So I tried, y’all. I really did.
Back in the fall, I tried. I bought these.
Flats. I bought flats. After almost ten years of being solely (sorry. can’t help it. the pun is irresistible.) devoted to any shoe with a chunky and/or wedge heel, I caved to the shoe trends, and I bought a pair of flats.
And do you know what else? I wore them. I really did. I wore them with my rolled-up boyfriend jeans. I wore them with my denim skirt. I wore them with black pants. I wore them with leggings.
And every single time I wore them, I felt like I might as well be walking around on my knees. They threw off my entire height-to-object ratio. My foot didn’t hit steps when I thought it should. My kitchen countertops seemed like they’d been raised two inches. I was 5’6″ again – not the 5’8″ or 5’9″ I’d gotten used to in bigger heels – and honestly, it was weird. It wasn’t life or death or anything that would even remotely constitute a real problem, of course, but it just felt strange.
However, I continued to wear them. Why? Because somehow I told myself that I needed to wear something more sensible and flats are in and I’m supposed to think that they’re cute even though they remind me of junior high and high school and the entire rainbow spectrum of the Connie shoe collection, NOT THAT I HAVE LINGERING 80s BAGGAGE OR ANYTHING.
Well.
In light of the fact that my beloved 4-inch Soda flip-flops went on to their heavenly reward after their complete absence of tread may or may not have caused a particularly humiliating skid off of our front stoop one rainy morning, I was in the market for a new pair of flip-flops this spring. And given my fall and winter “flats experience,” I decided that the new flip flops needed to be just a smidge higher than flats. I didn’t want 4-inch wedges again; I felt like I was somehow too old to buy something that funky (WHY? I HAVE NO IDEA. JUST FOR KICKS LET’S BLAME THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA.)
So I bought these. They seemed like a nice compromise.
They’re incredibly comfortable, and I know I’ll wear them like crazy this summer. But height-wise? They still left a little something to be desired. I mean, 5’7″ is great and all, and it’s certainly a step (sorry – it’s Puntacular ’10, apparently) in the right direction. But after I’d worn the new flip-flops for a few days, I realized that there was a wedge-sized hole in my heart that only a 3-inch heel could fill.
Earlier this week I was in Steinmarts because I had a Mother’s Day gift card that was BURNING UP my wallet, and I took a little stroll through the shoe department. I wanted to see if they’d gotten in anything new since my last Steinmarts visit approximately three days prior. Sure enough, I spotted a couple of pairs of sandals that I liked but that didn’t work at all because of my freakishly high arches (not to be confused with my unusually small ear canals).
ANYWAY, I was talking to Melanie during my shoe browsing, and when I saw a pair of kicky sandals that caught my fancy, I asked her to hold on so that I could take a picture and send it to her.
(What? You don’t do this? I daresay that I haven’t purchased shoes without a second opinion since 2002. Which is precisely the reason why Mel received this picture on her phone.)
(See what I mean about the freakishly high arches?)
(You could shield yourself from the sun under there.)
I was tickled when Melanie gave the shoes her stamp of approval, but more than anything I was BESIDE MYSELF at the thought abandoning my attempts to embrace the flat. Life is too short for pretending, my friends. As Greg Sumner once said on an episode of Knots Landing: “the heart wants what the heart wants.”
Neveryoumind that Greg Sumner was a fictional character on an 80s TV show. Clearly his wellspring of wisdom ran deep and true.
And for whatever it’s worth, my heart wanted these.
They’re bronze and chunky and just a little over-the-top. Sort of like me. Except for the bronze part.
The best part of all? I started off the week at 5’6″.
But today I’m 5’9″.
It’s good to be home.
Love them! That’s a great brand-very comfy and made well-to last. Congrats on a great find!
Are those shoes sparkly? If so, then I need to own them.
Funny! See, I feel that whole “I’ve-Been-Thrown-Off-Because-of-the-Heel-of-My-Shoes” thing but when I’m wearing anything WITH a heel. I have to wear flats or I feel like Godzilla with stretch marks. (Maybe Momzilla?)
Anyway, being 5’11” has its perks but never getting to wear any cute shoes (which is hard enough w/a size 11 shoe–ugh) isn’t one of them.
I have freakishly high arches, too!! I like the high chunky heels also, but since my hubs is only 5’9″ and I am 5’6ish, I have to be careful…
But, alas, no Steinmarts in my town :-(
TOO.CUTE. Love me some Yellow Box Shoes!
You are too funny. I love me some wedges, no matter how you slice it. However, the backless are what keeps me missin’ a few steps…ha!
I have a really high arch too. Flats hurt my feet sometimes so I need to get more wedges I guess!
I love those! I, too, have the freakishly high arches. It makes a lot of shoes unwearable – the tops of many shoes just don’t hit right. I think that’s why I enjoy sandal season so much. It’s just a better season for the FHA.
i swear we are sole sisters! (no, i could not resist either) first you tell me you switched from gain to arm & hammer. my friend, i can not tell you how that spoke to my heart, well nose really b/c we all know we choose our laundry detergent based on smell. but not so long ago i found a&h and just couldn’t go back no matter the perfume. then, if that is not enough, you share your love for the heels and wedge! i too feel like a smurf when wearing flats and i JUST CAN NOT DO IT ANYMORE. ah, the freedom of the heel and knowing you are a better person for it. amen and amen sister!
Love the shoes… but they would only put me at 5’5″… haha It so sad to be soooo short. :)
I LOVE THEM.
And earlier this week, I texted a picture of my feet wearing these shoes to my husband for his approval:
http://www.shoestation.com/PAMPIANGGAHBOIHH/product?ad_id=froogle&key_id=PAMPIANGGAHBOIHH&
And I want them in EVERY color. They are comfortable and just a little bit sassy and feminine. And I am 5’11” which means heels make me like 6-foot-Amazon, but I do not care and I love these shoes and well, the heart wants what the heart wants.
Um if I’m not mistaken, those would be of the “Yellowbox” brand which are DIVINE!!!!
VERY CUTE!
I’m just the opposite…I’m 5’10 so when I wear heels I’m around 6’1. (Luckily my hubby is 6’3 so it’s okay.) I’ve gotten so used to flats that when I wear heels I’m like, “Gross! I need to dust the top of the refrigerator!”
Those are great shoes, though…I may have to go shopping and see what’s out there for summer. We don’t have a Steinmart here – is it like Walmart? :)
~Kandi
http://kandilandblog.blogspot.com
Ab-sole-utly made me laugh! A much needed laugh.
We can meet at the Cross because I love me some flats :-)
Always enjoy coming here. Always.
Love the sandals and completely understand the need for wedge since I’m all of 5’2″ in my bare feet (hate. being. short.)
Anyway, the thing that perplexed me, and lo, caused me to stare for all of 5 full minutes, was the angle at which you took that picture. SERIOUSLY, how in the free world did you get that shot, girlfriend? I can’t stand it, I must know.
If you don’t know the wonderfullness that is Yellow Box Shoes, then Sister, you have been missing out. Please get on Zappos, or Amazon and search them…cutest wedge sandals and flip flops ever! I too am 5’6′, and you will NEVER catch me without a heel, even in a house shoe. I totally get you.
#11, Amanda, the B.O.C. shoes are the most comfortable and well made, ever! just love them and ever since our Gottschalks closed, I can’t find them. I’m going to Dallas in 2 weeks for a wedding and will plan shoe shopping and then try to see how many will fit into a flat rate box for mailing back here to Alaska. I really dislike the paying for checked luggage thing, so will try to go with only a carryon. no room for shoe purchases. sad.
Ooh! Excellent purchase!
Those are awfully purty. I can’t do heels for the life of me, so I’ll just admire yours.
LOVE the shoes! I have ALWAYS worn heels. ALWAYS. But ever since I had Harper – I switched to flats and now the rare Sunday when I put on heels it’s like my feet are frozen and I can’t walk. I spend the whole church service wondering when I can get those heels off.
I feel real dumpy without heels but my feet are happier. ha!
I love Yellow Box shoes! I don’t wear flats much, simply because I am only 5’1″ so I try and gain a LITTLE bit of height with my shoes.
Loved your article in HOMELIFE – I was rolling on the floor and could related to that post more than I care to admit!
Captivated by Him,
Beth
(How’s that one???)
One day we will ACTUALLY talk to each other– perhaps even face-to-face. Hopefully that day will come before we hit 50. :-) On that day, we can discuss deeper issues; but, until then, let me chime in on the flats issue. I HATE THEM!! I will NEVER wear them again (thanks to the eighties)!! Even though I might turn an ankle, deform my feet, have foot cramps (which I sometimes do)– I will persist in the wearing of lifts! Long live the Volatile flip-flop!! :-)
PS– I have been praying for Su and B!
Well, my dear, I’m 5’9″ in flats, which is why I love flats. But I also love flip-flops and those are some cute ones!
MUST KNOW Where you found those flip-flops. Love ’em.
Will have to see what Yellow Box Shoes are. To be honest, I’m not into shoes all that much. I wear a 10 1/2-11 (not narrow) and it is HARD to find anything that fits, much less anything that fits and doesn’t make my feet look hideous.
I feel the same way about flats. Love them on other people, but not on me. Yellowbox shoes are wonderful, but you MUST check out Volatile shoes/flip flops. I think you live in B’ham. You can find them at The Pants Store, Flip Flops & What Nots, and other stores around town.
They are cute as they can be but I don’t know how you balance on platform mules. I have tried them, I even paid $60 for a pair of Nine West mules once. I nearly broke my ankle three times. I felt like I was walking on a tightrope the whole entire day. I concentrated so hard on getting my heel to land on the shoe with each and every step. It was exhausting.
But they look GREAT on you. I’m glad you found your ‘sole mate’. :)
These are cute. You need to check out Flip Flops and WhatNots in Cahaba Heights, behind the Summit. Just got some casual black flops with a wedge (not 3 inches, but more than yours shown) that are my fave pair ever to own. Also they have kids shoes for cheap and cute tops and flowy dresses. Sweet lady that owns it.
I completely get you!
I have the high arch thing going on too-
and I live in things with heels-I own ONE pair of flats recently purchased because of the “flats mania” going on right now…I am certainly not tall enough, or thin enough in these flats!
…and speaking of Knots Landing, you were weren’t you?, do you remember the night Sid died? Devastation in the house with the two big sisters with me watching it. Our mom & dad were at Bible Study. We were mourning Sid’s death in the operating room. Hmmmm…maybe we should have been at Bible Study with Mom & Dad ;).
those of us who are 5’10” to start with hope that the flats trend sticks around a while. I never really learned to walk well in high heels, since all through that all important learning stage… high school… I was already taller than all the boys.
I love every word of this post but the thing that strikes me the most is: kitchen counters? You mean you wear shoes at home?? Like, to cook and do dishes and whatnot??
The barefoot girl in me can’t grasp that. All 5’1.5 of her.
Oh my, your dislike of the flats – again we have this in common. I sometimes feel a little like a stalker when you say something that is so me. I try wearing the flats to work as I have a long walk from parking to the office…alas, I wore the flats and FELL DOWN! Not once, but 2 times. I know the flats are cute on others, but seriously – I can’t do it. It may also have something to do with the 80’s baggage, but I’m trying not to dwell on that. ADORABLE shoes, and it makes me miss our Steinmarts – why oh why did you have to leave?? Enjoy the shoes – the are darling. And Yellowbox – I will have to be scouring the world for those.
Puntactular ’10 indeed. Thanks for the laugh. I love, love, love the bronze. And I like a wedge better that flip flops any day. When I was living in the college dorm with a shared bathroom down the hall, we wore flip flops and nothing but flip flops when we took a shower. After that, I never quite made the transition to flip flops as “real” shoes. I do own some now, but am never really comfortable in them. I feel naked when I wear them. Besides, I’m a little noise intolerant too and flip flops are so slap happy noisy. Yes, I have a few issues. Maybe I need some serious shoe shopping therapy.
Indeed! I’m with you….NO FLATS!!
Ewww!
I MUST have a slight heel or it’s misery!
Oh, I love the yellow box wedge! I’m on it. I’m finding a pair here. Today. Now.
Hee. I could not agree more, as I am also a chunky girl whose 5’6″ loves to be 5’9″. If it also happens to postpone the (rapidly approaching) day when my 12-year-old boy can look me in the eye, so much the better.
“WHY? I HAVE NO IDEA. JUST FOR KICKS LET’S BLAME THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA.)” That made me laugh real hard.
I tried as well. Oh how I tried to like ballet flats. Tried my darndest. But alas, I too like a little wedge. A little wedge makes be feel very Ramona on the catwalk. And that, my friend is a good, good thing.
And Yellow Box’s to boot!!! They are SO comfy. (I own many a pair. I killed a couple when I was preggers. My feet swelled so that they were the only shoes that would still go around. They were PITIFUL when I finally had that baby! :) haha!)
This was one of your best. Chuckling still.
Yellow Box, right? Awesome. I have 2 pair of YB flip flops and I LOVE them. Now they don’t give me any height, so I’m still living life down here at 5’4″, but my feet are in heaven. :)
I snorted my milkshake just a little over that line about “walking around on my knees.” It’s so true. I have one pair of flats. I feel the same way. And the high arches? I’m with you. I can’t wear Uggs because my arches are too high to stuff my foot in. It’s like Cinderella’s evil step-sisters.
Ah…Greg Sumner. I never understood why casting thought he was such a stud.
girl, wear them there wedge heel type shoes. its what makes you happy… flats make me feel like i’m quackin’ around like a duck. ie toes out and flat footin’… *sigh* the things we do for fashion sometimes just ain’t right!
Love the flip-flops and the sandals…although I don’t think I can pull off the bronze myself. I have had to embrace the flats since my work no longer allows open-toed sandals. (What do they expect a girl to wear with her skirts and capris?) I can’t very well wear heels since I have a very hands-on job working with special needs children in an elementary school. Gym class in heels just doesn’t work! But I like a little bit of a heel. My 5’3″ self NEEDS something more than a flat! It’s been interesting! I am so happy when summer arrives and I can return to my wedge sandals and flip-flops.
AHhhhhh….a woman who has a great shoe sense about her…my kind of girl! Thanks for the pics..Oh, and…I love heels, chunky, wedgy…whatever! too!