Quote from: NerissaGrace on January 04, 2015, 04:42:11 PM
Do you all feel you need to wear flats in public or are there cases where you feel heels can be appropriate? I am trying to imagine whether I would be doomed to a life of sensible shoes 
. Thank you for all of the comments about self-confidence - that is definitely going to be a journey for me in many respects. I'm 52 and a lot of this feels pretty disorienting.
Nerissa Grace
It takes a little time to figure out what is "you" and your style and comfort level in clothes and shoes. I always tell people to be patient and not go out and buy a lot of shoes until they figure out what works for them. Some of that is trial and error, but you can learn some of it. One of my cis F friends warned me early on not to chintz on shoes as well made ones tend to be more comfortable and last longer, but that meant trying a few inexpensive pairs in various styles. You can get a lot of good quality shoes on sale our from catalogs (once you know your sizes in various lines). The catalogs also tend to include larger sizes -- even for major brands -- and at sale time often that's what's left. I am lucky in that I can usually just buy a 10, but it varies. I do see that more stores are now carrying larger sizes, though.
I am about your age , and I find that I don't have to "go" sensible. I do wear heels. But I also don't like heels higher than about 3". Some of it is very much about being age appropriate, but often it's also just about being "classic". You can look for "kitten heels" which are about 1.5-2 inches. There are plenty of very nice flats and low heeled shoes that are perfectly in fashion at any age. Go through some of the catalogs, or even just watch when you are out. I wear heels when in the appropriate setting, but often I'm wearing flats or boots. You can get flat heel boots ( I have many pairs, most of which are flat) from most boot making brands.
Because I walk so much, I don't often wear heels outside the office or events. But that's pretty common for most women. Heels are not practical much of the time. Most women have a few "go to" pairs of shoes that they rotate through because of what they do for work or because of the comfort or style. Then they have a stash of other shoes that go with various outfits or for occasions. I always tell people to just get a couple pairs of black pumps at a heights they want to try, along with a couple of pairs of flats, and see what works. Also: give yourself time to break in shoes, especially heels. Most women have a love-hate relationship with their shoes. When you find one that works and is comfortable, buy a second pair. They are harder to find than you think.
