Flats

So, like most women, I love shoes.  However, I've had to scale back my interest in shoes my entire life because I have such a narrow foot and shoes don't like me.  Seriously, my foot is either a AA or AAA and a size 7, which is very hard to find, regardless, even if there's a brand that specializes in narrow shoes.  Most of the time, I say I wear a 6.5 because if it's a regular width shoe, that's what I need so my heel doesn't flop around all day.  Interestingly, I can pretty much wear a 6-7.5 depending on how the shoe is made and the width I'm working with.

For work I used to wear heels.  Every day!  My feet just hurt so bad at the end of each day.  So, I invested in some wedges, which worked nicely.  And one pair of black flats.  That was in 2006.  Well, those poor little black flats have seen better days and so after FINALLY finding a pair to replace them (you'd think simple black flats would be easy to find), they're going in the trash.  I knew it was time to part when I could feel the water in my shoes on rainy days!

RIP little black flats!

What was one pair of black flats in 2006, has now morphed into many pairs of all colors in 2013. 

Kevin thinks I have a shoe obsession.  This is not the case.  If they fit, I buy them because I never know how long I'll look before I find another pair I can use.  This was the case with my replacement black flats!  Not only did I find them, but I found a camel colored pair exactly like them and swooped them up!  They're GAP.  And while I don't usually shop at the GAP, we stumbled in one day to browse and I found what they call the Leather Ballet.  These shoes truly feel exactly like ballet shoes, minus the elastic band around your ankle!  They are so comfortable!  They do have a little extra padding on the sole, than a typical ballet shoe, but not much.  However, they don't have a shank that ends mid heel, like most pointe shoes, so I give them a thumbs up!  After living in ballet shoes for most of my college career, I'm happy to be back in something like them, minus the ripped hose and leotards...I don't think my current employer would go for that look!

If you're looking for flats, check out GAP!  They have many different colors and patterns!  I will say, the hot pink pair and the florals have a bit thicker leather, but the others are the thin, ballet shoe-type leather.  Just an FYI!  And I've seen many complaints online about the thin ballet leather.  Truth is, it will get creases in it.  (You can already see creases in the middle black shoe above.)  It will probably scuff off if you stub your toe, and there isn't a think sole to shield your foot on rocks or uneven surfaces.  But for me, getting the comfort of a "true" ballet shoe is worth it!