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Comfortable & Chic Black Heels To Suit Any Budget

Wednesday 12 September 2012
blackheels1
1. Vince Camuto "Desti" Pumps $97.95  2. Vince Camuto "Goldie" Pump $88.95  3. Halogen "Bianca" Wedge $119.95         4. Cole Haan "Chelsea" Low Pump  $298  5. Jimmy Choo "Lennox" Pump $495  6. Repetto "Norma" Ballet Wedges $310       7. Tod's Court Shoes $454  8. Ferragamo "Dalia" Pumps $475  9. Alexander Wang Sandals $470


I sighed with relief when I read that Sofia Coppola, the darling of the fashion world, Marc Jacob's muse and the designer of the most lust-worthy Louis Vuitton bags admitted she couldn't walk in heels. Whew! I'm not the only lone ranger out there who could barely walk in a straight line and will most likely pitch forward and stumble face first on the ground when I'm wearing anything higher than 2 inches.

There's a huge untapped market for comfortable and stylish heels for women. While most of us profess a desire for Christian Louboutin or the latest "it" skyscrapers on our feet, I doubt that they're just practical for everyday wear. How many of us feel like we're dying a slow and agonizing death when your toes are squashed against the toe box and the balls of your feet are on fire? I could only winced in sympathy when I saw my friend's fractured and swollen foot at the school gate. Navigating through treacherous cobbled or brick paved lanes is no easy feat when you're wearing high heels. It requires tremendous concentration, skill and confidence. A bit like the Ninjas. Stealth and precision.

I feel like a little kid in a candy store when I'm surfing on the net for shoes. Or perhaps a magpie because I'm drawn to the most glittery and embellished heels. The funny is, the shoes that get worn the most are almost always 1) comfortable  2) plain  3) versatile. Right now, I'm missing that pair of comfortable black heels in my closet. I've got a wedding to attend early next month but I've got a job to do as well. I'm the "official" photographer. I'm required to scurry from one location to the next, be on my feet from 7am to evening, squat, run and hop while trying to look dignified and chic. 

I've put together a selection of heels that range between 1.5 to 3 inches. Now all I need to do is narrow the list down to 1.

54 comments:

  1. My vote for looking dignified and chic while doing the job is #3! It's classy and you'll feel stable with the slight wedge. That aside, I love #9!

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    1. Goodness, you've actually read my mind. I've been thinking of going with no.3 as I know that I can feel more stable on the ground. Personally, I adore no.9 but I know I probably won't survive the day.

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    2. Too funny! :D In any case, I didn't suggest #9 for the job because that would just be insanity. ;) It's still pretty regardless!

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    3. I wish I could balance on these. *sigh* One day..... or else I'll just have to take the cab everywhere.

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  2. Oh dear..glad to hear i am not the only disabled woman when it comes to heels. Is it because i am old ir whater it is. I can barely stand anything over 2.5 inches literally. Looking at all the available options in the market these days, i cant find stylish low heels in contrast to high rise heels 4" and up. It is insane, i am amazed at how some ladies walk in high heels with grace cuz if that was me i would look funny trying to stay balanced. The choices you listed here look very promising and lovely. And boy love the price points.

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    1. I think more and more designers are finally listen to our pleas. Stylish heels that we can walk in. I don't see a lot of women in heels whenever I'm in London. People walk a lot there and they have to get in and out of the subway.

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  3. You're brave to do that job in any kind of heels! I have a fairly comfortable pair of J. Crew suede wedges that are tall but well-made and fit well, so they don't totally kill. But I can't really walk in heels either. High wedges is the closest I get. For occasions where I have to be dressed up but need to move around a lot, I always opt for a shoe like the J.Crew "Viv"...I don't think they carry them anymore on the site (why are all their accessories in bright colorblock patterns now??? ugh) but an ebay search brings up a few hits. I had a similar cheap pair by Mia and wore them until their soles fell off.

    Good luck choosing!

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    1. I love wedges too. So much easier to walk in. None of that balancing act business :)

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  4. Oh you'll be a brilliant photographer!
    Ugh I'm so over Louboutins, I'm slowly selling off my 12 pairs, as I'm getting older I want to distance myself from obvious brands.

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    1. You're my cheerleader, Tabitha! Am rather nervous about photographing the wedding. It has been a while since I last did anything remotely similar. I sold all my Louboutins. They're sexy heels but I was in so much pain!

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  5. AGREED! I love heels, but I can’t wear a sky high heel to work... i love these options!

    xo everything-pretty.com

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    1. It's time these designers start creating shoes that we can walk in comfortably.

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  6. Well I would recommand the Salvatore Ferragamo, timeless and very confortable. But don't you have any proper range in the UK (I mean other than Topshop or Office)? What about LK Bennett? Because I am very surprised that nearly all the shoes but 2 are US brandswhich should mean a lot of shipping cost unless you can find them easily in the UK?!! I am not british, even remotely but anyway if one can't find proper shoes in the UK or in France by the way (yes I am french).

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    1. Unfortunately, I've got ridiculously small feet (EU 34 or UK 1) so my only options is to either buy from the US or get them from France. The sizes here begin at UK 3 which I'm rather bummed about :(

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    2. OoooHH so you're braking my dreams....I am a EU 35 (true one BTW ie 22,5 cm length) and I really really thought that UK 2,5 would do for me. US 4,5 is too small for me. I must confess that I am not sure at all of all teh conversion chart we can find on the internet between all the international sizing: they seem somewhat inconsistent for me. I recently bought some classic Chanel heels from a US seller, was a US size 5 and are too long but very narrow.But the EU 35 fits me so what the heck? So when I buy LK Bennett EU 35 what is the equivalent in UK size? I am lost and confused.I must say anyway that this the same as with many european brands/ I also bought some MJ from Marc Jacobs 35 and they are too long. Same for Pollini shoes (italian brand) chosen in a true 35 and not italian 35 meaning french 36. Too large too. Arghh It's more and more difficult to find small shoes with small sizing unless you take the splurge to have them custom made.

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    3. I've actually resorted to memorizing the sizes for each brand. YSL, Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Marc Jacobs, Sam Edelman, Giuseppe Zanotti and Chanel to name a few are generally true to size albeit a more narrow cut (with the exception of Sam Edelman, Lanvin, Stuart Weitzman, Isabel Marant and Ferragamo which comes in different widths). I fare better with brands like See by Chloe, Repetto, K Jacques, Louboutin (which kills me so I avoid!) run small. Prada, R Vivier and Gucci sizing tend to be bigger so I avoid these brands.

      I've looked into Shoes of Prey but the customs tax is a killer. I've bought a pair of shoes from pretty-small-shoes.com which is custom made and looks just like the IM Dicker ankle boots. I don't particularly like their designs. Hence, the only option for me is Nordstrom because it's the one place that I can still find good shoes for petite sized feet like mine.

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  7. I so agree about heels. There just aren't enough nice shoes with lower heels. Often they are either completely flat or 6 inches high and I find it impossible to walk in those skyscraper heels and look ridiculous to boot, but being a shortie, like a couple of inches to boost my height.
    You have found great selection of options. Good luck!
    Penny x

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    1. I was amazed at the massive selection of 4-5 inch heels with another inch or two of platform

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  8. I live the Jimmys and the Ferragamo - they look like something even I could manage. I don't have many black shoes and the pair of heels I have ... hurt a little :o(

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    1. Would love to see what you're going to wear for the wedding? Have you got it planned yet?

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    2. I bought a stash of Karen Walker dresses when I was back in NZ. I just need proper black heels to go with it. My thrifted Ferragamos are still too high. Nearly snapped my ankle just walking from the bedroom to the lounge!

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  9. Yeah, it's cool that there are more options nowadays that are still pleasing to the eye and comfy but not crazy high! These options you chose are a good mix, and I really like the Wang heels! Looking forward to see what you select! :)

    xxT

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  10. I totally agree with the idea of comfortable and stylish shoes for women. I think the kitten heels are quite sexy.
    Mom Fitness Journal | Girlie Blog Seattle | Cheap Makeup Reviews

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  11. I'm useless in heels as well. I used to detest kitten heels but I realised that low heels look much better on me when they have some kind of ankle or t-strap, it saves me from looking too office lady. Also, I notice I like low heels look better when they veer towards pointy rather than too rounded. My dream low heels all come from Valentino, but realistically, my vote goes to number three!

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  12. I love high heels, but they hurt... :( So, I lean towards lower heels and wished I'd wear my high heels more often... Out of the selection I love no. 9 the most! :)

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  13. I'm about to head into work early next year so I'm definitely on the hunt for chic work-appropriate heels like these :) 5 and 8 are perfect with their low heel and patent material. thanks for sharing these lovely options :)

    metallicpaws.blogspot.com

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  14. Thank you! Where to start, this is my pet peeve topic since having my last baby! There was a complete lack of decent heels for years - they only made skyscrapers but the tide has turned albeit very slowly and your choices prove there are now more sensible options among the madness. I have always loved wedge heels so I would pick #3 for your duties and myself as they are gorgeous with the teeny ankle strap! Had my eye on #9 as I found my black sandals worked so well during the summer holidays.

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  15. Hello Marlene, I love number 3 too! It's something Sofia Coppola usually wears too, with the ankle strap. After wearing flats for more than a year, I recently took out my neglected 3 inch heels for a spin. It was ok until noon but by the end of the day, I was glad to be home. I wonder how the halogen wedges run in terms of size..

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    1. Eileen, I've been rather obsessed with black ankle strap pumps/wedges since I saw a photo of her on your blog. I've been trying to search for a more accurate review of the Halogen wedges because I'm really keen to get them. They don't do size 4 but I'm hoping to get away with insoles etc in a size 5.

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  16. I haven't found the perfect black heels yet. I have a few but nothing amazing. I have had my eye on a black pair by Manolo Blahnik - not too high...but currently out of stock in my size! I love wearing really high heels but I'm mindful of where I'll be walking (not so much for me but for the shoes!!!)I have been mixing it up though with flats, I love ballet flats but no wedges for me...but number 3 looks quite nice :)

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    1. Vanisha, I didn't have to worry about cobbled lanes back in NZ but over here it's a big concern. It's far safer to stick to wider heels or wedges. I used to wear Manolos all the time! Love his shoes. Such classics.

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  17. I have some Ferragamo black heels that have lasted years, are comfortable and still look great. I would recommend them. What about Roger Vivier ? Do they make your size - beautiful and a bit different.

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    1. So far I haven't had much luck with Roger Vivier. Their sizing runs large. Thanks for the info about Ferragamo. They make small sizes so I'll definitely give them a try.

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  18. I have a weak spot for the Alexander Wang, probably not the most classical, but very edgy.

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    1. I was frantically trying to find Vika (spelling??) from AW's previous collection. It was sold out everywhere :( I'm loving ankle strap heels these days.

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  19. I'm right there with you! I need #9!

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    1. That would be my pick. Only problem is I don't think I can last more than 2 hours on these.

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    2. We think alike! #9 was my immediate choice, too! :)

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    3. I'd like #9 to be an inch lower. Totally love AW designs.

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  20. I saw them on you and those Zara heels look amazing. Sadly, none in my size! Wish my feet will just grow a size or two!

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  21. I'm also in need of a pair black heels to take me from am to pm. I do have my share of elegant (and too high) heels but I m trying to replace them with more wearable ones for every day. From your selection my favorites are 3 and 5, but for me I would like a slight higher heel. Let me know which ones you choose:) xx

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  22. I am ashamed to say that I do not own a pair of black pumps :(
    Your post, however has got me thinking... =D

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  23. I used to wear crazy high heels but now I much prefer sensible heels. Being in pain is not much fun and not a good look!

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  24. I would vote for a Ferragamo - I have the one (~2 inches) with a bow on the toe cap (can't remember the name now, but it's not like the one you featured). They are incredibly comfortable, even after walking around the entire day and standing for long periods of time.

    The other one that's great is the Repetto wedges - they make me feel like I'm wearing flats. Worth every cent.

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  25. I love super high heels, for some reason despite being extremely clumsy in day to day life I can walk perfectly fine in my 6inch wedges! However I do prefer lower ones if I'm on my feet all day. I love #9, classic but with a bit of an edge, Alexander Wang does that look so well doesn't he? But for practicality I'd go for #3, I always find wedges comfier & they're more stable if your going to be running around :)

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  26. I love high heels but they're just not that practical for me. My highest heels get the least amount of use. I love #3 and #9. I think #3 would work best for a wedding shoot. The ankle strap is so chic and I can imagine how many ways you would style it. Can't wait to see which one you choose!

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  27. I agree - it is SO difficult to find comfortable and stylish shoes! I envy the ladies who can wear beautiful shoes with little to no discomfort. Finding shoes seem especially difficult for me because of my wide feet.

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    1. My girlfriends often complain about difficulties finding shoes to fit their wide feet. It looks like big or small feet, it's still remarkably difficult to find shoes that fit.

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  28. One can never have too many pairs of black heels, in varying heights - they are perfect for almost any occasion. As fond as I am of skyscrapers, I can't wear them everywhere and tend to prefer a mid-heel for work, flats for fun and sky scrapers are reserved only for special occasions.

    ps. love the pair you ended up choosing - they are exactly right for your role as photographer (congrats by the way! that will be amazing - is it something you do a lot?)

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    1. I used to photograph friends' and family members' wedding on the condition that they use me as a back up and that I will, in no way be a bother to the professional photographers. Although I'm a guest at the wedding, I rarely have time to sit and enjoy the moment as I'm always rushing from one place to another. It is exhausting as I'm at the hotel by 7am and I don't put my camera away until 12am. It's a favor which I don't charge for. These days I'll only do it for a close friend or two.

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  29. I can't wait to see your wedding photos. I hope we get to see!!! I adore good wedding photography- what an honor that you've been asked to do it. That's so special, Marlene.

    Can't wait to see what you end up wearing. All of these shoe options look great.

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    1. Lindsay, I'll be sure to take a photo of my outfit. I guess I'd better look ladylike on the day. At least I have a role model aka you, to inspire me to be a little more polished instead of my typical grunge tomboy look.

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  30. i almost always wear flats, so I can relate! Faves are #3 and #9 - both of which would fit in my own wardrobe quite nicely! Which ones did you go for in the end?

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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    1. Steph, I decided to go with #3 only because I'm certain I can manage the low wedge without breaking my neck :P As for #9, I still loooove it. Am dreaming of it.

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