Shoes with really well made heels

[paddyflynn]

I always wear down the inside of the heel of my shoe after a few months. I'm told it's because I grind my heel when I walk. I dislike having to take my shoes in and get the heels replaced so often. I am also about to move to Vietnam for a year, and I don't know if there will be anyone over there I trust to work on my shoes. Maybe I should get a couple new pair with really well made heels and hope they hold up till I get back. I usually buy Bally because I prefer not to spend much more than $400 a pair, and I like the sharper lines/European look as opposed to the more rounded look of American shoemakers like Allen Edmonds, but maybe it's time to change my brand. Are there some heel materials that last longer than others, and if so, which shoe makers use them? Thanks.

 

[Shred]

Your shoes aren't the problem. Your feet are. I suggest you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

 

[paddyflynn]

Thanks Shred, but I am leaving for Vietnam in a week and don't have time to get treated by a podiatrist. I know the problem is with how I walk as opposed to the shoes, but I am hoping there are some extra strong heel materials on the market that might mitigate the issue somewhat.

 

[JeremySeattle]

Your shoes aren't the problem. Your feet are. I suggest you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

I have worn prescription orthotics since I was 8 years old. I still have uneven heel wear on my shoes. Sometimes there is only so much correction that can be done. Anyone want to make some recommendations for shoes?

-Jeremy

 

[graysonhenryrussell]

Mine wear on the outside. I always have a Goodyear rubber put over the leather heel & when it wears down to the leather I replace. I also use the thin Goodyear put on the sole with same results. Been doing this for years & have AE's &Alden that still have original soles that are 25 years old.

 

[jpakstis]

Mine wear on the outside. When I spoke to the rep at AE they said that's perfectly normal. OP, how often are you replacing your heels? Also, you could get heel taps or guards put in. As for shoemakers with stronger than normal heel wear, I wouldn't know that.

 

[paddyflynn]

Did I write inside? I meant outside.

If I wear the shoes 3 times a week, I'll start to notice the wear after a month or so, and within 3-4 months I will need a new heel. I've spoken with the reps at Bally about it and they said the way some people walk is just really rough on heels, and nothing can be done about it. Maybe instead of taking them back to Bally, I'll find someone who specializes in shoe repair and ask them. Maybe GHR's advice about the Goodyear rubber will help. Thanks.

 

[graysonhenryrussell]

You pronate , same as me. What I told you I promise it works & save you money in the long haul. Have fun in nam, beautiful country but I don't care to go back.

 

[thebikingengineer]

Get some taps. They're plastic or metal wear plates that a cobbler would install at the wear point. They'll make a bit of noise when you walk, but will greatly increase the life of your heels. When you wear out the tap you can have another put on. This is an example of what I'm talking about:

 

[StillShaving]

I think you can find shoe repair shops in the larger cities that would be happy to replace heels for a small price. Though the quality or materials used might be questionable, so you may need to look around.

Also don't they may a wet and dry season, meaning even though it may rain a lot, most of that rain will come during a 4-6 month period, while the rest is dry. If your size is less than 11 US/44 Euro, I believe you can find shoes locally. If your foot is larger might have a difficult time finding replacements.

 

[alex2363]

Get some taps. They're plastic or metal wear plates that a cobbler would install at the wear point. They'll make a bit of noise when you walk, but will greatly increase the life of your heels. When you wear out the tap you can have another put on. This is an example of what I'm talking about:
View attachment 357164

I would take this advise, it seems the most sensible and yet cost effective advise.