shorten heel on shoes?

[SudaSuda]

Has anyone tried to have a cobbler shorten the heel on a shoe (i.e., from 1" to 1/2&quot? Any thoughts on cost, results, (possibility?) etc.?

 

[entrero]

eazy peazy

 

[pgd3]

Originally Posted by sadib888

Usually the sole is curved to fit the height of the heel. If the heel is shortened, the foot might curve upward somewhat.

My experience is that if you lower the heel the shoe compensates by flattening in the toe, which can look a bit funny, its as if the upper stretches across the vamp to flatten down.

But perhaps worth it?

What's the issue with higher heels?

 

[SudaSuda]

I just don't like the look of the higher heel (about a full inch) on these. Also makes them uncomfortable, as they sort of feel like they're jamming my foot into the front of the shoe. Maybe I can resolve some of the stretching issues by having them re-soled and the heel shortened at the same time?

 

[Nicola]

1" is normal isn't it?

I'm guessing you're just more used to flat soled sneakers.

 

[SudaSuda]

Then these are 1.125", and I'm trying to get them to just under 1". I bet if I measured, they'd be more than what the website says. http://bit.ly/mIIxO0

 

[DWFII]

Sometimes you can lower the heel a touch but half an inch is too much.

The last is shaped. It has a toe spring and it has a certain curve and recurve in the waist/arch area. All that is interdependent with the height of the heel.

The topline and the cupping of the heel stiffener are dependent on the height of the heel. Lower the heel and the back of the shoe may gape and your foot may slip.

Now ten people will jump in here and tell you about how they have done it and it was perfect.

Choose your poison but before you drink ask yourself why it is that lasts have a designated heel height. Ask yourself why lasts have any shape at all.

Anyone can deny advice that they really didn't want to hear in the first place but the mechanics will not be denied.

 

[Nick V.]

I agree with DWFII.
In general it's safe to cut the heels down by 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch without dramatically off-setting the balance.
Here's what you can do to get the impact:
Open a book so the pages are approx. 1/4 thick. While wearing the shoe, step on the pages with the ball of your foot only (not the heel).
Raising the front portion of the shoe is equvilent to lowering the heel. That's an easy way of telling what the balance will feel like before having the job done.