Everyone knows that clothing can be altered/tailored, but not everyone knows that shoes can be as well (within reason that is). It’s no secret that everyone has a unique body type that has different needs: height, calve size, and foot width, etc And for that reason one might ask, why aren’t shoes catered to an individual versus having standard sizing? Well, the simple answer is that the consumer started buying from retail instead of having everything custom made. The consumer traded comfort for convenience.
The most important thing in your outfit is your shoes. Many walk everyday on their feet, so it is essential to take care of them. Yet, this fact has been lost due to consumerism and also the false belief we have been taught that having foot issues as we get older is just a part of life. the reality is that it isn’t. Most of the shoes that are commercially available decline the quality of our foot life. And it doesn’t help that most comfortable shoes made for the average consumer don’t have a very fashionable aesthetic. It’s the scam before the scam: you can choose to buy comfortable shoes for your feet, but they won’t match your fashion style most likely. So what do you do? Well of course most people are going to choose fashion over comfort, this is humanity we are talking about. So in the end you fuel the shoe industry to keep making uncomfortable shoes and then also spend a lot of money in the medical industry to help your ailing feet. It’s the perfect business plan to everyone in it but the consumer.
This is why I mentioned in previous posts that it’s important to pick shoes that are comfortable. I’ve had to return many shoes I loved because they were just unbearable to wear. However, there is some instances where a shoe fits perfectly but the appearance of it ruins the overall look. Sometimes the appearance can be fixed, and I will give an example of that below:
For my birthday last year I got a pair of Tony Bianco boots. I had been looking for a simple pair of black boots for quite some time now, so I was fortunate enough to come across it. And, I was even more fortunate that the Tony Bianco website offered the use of AfterPay (breaking up a purchase into 4-payment installments), which I made good use of!
When I received the boots in the mail they were perfect, except for the length of the shaft. I felt they were too high. The boots hit on my knees and I did not like that. Based on my knowledge of construction, I knew it would be possible to alter them if I took them to a trusted cobbler.
I took them to my cobbler and showed him my dilemma and asked if it was possible to fix, and he said yes. The shaft on these boots are 18.5″ if I remember correctly. At the cobbler’s shop I eyeballed it and told him I wanted 3″ taken off the top. The one reason I was so confident in doing so is that the previous week I tried on a pair of brown boots that had a 15″ shaft and they hit perfectly under my knee. So, I figured cutting off 3″ would give me what I want, and would leave room if I wanted to cut even more off in the future. Because it is better to cut little by little instead of too much.
When I got the boots back from my cobbler, they were perfect! I was so happy I took the plunge to alter them, the customized shaft length really makes a difference. Now there is a more harmonious look of the boots with my legs that makes them look better.
Overall it’s case by case regarding just how much you can alter shoes to fit your needs. It depends on the design most of all. But, there are also other ways to modify shoes without physically doing so. This could be by adding padding/inserts to help fill out a shoe or adding it in the back to give you more support. This type of modifications can be done by yourself in the comfort of your own home.
For me, dealing with shoes is a constant battle. My feet are skinny/somewhat narrow, but not narrow enough to be considered a narrow foot. So for many brands I just cannot have a comfortable fit. And unfortunately for my wallet, it seems certain premier designer brands only fit me perfectly. Once I find a good shoe maker to make me custom shoes my bank account will see better days, but until then the hunt is on in the retail world.
OUTFIT DETAILS
Ruslan Baginskiy Hat – Farfetch
Topshop Faux Fur jacket – Previous Season
Louis Vuitton Bandeau – Louis Vuitton, Previous Season
Rag & Bone Simone Slim Ankle Pants – Nordstrom
Louis Vuitton Felicie Pochette Monogram Canvas – Louis Vuitton, Sold out
Tony Bianco Guilia Boot – Revolve, Previous Season
Ma’aasalaama xoxo
Nadine
I love that! I really think it speaks wonders on buying with intention. Sometimes it is worth to buy the nicer product, spend that extra buck to alter it, to have a life long piece in your closet. Especially with staple shoes like those boots! It isn’t always about instant gratification, sometimes you need to wait to have something truly worth it!
With my foot injury I am too struggling to find stylish shoes that offer arch support and not look like grandma shoes or shoes that have removable footbed so I can put my orthotics in! Arch support should be a must in any shoe 🙂 and Thank you for shedding light on this important subject I can relate!!
Looking at these pictures the first thought is the song by Fruggie Glamorous.
Love the pictures and how they relate to the narrative.
This is the perfect winter look. Thank you for the shoe information too!
Love the close up of your outfit!
I agree. By having more of your items, including shoes, personally tailored to your body’s uniqueness makes you that more of an intentional and put together person. I personally have insoles for my feet. Function and comfort in mind.
Thanks to you!!!! Now I know shoes can be altered. Thanks for making everyone’s life so much easier and giving us the life of fashion. We adore you so much!
I loved the way you styled your outfit . Wearing all black and adding the colorful scarf gave it a very reflective touch . Keep on styling I am
Taking notes .