Trouble finding heeled sandals that are comfortable.

[AlanaG]

I’ve bought two pairs of heeled sandals because I like the way they look. However I’ve not had good luck with the comfort of them. I can’t wear either pair for more than an hour and my toes just start to hurt something awful.


One pair is 14th & Union brand that I got from Nordstrom Rack, the other is Avenue brand that I bought off ebay. Both are 13W.
Does anyone have any suggestions, comments or am I the only one who has had this problem?

[Micki_Finn]

Interesting. Is it your toes themselves or more the ball of your foot? Do you have problems with other heels? Close toed shoes?

[AlanaG]

It's the toes. I have other heels that I can wear without a problem. I have a pair of 4" pumps, and two pairs of ankle boots with 2" heels that are not a problem.

[Paige Dehart]

try Aerosoles they are very comfortable.

[Sara Jessica]

That's funny, I was going to post about some exquisitely comfy sandals I bought this weekend at the Saks outlet. They are "Penelope" by Kate Spade. The only problem is that I don't know if they go up to a size 13.

[Pat]

Well, of course we all know that not all shoes are the size they say they are. But since you got these from two different places, I'd look at the commonalities. They both have a design that puts straps just over your metatarsal -- how do those straps fit? Part of their job is to keep your foot from sliding forward, but maybe they're doing too good a job. Do they leave a major indent after you've worn them for that hour? It could be the toe pain is a reaction to surface constriction further back on the foot. If you knock the back of your heel against something to move the shoe further forward on your foot when it starts hurting, does that relieve the problem any?

[AlanaG]

Well, of course we all know that not all shoes are the size they say they are. But since you got these from two different places, I'd look at the commonalities. They both have a design that puts straps just over your metatarsal -- how do those straps fit? Part of their job is to keep your foot from sliding forward, but maybe they're doing too good a job. Do they leave a major indent after you've worn them for that hour? It could be the toe pain is a reaction to surface constriction further back on the foot. If you knock the back of your heel against something to move the shoe further forward on your foot when it starts hurting, does that relieve the problem any?

Yes when I knock the back of my heel to move the shoe forward that does relieve the problem, but only temporarily. And yes the straps do leave major indents.



That's funny, I was going to post about some exquisitely comfy sandals I bought this weekend at the Saks outlet. They are "Penelope" by Kate Spade. The only problem is that I don't know if they go up to a size 13.

Kate Spade doesn't make size 13.


try Aerosoles they are very comfortable.

Aerosoles doesn't make size 13 either.


Thanks to everyone. Any one else wear size 13 wide heeled sandals that are comfortable?

[sometimes_miss]

Just keep trying on more shoes until you find a pair that's comfortable. It's one of the general problems with women's high heeled shoes; they aren't designed for comfort. Ask any podiatrist what they think of heels (other than they can get rich doing surgery on middle aged women's feet due to all the wrong shaped shoes they have worn throughout their lives!).

[AlanaG]

The problem with that is there is only one place within 20 miles of me that actually carries 13 wide, and that is Nordstrom Rack. I have been there probably 15 times and only twice was I able to find something I liked that actually fit. Granted, I'll keep trying. Just thought that maybe someone might say something that I haven't thought of yet.

[Lisa85]

Have you tried a 2 inch or 3 inch heel, that changes the pressure of the shoe bindings. There are numerous online sites that offer free returns in any size. Guess you can't use online shoping, in which case find an avenue store, NR is too iffy for large sizes. Do you really need a 13w? Some makers 12 or 12w may work and some 14's are way off and too narrow for male feet. Also narrow your search down to comfort shoes, they add extra cushioning. Also slingback designs often will offer a different feel on the foot. Worst case, go with a wedge. they are harder to find, but difficult to match comfort

[Samantha2015]

maybe try ball of foot pads to keep your feet from sliding forward in the shoe, also good for extra cushion.

[JenniferMBlack]

For me I can't wear any thing that put pressure around my ankles without haveing pain throughout my foot. Might be along those lines for you with the straps. Side note took me weeks to figure out why in Las then a few hours work boots were killing my feet.

[bridget thronton]

I love my Clark's heeled sandals they do 12w not sure about 13w

[Kaz]

I love my wedge heeled sandals.. 3" and they look cool. The trouble with buying shoes is that we should try them and walk around before we buy... as not all shoes suit our feet and walking gate. My wife never felt comfortable in heels. I love wearing them. My current partner loves 'Fitflops'. Life is a journey and sometimes you have to discover on your own. What works for me may not work for you. But try wedges! :)

[LindaAnne]

I have had the same issue, but finally (after many tries) found a pair that are truly comfortable, but good looking as well. I love wearing these around the house doing chores. These are made by 9-West and are "caserta platform sandals." Good luck in your search!
281611

[Jodi]

Those sandals are designed to be worn barefoot. If you are wearing them with hose, that is the cause of the problem. If you are wearing them with hose, try them barefoot.

jodi

[marshalynn]

Try Torrid shoes they have large sizes and come with a wide width. I have several pair and love them. I am a size 13 w also. Marshalynn

[Teresa]

Alana,
You could say welcome to the Cders World, many shoes look lovely but can't be worn for long periods. Many women can't wear peep toe shoes. In my case the straps would fall across my arthritic joints in my big toes, despite that I would still go out in them. My steel capped work boots hurt me as much and I know which I'd sooner be seen wearing .

[Bobbi46]

Teresa,
Are you saying you would prefer your work boots? Lol

[AnnaBMarie]

The straps on sandals are made to fit the contours of the female foot which is generally not as wide proportionally as a man's. That is why in many cases the strap the goes over the pinky toe is too tight. Unfortunately this usually doesn't happen right away. Shoes that start out feeling great turn into torture devices as things stretch and the foot creeps forward. The good news is that the "last" that shoemakers use is not the same from brand to brand. I've purchased some Franco Sartos that fit my anatomy perfectly, and some stretchy strap sandals from Target that work also. As others have said, you almost have to just try different brands to see and buy everything you can find. You also might try the sticky pads that go into the ball area to keep your foot from moving forward as much.

[Micki_Finn]

Keep in mind too that even though you are a 13 wide, the shoes may not be. Every manufacurer sizes differently. I wear anywhere from a 7 to a 9 1/2. The shoes may just be a half size too small.

[AnnaBMarie]

One other thing to try: They make shoe stretchers specifically for high heels, and the toe area can be adjusted with small spacers in a specific area. I've used it on several pair that seem to fit fine except for one little place.

[Teresa]

Bobbi,
I've never come across steel toe capped heels, that would make an interesting combination ! No I hate my work boots, but sometimes I don't have a choice .

[AlanaG]

Have you tried a 2 inch or 3 inch heel, that changes the pressure of the shoe bindings. There are numerous online sites that offer free returns in any size. Guess you can't use online shoping, in which case find an avenue store, NR is too iffy for large sizes. Do you really need a 13w? Some makers 12 or 12w may work and some 14's are way off and too narrow for male feet. Also narrow your search down to comfort shoes, they add extra cushioning. Also slingback designs often will offer a different feel on the foot. Worst case, go with a wedge. they are harder to find, but difficult to match comfort

Both of those that I have are 3" heels. I've not tried a 2". If I find some that I like I'll try them out. Thanks for the ideas. I can do online shopping but don't like to have to pay shipping to return items I can't wear. I'll look for those that offer free returns. As far as an Avenue store is concerned, the closest one to me is over 60 miles away.


I love my Clark's heeled sandals they do 12w not sure about 13w

Nope, no 13's.


I love my wedge heeled sandals.. 3" and they look cool. The trouble with buying shoes is that we should try them and walk around before we buy... as not all shoes suit our feet and walking gate. My wife never felt comfortable in heels. I love wearing them. My current partner loves 'Fitflops'. Life is a journey and sometimes you have to discover on your own. What works for me may not work for you. But try wedges! :)

Wedges are on my to try list.


I have had the same issue, but finally (after many tries) found a pair that are truly comfortable, but good looking as well. I love wearing these around the house doing chores. These are made by 9-West and are "caserta platform sandals." Good luck in your search!


Nine West also doesn't make 13's


Those sandals are designed to be worn barefoot. If you are wearing them with hose, that is the cause of the problem. If you are wearing them with hose, try them barefoot.
jodi

Yes I do wear them barefoot.


Try Torrid shoes they have large sizes and come with a wide width. I have several pair and love them. I am a size 13 w also. Marshalynn

Torrid does have some 13 wide sandals. Sadly they don't offer free shipping returns. So they would be a gamble. But I'll keep them in mind.


The straps on sandals are made to fit the contours of the female foot which is generally not as wide proportionally as a man's. That is why in many cases the strap the goes over the pinky toe is too tight. Unfortunately this usually doesn't happen right away. Shoes that start out feeling great turn into torture devices as things stretch and the foot creeps forward. The good news is that the "last" that shoemakers use is not the same from brand to brand. I've purchased some Franco Sartos that fit my anatomy perfectly, and some stretchy strap sandals from Target that work also. As others have said, you almost have to just try different brands to see and buy everything you can find. You also might try the sticky pads that go into the ball area to keep your foot from moving forward as much.

Good ideas, thanks. Your comment about the straps over the pinky toes being too tight reminded me of a shoe stretcher that I have in the back of my closet somewhere. I'll dig it out and try it on these sandals I already have. And Franco Sartos does make some shoes in 13, but not wide.

[Jenny22]

I have also bought shoes because I liked the way they looked and have regretted buying them. Yours have somewhat high heels. That alone can cause downward pressure that could hurt your toes. Try lower heels, and see if that helps>

[Kaz]

My fave wedges... they work with bare legs and hose... they are more comfortable than any of my 'drab' shoes!


281719

[Majella St Gerard]

I bought a sexy pair of gladiator sandals with a 5in heel, I've worn them out 3 times and 2 of those times they KILLED my feet but damn they looked great.281725

[suzanne]

I think you're stuck. I have a few pairs that are similar in design, and they make my feet sore too. The engineer in me wants to say "gravity" and "contact area". The heel creates a slope and your entire weight wants to slide downhill. The only thing that stops it is that single strap at the bottom which is quite narrow. Things would be easier on you if the heel was lower or that bottom strap wider or the whole toe was closed.

Those shoes were designed to look nice, not for comfort. Sorry.

[AlanaG]

Yea, I'm thinking you're probably right.

[MelanieAnne]

There are two kinds of shoes. Shoes for photo ops, and shoes you can actually wear comfortably. I have around 18 pairs of sandals now. Some are flat and quite comfortable. Others are around 2 inches and still very comfortable. I can walk miles in them. Then I have a couple pair with around 4 and five inch heels that are only for pics, and I cannot walk too far in them. You rarely see women wearing four and five inch heels. Buy what is comfortable and what you can actually walk in, and forget the higher heels.