No more stilettos for you!
I know to some women it is the ultimate treasure hunt, the ultimate discovery. Over the years Sex and the City and Cosmo certainly added to this hype. Finding the perfect, sexy heel. No matter the price or designer. And sometimes people are willing to drop 4 figures for a pair! (I’ve never joined that club, 3 figures gives me enough buyer regret!)
Well, I’m here to say I’m not playing anymore. That’s right. I just can’t do it. I will no long wear sexy heels that look way better on Barbie, than on me.
Maybe it’s because I’ve gained too much weight, maybe it’s because I’ve hit the big 3-0, maybe it’s because I have a kid 
and I just don’t care, but I’m here to say I’m done. I’m done trying to torture my feet into foot fetish level of sexy shoes. I mean just look at that pic, sure it’s sexy. And I’m sure some men and woman truly get off on that kind of thing. But I look at that and think…Oh. My. God. The pain! The horror! My feet literally throb!
It’s been building for a few years. This resentment and anger toward any shoes with a heel over one inch. I mean, I usually only put them on for conferences, or for when I’m going out and just trying to look sexyish/cute/stylish. But I’m that chick you see walking through the halls at conference, swinging her heeled shoes from her fingers. And then last night, I wanted to look oh so cute in my freaking NATURALIZER heels, but by the end of the night, same thing. My feet were trashed. Even the comfortable heels kill me.
So you know what? I give up. I fold. I surrender. I have an entire closet full of heels I’ve worn once or twice. Heels that cause me more pain than pleasure (really thinking hard here how heels have ever brought me pleasure…)
From now on, my relationship with shoes will be cute flats, the occasional wedge for short periods of time, and…sigh, the love of my life (and possibly the ugliest shoe created) the Dansko! So worth the money because they last for years! Not to mention they feel like a constant massage on your arches when you walk. Oh God. I think I just had a foot orgasm.
Now seriously. Don’t look for me at conference and glance down to check out what ugly shoes I’ll be wearing, because this is just a challenge. I’ll find cute, comfortable shoes. I promise. As blog readers as my witness, I will bring sexy back…just without the heel.
Am I the only one who’s given up on heels? The only one who just can’t take it anymore? Because seriously, can’t toes be sexy in flip flops with a cute pedicure? Or maybe I’ve just missed the secret trick to standing in heels for longer than five minutes. Because I just can’t do it! And, really, that image below just ain’t natural…
August 20th, 2007 at 1:59 am
I love shoes. I really do but they really hurt my feet sometimes. Why shoes? Why do you betray me when I love you so!
August 20th, 2007 at 3:01 am
I gave up on heels decades ago, and will never, ever wear anything but flats from now on. So if we meet up at a conference, Shelli, you can be sure my shoes will be flatter and uglier than yours.
August 20th, 2007 at 3:05 am
Emma, if a relationship is hurting you…it may be time to cut the ties. My Dansko’s may have a friend I could introduce you too….
Portia, you crack me up! I’m so glad I’m following in your fabulous footsteps!
August 20th, 2007 at 3:09 am
I never wear heels, Shelli!
I think I tried, once. A long, long time ago, but nope. Not for me!
The x-ray picture made me cringe. Oh, the pain!
August 20th, 2007 at 3:17 am
Hi, Jane! Oh yay! Another person who doesn’t wear heels! I think I’m going to go through my closet and have a field day listing stuff on Ebay
August 20th, 2007 at 5:46 am
Welcome to the club, Shelli.
I gave up on heels a while ago. 
With me it’s because I have big feet and it’s a problem to find nice shoes anyway, but really, I’m all about cute flat shoes and comfort.
August 20th, 2007 at 7:13 am
I had to give up heels like that a long time ago—even before I hit middle age, because of a bad injury to my knee. When I do wear heels, it’s a 2 1/2 inch pump.
August 20th, 2007 at 8:34 am
I’ve never been able to wear heels. My knees can’t take it. I love flats and they can be cute too - maybe not quite as sexy as stillettos, but if you’re going to moan in bed, it shouldn’t be because your feet hurt.
August 20th, 2007 at 8:54 am
I love my flipflops!! Seriously — I even wear ‘em to work.
If I had to wear heels again in the corporate environment, I’d probably die (from lack of comfort and an injury ’cause I’m a klutz).
August 20th, 2007 at 9:22 am
I’ve never worn heels. Not even in my youth when guys could wear high heels. The KISS years and all that.
To be honest, I’ve never much like the high heels on women either, because I know how painful they are to the woman wearing them.
My $0.02.
August 20th, 2007 at 9:28 am
You people realize that flip-flops are nearly as harmful to your feet as heels, right? There’s no support; your arches flatten; in a sufficiently worn shoe, your heels may as well be slamming right against the ground; and your feet are exposed to all kinds of environmental harm.
I feel better now. ;) I’ve learned better than to try to walk or stand for hours on end in heels, but I do still love wearing them. Good luck with your E-Bay sales, Shelli!! What size do you wear?
August 20th, 2007 at 9:30 am
It’s a once a year thing for me. I wear cute but sensible shoes. I want to be able to walk when I’m 80 and that’s more than 40 years from now. My husband wants to
me even without the shoes 
August 20th, 2007 at 9:43 am
I wore heels once in my life, for a job that required them back in my 20s, and I hated it. I love Clarks and Merrels, and comfort is priority number one.
My husband thinks a muddy pair of Merrels from a long day of being outdoors is much more sexy anyway. ;)
Sam
August 20th, 2007 at 10:52 am
I love shoes…just have trouble walking in anything over 1 inch. I was shoe shopping over the weekend and found tons of really cute flats — and I only bought one pair…honest! Although I could have cleaned them out, one in every style!
August 20th, 2007 at 10:58 am
OMG we are all sisters! Look at all the people who gave up on heels too! And here I thought I’d be alone! (((GROUP HUG!)))
I do realize flip flops aren’t the best for you either, but in the summer I can handle them a lot easier. But other than that, I live in my Dansko’s, I just bought a second pair when they were on sale. Cute Mary Jane style.
Sela, I’m 7.5 so if I get up the energy I’ll be posting those all over Ebay. I just don’t have the boxes anymore. Can you send those suckers in a really big envelope? LOL.
August 20th, 2007 at 11:01 am
COunt me in as a shoe whore, but you saw which ones I wore at conference the most–those thick wedge flip flop thingys….they were cute and went with damn near everything!
August 20th, 2007 at 11:25 am
I adore shoes. I sold designer shoes for four years. I love to look at them. I covet them. (Especially Stuart Weitzman). But, I too cannot tolerate heels. I wear them when I must, for dressy occasions, but that’s it. That’s all I can do and I’m miserable the whole time. Sigh.
August 20th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
You’re not alone. I’ll wear the occasional cute heel but for the most part, flats are my friend. Flip flops rule! And hell yeah they can be cute and sexy with a pedicure!!!
So yes I am part of the sisterhood. I wear my flat shoes with pride. Bring it on!
(Though secretly I always wished I could wear heels and not cry over it. Alas, it was never meant to be…)
August 20th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Welcome to the club! Your feet will love you forever now.
August 20th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
I feel your pain, ladies. Well, not really
In fact, I’m loving the fact all those girls who look so ultra fabulous in heels are hurting lol You see, I’m 6′2″ and have NEVER worn heels. I have a pair of boots for the bike with a chunky 2 inch heel and I can’t wear them for long before my poor back is having fits.
There are tons of sexy shoes without ‘killer’ heels. Trust me, I know.
August 20th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
I gave up on heels when I was in high school. I love my flats and so do my feet!
August 20th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Yes I do secretly wish that, too, Karen!
But oh well. Seeing how many of you have come by to comment, and have made the same decision, I’m just so thrilled! I have people like me!!!
I always wonder that, Adelle. If the ladies in those oh so painful heels really don’t feel it, or if behind the smile they’re masking a world of hurt!
August 20th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Ooohhh…I LOVE heels. Love love love them. Three inch heels are my friends. I wear them almost every day, but I will say it helps that I have a deskjob.
I think my problem is I’m short, and I have a major issue with being short, so I wear heels to compensate. Also, I’m flat-footed, and I find that flats rarely provide enough arch support. Heels are - don’t hurt me - more comfortable!
August 20th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Girlfriend, I’m wearing a pair of flip flops suitable for the office with the sexiest little red toenails poking out the end. And whoever doesn’t like it can kiss my happy brown booty!
So, the short answer is “I’M WITH YA, CHICKLET!”
TJ
www.tjmichaels.com
August 20th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Julie! I was expecting more people to pipe up for your side! I’m sure more will :) I know some people must love them, because they wear them all the time!
TJ!! LOL you rock! I hear ya. I need to get a pedi, my feet are bleh right now. Though I did buy some opalish black nail polish to try something new.
August 20th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
I have to admit that I have worn heels twice in my life with a leg difference and no balance that was one hell of a challenge. I was blessed with tiny teeny ankles but heels are so not worth the hassle.
Don’t feel bad about breaking up the relationship Shelli I know that there are still women out there who life just for heels. Mind you when I was reading your heels story I pictured a new show H.G.B - Heels gone bad.
August 20th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Funny, I was just about to buy these:
http://www.dressed2play.com/xt773doplsh.html
Actually, the older I get the higher and sluttier my shoes become. Go figure.
August 20th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
LOL Shelli. Great post. And I’m so with you! I bought a pair of gold stilettos for a night out last week. They killed my feet, the b*****ds!
August 20th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
OMG FEISTY!!!
Those shoes are evil!!! You are such a 
Ava those sound painful…but cute!!
August 20th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
I am right there with you Feisty!
I love them high and slutty.
I wear heels daily to work most are 3 inch some slightly higher.
I just love looking down and seeing sexy shoes.
Plus because I wear them daily they don’t bother my feet. i know I can’t wear them forever so I figure while I can, I am going to do it up big!
Grin.
Lacy.
August 20th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
Oh gosh! What an awesome post, Shelli!
I’ve NEVER been a high-heels-kinda girl. Ever. Of course, I’ve worn them before but never liked them. Ever. Are you noticing the trend? ;)
I’d rather have a closet full of cute sneakers, like Missy Eliott. ;) I swear, I love me some sneakers. They’re comfy and they look good. Of course, they don’t look good with dresses and skirts, but I don’t wear those much either. And that’s a whole different story.
Anyway, I’ll leave the heels and all that jazz to my characters…
August 20th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
LOL! I wore Danskos in college, so I’m with you on the no-pain thing. I still get into the heels now and then, but mostly I’ve found heels are not practical mommy wear….or comfortable….and my kids don’t care if my legs look sexy and they’re the ones who see them the most, lol.
Anna J. Evans
August 20th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
OH, I would love to be able to afford a sweet pair of high heels. I love them…really, I don’t mind slight discomfort…as a matter of fact, I can’t attest. There’s never been the opportunity to form a real love-hate relationship with shoes. *sigh* Maybe I’m the lucky one, eh?
August 20th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
I’ve never worn high heels or thought they were sexy or that it made me less of a woman to wear flats. Now I can no longer wear them anyway. I have Lyme Disease, which has caused Fibromyalgia and periphial neuropathy. I wear high heels and my feet and legs go numb, I lose the ability to walk and my center of balance goes haywire.
August 20th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
I was BORN with you gal!! I have never been able to wear heels!! Much to my distain. I am short and I’d love some height, but I simply can’t walk in them. I twist my ankles and get blisters. The closest to wearing ‘heels’ for me is wedge flip flops LOL. FLIP FLOPS RULE!!!! I’ve worn flip flops since my aunt gave me my first pair around 9 years old. I was hooked!! I can’t walk in heels but I can run in flip flops!!
I’ve even worn them in snow! WHY?? Because I LURVE them! So toss the heel! Embrace the flip flops!! 
August 20th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
OH crap sorry for the misplaced sign!! I thought it was fireworks LOL Without the sign. Where’s the dunce cap for me?
August 20th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
I live in Crocs. Ugly, maybe, but they’re comfy as all get out. :D
August 21st, 2007 at 12:09 am
I don’t remember who told me or where I heard this but apparently wearing heels makes the calf look more masculine. It squares up the back of our leg to imitate a guys bulgy muscle. Not that that isn’t hot but I thought it was kind of funny and sciency. It mentioned something about shoulder pads and rouge as well being like the structure of a guy too but blah blah blah Cliff Clayven….yawn
I have to confess i do like heels but I like them in ass kickers. You know, black boots that come to the knee and give my small five foot three inch frame a little more GRrrr!
-Tara
Good for you for wearing comfortable footwear that means you don’t have to hobble before your time, now THAT isn’t sexy.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:34 am
OMG!LOL Night Diva, you crack me up. I was like, umm, she seemed so sweet and innocent on Divas! LOL.
Yes! Flip flops, sneakers, Crocs and Danskos!
Tara, I did hear it makes your legs look sexier. Muscles more defined… I just can’t do it, captain!
August 21st, 2007 at 1:05 am
I used to wear heels and was on my feet all day and they never bothered me…but now I am rounder and spend most of my days in Birks or sneakers or flip flops (ducks from Sela)…I must admit my feet were killing me at nationals
though…next year I’m just going to wear heels the month prior to the conference. I like heels! They are cute!
August 21st, 2007 at 1:12 am
I can’t wear heels anymore. I damaged my achilles tendons a few years back and while they’re better now, they still aren’t what they used to be. I can wear chunky heels that are a couple inches, but not much more than that.
Pity. I used to be able to walk in stilettos quite wel.
August 21st, 2007 at 2:22 pm
I’m pissing myself laughing at Night Diva Maria. Oh god that was funny.
August 26th, 2007 at 10:22 am
I don’t own stiletto, and I don’t think I’ll ever have some!! Just trying them make my feet huert and I almost always fall or twist my hankle!!
A proof I don’t care how sexy my feet look: Yesterday I was all dress up, my hair done, and I had my walking sandals, because the reception I was going to was outside!!