The hunt for new black shoes

So if you saw my post yesterday http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-sadness you'll know that my lovely new Fugitive shoes won't be worn again by me. So I'm on the hunt for a replacement pair.

I'm
looking for heels no more than 2 inches, covered and pointy toes (but
not severely so), and all leather construction. I'm not as concerned
with the brand name or the longevity as I am the comfort factor. So here's a selection of
possibilities which are brands which have normally fit my foot and are
locally available.

I would like to get my hands on the DV Dolce Vita Geo D'Orsay flats that a few Fabbers have but alas, can't find in my size in stores or even on websites that are either in my size or that deliver to Canada. Even those listed on Amazon are third party shipping by a company that won't ship to Canada :(

So these are my options - any jump out at you for me to try on?

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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12 Comments

  • NDMom replied 9 years ago

    For summer and your style, I like #1 & #8.  What brand is #8?  I tried a similar pair in a brand called sixty seven and they were so uncomfortable for me.  Trying on, would be the best way to go, especially after your unfortunate incident yesterday!  Ouch!

  • Joyce B replied 9 years ago

    Pretty shoes but those D'Orsay kill my instep, that's why I'm hanging pn to my Trotters.
    Hopefully you will find what is good for you.

  • Thistle replied 9 years ago

    Oooh, I love #1!

    Do you have a store specializing in comfort near you?  If you were in my neck of the woods, I would take you to a store called Stan's. They only sell shoes that are "good" for your feet.

  • dustt replied 9 years ago

    SHannon I really like them all - I don't think I can pick!!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Shannon, I like these styles a lot. But I have one concern, and that is that even in a flat, a D'Orsay (or similar) may be exactly the problem. If the issue is a narrow footbed, then I think many D'Orsays may replicate the problem. It's not so much the heel height in this case, I suspect, as the shape of the shoe. Does that make sense? Then again, I could be totally wrong about that....

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Suz - you are correct of course. It is the shape of the shoe and not the heel that has become the issue. I think Thistle is right and I need to go and look at more comfort type brands, which Canadian Footwear sells. Of course, that's where I got my offending Fugitive shoes but still...

    And of course what worries me is that my Fugitive shoes were extremely comfy in the store and on their first outing. It wasn't until I wore them for the second time that the problem developed. It makes it hard to know if I've chosen the "right" shoe.

    Anyway, onward and upward right?

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    I know! This is the tricky part, for sure. I wonder if it might make sense to consult with a podiatrist. For a long time you thought it was the heel issue (and it might be, for your knee). But if there is another issue as well, it could be good to know what it is. Of course, they are likely to recommend the least stylish shoes possible! But then again, maybe if you discover the type of footbed that can work, you could adapt. You are a shopping wizard, which helps. 

    How about comparing the footbed/ last or shape of the two Fugitive styles you have? The bone ones have been no problem, right? I wonder if you took the black and bone to someone and said: Why do I have a problem with one and not the other? 

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    I swear sometimes you're in my head Suz! I actually measured the foot bed of the bone Fugutive shoes and the black ones and overall, the black ones measure 5/8" narrower at the center point than the bone ones. Definitely enough to push the arch support into the wrong spot. I then tried on all my most comfortable shoes and measured the width of the foot bed in the center point and determined what works for my foot (I have it written down at home otherwise I'd let you know what that was, not that you'd care - lol!).

    I have certain brands that are extremely comfortable in the foot bed area for me - Sam Edelman, Clarks, Aerosoles for example. I think I need to explore those options.

    And you are correct that I have two issues - I can't do a heel over two inches or my damaged knee starts to ache like crazy due to the alignment issue.

    Suddenly footwear has become a major thorn in my side. I miss the days when I could wear pretty much anything. Oh the joys of aging...oh and I forgot, I have also developed bunions. Such fun!!!

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    Oh, darling Shannon. Sorry about your poor footsies. Heck. I get fussy feet, and my feet are getting fussier. *sad face*.

    Just yesterday, I was with a client who bought these. And I'm considering a pair too (in coral)- because they are comfy: 

    http://www.zappos.com/franco-s.....ck-leather


    That said, Suz has a point too of course. 

    These d'orsays worked well for higher volume feet: 


    We will have fussy feet together, Shannon. And find solutions. Go Team Problem Solving Fussy Feet. xo

  • Diana replied 9 years ago

    So as we were discussing yesterday I have an opposite problem as you (pancake arches rather than too high ones) but I wonder if the solution is the same, ie shoes with side support. So maybe suz is right and you need a not-d'orsay style.

    And just throwing this out there although I don't know if you can get them in canada - those gold JC sling backs I ordered come in black. Link is in my other thread and the style is Jeffrey Campbell coolridge.

    ETA: Just saw the comment below me about orthotics.  That might be a really good idea.  I don't use customs - I use 3/4 length powerstep or superfeet in my boots and shoes, which work great for me and the 3/4 length means they don't squish my toes.  You do need a closed footbed though - so they don't work in sandals, d'orsays, etc. 

  • Neelie replied 9 years ago

    Perhaps you need a custom orthodic?  You may need to consult a Podiatrist as Suz suggested, and they can help you...you stand on a mirror and they check your feet, watch you walk etc.  It was a life saver for me when I developed Plantar Fasciitis.  Then you may have to size up a half size to allow for the insole.

  • Greyscale replied 9 years ago

    Have any of you tried J. Jill shoes? It's not a store I ever shop at, but their pointy-toe skimmers and d'orsays look like they might be comfy and good for my wide feet. I don't want to recommend them sight unseen, but maybe they'll work for you, Shannon:
    http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....=465441847

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