Are high-end shoes more comfortable?

Just wondering about high heels/pumps in particular...

When it comes to heels higher than 2 inches or so, I tend to lean towards buying cheaper shoes - I can't justify paying top dollar since I don't wear them often, because without fail, they hurt my feet when I do.

But then I got to thinking... maybe it's the cheap shoes that are the problem. High-end shoes are probably better made, right? So maybe they would feel better on my feet?

What's your experience been?

Re: Are high-end shoes more comfortable?

The only high end shoe I buy is Cole Haan. They are owned by Nike and use the Nike air technology so they absolutely make a difference in comfort. In my opinion they are worth the $.

Re: Are high-end shoes more comfortable?

I usually wear 4 to 5 inch heels all the time. IMO it varies. I've paid top dollar for shoes that just had a strap or something and they killed! and I've bought cheaper shoes that were comfy, and vice versa.



Just realized my post is not helpful....lol

Re: Are high-end shoes more comfortable?

Posted by PrincessVonTrockel

I usually wear 4 to 5 inch heels all the time. IMO it varies. I've paid top dollar for shoes that just had a strap or something and they killed! and I've bought cheaper shoes that were comfy, and vice versa.



Just realized my post is not helpful....lol

Re: Are high-end shoes more comfortable?

I tried on a pair of Manolos last week and they were horrible... Maybe it was just that particular pair, because I thought they were suppose to be comfortable, especially for that price...

I personally think that comfort of shoes depends NOT on the hight of the heel but on the way the shoe is "engineered". I have tried on some EXTREMELY uncomfortable flats in Banana Republic and also have a pair of high wedges from there that are a dream to walk in. Totally depends...

Message edited 4/11/2011 2:16:13 PM.

Re: Are high-end shoes more comfortable?

I think the most common answer you will get is "It depends."

However, I do think that most brand name shoes are more comfortable than say shoes made for Payless and Target. In my experience, I've found that less expensive shoes are plastic-y, pinch my feet, have little arch support, and make my feet sweat.

I'm not saying Payless and Target sell crappy shoes, I'm just saying I find them to be not as comfortable for me.

ETA: I wear high heels at work every day, minimum of 3". I stick with the same brands usually: Franco Sarto, Enzo Angiolini, Bandolino, BCBGeneration, Etienne Aigner, Calvin Klein.

Message edited 4/11/2011 3:32:29 PM.

Re: Are high-end shoes more comfortable?

Re: Are high-end shoes more comfortable?

Not necessarily. I don't think comfort when I think of heels...no matter what the brand.

Re: Are high-end shoes more comfortable?

Thanks for the feedback! I'll have to try on a variety next time and see, rather than sticking to one price point or another.

Re: Are high-end shoes more comfortable?

Re: Are high-end shoes more comfortable?

It depends on you and the designer.

I've had Coach shoes that were terribly uncomfortable. However, my Kate Spade shoes are among the most comfortable I've ever worn! Literally 4 inch heels I can keep on all day and not by in pain by the end of the day!

Re: Are high-end shoes more comfortable?

No, they are not. It really depends on the shoes.

Re: Are high-end shoes more comfortable?

I agree it really depends. I have a few pairs of designer shoes and they can hurt just as much as cheaper shoes do.

I will also second the Jessica Simpson shoes being the most comfortable. I have a pair of black heels from her line that I have for years. I wore those shoes all over when I lived in Manhattan and they are still good.

I have tried on Manolos in the store and even though I have a narrow foot, these shoes are even narrow on me. I have never had that issue with any other brand but them. I have also tried on CL's, but its hard to find a shoe I like with a 3 1/2" heel. Most of their shoes are 4 or 5 inches. I know they will kill my feet. I can't spend that much money on shoes and have them kill me.

ETA: I never buy shoes that are not comfortable in the store, I just can't spend the money on something that I know I will never wear. I think its also important to know your own feet. I know that 3 1/2 heel height total is my limit. Anything over that is going to be too much for me. When I say total heel height, I mean lets say they describe the shoe as 5" (platform shoe), the platform itself has to be 1 1/2" or I know I'm in trouble. I would probably try them on if I saw them in the store, but unless they were supercomfy I wouldn't get them.

Message edited 4/11/2011 10:32:21 PM.