Wednesday, February 25, 2009

How I Got Over My Shoe Fetish

Back in the day, which really wasn't so long ago but feels like it when I get out bed in the morning, the Frugal Maven was a runner. This is something you probably wouldn't believe if you met me today. Not only do I no longer look like I could run to the corner, I have a general malaise that has developed over the years. Basically my aura says, "If I could run to the corner I wouldn't but thanks for asking. I'll be on the couch if you need me." I used to jump hurdles, an enterprise that seems downright stupid when I look back on it. Anyway, after my glory days as a mediocre athlete, I became a server and bartender in a very busy restaurant where we had to wear dress shoes and walk about 645 miles every night. Then I went to work in the car industry where I stood on concrete for 15 hours per day without a stool. I was obviously an idiot. Who didn't know a good labor lawsuit when she had one. During these stellar moments you are reliving with me, this is what my shoe collection would have looked like at any given time:









Because I could tart up my feet. No matter how long the shift, no matter what time of night or day, I could be counted on to be wearing some shoes that took effort. And looked pretty and cost a fortune. Then one day my bank account starting hurting. Then my feet started hurting. My heels hurt. The balls of my feet hurt. My toes hurt. I was going on a trip to Europe and didn't want to be limping everywhere so I visited the comfort shoe store. You know the one. The one you take comfort in that you'll never have to darken the doorway. Well, all I can say is if you haven't been there yet, tick-tock.



My request to the lovely fellow that waited on me was please sell me something that I can walk all over Europe pain-free in that's not too ugly. He sold me these:







And they were $215. Which about gave me a heart attack. I have owned $200 shoes before but only because I got a 75% off deal somewhere. I love a luxury item but I want it to look luxurious. But I trusted the nice man and he did not steer me wrong. I wore these to Europe and they saw the markets and cathedrals of Oxford, the rainy streets of Paris and the dusty villages of Provence. They were the only shoe I wore for the entire trip. That was in June 2006. I'm still wearing them. So I figure that over time they are more than worth the money I paid for them. When I put them on my feet want to cry because they are so happy. And that brings me to the true bottom of vanity. Sometimes it's winter and I can't wear my happy sandals and then my feet hurt. I finally returned to the comfort shoe store begging for a work/casual shoe that my heels would feel ok in. And he sold me these:






Yes, dear readers, this is the end of vanity. I knew the day would come. I've been wearing these Danskos for over a year now. At first I wore them to work and made jokes about them. Then I started wearing them out in real public places. Now I really have no urge to ever wear another pair of shoes again, except for these and my beloved sandals. These were $120 and worth every penny. If they ever fall apart I will happily go right back and get another pair just like them. My back doesn't hurt, my feet don't hurt, nothing hurts when I wear these. And that is worth a fortune. In the land of frugality, these expensive ugly shoes were a pittance. They've changed my life. And now you know how I got over my shoe fetish.

7 comments:

Kim said...

I'm not there yet! However, I do turn 30 this year, so who knows? ;)

I do have a tip for you, but I'm sure you knew this. I've seen lots of those Danskos at the zappos outlet...maybe try there for a deal?

Treehouse Chef said...

I am always shocked whenever I see you wearing these ortho shoes becuause you were always the one to wear those fashionable cruel shoes even after years of waiting tables. I am glad you finally came on board!

Kim said...

Frugal Maven: I'm at 982...getting close to hitting 1000!!!!!

Kim said...

I did it!!!!! 1000!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited!

Frugal Maven said...

Kim--I'm so glad for you! 1000 feels like a real milestone, doesn't it? Onward and upward!

Robynn's Ravings said...

Ok, dear friend. You have to dish on the NAME of those two shoe brands. You think those are ugly? I have been living in athletic shoes for SIX MONTHS because I got this stupid plantar fascitis and am going to PT. Your shoes look GLAMOROUS to me right now. I can't WAIT to get back to something regular but they have to have appropriate arch support which hardly ANYthing does. The evening gowns look ridiculous with these. And I wear evening gowns ALL the time.......

Oh, and your comment..."Tick Tock?" I'm STILL laughing my butt off and I thank you for that and my BUTT thanks you for that - maybe it just got smaller!

Frugal Maven said...

Robynn, Thanks for your comment! The sandals are Finns and the clogs are Danskos. The Finns have fantastic arch support and they are both great for my PF. If you get a pair of Danskos make sure you get your first pair fitted. They're kinda weird and hard to figure out what size is best without a little professional help. If you buy a pair and wear them with even an everyday evening gown I'll publish it here and make you famous!

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