Flat Shoes

[MrsC]

I bought two pairs of flat ballet shoes, one red, one black that I love....but my feet do not agree with me.
I don't often wear shoes on bare feet for exactly this reason. I wore the black ones to work for the first time tihis morning and after the ten minute walk, I can count 6 blisters, on my heel and my toes.
I always have this problem. I also have poor circulation in my feet, they're freezing constantly. They've always been like ice blocks, which is why I don't wear sandals often.....it's too cold in the office. I'm a wuss when it comes to my feet.

I bought the flat shoes thinking they would be good for my walk to the office. The dress code is casual so I can wear jeans with them.

Does anyone know of comfortable flat ballet shoes? Or even shoes with a heel that will not cripple me. I'm 5 ft 1in so I could do with a heel. I actually like heels, again, it's the blisters and cuts that stop me from wearing them. Do I need to sit out the pain and just let my feet toughen up a bit?

[Bittersweet]

Sorry, blisters suck!
I have narrow heels and can't wear ballet flats without adding heel grips like these: http://www.footpetals.com/cgi-bin/fo...FRBbagodCG3D-A
Without them I'm covered in blisters within minutes.

[MarissaNicole]

I used to always wear flat/rounded toe shoes because I think women's dress shoes are the MOST uncomfortable thing in the world!

I have had luck with ALDO shoes and they aren't too bad - they make them in a two inch heel which is actually managable for me and my lack of coordination!

I also have a pair of BORN sandals and my husband just bought a pair of their dress shoes (for being on his feet all day) so I would recommend checking them out as well!

[MrsC]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check these out.

I have wide feet so a good fit is hard to find.

[oceanchild]

I'm betting the bare feet are the bigger problem. I usually end up wearing awful sheer knee-highs, because otherwise I destroy both my feet (blisters) and the shoes (sweaty gross).

[alison]

I agree with Julia. I wear these and they help! http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3032086/...bo=6014318&P=1

[McPants]

The gf is the same when it comes to shoes, she is definitely a foot wuss. What she recommends is wearing band aids on places that you most commonly get blisters (we go through a lot of plasters that way!) and wearing those small socks that are made out of pantyhose material to act as a buffer between foot and shoe, but that can't be seen when wearing the shoes. Compeed band aids are the best, but they're pricier than regular ones.

As for types of shoes, she says she has the most trouble with shoes that are a very rigid material, they rack up the blisters. She as much as possible wears shoes made of soft and pliable material, it tends to rub less. H&M flats are her favourites.

And finally, according to her 'feet hardening' doesn't work, and she has the scars to prove it!

[NYCHoosier]

I bought two pairs of flat ballet shoes, one red, one black that I love....but my feet do not agree with me.
I don't often wear shoes on bare feet for exactly this reason. I wore the black ones to work for the first time tihis morning and after the ten minute walk, I can count 6 blisters, on my heel and my toes.
I always have this problem. I also have poor circulation in my feet, they're freezing constantly. They've always been like ice blocks, which is why I don't wear sandals often.....it's too cold in the office. I'm a wuss when it comes to my feet.

I bought the flat shoes thinking they would be good for my walk to the office. The dress code is casual so I can wear jeans with them.

Does anyone know of comfortable flat ballet shoes? Or even shoes with a heel that will not cripple me. I'm 5 ft 1in so I could do with a heel. I actually like heels, again, it's the blisters and cuts that stop me from wearing them. Do I need to sit out the pain and just let my feet toughen up a bit?

I want to show this to my DH who thinks I'm the only woman who has issues finding comfortable flats.
They're a splurge and they're kind of overdone, but I've had incredible luck with Tory Burch Revva flats.
As for heals, I find strappy sandals made of actual leather are the way to go. There are usually some good finds at Kenneth Cole outlets.

I also got a relatively comfortable pair of flats from Urban Outfitters once, but they fell apart within 2 months. Boo. Thus, I buy shoes that cost 10x as much that also last 10x as long...or more.

[Vishenka69]

I agree with Julia. I wear these and they help! http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3032086/...bo=6014318&P=1

These are great. I usually get them in nude, so that I can wear them with any color flats. When buying shoes, make sure they bend easily, this includes the heel. The softer the material, the less they'll cut into your feet (suede is usually softer than leather). Another thing that helps is to wear a damp sock/stocking on your first wear (I only do this at home). The moisture helps stretch the shoe to your foot shape. And of course there are always band-aids.

[MrsC]

I have a few pairs of the tiny socks and for some stupid reason didn't wear them yesterday
Dh thought it was hilarious as I applied 4 band-aids to my feet this morning, with one of my baby toes completely skinned and cut.

I would have thought the material was soft but I guess not soft enough.

Does anyone know where to get knee-highs in the palest shade possible? They're always too dark. My foundation shade is translucent...that's how pale I am

I have a pair of Clarks flats (red patent ) that I like. I got those little socks but, d'oh, grabbed white. I need to go back and get nude. I think they make a huge difference on blisters and rubbing as well as stinkiness. Not that any of us have stinky feet, of course.

[alison]

I have a pair of Clarks flats (red patent ) that I like. I got those little socks but, d'oh, grabbed white. I need to go back and get nude. I think they make a huge difference on blisters and rubbing as well as stinkiness. Not that any of us have stinky feet, of course.

No.... iMSNers don't have stinky feet.

Have you ever smelled one of those little socks after a full day of walking?

(I haven't, of course. )

[Vishenka69]

I used to get mine at Loehmann's. I think there's one in Philly. They have them in a pretty much translucent shade.

I can't make it half a mile in 4" heels but flats make my feet hurt if I do much walking. It's almost like the heel is too low or something.

[Vishenka69]

I can't wear complete flats either. I need at least an inch. For anything lower (like sneakers) I use an arch insert, it give the feet an illusion of a heel and makes walking a lot more comfortable. I can walk or dance in heels with no problems but have a hard time standing, haven't been able to find an explanation for that anywhere. May be my center of gravity is off.