A Christmas Miracle

[gurdymonkey]

I found shoes.

PRETTY shoes.

That fit.

On Christmas Eve.

In Macy's.

For under $50.



For those of you going, "So, what's the big deal?" you have to understand that I pretty much live in flat shoes (or barefoot!), thus spreading my already congenitally wide feet somewhat wider.  My foot is 9 1/2 inches long - which theoretically makes it a US size 8. Measured at the widest distance around the ball of the foot, the circumference of my foot is also 9 1/2 inches.  Most retailers only carry "Medium" widths in women's shoes and "Medium" is generally interpreted by most modern shoe manufacturers as being about the width of a Number 2 Dixon Ticonderoga pencil. What this translates to is that I often end up in shoes that are US size 9 or 9 1/2.

I decided to go straight to a department store rather than an outlet like Shoe Pavilion because of my fit issues, hence, Macys. I knew the mall would be heinous, but I figured I'd proceed on the theory that  most people do not buy shoes as gifts (unless it's for themselves). I did have to wait about ten minutes for a clerk to help me, but she was pinned down at a cash register by customers with items from other departments - there were only two or three people actually wanting to try on shoes, in accordance with my theory. She apologized very sweetly as soon as she saw me. I told her I didn't mind waiting, and she managed to flag down someone to help us within about two minutes.

These "Endall" sandals are by Bandolino. The heels are blessedly only 2 1/4" high. I walked off the carpeting onto the faux parquet tile running past the shoe department and took a couple of waltz turns in them. I didn't fall off of them. I didn't fall out of them - and the African American lady who was trying a pair of size 5s in the seat beside me pronounced them "darling."

So it's not the Greatest Story Ever Told. But I got to indulge my inner girly girl.

Comments

[gottasing.livejournal.com]

Ooh-so cute! As a fellow wide foot haver, I feel your pain. Total score for you!!

[joycebre.livejournal.com]

when you need off the chart sized shoes, go to Nordstrom, Zappo's or DSW. They all carry wides, and Zappos www.zappos.com will pay return shipping if they don't fit.
So says she who wears a size 11, sometimes an 11 1/2, sometimes a wide, and has spent years searching for cool shoes.

[laurensa.livejournal.com]

Oooh! PRETTY shoes!

I have an awful time finding shoes too--feet are wide at the toes, super narrow heel, and high instep. Yeah, they don't make shoes for me. :-)

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

Fortunately for me, my workplace is extremely casual and I tend to bang around in clogs or sandals, and I can even wear sneax on Fridays if I want.

I tend to look out for shoe brands I've had good luck with in the past. Birkenstock, Clarks and Naturalizer are brands I would buy again. Easy Spirit's another one for when you want a nice office lady shoe.

[laurensa.livejournal.com]

The problem I run into most is with heels. (And at "just this much shy" of five feet, heels would be useful. But they put too much pressure on the balls of my feet, and they practically cut my instep off, so no heels for me. And I have the prettiest little pair, with a rhinestone buckle, that I absolutely adore and can't wear for more than half an hour. And that's pushing it.

I usually wear a 6 or 6.5. Believe it or not, I have the best luck finding shoes that are comfy at either Payless or Target!

[danabren.livejournal.com]

Try a whirl while wearing stockings (if you plan to wear stockings) before going out. Shoes that adhere comfortably to bare flesh can get ankle-breakingly skiddy when nylons are put on.

And we wear the same size shoe!

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

Wore stockings under my jeans for that very purpose, m'dear! I also plan to take a needle and thread to the elastic in the ankle straps. That's the one place these are a little loose on me and I want that stability.

[elmunadi.livejournal.com]

Looks like you scored - Margaret (My lady wife of 20-odd (and some even) years) found that Nordstrom is consistent in having both the best selection of wides and a wide range of fashionable shoes. A specific brand of shoes suitable for they who have wide-feet, plantar-fasciitis, etc. - Aerosoles. Originally recommended by a friend who's the head of the costuming side of the Theatre dept at a local university (Mela) as the least expensive of the highest quality shoemakers... Take it as you will. (M has a pair or two of Bandolino half boots, IIRC).

[takadai-no-tora.livejournal.com]

SCORE! I have wide feet too and I know how great it is when you find a pair of shoes that fit and look good.
They're not as dressy as your new shoes, but I just got a pair of Dansko walking shoes that look good and took my feet all over gravel and lumpy pavement in Japan without problems. You might check them out; Nordstroms has a few styles, but if you have a Birkenstock store, they probably have a lot more.

[shalmestere.livejournal.com]

I do love me some pretty shoes, but agree that finding them can be a pain (size 8.5, narrow heels, here).

Those look great--happy dancing!

[bebemochi.livejournal.com]

Oh, finding good shoes is always such a relief and a blessing. If there are other colors, you should go buy another pair. Works with jeans and swimsuits! ;)

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

Not in MY universe they do not.

[bebemochi.livejournal.com]

When you find a pair of jeans or a swimsuit that looks good, you don't buy two? I do it just to avoid having to look for another one when the first gives out.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

No.

I have an aunt who shops this way - then ends up having to give away half the contents of her closets every season because she has no room for anything.

Besides, nobody's seen me in a swimsuit since the last millenium....

[bebemochi.livejournal.com]

Haha, well, since I work in jeans and ride a bike, I have to buy in bulk, practically. ;)