The Shoe Fit Myths We Need to Let Go Of

Somewhere along the way, many of us learnt to prioritise how shoes look over how they actually fit. We’ve all done it — chosen shoes because they look good, then quietly adjusted ourselves to make them work.

So many women come into the shop saying things like:

“I know they’re not perfect, but…” 

“I’ve always worn this size…”

“They’ll do for a few hours…”

And that’s the thing — most shoe discomfort doesn’t come from our feet.
It comes from myths we’ve been told (or told ourselves) for years.

It’s time to let a few of those myths go. Let’s gently bust a few of the big ones.

Myth #1: “I’ve Been a Size 38 My Whole Life”

This is one of the most common — and most limiting — beliefs.

The truth is:

• feet change with age
• feet change with weight shifts
• feet change with hormones
• feet change after pregnancy
• feet change over the course of a day

Many women are wearing shoes that are simply too small because they’re loyal to a number that no longer fits.

The reality:

You might be a 38 in one brand, a 38½ in another, or even a 39 by the end of the day — and that’s completely normal.

A good fit is about how the shoe feels, not what the label says.

Myth #2: “Slides Are Easier on My Feet”

Slides feel easy — until you’ve walked more than 10 minutes.

Because there’s nothing holding your foot in place, your toes grip constantly to keep the shoe on. That leads to:

• tired arches
• aching calves
• sore toes
• instability

The reality:

Slides can be great for short outings, but they’re not designed for all-day wear.
If you do love a slide, look for styles that include toe grip or built-in texture under the forefoot. This helps the foot stay in place naturally, so your toes don’t have to work as hard. A slightly contoured footbed and a well-positioned strap can also make a big difference. For longer days, shoes with back straps, adjustable uppers, or a secure fit are far kinder to your feet.

Comfort often means support, not just convenience.

Myth #3: “Heels Have to Hurt”

No — poorly designed heels hurt.

Pain usually comes from:

• unstable heel blocks
• incorrect pitch (too much pressure on the forefoot)
• poor cushioning
• narrow toe boxes

The reality:

Well-designed heels can be surprisingly comfortable.
A wider heel base, good balance, soft padding, and quality materials make a huge difference.

If you’re counting down the minutes until you can take them off, it’s not your feet — it’s the shoe.

Myth #4: “Cheap Is Fine If It’s Just for One Event”

This one catches so many people out.

That “just for one night” shoe often becomes:

• painful halfway through the event
• something you kick off under the table
• a pair you never wear again

The reality:

A quality shoe doesn’t just look better — it feels better and gets worn again.
Cost-per-wear matters far more than the price tag.

One well-made pair you enjoy wearing is always better value than three that sit in the wardrobe.

The Big Truth: Your Feet Deserve Better Stories

Most women don’t have “bad feet.”
They’ve just been wearing shoes that don’t respect how real feet work.

When you let go of these myths, shoe shopping becomes:

• easier
• more enjoyable
• less painful
• and far more successful

Comfort and style are not opposites.
You really can have both.

Final Thought

If you’ve been putting up with sore feet because you thought that was normal — it doesn’t have to be.

Pop into Sole Sisters anytime for honest advice, proper fitting, and shoes designed for real life and real women.

We’ll help you find styles that feel good from the first step… and still feel good hours later.

Because great shoes shouldn’t hurt — and neither should the stories we tell ourselves about them.