I love the look of a heeled shoe or boot, but the reality? Let’s just say my feet have other plans. With age catching up and the joys of plantar fasciitis (should have laid off the pies!), heels are now firmly in the no-go zone. Oh, what the heel (see what I did there 😜) – who am I kidding? I haven’t been able to walk in heels for years!
Still, I can’t stop myself from browsing Pinterest and pinning thousands of pictures of elegant heels and dreaming of strutting my stuff in them. The truth, however, is far less glamorous. These days, any footwear that crosses the threshold needs super soft insoles and arch support so good it feels like my feet are getting a warm hug. I haven’t quite surrendered to the world of Hotter or Ecco shoes just yet, but I can feel myself teetering on the edge. Desperate times call for desperate measures, after all!
The Heels-to-Flats Journey
There was a time when I thought sacrificing comfort for style was a fair trade. I endured blisters, sore arches, and the occasional face-plant because, let’s be honest, a killer pair of heels can elevate an outfit (and your confidence). But after one too many outings where I ended up hobbling home barefoot, I finally had to admit: my feet deserve better.
The transition wasn’t instant. At first, I tried wedges—surely, they were a happy medium? Nope. Then I went for block heels, thinking they’d offer more stability. Also nope. Eventually, I found myself browsing “comfortable but stylish” shoe options, which is basically code for “I give up.”
That being said, I do still like a lower wedge heel and have recently found a gorgeous pair of grey suede wedge boots from White Stuff. M&S also do a nice wedge, and their shoes, in general, are very comfortable. I can manage a low heel, like a kitten heel, on the odd occasion—as long as the arch support and insole are cushioned enough. But no walking on cobbles! I once twisted an ankle at work while wearing flat shoes, so clearly, even the ‘safe’ options have their risks!
The Hall of Shame – Shoe Fails I’d Rather Forget
Let’s take a moment to remember some of the worst offenders in my shoe collection:
- The strappy stilettos that looked amazing but gave me blisters before I even left the house.
- The cheap ballet flats that offered zero support and left me limping after a short trip to the shops.
- The pointy-toed ankle boots that squeezed my toes so hard they went numb (but hey, at least they were cute?).
- The towering platform heels that I thought would be fine for a wedding—until I spent the evening gripping onto furniture like a baby deer learning to walk.
The Rise of Fashionable Comfort
The good news? I’m not alone in this struggle. Brands are finally catching on that comfort doesn’t have to mean frumpy. Trainers have become acceptable in almost any setting, and more brands are designing shoes with support AND style in mind. I even read that Scholl did a collaboration with Iris Apfel (sadly no longer available), so maybe, just maybe, the future holds funky, supportive shoes I can actually wear without limping home.
Shoes That Actually Work
Now that I’ve fully embraced the joy of comfort, I’ve started hunting down brands that combine style with sensible support. A few that have caught my eye:
- Vionic – They look like regular shoes but have built-in orthotic support. A game-changer.
- FitFlop – Not just sandals; they do boots and trainers too, all with extra cushioning.
- Sole Bliss – Specialises in fashionable footwear for women with bunions and wide feet, ensuring both style and comfort.
- Ecco & Hotter – I’m not there yet… but ask me again in six months.
A Day in the Life: Heels vs. Comfy Shoes
For those who still believe that heels are worth it, let’s compare:
Morning in heels: Feeling confident, strutting out the door, ignoring the slight discomfort because “beauty is pain.”
Morning in comfy shoes: Walking with purpose, no pain, no regrets. Even have time for a smug coffee stop.
Midday in heels: Feet starting to ache, but it’s fine. Totally fine. Can’t think about it. Must keep going.
Midday in comfy shoes: Still going strong, possibly even power walking. Might actually make it through the day without needing an emergency plaster.
Evening in heels: Crying internally. Planning to throw these shoes into the nearest river. The walk home feels like an Olympic event.
Evening in comfy shoes: Feet feel fresh, still standing, still functional. Might even go for a post-dinner stroll.
Lessons Learned
If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I’d tell her this: No, those heels won’t suddenly become comfortable after you “break them in.” No, you won’t be able to “walk it off.” And no, ignoring the pain doesn’t make it go away—it just means you’ll spend the next day soaking your feet and questioning your life choices.
So, have I finally given in? Honestly, yes. And you know what? I’m okay with that. If giving up heels means I can actually walk pain-free at the end of the day, then consider me fully converted. Now, if someone could just design a pair of trainers that look like Louboutins without the price tag, I’d be set for life.
Take care, stay safe.
Becks Xo
My life and style over 40 