The Best Shoe Hack You Never Knew
Being a petite woman has many fit challenges…and they’re not all with your clothes. This post shared the importance of correct fit and alterations for your clothes. Today I’m sharing alterations of a different sort. Shoe alterations. Do you do it? Did you know it could be done?
I have difficult feet. Bunions, several broken toes from crashing into things, a cyst causing a hammertoe and general lack of padding on the bottom of my feet mean…my feet hurt. I usually live in flat shoes, but was inspired to make a pair of heels work for me this spring.
I fell in love with the new block heel and these Vince Camuto shoes caught my eye. I really wanted to wear these so I got creative to make them work.  I took them home, sprayed them with shoe stretch and wore around the house for several hours, wearing heavy socks. Once I was certain they were wide enough, I took them to my cobbler who cut 1/2″ off the heel height. You can’t tell they’ve been shortened unless you know I did it!
Now, rather than throw my body weight forward onto the ball of my foot, they angle me backward and puts the weight on my heels, where it belongs.
These block-heeled sandals were also too high for me so the cobbler removed 3/4″ from them.
Alterations make all the difference between looking well-dressed and looking over-powered when you’re petite. Invest in alterations and include your shoes in the mix.
Have you ever had heels shortened on your shoes or boots?
I have issues too, Jen! Fun stuff. I have very high arches making shoes sometimes too loose, and I get ankle pain from my illness. I have to wear a supportive shoe and preferably one with cushion or an orthotic. I had no idea or have not thought about a cobbler. Fantastic! I love those shoes on you, as I am a fan of the block heel and super style!
I enjoy hosting with you as well!
xx jess
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
“Sprayed them with shoe stretch” — I didn’t know this even existed! Now I have to look for it.
My feet are so wide I rely on shoe stretch!
I NEVER heard of Shoe Stretch!! Where can I find it??? Also, it never occurred to me to have shoes altered – didn’t know it could be done! Thank you SO MUCH!
I buy mine locally but you can also find it here.
Happy Saturday, Jenn!
My “just beyond midlife” mind forgot about “shoe stretch”. I have a pair of Jack Rogers wedge mules that I hesitate to wear because they need a “gotta wear these in a little more . . . work out . . . stretch session”. May I ask what brand shoe stretch you used? I know some are known to stain leather.
I love the look of flats, but they are SO BAD for my circulation. My new crush is the micro-wedge. They have the look of a flat, with just the right lift!
I am quite stoked about the return of stacked heels, especially for the Fall! I can totally visualize your alteration tip with a stacked heel!
Thanks for mentoring us through this present season of growing pains!
w/L
Hi Lynne!! Happy Saturday. I just found that micro wedge and love them too. I use shoe stretch from Target. I’m careful not to over spray at one time. I will spray, wear til dry, then repeat several times to get them just right. If I use too much at one time is doesn’t work any better and does run that stain risk. So lovely to hear from you. Have a great weekend xx
I love those shoes! Very feminine but fun too. You look adorable and very appropriate to see the accountant. I’ve had my shoes stretched by the shoe cobbler, never knew the heel chopping was even a possibility. I suppose the type of heel matters? This is a game changer!
I’ve had this done to regular high heels, back when I could where them, plus plastic molded heels that were part of the sole. With a good cobbler he can do almost any shoe! Let me know how it works for you.
I keep my shoes forever and a good shoe guy is essential.
I agree Jen. I use mine a lot! He refurbishes handbags and boots at the end of each season, re colors scuffs, etc. I’ve been lucky to find a great one.
Great info, I too have feet and toe problems but have found yours and some other great blogs on fashion, beauty and aging, it’s given me a lot of great info and ideas.
Welcome Lana, I’m happy you’re finding inspiration.
Hi Jennifer! I am in the petite category and get frustrated with having to make alterations. I’ve never heard of shoe alterations but what a great idea – especially if you see a pair that you just have to have! I love your shoes in this post. Dropping by from Midlife Bloggers Assoc FB page. Sue from Sizzling Towards Sixty.
Thanks Sue. Welcome! Just be sure you use an experienced cobbler.
Jennifer,
Thank you for sharing this amazing tip. I never knew this about cobblers. I was just about to throw out all of my 3″ shoes because they were a 1/2″ too high for my knee/back to handle. Now I can save some of my favorite shoes. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!!!
What a great idea to alter the shoe! I can’t wear super high heels anymore, but the styles are so cute! I want to try this and have the heel reduced!!
If your cobbler doesn’t have experience at this, find another one who does! It’s such a miracle for me
This is the coolest fashion tip I had in ages! You have helped SO many women with this! Thanks Jennifer! Kimberly XO
The trick is finding an experienced cobbler. They’re out there!
I had this absolutely gorgeous pair of light camel boots in my narrow width and tried to have the heels shortened. My shoe cobbler refused to do it because he said it would throw the balance off from the angle of the soles. I was very disappointed and ended up donating them! 😥
I’d find another cobbler and try it before I donated them. I only have a tiny bit removed and it has never thrown off the balance on the shoes
Brilliant!!! Glad I read this, so I have it in my repertoire of “fixing things”!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
#midlifeblogger
Those are such cute shoes and you look adorable. 🙂 I hope the accountant gave you a discount for looking so chic! 😉
Sadly no discount, but the tax bill wasn’t scary. So there s that!
Love the Vince Camuto on you! So smart to alter the shoes to suit your needs.
Happy Weekend, Jen! xx
Have a great weekend Heather! Xx
I did the same thing with a pair of BOOTS a few years ago!Had the heel cut off……….only to have NEVER WORN THEM!!!!!!
I heard VINCE was having a GREAT SALE recently…………..in W.C.
Hope the accountant told YOU money BACK!!!!!!
XX
I’m not sure cutting the heel off would work. That would throw your balance way off:)
I thought the shoe was shaped to the heel and any change would throw off the balance. I guess I was wrong. I always see shoes that I would love but for the high heel. Thank you for this great hint.
Shoes usually are balanced for the heel. But 1/2 off doesn’t seem to affect the look or balance.
Love this idea…those shoes are so cute. I also have *problem* feet, so am very choosy about shoes and have to avoid a lot of cute ones. I also like the stretching routine. My feet aren’t quite the same size, so it could really help on the bigger one. Great look!
I spray and stretch every pair of shoes and boots I buy. I also have shoe trees to do it with. It makes such a difference!
Those shoes are so fun! I watched Jennifer walk all over a huge resort all day and into the evening…so her alterations worked well for her feet! Such a smart idea!
Those shoes are so cute and they look great on you.
My shoes cobbler always says: well, I will take of some but you cant walk on them normally. And I am always so glad with the result. I have bought so many shoes that I fell in love with but could not walk on because of the high heels. And then this is such an solution!
I’ve never heard of altering heels before! What a smart idea.
A clever shoe cobbler can work miracles. I do it all the time!