Perfect Platform Pump, Well, Almost Perfect

I came across the Ann Taylor Perfect Platform Pump in black in a magazine last Fall and instantly fell in love. For the life of me, I could not remember why I had not bought any Ann Taylor shoes. I used to work in an office that was in walking distance of a Loft and remember that I made a conscious decision to stop buying their shoes. But looking at those sleek elegant lines and that shiny patent leather, it made me drool for that classic sophistication. The added bonus was that there was discount code that knocked off $75 from their original $175 price. I pounced on the Ann Taylor website immediately (http://www.anntaylor.com) to order my treasured find. They were sold out of my size, the 7 ½. I took a chance and bought the size 8. When they arrived, they looked even more delicious in person. I immediately tried them on to find they were too big. I really hate that. I resigned myself to exchange them hoping they had gotten some 7 ½ stocked, but of course they had not. I scoured the internet to find them elsewhere but the only company to carry Ann Taylor shoes, is Ann Taylor. I crossed my fingers to look on eBay but of course there weren’t any listed.

Refusing to give up my classic find, I figured I could try some creative jimmy rigging to salvage the pair. I bought some Dr. Scholl’s insoles for her (http://www.drscholls.com/drscholls/productSearch.do?method=doProductDetailsLookup&searchArg=50). This helped enormously in terms of making the shoe wearable. The added padding really cushioned my foot to sustain the height over long periods of time. However, my heel would keep slipping out. I tried adding a second insole but that only squeezed my toes and made for more blisters. In one last attempt to salvage my purchase, I researched different forums on the internet. I found a great suggestion – lambswool. It’s the stuff that ballerinas use for their toe shoes. You can get a box from Capezio’s online for $7 (http://www.capeziostore.com/Capezio-Lamb-s-Wool-Toe-Pads-p/lwpad.htm). I stuffed the toe box of my pumps and it truly made a custom fit. I’ve worn them several times for long days and they are truly comfortable. Granted after 10 hours on your feet, you are going to have some achiness, but I didn’t have any blisters, my heels didn’t slip out, the balls of my feet didn’t burn and I have yet to fall. ;) Having said this, I really don’t recommend getting the wrong size or doing this with all your shoes. I’m sure it’s probably not great for your feet. However, in a pinch, you can make a pair wearable. And, I will continue my eternal hunt for the perfect platform pump, so keep checking back!