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Ruth Ann Harnisch's avatar

Downer of the day: pointy-toed shoes are contributing factors to developing bunions.

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CW's avatar

I am not opposed to kitten heels. What is bothering me about the spate of current shoe styles is the pointy toe––they read very TradWife to me because that's the style of shoe my mother always wore to church. But that's my upbringing not everyone's. And while I appreciate the cut/style/shape of the Rachel Comey shoe I can NOT get past the BigBird color! I do think the gold metallic mule is elegant, but if I wore them they'd flip off my foot and land in someone's spaghetti marinara.

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Tricia's avatar

Really nice choices. Unfortunately even though the heel is low, my old lady feet can't wear any of these. Between bunions, bursas, tendinitis....I choose a low block heel if I have to wear a dress shoe. In the winter I try to get away with a bootie, in the summer, a wedge sandal. Sexy shoes are a thing of the past 😞

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Joan K's avatar

I'm in the same boat as you, Tricia. Sigh...

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Marcia Herman's avatar

I tend to over research everything, and just needed pair of heels for an upcoming wedding, and I wanted as much height as possible while still being comfortable, and feeling stable while I walk. Apparently, with heels, the 2-in mark is where you get the most bang for your buck. At that point, your ankle is shifted mostly vertically, giving you more height. As a heel gets higher, your ankle shifts forward, more than upward, so you're not really gaining much more height. Stand with your feet flat on the floor, and then shift them to a tippy toe position and you'll see what I mean. The platform in contrast, just gives you straight up vertical height. The best bet for height ends up being a shoe with a modest heel and platform. I ended up going with a shoe from Aerosoles, their Cosmos, for the wedding and danced a good bit, with no discomfort, and felt super tall! Kitten heels seem like a great option too, and you're not losing out on as much height as it seems!

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DKing's avatar

I have the Cosmos in black and they are really comfortable. They add a little height without pain. The first time I wore them was to a wedding and I also danced all night! The front of the shoe curves up just a tiny bit which helps from catching the toe on things when you walk.

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Julie's avatar

So which heels did you purchase from Aerosoles?

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Marcia Herman's avatar

They are the Cosmos heels. I got them in soft gold, and then I ordered another pair from Nordstrom Rack in a black patent with a cork sole, which is pretty too! I should mention they run a bit wide. I have really narrow feet so I had a cobbler make a little adjustment to the front straps and they were good to go.

https://www.aerosoles.com/products/cosmos-soft-gold?variant=43619125100736&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US-ADG-AS-Performance-Max-Shopping-US-Only&utm_term=Coupon-Code&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=17487142795&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17495375660&gbraid=0AAAAAD-L1uWvne-0Ti-xjkJ1IInA7JVfI&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5ubABhDIARIsAHMighbJ_I-s6VX1CC_6Xn8RBSXgH0fzCmnjBPqLdus_5SUwjcgA5h9eiIwaAmqeEALw_wcB

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Joan in NJ's avatar

Yes, a block heel post, please.

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Kimberly.'s avatar

As I read this post, I'm wearing red kitten heels with a cream sweater and cream trousers. They're the perfect little pop of color. I know they get a bad wrap, but I think they are classy and put together, and they don't hurt your back.

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Josephine Lewis's avatar

Love these comments from women who still care about style. I’m hitting my stride in my late 50s, having never been a pointy shoe or high high heel woman in my 20s or 30s. Love the block heel olive patent leather sling backs from Sezane.

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Tamara's avatar

that Gold mule is now living rent free in my head....

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CW's avatar

I've been thinking about it all day.

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Nancy's avatar

I honestly forgot about Naturalizer...I don't think I could wear most of them all day but for sure going out for dinner, i.e. I think low block heels are best for me and Naturalizer has some...like sling backs too so if I need a pedicure no one knows but me...haha/

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Jane Kim Gauger's avatar

I think I'm in the minority here, but those yellow Rachel Comey heels are everything! I wish I loved a block heel because they are so much better for your feet and back. The best low block heels I've tried are the Manolo Blahnik Aspro 30 slingbacks. I bought mine a while ago but now they are stupid expensive instead of just expensive. I'm sure there are dupes and they do show up on TheRealReal. Here's a link in case anyone is curious.

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/shop/product/manolo-blahnik/shoes/mid-heel/aspro-30-patent-leather-pumps/1647597328152490

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Sara Saljoughi's avatar

This is a very persuasive post, as I have always hated kitten heels (including the name), but now I am considering getting them. Tomorrow I’m going to a fancy work event that I agreed to attend solely so I could dress up (as discussed on the pod). I’m planning to wear my Manolo Blahnik patent leather Mary Janes of SATC fame (which I got in mint condition for $100 at a Minneapolis consignment shop—my best find ever). Anyway, I’m nervous bc it will be my first extended time in heels in years…

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Hooligan's avatar

I love the Rachel Comey yellow kittens, but these days I’m all about flatforms, Chelsea and cowboy boots!

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Kim's avatar

This reminds me -in the late 80s early90s i used to wear 2.5 - 3" heels all day & switch to black reboks (w/ velcro ankle strap) for the subway. Insane.

Now Vejas or Birks every day. Well, boots with maybe an imch heel in the winter.

I think , depending on the outfit, sneakers could be ok at a wedding too.

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maryse's avatar

I’m invited to a wedding in June and need a dressier shoe. But I wear a size 11-12 and although I’m not usually self conscious about the size of my feet, a kitten heel with a pointy toe just accentuate a big foot. The box would be more flattering. Block heels for me.

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J Bordeux's avatar

I am 5’11 also with a size 11-12 foot. I’ve always been a bit self conscious about my height so have always worn kitten heels. Take a look at Tibi - New York brand that does THE coolest clothes and shoes. Most of their shoes are kitten/low heels and they are sculptural, beautiful, well made and so comfortable. Not cheap, but they do good sales and IMO worth every penny. But most importantly, they do a huge range of sizes which is 3/4 of the battle when you have larger feet.

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Tanya's avatar

I've always been a kitten fan, but never with anything too feminine. Some solid picks here! Even though I haven't worn any kind of heel since COVID. Maybe it's time to wade back in.

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Stacey's avatar

Love the Rachel Comey pair and love that they are unapologetically yellow. A delightful way to add a pop to any neutral outfit!

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