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Dressy shoes that don’t hurt!

(69 Posts)
Flaxseed Wed 18-Sept-24 15:08:41

I am trying to think ahead to a couple of Christmas (sorry to mention the C word!) events I am going to.
I still like fashion and have some nice little (not so little these days!) black dresses that I can wear, but just the thought of wearing my lovely Clarkes, kitten heeled sling backs makes my feet hurt!
They are low but I just find them too uncomfortable.
I have looked online for ideas for ‘dressy’ block heeled sling backs but they are either mega expensive, frumpy or look too painful to wear.
Anyone have any suggestions please?!

cari Thu 19-Sept-24 13:33:16

Have you tried pavers website, ther are pretty sparkly wedge sandals there which I have just purchased for a masquerade ball, and they are comfortable snd a bonus that they were on sale good luck

BigBopper Thu 19-Sept-24 13:34:39

I love Hotter shoes, dressy with a kitten heel and made of leather.

PilgrimQuill Thu 19-Sept-24 13:35:44

I use M&S black velvet slippers. They have good waterproof soles, wash well and are superbly comfortable.

Norah Thu 19-Sept-24 14:06:09

These come in black - the picture doesn't transfer well. I wear flat ballet type shes after knee surgery, believing they look nice with every item of clothing I own apart from silk column dresses.

Amazon: Veittes Women's Wide Width Flats Shoes - Ladies Cute Round Toe Slip-on Fashion Bow Ballet Shoes.
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 42 ratings
Price:£29.99

Norah Thu 19-Sept-24 14:14:24

These are comfortable, fun, and come in many other colours.

Visit the Frank Mully Store
Womens Pointed Toe Ballet Flat Knit Dress Shoes Low Wedge Flat Shoes Comfort Slip On Flats Shoes for Woman Classic Softable Shoes
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 166 ratings
£39.99

Beeb Thu 19-Sept-24 14:27:50

Hotter an Vionic are comfortable. Recently on Amazon I saw ‘ women’s dance shoes’ - character shoes have a solid heel and aren’t too high or expensive. I haven’t bought any though. Just a suggestion.

grandtanteJE65 Thu 19-Sept-24 14:31:55

Oreo

If you sell shoes that have been worn once only you can bet your boots they’re damn uncomfortable.
I really don’t think that for older people there is such a thing as dressy shoes you can wear all day.

There are only very seldom any dressy shoes for people of any age that can comfortably be worn for any length of time!

So the age-old advice is - know your shoe size, buy shoes now and break them in by wearing them for half-an-hour at least every day from now till Christmas.

Never buy shoes that feel uncomfortable, hoping you will be able to wear them - you won't!

Alternatively, you could go the round of nearby charity shops and hope to find a pair worn by someone whose feet are just a little larger than yours.

sandelf Thu 19-Sept-24 14:48:49

Would Pixie boots with matching tights work?

aonk Thu 19-Sept-24 14:57:30

Last year I needed shoes for a very dressy wedding. I found a pair at Air and Grace. Block heel sandals in various colours. The style is called Dancing Queen. They were so comfortable for the whole event. They were expensive by my standards but I knew I would wear them again and I have!

Catherine2 Thu 19-Sept-24 15:07:49

Try Hotter shoes they have an evening black suede block heel slip on
Their shoes soooo comfortable
Good luck

YorkshireT Thu 19-Sept-24 15:10:28

Pavers have a good choice. I just bought black block heel sandals, and black block heel shoes with a glitter toe!! Comfy and lovely looking.

semperfidelis Thu 19-Sept-24 15:16:39

This season there are plenty of fairly flat bar shoes around, now called 'Mary Janes'. I bought a pair in black patent leather with a small bow at the front. They're very comfortable and straight from M&S.

Milliedog Thu 19-Sept-24 15:17:39

I have duck shaped feet - wide at the toe end and narrow at the heels. For my (recent) daughter's wedding I bought some wonderfully comfortable, heeled, gold court shoes. I wore them all day and they were great. I did wear them around the house for a few days before the wedding, but recommend them.

Labadi0747 Thu 19-Sept-24 15:34:32

Absolutely brilliant post. I have found so many new brands of comfort shoes I never knew existed

Norah Thu 19-Sept-24 15:43:13

These or a silver of black glitter version are nice peeking out under long clothing.

Visit the ESSEX GLAM Store
Womens Ladies Flat Ballet Glitter Bridal Bridesmaid Prom Dolly Sparkly Pumps Slip On Shoes Size 3-9
3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 391 ratings
Price:£20.99

Norah Thu 19-Sept-24 15:53:28

Amazon: Visit the Castamere Store
Castamere Women Low Heel Pointed Toe Slip-on Sandals Wedding Dress 1 CM Heels
Search this page
£57.90

Grammaretto Thu 19-Sept-24 16:23:15

I can't wear pumps. They gape at the sides and you have to grip your toes to keep them on.
I have had Gabor with a small heel and a strap across. Very comfy.

I have had to give away a beautiful pair recently after wearing them to a wedding . I was on the dancefloor till after midnight but had to walk a mile home barefoot. Ouch! I can't remember the make unfortunately.

Claretjan Thu 19-Sept-24 19:08:46

Milliedog

I have duck shaped feet - wide at the toe end and narrow at the heels. For my (recent) daughter's wedding I bought some wonderfully comfortable, heeled, gold court shoes. I wore them all day and they were great. I did wear them around the house for a few days before the wedding, but recommend them.

Same shape feet as me Milliedog. Where did you get your shoes from?

Tish Thu 19-Sept-24 19:46:14

Lots of people like Esska… say they are very comfy… look at Vinted for pre-owned, sell them on if they don’t suit… enjoy!

Flaxseed Thu 19-Sept-24 22:48:44

Lots of suggestions - Thank you!

Ballet pumps are a total no go. They are too low. I am very short!
Boots won’t go with any of the dresses I have.
Yes, I am very fussy!
I will work through all of the suggestions and am grateful for them all. I had never heard of half of the brands! thanks

GreyKnitter Thu 19-Sept-24 23:04:48

I always wear flat black or navy ‘pump’ type shoes. No one rally notices - I hope - and comfort is the order of the day. I’ve bought them in supermarkets and my navy ones were a bargain last autumn in accessorise for £5 in the end of season sale!

Nano14 Thu 19-Sept-24 23:17:42

Pearl30

Found a few examples on a google search of comfortable dress shoes for women. Here’s an orthopaedic example, reduced to £49.95 and in size 4. (I hope the link works).
firalli.com/products/lotte-chic-comfort-heels?variant=48330167779673

Had a look at these and love the look of them. I was about to order a pair, but decided to have a look at reviews of Firalli on Trust Pilot. I'm afraid the reviews of this company are terrible.

Pearl30 Fri 20-Sept-24 07:13:50

Nano14
Thanks for letting us all know the results of your extra research into this company.

I’ve never used them and as I wasn’t buying from them I didn’t read reviews, nor think about doing so. (I always do check reviews before making a purchase). In future, I’ll make it clear in my posts as I wouldn’t want people disappointed or let down by my suggestions.

A good reminder to all. Thanks Nana14.

Tanjamaltija Fri 20-Sept-24 09:29:57

Gel insoles?

Nano14 Fri 20-Sept-24 11:11:24

Pearl30

Nano14
Thanks for letting us all know the results of your extra research into this company.

I’ve never used them and as I wasn’t buying from them I didn’t read reviews, nor think about doing so. (I always do check reviews before making a purchase). In future, I’ll make it clear in my posts as I wouldn’t want people disappointed or let down by my suggestions.

A good reminder to all. Thanks Nana14.

Thank you for your reply, Pearl130. I was very disappointed as they're lovely looking shoes and would probably have ordered at least a couple of pairs in different colours.