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Sandal regret!

19 replies

Surlaplage · 24/06/2023 14:07

There is only one kind of sandal I wear. It's a kind that crosses over the foot as it conceals a tattoo I hate. 3 summers ago they were all over the place and the fabric that crossed over the foot was made of elastic. I bought 3 pairs and last week my last pair broke.

I live in a very hot country and needed replacement ASAP, but couldn't find anything like the cross over style that I wanted. I ended up in a shoe shop and they were selling the same kind of style that I was looking for, but in leather. The sandals were around £50, down from £70.

I'm usually a 5 and a half but since having my most recent baby last year, I've gone up to a 6. However, all of my sandals tend to be a 5.

I'd been wearing socks and trainers all day so assumed my feet were extra swollen in the very hot weather we are having here. I asked for a 5 and told the lady they felt a bit tight. (Ive no idea why I didn't even ask to try the 6). She said leather always loosens after a day, and as I thought my feet were extra puffy, I took them.

Next morning my feet felt OK so I wore them to work but couldn't shake the feeling that they are too small, length ways! My toe isn't poking over the end but something feels a bit in the small side. It's very subtle. My colleagues said they look like a good fit. I've been wearing them again today and they are rubbing my toes a bit, which can happen with new shoes, I know.

It's too late to leave them back but I'm scared I'm stuck with shoes that are ever slightly too small. I hate being aware of my footwear as that means it's not 100% comfortable, and I'm all about the comfort. If they were cheap shoes I wouldn't care, but they aren't (not for me anyway).

Any tips or advice? Not sure what I want actually.

OP posts:
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Surlaplage · 24/06/2023 14:10

Something like this

Sandal regret!
OP posts:
Topictwenty · 24/06/2023 14:13

You can stretch them widthways but if they’re too short in the length then there’s nothing you can do about it

KirstenBlest · 24/06/2023 14:30

You only have one pair of feet and they have to last you a lifetime.
Feet often increase or decrease in size with weight change. Stick the pretty sandals in the cupboard and get ones that fit.

You can stretch shoes, or take them to a cobbler. Might be worth a try if it's the leather that's rubbing not the sole.

Could you put concealer or plaster over the tattoo, or go for the bobby socks look?

Lilliflip · 24/06/2023 14:38

If they’re not long enough for your feet, that won’t change, stick them on eBay and try to get ‘something’ for them and put it towards the next pair.
i know it’s disappointing and I’ve done the same!

SBAM · 24/06/2023 14:41

It won’t help with your current sandals, but they look very similar to the Hush Puppies Elena which come in a few colours and are very comfy - might be worth seeing if you can get hold of them where you are.

Surlaplage · 24/06/2023 16:49

Thanks everyone. They don't look too small but something about the way they fit feels like my toes are going to poke over the top, but they never do. I might think about selling them or even giving them away.

OP posts:
Surlaplage · 24/06/2023 16:50

Can feet get longer with age/pregnancy?

OP posts:
LadyGaGasPokerFace · 24/06/2023 16:55

Go to Deichmann, they have loads of crossover sandals there.

HappiDaze · 24/06/2023 17:17

M&S have quite a few

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HappiDaze · 24/06/2023 17:18

More

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Surlaplage · 24/06/2023 18:54

Thank you. The Deichmann website for my country had no crossover sandals when I looked last week. Don't have m&s where I am either sadly. Thanks for trying though!

OP posts:
TreesAtSea · 24/06/2023 19:48

Is the leather unlined or does it have a plastic or fabric backing to it? If unlined they will likely stretch in time, but of course that doesn't help you now. As PP said, a cobbler may be able to advise.

Have you tried Clarks or Clarks Outlet? Not sure what their shipping policies are, but they have sandals similar to those you describe.

Good luck!

KirstenBlest · 24/06/2023 19:51

Yes, they can get bigger with pregnancy. but it won't happen to everyone, and they may or may not go back to the usual size.
Mine grew a size and a half when I took up running.

If you are very overweight and lose a lot of weight, they can shrink.

Each foot is made up of 26 bones, 30 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, all of which work together to provide support, balance and mobility. When you are pregnant your weight and centre of gravity changes, and your feet have to keep you balanced etc.

I'm not a podiatrist or anything medical but there's plenty of info online.

Newname47 · 24/06/2023 20:27

I got a pair just like that in the crew clothing sale and they do stretch with use but obviously have to be comfy enough to use first!

Apricotton · 25/06/2023 00:19

Surlaplage · 24/06/2023 16:50

Can feet get longer with age/pregnancy?

Mine did. I went from a 5 - 5.5 to a size 6. My feet were very swollen on pregnancy too. The swelling went after the birth, but the length remained.

Sorry about your shoe situation. Very frustrating!

HalfasleepChrisintheMorning · 25/06/2023 07:11

Saltwaters?

QueueEtwo · 25/06/2023 10:37

I'd wear them round the house for a couple of days with some thick socks on but if that doesn't work put them on EBay or vinted

HundredMilesAnHour · 25/06/2023 10:50

Surlaplage · 24/06/2023 16:49

Thanks everyone. They don't look too small but something about the way they fit feels like my toes are going to poke over the top, but they never do. I might think about selling them or even giving them away.

Sounds like they are too small for you, length wise. That picture you posted (stock photo I assume) shows that the ones the model is wearing aren't long enough either!

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 25/06/2023 10:54

Which country are you in as I may be able to help? Especially if Spain/France.

Have you considered tattoo removal?

Birkies have similar crossover styles.

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