I hadn’t been shopping for shoes in a long while. However, The Teen’s graduation required new shoes for the dress I wore, so I decided I had better shop locally because I wasn’t exactly sure what size to order. Different brands fit very differently, and I really didn’t have time to send shoes back to swap for a different size if they didn’t fit. So, I went to several stores all over town but ultimately couldn’t find exactly what I wanted. But all was not lost! I did get some shoes and I learned an important thing about dress shoes in the process.
No More Heels
I learned I don’t think I can wear heels any longer. I haven’t worn a proper pair of heels in probably ten or more years. I preferred flats and wedges to work in the library. The bottom of my left foot is numb from nerve damage (neuropathy), and finding comfortable shoes is a chore. I had this pair of heels in mind for the dress I wore to The Teen’s graduation:
I tried it on, and even that little heel was just too uncomfortable to wear anymore, which made me sad. I settled for some flat, flexible shoes, which I am not crazy about, and I will try to sell them on eBay soon. But I think a nice taupe and/or black heel is a must for any wardrobe if you can stand to wear heels. I had a pair many, many years ago in my twenties and loved them!
All Was Not Lost!
But I scored two new pairs of shoes while searching for graduation dress shoes! First up was a pair of faux Birkenstocks. I think “faux” sounds fancier than “fake,” haha!
I have a friend who has a pair of authentic Birkenstocks, and she just raves about them. I have adjusted the straps on these, but it feels like one sandal wants to slip off my foot. I’ve worn them several times. However, I would not wear them if I had to walk long distances. My favorite slip-on sandals I’ve owned so far were Crocs I had a few years ago, but I’m not so sure I could do a high wedge now.
The next pair I got was some Guess sneakers. Guess jeans were very popular at my school in the late ’80s and early ’90s, and I absolutely loved anything Guess. I know the brand isn’t really “hot” anymore, but I thought these sneakers were so cute. I can even wear them with some of my little summer dresses to be super comfortable. That little upside-down triangle gets me every single time! Haha!
And do you want to know the best part? The store I bought them at had a huge sale, so I got the sandals and the sneakers for $40! On top of the big sale, they had a buy one get one half-off deal. Works for me!
Final Thoughts on Shoe Shopping
I’m still trying to give the sandals a chance. I really love the style, but I wish they stayed on my feet better. I wonder if this is a common issue with this sandal style or just some of my weirdness.
So, that was my experience while shopping for shoes. I really loved shoes when I was a teen and a young woman. I had many, many pairs, but nowadays, finding comfortable shoes is more of a chore than a pleasurable experience. I mostly live in my Hoka sneakers now. Have you found a pair of really comfortable dress shoes? If so, let me know of some brands I can check out!
I’m with you, no heels anymore. A friend at work has Birkenstocks and loves them. But she says you have to wear them for awhile and they kind of form to your feet. I don’t know if the faux ones do that.
I’ve tried them on and they didn’t feel very comfortable to me. I don’t want to spent that much to see if they start feeling better if I wear them for awhile!
I love your Guess shoes!
I completely understand. No way can I wear heels anymore. I used to wear fancy spike heels when I was younger – nope not today. I need flat or wedge. Pretty much any heel is too much.
Those don’t look ‘faux’ at all. I know they were all the rave and maybe still are – I never liked them. Just couldn’t find a pair that was comfy to me.
I have bought sandals and tennies in recent time – need new boots, but no dress shoes in ages.
I feel your pain!
I know what you mean by not wearing true heels anymore. I can’t either and I prefer little pumps or wedges too. As far as sandals go, I have found that the brands clarks and merrell are the most comfortable for me and worth the extra money. Think like $80-$100 (I often find them on zappos online which will do free returns if needed) And they last me many seasons! I’ve had some of those sandals for like 8 years now. Just a thought if you ever want to look – lots of selection too.
I never liked birkies altho my daughter does. I wear crocs flip-flops around the house almost everyday! Lol
You did find some steals though!
Blessings. xo
I don’t think I could wear heels anymore, either. I shop for comfort, and it is a chore to find a shoe that is comfortable and looks good. Luckily, I don’t go to many places these days where I need a fancy dress shoe.