Shoe question,might seem silly, but.....

[airlink diva]

I have a shoe question that might seem silly to some, but I need some advice.

On my job, I work in steel toe boots. I can't recall the last time since April 2007 when I wore some high heels.

I leave on a 14 day cruise next week.

I purchase a cute pair of clear shoes to wear with all of my evening outfits. They fit perfect, but.....I had the hardest time walking in heels!!

Now, I'm a 40 year old woman so it's not like I'm just starting out in heels and I use to wear them on a normal basis about four years ago (I was working at a casino full time and an airline part time).

Now I need help in trying to walk in my heels!! I'm walking around the house, trying not to fall and not look silly. I have some dress flats, but really want to wear my heels.

Help!!!!!!!!

[bobandkelly]

Keep walking and practicing. I went for a long time and did not wear them but I learned again! Now I keep finding new ones to buy!

kelly

[CowPrincess]

Yup, practice. Practice in the morning, practice in the evening. Go outside in them, too :) It'll give the neighbors something to talk about! I'm in the same boat -- wore heels my entire adult life, till 8 years ago when we moved to the sticks. I can barely stand up in high heels now, but own SEVERAL pairs I will be practicing in.

 

Also, I've found my posture has deteriorated since starting to wear low heels only. So I need to get out a book and practice walking barefoot with the book on my head. That may help you, too.

[venusbello1]

Yes, as everyone as said, just practice! I'm the exact opposite, I put on flats and I'm tripping all over myself--go figure:rolleyes:

 

I broke a bone in my foot a few years ago and had to walk in sturdy flats for 6 weeks... and as soon as I could wear heels again they were on my feet! I'm not talking 5 inch stilettos, but I am much more comfortable in anything with a heel!

 

Good luck and have a fabulous time on your cruise!

VB1

[cb at sea]

Just make sure to keep your butt tucked under! And make sure the soles are scuffed, so you don't slip!

[Willie T]

Can you get some training wheels?:D

[Jane110]

Practicing is good advice.

 

But just as important, or even more important, is the both the quality of the shoe and the Last:

 

Quality - Unfortunately, many women skimp on this because they won't be wearing the shoes often and don't want to spend much. Most understandable, but makes for uncomfortable shoes. The most comfortable ones are made in Italy, France and Germany. If they're made in China, you're guaranteed cheap, shoddy construction that is unlikely to feel good on your feet, same goes for Brazil.

Check the soles - are they leather or fake? (If you're not sure, leather will alway proudly state the fact).

A fake leather sole doesn't breathe, doesn't conform to the natural contours of your foot, has no natural cushion and usually doesn't bend easily/

Are they leather lined? A leather lined shoe will support and hug your foot and add comfort.

 

 

The Last - The last of a shoe is the slope upon which it's built. It's the ratio that determines how the weight is distributed between the ball of the foot and the heel. So, for example, a 3" heel on an Italian shoe is comfortable for me, but a 3" heel on a Spanish shoe puts all the weight on the ball of my foot and I can't wear them. Only trial and error can determine what's comfortable for you. But I can tell you that high heels made in Spain are uncomfortable for many women. I have a lot of Stuart Weitzman shoes, and he manufactures in both places. His Italian models are like heaven and a couple of times when I forgot to check, I ended up with shoes from Spain that hurt my feet after 3 hours of wear.

 

Good luck.

[cruzkitty]

Just keep practicing and even put a little music on -it Helps!

[luckycruzer]

Just make sure to keep your butt tucked under! And make sure the soles are scuffed, so you don't slip!

 

I wear some dressy wedge peep toe. and sometimes they and some other short heels shoes slip in the Lido, on the tile floor. Since food is dropped, the greasy residue stays, so just watch your walking, it has even happend on onther than DR floors, Yep, sand the new bottoms, walk small. lucky

[Jane110]

For someone who's not totally comfortable with high heels, I'd recommend staying away from wedges (other than a ropey, rubber soled espadrille)

 

Wedge shoes don't move and it's much, much easier to lose balance, slip on an edge and go flying.

 

I wear 3" high heels all the time - sometimes all day - without a problem, but I stay away from wedges because I think they're dangerous, even for me.

[venusbello1]

You advice is invaluable to this board--I alway love hearing your take on things! :) I guess that's why you are in the fashion industry!

 

So can you tell me why I can't walk in flats or flip flops? Silly question I know, but I was just wondering? Flats make my feet hurt unless they are ugly hiking sandals or such!

 

By the way, to the OP, have a fabulous cruise and good luck with the heels!

 

VB1

[Jane110]

You advice is invaluable to this board--I alway love hearing your take on things! :) I guess that's why you are in the fashion industry!

 

Gee thanks! :o What a lovely thing to say. :)

 

So can you tell me why I can't walk in flats or flip flops? Silly question I know, but I was just wondering? Flats make my feet hurt unless they are ugly hiking sandals or such!

 

I can't tell you the scientific reason, but can tell you that I can't either. I can wear flat sandals if they hug my foot tightly, or a loafer with a 1/4" - 1/2" heel, but all those ballet flats that are so popular? I can't wear them at all.

I also can't wear flip flops because my foot is a bit narrow and they're never snug enough to hold my foot in securly, so my toes have to "work" to grip them and keep them on my feet.

Maybe that's your issue as well?

 

By the way, to the OP, have a fabulous cruise and good luck with the heels!

 

VB1

 

I'll drink to that! :D

[airlink diva]

Thanks for the advice!!

I been practicing in the shoes, but I think that they will win the battle. I have some nice black pumps that I'm going to change to.

I admit to Jane110 the shoes in question are made in China. I think also part of the problem is the shoe is a mule like that's open in the back. They are cute shoes, but are killing me!! Now I have some wonderful Italian pumps that I purchased from Lord and Taylor a while ago and they are great, but alas, these shoes are navy blue and white. I only want to take one pair of shoes to wear with all of my dinner outfits.

Happy sailing!!

[AmberMarie]

I looked silly walking in heels for the longest... but by my 3rd cruise, I finally had it down a little better. lol Cruising is basically the only time I ever wear them!

[Jane110]

Thanks for the advice!!

I been practicing in the shoes, but I think that they will win the battle. I have some nice black pumps that I'm going to change to.

I admit to Jane110 the shoes in question are made in China. I think also part of the problem is the shoe is a mule like that's open in the back. They are cute shoes, but are killing me!! Now I have some wonderful Italian pumps that I purchased from Lord and Taylor a while ago and they are great, but alas, these shoes are navy blue and white. I only want to take one pair of shoes to wear with all of my dinner outfits.

Happy sailing!!

 

 

As I said, shoes made in China are almost guaranteed to hurt.

 

Being mules shouldn't effect the comfort. They're probably plastic shoes, with plastic soles and not much effort going into the fit or construction.

 

Maybe invest in a pair of comfortable black italian pumps in a fairly classic style and you'll find that you'll wear them regularly?

[cruiseman40]

my wifes says practice, practice practice.... i say, do they make steel toed pumps? I highly don't recommend foot binding either! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footbinding