WOW!!! Thanks so much, girls. That's why I love this group and this site.
Actually, I was hoping to hear that it's simply a matter of persistence and that, after a while, the pain goes away. Some did say that and I will certainly get practice this weekend in PTown.
Kim's comments, which I value very highly because I know she wears high heels for hours at a time, somehow ring true. My shoes, alas, are mostly from Payless. Well, darn it, they do look so beautiful and/or funky, how does a girl resist? I have bought Ros Homerson's and other more expensive brands from Zappo's but they don't necessarily feel any better- and sometimes even worse. My masseuse was trying to get me to buy a pair of Cole-Haan shoes. She told me they have a Nike air cushion in them. But, they are really pricey.
When I try on the shoes as Abby in the store, I am usually on such a high that I'm not completely aware of how great a fit the shoes are. I just adore wearing them. One time, a Black GG customer near me told me, "Girl, those shoes are so BAAAD!!!" After that, it was all I could do to prevent myself from buying the whole store out, I felt sooo good! The shoes were a silver cloth sandal with 3 1/2" heels- and they are, in fact, soo baaad. I hope to wear them to the final night Ball.
Please keep the advice coming and I am truly grateful to all of you who wrote.
Love
Abby