Help me pick bridal shoes

[CrownJewel]

I''m on a mission to find cute, affordable, comfy high heels that fit my size 4.5 foot (european size 34). FI is 6''0" and I''m 5''0" so I would love to find shoes that are at least 3.5" high. The highest heel I''ve ever worn for long periods of time, without injury, is a 3.5" heel. I think even 4" might be ok.

For reference my dress is Melissa Sweet''s Dora (you ladies must be so sick of hearing this by now).

 

[CrownJewel]

I would like to stay under $100, but there were some contenders that were a little over. So far I''ve purchased two, and it may take a week or two to get here from myglassslipper.com.

I ordered them in a size 5, because that''s the smallest size they have and sometimes 5''s run small so they do fit. First is Alisha Hill (style Marilyn) at 4" high for $99.

 

[CrownJewel]

Another view of the Alisha Hill Marilyn, in black (but I ordered them in white).

 

[CrownJewel]

I also ordered in white, size 5, (4" high), a pair by Colorful Creations for $29. If I go with these, I would like to get a clip to add some subtle sparkle to it.

 

[CrownJewel]

I really like this pair by Grace (style Crystal), 3.5" high, $130 in ivory. I haven''t purchased it yet, because I wanted to try the 4" heels first.

 

[CrownJewel]

Another cute pair by Grace (style Yvette) for $120, also 3.5" high.

I''m realizing that the satin doesn''t really match the dress, but does that matter?

 

[CrownJewel]

I really like the ones with ankle straps because I figure that even if they are a *little* too big, the ankle straps will help to secure the foot (haha...from years and years of experience wearing shoes that are too big).

I was greedy with the extra 1/2" heel, which is why I didn''t order the Grace shoes (they are also over $100)...but I''m starting to think maybe the Crystal style is the best one. Hmmm.

 

[dani13]

All of your choices are really cute, but keep in mind that you will be wearing these shoes for a VERY long time, so try to pick something that is super comfortable...that should be your first priority. If you go with the open toe, make sure the straps are comfy enough and dont dig into your feet, which are inevitably going to get swollen. Also, closed toe shoes are more formal, IMO, than the open toed-strappy shoes. So, its all about the look, and how the shoe flows with your dress.

I would probably go with a strappy, open-toe shoe (with the bit of bling) with your particular dress.

eta: here are some suggestions....a little over budget, but these are super-cute...I wore Grazia shoes on my wedding day...they are really nicely made and comfortable....

http://www.modelbride.com/product/019490.shtml

http://www.modelbride.com/product/015963.shtml

 

[karasue91]

hey dress twin!! i dont think i''ve heard the rest of the details of your wedding!! is it outside or inside? summer/spring/fall? colors?

i''m all about buying shoes that you can wear again. not sure if it would go with the rest of your theme, but i think some colored shoes under wedding dresses are so adorable....i''m wearing silver, but some pink or red open toe shoes would be fantastic! i bought my shoes on ebay....$350 shoes for $47!!! and they are brand new! i would definitely check out ebay, there are so many adorable shoes on there.

i agree with Dani that i like open toe better with our dress better than a more fomal closed toe. our dress is flirty and fun and you need some flirty and fun shoes too! of all the ones you posted, i like the first grace pair with the little sparkle on them.

if you buy shoes you can wear again, maybe you can justify a little splurging!!??

 

[CrownJewel]

thanks Dani. I love the 2nd pair you posted. But I would be sacrificing (gasp) a 1/4" on the heel. Haha...greedy me.

Hi Karasue! I posted in your Chicago thread...wondering how the move went and how your new life is?!

My wedding will be in late September, so fall season. And the ceremony will be outdoors (on grass, eek). Colors...still wavering on that. The BM dresses will be a deep plummy purple. The decor of the reception area (indoors) is dark woods. They have dark, rich green window treatments which I think I''m going to try to work with. Flowers may be deep peach or maybe lavender. Not sure yet.

I agree with you ladies that the closed toe may be too formal. I''ll try to call My Glass Slipper and add the Grace Crystal to my order.

 

[teetee]

Hi CJ,
I like the Crystal best with your dress but are you going to have a problem getting stuck in the grass with those heels?

I think I like the look of the Alisha Hill for myself. Since you already ordered them, can you let me know how comfortable those are? I''m also looking for 3.5-4" heels. Those AH''s don''t like look they have a platform built in so the 4" may be too high...Also, that satin looks awefully bright in the photo. Please let me know what you think of those.

 

[FrekeChild]

I personally like the two open toed shoes the best. The Alisha Hill Marilyn, and the Grace Crystal shoes. I sold shoes for a long time and I had to deal with a lot of brides and a lot of women with tiny feet. My suggestion is to stay in the highest area of your budget. I know all too well that with cheap shoes, you get what you pay for. I know that some women can put up with cheaper uncomfortable shoes for hours, but I still don''t recommend it. I would go with the shoes that fit the best because you have such small feet. I''d also get some gel insoles because they have saved my feet time and time again, plus it''ll help take up some of that extra room in your shoes.

Dr. Scholl''s insoles

Aesthetically I like the Crystal ones the best as well. Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

One thing you should do is look at Stuart Weitzman shoes. They are expensive, but my mom has tiny feet like yours and they run as small as size 3! If you like something in a store, ask if they have any of your size in San Fransisco. Because of the high asian population, San Fran often gets the smallest shoes.
For comfort, I love Nina Shoes.
http://www.ninashoes.com/-(283)-White%20Satin-(2599-8YSBFE).html
http://www.ninashoes.com/-(283)-White%20Satin-(2595-8Q9XB6).html
http://www.ninashoes.com/-(283)-White%20Dyeable%20Satin-(5265-8MCXRJ).html
I don''t know about the comfort of these but they come in your size
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2930741/0~2376778~2372808~2377035~2379515?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2379515&P=1
http://www.giannibini.com/extendedshoes.shtml?N=1000892+2010098
http://www.giannibini.com/extendedshoes.shtml?N=1000892+2010098
http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?gen=w&pcid=100061

 

[CrownJewel]

Wow thanks ladies! So many great suggestions...I feel so much better.

teetee, I talked to my bridesmaids about walking in the grass, and one of the girls has been in a wedding before where the "aisle" was also grass. As long as there is no mud, we''ll be ok!! She said the best option is just to tip-toe for the 1 minute (not even) it takes to get down the aisle. I''m going to talk to the site coordinator and see what has been done in the past. Maybe they have a thick aisle rug that will create a flat surface for us to walk on. Worse comes to worst, I can buy a pair of wedges just for the ceremony and then change shoes. I will definitely let you know how the Alisha Hill shoes are. Yeah, I thought the satin was kinda "bright" too. We''ll see!

FrekeChild, you are so awesome! Thanks for the advice! Without a doubt, I''m going to get inserts. Should I get the full length ones or the ball of foot ones? You know how oftentimes there is a seam in the shoe at the ball of the foot? That part always rubs my foot and gives me blisters. The Dr. Scholl''s full length ones look like they are actually 3/4 length, so do you think they will still create a "seam"? I''ve used Foot Petals before. Which ones do you prefer?

brazen, you are my new best friend! You just introduced me to a new shoe line that makes stylish 4.5''s!!!!! I thought I knew them all! Gianni Bini...totally new to me!! I love you. Is that ok?

Even if I don''t get my bridal shoes from there, I will def get them for everyday wear. I know about Stuart Weitzman, but they are waaaaaaaaaaay out of my budget. I''ve already spent too much on my gown...so I have to cut back on the shoes. Thanks again!

 

[FrekeChild]

Date: 1/12/2008 6:47:17 PM
Author: CrownJewel
Wow thanks ladies! So many great suggestions...I feel so much better.

FrekeChild, you are so awesome! Thanks for the advice! Without a doubt, I''m going to get inserts. Should I get the full length ones or the ball of foot ones? You know how oftentimes there is a seam in the shoe at the ball of the foot? That part always rubs my foot and gives me blisters. The Dr. Scholl''s full length ones look like they are actually 3/4 length, so do you think they will still create a ''seam''? I''ve used Foot Petals before. Which ones do you prefer?

I know the seam you''re talking about, and for some odd reason I''m prone to easily getting blisters on the bottom of my feet-so I know EXACTLY what you''re talking about. Why do they put that seam there? It''s an awful spot... I''ve only ever used the ball of the foot ones, and I think the 3/4 ones are a newer product-about a year or so on the market? I haven''t used them because the gel cushions do the job just fine. Plus I think with your tiny foot size it might be difficult to fit the 3/4 one in there.

Another thing I''d suggest that I had NEVER heard of before- I have no idea how, being that I''m a huge shoe-aholic- is the Band-Aid Blister Block. Someone had posted on it not too long ago and I was way too excited, so I went out and bought some, but haven''t had a chance to try it out yet. But imagine if it works?!

Band-Aid website It''s the second to last product on this page.

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

My mom has size 5 feet and I used to go shopping with her so I knew a couple good brands. I am so glad I could help. Everyone should know the joy of great shoes.
I really like doing searches and there hadn''t been any in awhile so I was really excited to see yours.

 

[CrownJewel]

I''ve received the shoes, and I''m actually quite happy with the Alisha Hill pair!! I held off on ordering the Grace Crystal, because the 3.5" heel height is actually for a size 8...they''re supposed to be lower for a size 5. We can''t have that, now can we?

I added a gel foot pad near the toes, and that helped to make it feel really secure. Without the pad in the front, they were too big. I would definitely add a anti-slip pad to the bottom. I might dye them red. Not sure yet. The satin is quite...*shiny* but I tried them on with the dress (had to go get remeasured with the shoes) and it actually looks really nice! I definitely wouldn''t dye them ivory...I like the subtle contrast of the ivory silk on the dress and the bright white of the shoes. Strange, but true!

Oh, the other pair that I bought...ick! They arrived with the sole partially unglued, and there was a big lump in the toe box. Not comfortable at all. Just very poorly made.

Here is a picture of the Alisha Hill:

 

[CrownJewel]

And on my feet without the foot pads...because of that, the shoes look a little big in this picture.

 

[CrownJewel]

by the way, teetee...they are VERY comfortable. I''m generally very comfortable in high heels. If they''re comfortable on me, I''m sure they''re comfortable on anyone with a bigger foot...you know, pressure is spread over more area. However, I would recommend the gel inserts near the toes.

 

[Courtneylub]

I LOVE the Alisha Hills!

 

[FrekeChild]

Oh yay CJ!!They are GORGEOUS!!!Awesome choice!!!!!!!!!

So when do we get pics with the dress?

 

[CrownJewel]

Date: 1/31/2008 7:43:32 PM
Author: FrekeChild
Oh yay CJ!!They are GORGEOUS!!!Awesome choice!!!!!!!!!

So when do we get pics with the dress?

Hahahaha...oh my dear, the dress won''t be here until JUUUUUUUUNE!!! AGH.

 

[sunnyd]

Those shoes are freakin adorable!!! I love them!

 

[partyjewels]

I really like those, I''d even consider getting them for myself (if I could dye them the right color) but I don''t think I can do the peep toe. But they are really good looking, and I think they''ll look fabulous with your dress!

 

[Future Mrs Polka Dot]

CJ, those are SO cute! They look adorable and classy on your feet. This may sound weird, but you have the cutest feet! Haha!

 

[Steel]

Date: 1/31/2008 5:32:29 PM
Author: CrownJewel
And on my feet without the foot pads...because of that, the shoes look a little big in this picture.

omg!

I love these shoes, what a super find!