Msrose, one pair of good comfy shoes can take you a lot of miles. ;o)

It seems like the majority of shoes I see are pointy toes and I'm trying to figure out how that can possibly be comfortable. I love the look, but how can we squish are toes into a point and call it comfortable?

the really pointy toes are not a particularly attractive look, imo--- but they don't seem as trendy as they were a few years ago, thank goodness!- 5+ yrs ago it seemed that's all they sold, esp for formal wear.
to be able to wear them 'successfully', i think you need a fairly narrow and short foot- if you wear a size 9 like i do or larger, the added 1" or so on the front that makes up the point makes your foot look even longer and those with wider feet look even wider because their foot is really disproportionately larger than the pointy toe.

Round toes are the best in style look at the moment.
Clarks Indigo are generally comfortable and are usually cute/current.

msrose, I have the ColeHaan Talia pump in black leather. I bought them last year during Nordstrom's anniversary sale. I have a terrible time finding shoes that fit but these were so comfortable that I bought two pair. (I learned to always buy in multiples whenever I find something that fits :-))

I am anxiously awaiting Mitchdesj to post her shopping results! Bunions are not my friend.

I buy multiples too Marlene.

Interesting thread! Am I the only one who adores mules? (I am a clog person, though, when I am not dressed up). I find that many high heeled mules are extremely comfortable and wear them with pants to work.

ah Marlene, I did not get to go shoe shopping yesterday after all !! My free afternoon was spent cleaning and packing.

I'm going to be Montreal and Florida the next few weeks, I'm going to make this a priority for sure. And I'll report back, lol�.

msrose, did you have any luck finding shoes? I was wondering if you ordered the Cole Haan pumps.

Mitch, would love to hear what you found in Montreal and Florida. I should have told you to buy in duplicate and send one set to me :-). From seeing just a couple of pics of your home, I can tell your taste is exquisite.

Marlene - It's funny you brought this up, because I was just on the phone with my mother talking about shoes. I finally decided last week to order the Cole Haans and and wouldn't you know they were sold out of my size. I ended up getting them at Amazon for $50 more! I've decided maybe there's something wrong with my feet, because they weren't comfortable at all. Everything I've ordered squishes my toes. I have small feet, but I'm thinking maybe I need to try a wide. So, back to the drawing board!

Oh, msrose, darn! I was hoping they would work for you. I can so relate to your frustration (btw Cole Haan comes in wide).

I broke my baby toe the other day and all I can think of is "and I thought it was difficult to get shoes to fit before!"

Those square-toed shoes don't look comfortable to me because the toe box is so flat. I need toe room.

I have a comfortable pair of Strictly Comfort heels from JC Penney that gets compliments every time I wear them. They have a round toe and a curved heel, with two thin straps over the instep. I'm not sure they're still sold, as I got them over a year ago.

I've never heard of Strictly Comfort heels, but I'll definitely check it out. Thanks!

Msrose, for years I was able to go up 1/2 a size and wear Areosoles and Easy Spirit. (I was always a 51/2 wide but after kids found I could bump up to a 6. )
However, I haven't been able to wear the Areosoles or Easy Spirits lately. They ar too tight. And, when I order the wides, they fall off my feet.
During the summer I wore the ballet crocs and for the winter I still have shoes but I keep looking. I try to have back up shoes because since it is so hard I don't want to be caught short.
I have a comfortable pair of Eccos. Have you been to The Walking Company? They have all comfortable shoes. There is also a sight called Walking on a Cloud. com. They have only companies that have comfort shoes.
I have heard that Taryn Rose shoes are supposed to be comfie. But, they are expensive. I know sommeone who only wears them so if they work they are worth the splurge.

My DD wears size 4-5 & has found Sam Eddelman (sp) to be comfortable for her. She has gotten them at Nordy's or Zappos. She also wears Frye kid's boots that have a little heel on them. it is really a challenge to get shoes to fit a small foot. I have matured into a size 6, but still have trouble. I did recently find some comfortable Naots in a size 36, and you would probably be a 35. I think they do have some heels. I went all around Paris recently in the Naots with NO foot discomfort at all...unheard of for me, because I also have a type of inflammatory arthritis.

My DD has also worn Clark's Indigos which to come in a heel, but more a chunky heel, I think. Good luck!!

Update on my shoe shopping: shoe/boot actually. In Montreal I bought a pair of suede booties with a not too high wedge, London Fly is the brand, they fit wide and are stylish and comfy. In Florida I bought 5 pairs of ballet flats, Sam Edelman,
at Nordstrom's, cobalt and purple suede, bronze striped (zappos), black leather with little gold mini studs all over, and black suede with large beads on the toe box (zappos),
I am able to make the ballet flats fit well with inserts to pad the heel part so they do not float.
I also bought a pair of black high leather boots In Florida of all places, but those will be worn for winter and fall on dry ground, they are not lined. I will put a gel insole in them since I got a half size bigger to accommodate my bunion. I'm quite happy with my purchases. It's a lot of $$ all in all but the way I see it , I can't wear the expensive and gorgeous designer high heels so in the long run I save money . My wardrobe is built around my shoe limitations since I cannot wear a pump at all.

I'm sharing your dismay msrose. out of several pairs of heels (some pricey, some not so much) that I bought recently, every single one has stretched to the point that I'm walking out of them due to my narrow heel. The usual inserts, pads, etc. don't even fix the problem.

So, I've become a Mary Jane convert, as that seems to be the only way I can get a shoe that stays on. I'm thinking it's because I also have a high instep - heels never fit in the arch, but the Mary Janes too because the strap makes the shoe "hug" that area. Fortunately, it's a popular style these days, so I've been able to find a number of pairs with high heels.

I wish I could wear flats, but they just don't work for me. Right now I'm looking for a "classic" slip on/loafer that has a bit of a heel but doesn't look matronly.

I have a friend with a narrow foot. She buys the shoes and creates her wardrobe about them. One years it was pink flats!

mitchdesj - Wow! I can't believe what good luck you had!

lizzie_grow - The Clarks Indigo has been mentioned before. Is there something about the Indigo that makes them better than the rest of the Clarks?

ellendi - Thanks! That gives me a few more to check out.

I'm having surgery on the 23rd, so I don't want to order anything right now and have to worry about returning it while I'm recooperating, but as soon as I'm back on my feet, I'll place my next order. I'll let y'all now if I actually find anything that works. I only go into work occasionally, but the last time I went in, I was actually embarrassed by my brown shoes, so I have to find something. Until then, I have to remember to wear the black ones, not the brown.

goldgirl - You may have something there. Maybe I should try a Mary Jane in a wide!

msrose, I hope your recovery from your surgery goes smoothly!

Mitch, I just ordered (last night) the Sam Edelman ballet slippers last night! One pair (the black leather) is waiting to be picked up today and the others will be shipped. All three are black. I hope they fit as well as yours do.

Thanks for the update.

good luck Marlene !

as an additional explanation to my wild recent shoe shopping spree, I've basically bought no shoes in the last 2 years, it seems like I went to town and I did, but I don't do this every 3 months. Just saying, lol.

I also have resorted to Mary Jane type shoes because of high instep & narrow heel. I can get them with a wider toe box, and the strap helps hold them in place. I covet some fun flats, but they just don't work for me. Since I'm 5' tall, heels should be what I wear, but just can't do them.

Good luck with your surgery and your eventual shoe search!! BTW, not sure why my DD finds the Indigos better...maybe it's style and that she's been able to get them in a small size.

Thank you, Mitch. No explanations needed as to buying shoes. When I find something that fits (which is rarely), I tend to buy in multiples!

The Edelman black leather fit like a glove...better yet...fit like a comfortable shoe! (Well, I only tried on one shoe because of my baby broken toe). So, in addition to those which are being delivered, I just ordered another in red and purple (the color of my toe right now :()!

I can't believe I can get so excited over a pair of shoes that fit (well actually I can!)

Glad they fit; is that the red suede, I was eyeing those.

If they stretch, you can add an insole; I bought the small padded insoles you find at the drugstore but I'm also going to get the Tana leather insoles, I couldn't find those in Florida for some reason.

Yes, Mitch, the suede in Ruby Red.

I tend to dress in black (so much so that I once was asked if I were a member of a cult) and although I tend to go with black shoes as well, I love the occasional color.

Thanks so much for the information on the insoles. Suede does tend to stretch so they will be very helpful.

Oh man, I share everyone's pain. I have a narrow heel and need a tall toe box. Wides don't work. Mary Jane's work better than most, but my heel still slips. Most of the Mary Janes that I have found recently are very matronly. I found some shoes a few years ago that worked, so I'm still wearing them and they look absolutely terrible. I have a job in upper management and my work shoes definitely don't fit the bill. My casual look is usually super casual washed out jeans, so that I can wear my Keene slip ons - no way can I get away with a chic, casual look due to my lack of cute shoes.

And thank goodness I haven't had to dress up for a formal occasion in a couple of years, because the only heels I have are torturous for any more than a few minutes. I do better with sandals, and I'm practically distraught sandal season is over where I live.

I'm another one of those that buys online and returns almost everything. I've done it so many times that it's either shoebuy or onlineshoes.com that won't let me buy there anymore. :( I haven't yet been blacklisted by Zappos, but that day may come.

I am beyond wits end and am consumed by this problem. I have to make a bunch of business trips in the next two months and my shoes just are not appropriate. Ugh.

I have searched all over for comfortable dress shoes. After trying on numerous shoes in numerous price points, I found a comfortable pair at Payless of all places. I never go in there, but I wanted to get my daughter some ballet shoes and didn't want to pay a lot, so while there, I browsed for myself. I found payless karmen pumps to be very comfortable (and cheap at $20). I can't speak to durability as I have not had them very long. I think the style is classic enough, that they don't draw attention to themselves and as such don't scream "cheap"

http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?catId=&subCatId=&skuId=094015110&productId=70962&lotId=094015&category=&catdisplayName=Womens

I also happened upon a comfortable pair of booties at target. They look good with dresses, dress pants, and trousers. Merona Kole ankle boot.

http://www.target.com/p/women-s-merona-kole-ankle-boot-assorted-colors/-/A-14023011#prodSlot=medium_1_19&term=merona boots

Kimberly - Have you tried DSW? I've had luck there finding non-matronly Mary Jane-style heels, although I did buy a pair of funky/clunky Clarks MJ's to wear with tights and a casual skirt. Between there, Nordstrom, Zappos, and Famous Footwear, I've finally found some shoes that work. But I'm upset I can't wear the "classic" pumps I bought specifically to wear with suits. What a waste.

It's funny kristine mentioned Payless because I'm suddenly finding that the less expensive shoes are fitting me better these days. Guess I can't complain about that ;)

Gold, yes, thank you, I have spent many hours in DSW trying things on. I actually bought a pair of Naturalizer Mary Janes with a wedge heel there a couple of years ago, but they drive me crazy because they slip in the heel. I wear them anyway, because I have to.

I went to a "real" shoe store in my town last year, where they actually measure your feet and find shoes to fit. The guy there selected shoes for me that were incredibly tight and said that is the way I was supposed to wear them. The heel slipped even in some of those; I took all of them back, as they were so painful to wear around the house. I knew I'd never make it through even a half day at work.

Thanks!

Gold, yes, thank you, I have spent many hours in DSW trying things on. I actually bought a pair of Naturalizer Mary Janes with a wedge heel there a couple of years ago, but they drive me crazy because they slip in the heel. I wear them anyway, because I have to.

I went to a "real" shoe store in my town last year, where they actually measure your feet and find shoes to fit. The guy there selected shoes for me that were incredibly tight and said that is the way I was supposed to wear them. The heel slipped even in some of those; I took all of them back, as they were so painful to wear around the house. I knew I'd never make it through even a half day at work.

Thanks!

kristinekr - That would be something if a pair of $20 Payless shoes turned out to be the ones. I'm definitely going to check it out. I actually bought a pair of shoes from Target the other day, because they were the first pair I've tried that didn't squish my toes. They were an adorable pair of Mary Janes, but they were over 3" tall and I can't walk good in them, so I'm going to take them back.

kristine - have you looked at the various shoe inserts? I have a high arch, narrow heel and bony feet. Unless there is heavy padding in the shoe, there is always something in them that will rub my foot raw. I rarely find shoes that fit.

I mostly wear backless shoes so I don't have to worry about the heel issue. Some of the higher heel clogs look like boots when you wear them with slacks.

For other shoes I buy heel pads and inserts so I don't slip out of them or get blisters.

MSRose,that would be great if the payless shoes worked!

Deee, I have never used shoe inserts, but I was just looking at them the other day after trying on some target shoes that had such a comfortable foot bed. Do you reccomend any?

I also usually wear backless shoes--BOC clogs are my favorite. I also have a pair of higher heeled Sofft mules I like.

Ok, I'm starting my search again. I'm looking for a Mary Jane with more of a round toe. I'm noticing alot of chunky heels. Is that coming back in style? I found these and I can't decide if they're stylish or ugly. Earthies is the brand and they're $169 (yikes).

And here's another pair by Earthies.

Well, I love them both!!

How could I forget about EA? I have all my shoes in baskets in assorted colors as well as styles. All the sandles/flip flops have now been put away and i'm into the fall/winter 'collection'. The other day I pulled out a pair of tan shoes I hadn't worn in the last year(short heels), to wear with stretch pants. I had forgotten how comfortable they were and knew I wouldn't be kicking them off under the table.

I feel this brand is made for 'real' womens feet, women who have had kids and their feel may have 'grown' in width slightly, as mine have.

You may be able to find other style on zappos, but here's several styles from Macy's. Msrose, I know you've tried several different brands, have you tried this one yet?

Here is a link that might be useful: EA

Thanks, patty_cakes. I haven't tried those, but unfortunately it doesn't look like the come in my size (5).

I think I mentioned my DD (age 41) wears a 4-41/2, and her feet look really great in chunkier shoes like these. I'm going to show her these...maybe, just maybe the 5 would work!! Have you decided?

I know they are $$, but I have a hard time with shoes, and recently bought some $$ Naots, and they have been well worth the money...really working for me.

Msrose, are you sure a 5 1/2 wouldn't do? Normally I take a 5 1/2, but depending on the brand, need a 6.

Wouldn't these be great for Christmas? Thought I would tempt you a bit. ;o)

Here is a link that might be useful: EA shoes

patty_cakes - I can wear a 5 1/2 sometimes. For some reason, I thought the smallest size was a 6. I'll go back and check it out. Thanks!

lizzie_grow - I haven't placed the order yet, but I'm thinking about ordering the 2nd pair of Earthies I posted above and these:

Clarks Decade Rana

Clarks Diamond Opal

Carks Artisan Decade Capri

Hush Puppies Lolita

Msrose, on zappos, the smallest size is a 5, on Macy's site a 5 1/2.

Don't you think these would *have* to be comfortable?

Here is a link that might be useful: look here

I have difficult feet to fit as well and love Clark's. Born and Dansko also work for me.

I wasn't able to read through all the posts so perhaps 6pm.com was mentioned? I haven't ordered from them but have been told they have great prices. Free shipping but customer pays for return shipping. I believe they're associated w/Zappos.

We have a winner!!! I finally found a pair that I'm going to keep. I have to admit they're not near as comfortable as my Softspots and I don't think I could wear them all day, but since I only go in for meetings, I decided they would work. They squish my toes a little, so I'm hoping to come up with a way to stretch the toes. Any ideas? Now, I just need to find a black pair and I'll be all set.

Clarks Sapphire Juno

My dau has a friend who takes her shoes to a "cobbler" to get the toes stretched a bit. I know Nordstrom does this too...they have a toe lifter machine in the back. Glad you found something.

Those are really cute, msrose! Zappos has them in black in your size. I am so happy you finally found a pair!

Ok msrose, I don't like that these squish your toes. In my experience, if shoes are not comfortable from the get go they are going to be trouble.
Have you tried Ecco in a fabric? Or, Rieker? If these are going to hurt your feet, you might as well go to a Payless, and get a cheap pair that can hurt your feet!
I understand what you are going through. I have many shoes that I call my "looking cute while I walk to the car, then sit in a restaurant, then drive home, shoes". But, these are at least comfortable for what I ama describing. I can not wear them if I need to walk or stand on my feet too long.

This suggestion may not do you well at this time as the" Helle" closed toe heels are limited. However, for comfort , small sizes and quality you may want to keep a watch for future summer shoe sales. Some of the designs are a bit garish and some not but you will get compliments on your shoes and your feet will love them. They are made in Spain and have wonderful workmanship.

Here is a link that might be useful: Helle shoe's

I have these shoes "Tsubo" and they come in your size. I will buy more of this brand if I see them on sale with Sierra Trading post because of the comfort and looks. There is a bit of a problem with the sizing on this shoe though, you will need to go up at least half a size but possibly a full size. So, if you want to take a gamble and the size happens to work you've hit the jackpot. You cannot see the sole traction when on. These are very "classic" on but can be dressed up or worn casual dressy. They come in three colors and are very well made and have some traction on the sole. If you sign up for the coupons these can be had for $50.

I tried to link the page but it did not work. So, just do a Tsubo search on sierratradingpost.com.