Apparently Brazilians Have Very Tiny, Dainty Feet. No Wonder I'm Not Brazilian.

Last year at BlogHer I made the mistake of bringing terribly cute yet terribly uncomfortable shoes. And at a conference where you're on your feet a lot (well, at least I was), that was not the smartest move.

And seeing as I was pregnant, there was no drinking to numb the foot pain.

In my experience, I have yet to find truly comfortable stylish shoes. It seems like it's either one or the other. Stylish shoes are not meant for long periods of standing. Comfy shoes are not meant for anything more public than your living room.

I'm not averse to spending money on shoes, so long as they feel great, look fabulous, and don't cause me to have bunions at the young age of 31. Seriously, I got enough old people problems. I do not need to have nasty feet growths.

So, I visited Endless and Zappos the other night, trying to find a cute pair of shoes that I could bring with me to BlogHer, wear all day each day, and be done with it. Don't get me wrong. I love pairing shoes with outfits, but I'm not at liberty to buy 10 pairs of awesome expensive shoes, so I'd rather just buy one pair that works with pretty much everything I'm going to wear. Plus, I'll be carrying my adorable son and I bet most people will be looking at him and not my feet.

I happened upon this pair which I ordered from Zappos and then found cheaper (plus Endless pays you for shipping. Yes. Pays you) at Endless. I was going to order this pair, however, I was scared that all the reviews said to order a size up. Then some said they fit true to size. And then some said order a half size up. And on no sleep, I just can't figure out what size that would make my feet.

142.6?

Oh whoops. That's the number of skittles I ate last night.

Anyway, I was super excited -- they had great ratings, seemed cute and comfy. Plus, with free shipping both ways, you can't beat being able to try shoes on in your own home. I mean, trying anything on, let alone shoes, with a 3-year-old and baby just takes the fun right out of it. 

So I tried them on (in my large size of 10) and they were tiny. Ridiculously tiny. In fact, it looked like I was wearing my daughter's shoes.

ACK.

Even in the Zappos ratings, most folks said they fit true to size, which really scares me. Maybe my feet have really grown. Or maybe it's just summer? And pregnancy? And that large bowl of ice cream I just can't stop eating?

And so, I'm left shoeless right now. I have a few old standbys that I don't mind. But I'd love to find a cute pair of sandals (flats or heels are fine) that are super comfy and cute (no Clarks, Born, or Dansko). Otherwise I'll just wear my fancy schmancy shoes.

And sit the whole damn time.

Comments

[Holly Arjoonsingh]

Have you really checked out Clarks lately? Try Indigo by Clarks. I have a tan pair I bought last summer along with 2 pairs of Nine West. I wore the Clarks all last summer and most of this summer and have gotten numerous compliments on them. Plus, they are super comfortable! I love them so much that I just bought the Normandy in Black, also very comfy!

[Lady M]

I did have one pair of shoes (purchase on sale at a discount place) that I got just for photographs with a particular dance costume. No way that I could walk in them.

We'll just have to come visit you at your table at BlogHer, if you're stationary. ;)

[Baby In Broad]

http://www.piperlime.com/browse/product.do?cid=19839&pid=530613&scid=530613012

These might not be sandaly-enough to fit the bill...

[VirginiaGal]

I wear Clarks almost exclusively and will be 31 in October. I have very small feet and it is the only local outlet(!) that stocks a 5 (the opposite problem of you). But I still do have style standards, and they have some very super cute and comfy sandals out now. They are no longer your grandmothers ugly support shoes. If they were, I would not be wearing them. That said, sometimes the styles do look better in one of the color runs than another.

One pair I have is very similar to my MIL's much more expensive Brighton brand sandals. If you were to look at my feet you wouldn't know I am wearing (what most people think of when they think) Clarks.

I'm currently contemplating the Seagrass and Topper styles...which look more like 9 West to me than anything.

[Me]

Try Nordstrom.com (or Nordstrom rack if you have one close by). I wear a 13...I feel your pain.

[Christy]

These may not be cute enough for you, but I bought a pair in black and absolutely love them. I might get a second pair in gold. Free shipping and free returns.

http://www.shoes.com/product.asp?p=5031624&variant_id=EC1021799

My feet grew after baby #2. I think my arch actually flattened. Seems to be another one of those nobody mentions about pregnancy.

[Nicole]

http://www.chacousa.com/products/ProductOptions.cfm?cID=4&pID=27&gID=2

Ok, so I don't know how you feel about Chacos but these shoes have been so comfortable. My husband bought them for me for our anniversary because I am notorious for going for comfort rather than style when it comes to shoes (and just about everything). He thought these were a nice balance. Comfy and they could actually pass for a nice looking pair of shoes. Unlike my ratty leather sandals I've had for 10 years. :)

[Nancy]

Try Piperlime. Free shipping and returns, and they have a "Comfy and Cute" category.

Another good place to check is Solestruck.

[Jennifer]

There's always Crocs.

Tee hee!