoes/occasion-shoes/black-suedette-block-heel-sandals/p/842144301

New Look had a surprising number of narrow shoes and you could easily add another hole on strap if needed. DD normally wears flat shoes so these were ideal as not too high. Her feet did hurt by end of night though!

Thank you these have been the sort of styles we have been looking at so will take a look.

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