Comments on: My LBS adventure.

By: Ami

Ami — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:57:19 +0000

Oooh I just checked out the pale pink Sarah! I love them! I’m not sure if I can justify 4 new pairs of shoes in 2 weeks, but admittedly, one were no good and I’ll find a new home for them!!
Thanks! x

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:51:53 +0000

Back again – the one you are looking for is the Witchery Annabelle Stretch Ballet Flat in black. It’s $139. You can see it online…along with the pale pink…on the Witchery website. Your husband is so going to hate me!!! S

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:45:25 +0000

Hi there! From one ballet flat shoe devotee to another…try Witchery. Not sure if they have flat blacks this season, but they have other “on trend” colours (I have been looking for an opportunity to use fashionista jargon!). I know there’s a pale pink for example!!! Intrigued now…?? I wore my Witchery flats all through Europe – and I walked for miles & miles, & in 30+ degree heat too. They needed maybe a day or two to wear in – most shoes do – but then they were perfect! And they still look good. A tip – never buy anything other than leather. Got to let your feet breathe! Hope this helps!

By: Nomie

Nomie — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 06:48:21 +0000

A I type this I am in trackies, and patent leather heels (noice)… wearing them in ready for a big night out in a few weeks… my theory being if I wear them a little bit every day or so, they will be ready to go, blister free on the night… hmm…

By: Sheila (@stinginthetail)

Sheila (@stinginthetail) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:05:46 +0000

As former retail shoe seller – patent shoes are notoriously uncomfy – they don’t give or breathe – and unlike your usual real leather (non-patent) shoes, even if real leather, won’t stretch much. You can try a product called ShoeStretch – it really works, but patent leather gives the least good results.

As you discovered, suede is great for comfort – would advise you get some Scotchguard (or other spray protector) and treat them soon, because the drawback to suede is that getting them wet can destroy them and they mark badly. The scotchguard will stop marks, making it easy to just spruce them up with a quick brush.

More product in Australian shops is NOT made for the Australian market – so you run into the same problems as we do with many things made in SE Asia, in that they’re not the right Western sizes. (Tried to buy rubber gloves lately? A large is the same size as a medium used to be and there’s no extra large.)

Then you run into the Euro sizes, and the UK sizes – basically if you’re a 7, you should be a UK 5 and a Euro 38.

Worst thing in my opinion is the lack of half sizes – i am a half size, i cannot wear 8, too small, or 9 – too big. I don’t know what shoe people are thinking, with no half sizes in most lines – we’re making a nation of people who will suffer from bunions and collapsed arches from ill-fitting shoes. And i mean suffer, i’ve seen the awful problems those conditions cause.

I’m lucky, i go barefoot most of the time, but i just dread shoe shopping – which i used to LOVE. Usually i return home defeated. Glad you found your flats

By: Marion Streeter (the 2nd!)

Marion Streeter (the 2nd!) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:12:06 +0000

Hello Ami, I am delighted to meet you by reading your most entertaining challenge of finding the perfect pr of black flat shoes. Would you be interested to hear that mine are soft real leather and I could walk Aussie flat without pain!

Welcome to the family – we love you already. Wish we could have been at your Wedding. How about putting one or two of your best pics on facebook, or send them to us?

Looking forward to knowing you on internet and who knows when personally.

By: Another Amy

Another Amy — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:37:10 +0000

Ami – you must try Midas. They are a little more on the expensive side, but they are 1) good quality and 2) comfy! The other good suggestion is French Sole- sold at a number of boutiques. Very groovy designs, and really comfy as well as good heel support which is essential in a LBS! They often come in black or variations of…but a fair bit more $$. But so worth it. I have also tried cheap varieties and I’m afraid to say in the case of the LBS cost = quality. Good luck! Let us know how you go.