Shoe rant, & what's a comfy brand?

novella1186

I'm not much of a brand person, and I never spend the money on designer labels, but I decided the one splurge for my wedding would be a pair of Badgley Mischka high heels. When else am I ever going to buy something like that? I wanted shoes that were really girly and pretty but also comfortable since I'm not much of a high heel person (but I didn't want flats because my FI is 6'3" and I'm 5'1"). After 6 months of relentless searching, talking myself out of them because of the cost, and then talking myself back into them because everything else for our wedding has been coming in under budget and I haven't splurged on anything, I finally found the most amazing, perfect pair I've ever seen. They arrived yesterday and I ripped the box open like a little kid on Christmas. Could not put them on fast enough. And then I almost cried I was so disappointed. For designer shoes that cost nearly $300, you'd think they'd be just a tiny bit comfortable. I have several pairs of comfy heels that I can wear for hours. But these were not one of those pairs. They are seriously the most uncomfortable shoes I have ever put on. I could not even walk down the hallway of my house. I'm sending them back, but I still keep staring at them and feeling like crap because my dream shoes suck.  

I just ordered a pair of Betsy Johnson shoes from her "Blue" line because a lot of reviewers said they were extremely comfortable to walk in, so hopefully I won't be returning those. Again, I've never been into brand names, but I just want the stupid shoes to be special and beautiful and something I can splurge on just for me, since I don't typically do that. Has anyone else bought a pair of super comfy, pretty heels? What's a good brand? If the Betsy Johnson pair doesn't work, I will be at a loss.  

CMGragain

There is no such thing as a comfortable high heeled shoe. 

chibiyui

I will disagree with CMGrgain in this insistence. There are comfortable heels, but they aren't easy to find.

First, different feet have different needs. I can't wear Madden Girl heels but I horde Franco Sarto's when I find them on clearance. So comfy. I've worked 12 hour shifts in 3 inch pumps, running all over, and my feet are fine. I highly recommend if you can, go to a high end department store and try on shoes. Those mofo's are on commission, if you let them know you are looking for splurgey, yet comfortable wedding shoes, they will help you. And they know what they are talking about.

If you're not close to a high end department store, thats fine. The internet is a god-send for heels. I bought my Miss L Fire wedding shoes off Amazon, without trying the brand before. As long as you're buying from a site that allows easy returns, it's totally cool to the buy and try.

Now, for some bad news. Super skinny stilettos with no support are rarely comfortable unless you are super used to heels or you have blessed feet. 

Better news, unless you have a a tea length or shorter dress, no one will see your shoes. You can wear whatever you want and look fabulous.

This shoe has good reviews, and a 2 3/4 in heel. I recommend sticking to 3 in' or less. It's amazing what a difference a half inch can make in shoes. 

Annie is a lower end brand, but notice the thicker heel. Thicker heel = more support. Easier to stand. 

http://www.zappos.com/annie-cameron-silver-mesh

Decent reviews, but they do say they lack arch support
http://couture.zappos.com/kate-spade-new-york-sage-gold-starlight

Thicker heel, 2 1/2 inch, leather insole
http://www.zappos.com/adrianna-papell-jamie-navy

These are definitely splurgey, but that lower heel still gives you lift, but saves your feet. 
http://www.zappos.com/stuart-weitzman-bridal-evening-collection-poco-pyrite-nocturn

And, if you're open to non-traditional wedding shoes, the internet is your oyster.

I lust after Miz Mooz. 
http://www.zappos.com/miz-mooz-cherub-cherry

Clarks. No, they aren't the prettiest. But oh my, are they comfy. Do you see that? 4 stars? out of 111 reviews? Yes, that is a solid shoe.
http://www.zappos.com/clarks-cynthia-avant-nude-patent

And finally. WEDGES. Wedges are so comfy. They distribute your weight, offer better balance, and oh my, less slipping on the dance floor. 
http://www.zappos.com/j-renee-chrissy-taupe

Best of luck to you, and let us know what you ultimiately pick. We're all shoe whores here!

Rosebubbly

Apparently you love shoes as much as me! Kindred shoe spirits @chibiyui‌ !

als1982

Google 'Hey Lady' wedding shoes. That's where I got mine. They were incredibly comfortable!!

JasperandOpal

I wear heels all the time.  I find them to be super comfortable.  That said I have never tried on a pair of Badgley Mischka shoes that were comfortable. They just don't work with my feet I guess.  I am going to really upset you when I say I also find most Betsey Johnson shoes to be uncomfortable although that may have changed now that her shoes are designed by Steve Madden (I haven't bought a pair in quite a few years).  

I think shoes are difficult because people don't always realize how different everyone's feet are.  We know we all look good in different styles of dresses or different cuts of jeans but we have a hard time accepting that we can't all wear the same shoe or that one woman's Cinderella perfect fit is another woman's ugly step-sister experience.

I would suggest that, if possible, you stop ordering the shoes online unless the places you order from have free return shipping because the only way to know if a shoe will work is to try it on.

I also agree with what PP said about maybe going for a 3 inch or lower heel if you aren't finding things that are comfortable, or looking at shoes with a chunkier heel.  Also, I don't know what the shoes look like that you have picked but the style of the shoe could be the reason it is hurting you- if they are super strappy and you usually wear a more enclosed shoe, if they have a harder sole and you usually where a padded shoe, if they have a peep toe and you usually wear and enclosed toe.  It might be worth looking at different styles of shoes then. 

Nina shoes tend to be ok-comfortable for me. They also aren't prohibitively expensive (relatively speaking) so it feels less horrible if you need to add a gel insert. (<$100)

http://www.zappos.com/nina-crystah-ivory-satin

http://www.zappos.com/nina-carrie-platino

http://www.zappos.com/nina-rio-silver

http://www.zappos.com/nina-forbes-ivory-luster-satin

I have had a lot of luck with Ivanka Trump shoes because they have extra padding in them and the slope of most of the shoes works with the shape of my foot. I wear her more basic shoes for work all day long and love them. (100-250 range usually)

http://www.zappos.com/ivanka-trump-galant-2-champagne-beige

http://www.zappos.com/ivanka-trump-nola-2-ivory-satin

http://www.zappos.com/ivanka-trump-nanci2-ivory-satin

Stuart Weitzman as previously mentioned- so comfortable- so expensive (150-500 range)

http://www.zappos.com/stuart-weitzman-bridal-evening-collection-boodle-beige-moire-silk

http://www.zappos.com/stuart-weitzman-bridal-evening-collection-turningup-pyrite-nocturn

http://www.zappos.com/stuart-weitzman-bridal-evening-collection-trebow-silver-raso

http://www.zappos.com/stuart-weitzman-bridal-evening-collection-chantelle-gold-chantilly-lace

Jimmy Choo are even more expensive but are also comfortable. (500+)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/jimmy-choo-toga-lace-pump-women/3808036?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=807&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_2_C

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/jimmy-choo-evelyn-pump/3485287?origin=category

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/jimmy-choo-fayme-lace-platform-sandal/3641936?origin=category

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/jimmy-choo-lottie-sandal/3584693?origin=category

And for shoes made with comfort in mind that still manage to be at least somewhat nice/fancy (50-200)

http://www.zappos.com/naturalizer-inspire-night-pewter-printed-lizard

http://www.zappos.com/clarks-cynthia-fest

http://www.zappos.com/clarks-wessex-shay-beige

http://www.zappos.com/pikolinos-niza-935-7641-nude

http://www.zappos.com/geox-d-marieclaire-high-optic-white

http://www.zappos.com/tsubo-fifee-perf-buff-caviar-suede

Ndelible

I had the same problem. I love heels but normally cannot wear them. I found that a platform peep toe sling back works well for me. I need padding and sturdy heels. I started out with Zappos and returned every single one of them. They were relatively expensive and hard. Some hurt before I even put them on. I ended up getting a pair of Something Bleu low heeled peep toes. I love them and they are extremely comfortable. But expensive (around $300). I found a high heel Something Bleu shoe on sale on BHLDN for $60. I should get them this week. I tried on the Jimmy Choo glitter low and mid heel and did not find them comfortable at all. Plus, they did not make my feet look good.

arosboro

I sympathize Novella 1186 - I wanted to splurge for the fun fancy shoe for the 'big day' too.  Alas, my feet are too wide for any of the fancy designer shoes.  I'm instead having some custom boots made I think - that way I can wear them again.  Good luck! 

novella1186

You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the links and advice! 

theexactlee

chibiyui because Franco Sarto shoes are literally the most uncomfortable shoes in the world for my feet. They are so narrow and I have the widest foot. 

Tony Burch is a comfy brand. Kate Spade is semi comfy and adorbs.

Otherwise I got nothing. I'm getting white pumps and my girlfriend is making me Avengers shows. LOL

chibiyui

theexactlee said:

chibiyui because Franco Sarto shoes are literally the most uncomfortable shoes in the world for my feet. They are so narrow and I have the widest foot. 

Tony Burch is a comfy brand. Kate Spade is semi comfy and adorbs.

Otherwise I got nothing. I'm getting white pumps and my girlfriend is making me Avengers shows. LOL

Lol. Every foot is different. I have a semi wide toe box, but narrow heels. I live in Mary Janes and peep toes. That favorite pair of Franco sartos? Mary Jane peep toes.

Ndelible

BHLDN - the ones I got.  I already have a pair of Something Bleu and love them, so the price was worth the gamble.  The sale price is $60

Zappos - I saw these in Kate Spades in Nordstrom and they are not as high as I feared.  And they have a stretch strap so it will give.  The price is $325

Zappos - Another gorgeous shoe by Kate Spade!  The sale price is $197

Zappos - Here's that Kate Spade stretch slingback strap again.  The sale price $196.80

Zappos - Ivanka Trump that PPs have said are generally a comfortable brand with a platform that helps alleviates the heel height issue.  The price is $130

Zappos - Kinda obsessed with feathers and this Kate Spade slingback.  The sale price is $229.60

Happy shoe hunting!!!!

beachyone15

I have had good luck with Nina, or any type of wedge.

theartistformerlyknownas

I've also had good luck with Nina and Franco Sarto. If you really want comfort though, (don't laugh) Naturalizer actually has some pretty ones nowadays! Not your grandma's shoes.

http://www.naturalizer.com/en-US/Product/EC0214280-3012231/Naturalizer/Silver+Lizard+Print/Inspire.aspx 

http://www.naturalizer.com/en-US/Product/EC0213397-3008482/Naturalizer/Silver+Crosshatch/Danya.aspx

MandyMost

lolo883 said:

I've also had good luck with Nina and Franco Sarto. If you really want comfort though, (don't laugh) Naturalizer actually has some pretty ones nowadays! Not your grandma's shoes.

http://www.naturalizer.com/en-US/Product/EC0214280-3012231/Naturalizer/Silver+Lizard+Print/Inspire.aspx 

http://www.naturalizer.com/en-US/Product/EC0213397-3008482/Naturalizer/Silver+Crosshatch/Danya.aspx

I have wide feet, so I mostly shop online so I can filter for only shoes that come in wide. The first shoe I loved, but just didn't go with my dress well enough. The second shoe I own in a different color, and can wear dancing in all night. I considered getting it for the wedding in silver, but the heel is higher than I'd like (aiming for around 2 inches). 

emanon321

I've purchased this Adrianna Pepell shoe in nude for my wedding. I usually wear a Wide, but I purchased it up a size in Medium and I've found they're really comfortable and super pretty (wearing them around the house anyway). I've put them on at the bridal salon and everyone kept complimenting how pretty they look. I'm planning on getting some stick in pads for the back so the heel doesn't slip off at all, just in case, for the wedding day.

I tried them on at Dillards in the navy color, but then ordered the nude from Nordstroms. Nordstroms always has free shipping and you can return it in the store if they don't fit.

http://www.zappos.com/adrianna-papell-jamie-navy

Although, like @chibiyui‌ said, if you have a long dress, it really doesn't matter what your shoes look like. I have a tea length dress, so I was really picky. ^_^

Love the shoe picks @chibiyui‌!

aggiespartan

I have a pair of 4 inch heels by BCBG that are actually super comfortable.  I've been looking for some wedding shoes by them, but I'm not quite sure what I want yet.  They are definitely a brand I'm going to keep my eye out for though.  I have a short dress, so I'm looking for a wow shoe.

kla728

So much love to this thread... I am seriously slacking on finding shoes. My first fitting is in a week and a half but my trips to the stores have not been fruitful so the pressure is on! The links posted above are a real help.

ohannabelle

Daughter's shoes! First thing she bought, even before the dress. Love the blue soles.

For me, I love Nina, or Lulu Townsend, because they actually carry wider widths and I have freakishly wide feet. Like someone snuck a couple extra bones in there, or something.

I really lucked out today, and found a good knock off of the pewter colored Stewart Weitzmans on the clearance rack at DSW. Marked down from 70 to 35, and used my shopping points and brought the price down to 17. They look just like these, but slightly higher heel:

They feel great. Yay, DSW. 

mrsmagicgeek

Thanks for the lulu Townsend tip @ohannabelle‌! I also have wide feet. I just picked these up and I'm excited!

ohannabelle

foundmymagicgeek said:

Thanks for the lulu Townsend tip @ohannabelle‌! I also have wide feet. I just picked these up and I'm excited!

Oh, those are super cute!

 God, isn't nice to put on a pair of pretty shoes that actually fit? (Even when I weighed 115, I've always had really broad feet, and it just annoys the hell out of me!)

mrsmagicgeek

ohannabelle said:

foundmymagicgeek said:

Thanks for the lulu Townsend tip @ohannabelle‌! I also have wide feet. I just picked these up and I'm excited!

Oh, those are super cute!

 God, isn't nice to put on a pair of pretty shoes that actually fit? (Even when I weighed 115, I've always had really broad feet, and it just annoys the hell out of me!)

My feet have also always been very broad, a gift from my grandmother. My poor daughter has the same feet. Maybe I'll let her take a look when she's up. My mom keeps taking the poor kid to payless and she bits things that don't really fit right. I did some damage to my feet doing the same thing when I was younger.

novella1186

Well, the Betsy Johnson shoes did not work. I ordered them in a 6 cuz I'm consistently a 6 in every brand, and I couldn't even get my foot into them. So I exchanged them for a 7 and they were way too big. I don't even want to bother with the half size. I also ordered a pair of wedges in a 6 that seemed like they would be super comfy and cute, but for some reason they were HUGE and they don't come in any smaller sizes. The nearest big city is an hour away so it's easier for me to just order from Zappos (free shipping both ways) but this is beyond annoying at this point. My search continues. Thanks again for all the links and suggestions, ladies!

sarahufl

I wore Nina's (specifically, these)

They were actually incredibly comfortable. I put them on at 2pm and took them off around 9:30pm. No blisters or anything and the yellow was very cute

starlite21l

I have major foot issues- I have three screws and a staple in my right foot and ankle.  I just tried on Audrey Brooke Quillan Platform Pump and I loved them!  I'm pretty much ALWAYS a size 7 1/2 but I got these in an 8.  I'm not sure if I'll wear them for the wedding our our rehearsal dinner but regardless I love them!

frenchiekin

@novella1186 - Try Angela Nuran.  I bought a pair a couple of months ago for my wedding next year and they are the most comfortable heel I have ever put on.  They are designed by a ballroom dancer to be extremely comfortable and actually pretty.  I was NOT planning to spend almost $300 on shoes for my wedding, but I am always barefoot 2 hours into any wedding I attend because my feet hurt so bad and I really did not want to be doing that on my own wedding day (and dragging my dress around)!  They come in a few different heights and styles, the pretty clips/buckles at the toe are interchangeable depending on your style, and the front and ankle straps are totally adjustable for comfort/fit.  They are also dyeable (also not something I originally planned to get), so I am going to do a fun but subtle pop color  One of the best decisions I've made so far!! Good luck!!!!

http://www.angelanuran.com/products.html