Goddess shoe research report

[Laurieheels]

This is a bit unusual, I'm sure.

Being a bit down, and not really able to go out and buy shoes, I decided to surf around this internet thing, and check out some more fashionable shoes.

I ran across Zappos.com which features a lot of shoes that are name brand. A good indicator of trends.

And I did searching through the high heel category for more fashionable boots and shoes.

What I found was that the majority of shoes considered high heel are three inches. Three to three and a half.

There are some wonderful looking shoes. Shoes to drool over. Not just basic pumps, but straps, ornaments, multi toned, thin heels... but all mid heeled for height rather than high.

And since I really don't like to wear a heel height below four inches, it's not much fun.

So what I will do is post some links for those few shoes listed as having heels 4 inches or higher.

So we can see what all the hub bub is about in the fashion world for heel heights that seem to suit the tastes of our members here.

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2862281/c/16464/g/women/s/13.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2379901/c/18492/g/women/s/13.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2197704/c/21549/g/women/s/13.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2862268/c/1942/g/women/s/13.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2197821/c/22557/g/women/s/13.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2197822/c/22559/g/women/s/13.html

The link will lead to a new window that gives the sales page, details, and you can explore different colors and sizes, prices, and what have you.

All images are from the zappos.com web site, naturally.

This should give us a few things to discuss.

(Edited to make a picture work. FF)

[Firefox]

Good idea Laurie. I will try and post some of my favourite shoes from Zappos when I get a minute. One thing I will say about Zappos is I don't think they are very consistent with measuring the heel height. I think some of the testers measure up the front of the heel which can be anything up to an inch lower. There are countless shoes listed at 3 or 3.5 which are obvioulsy 4 or 4.5 and you can also tell this in the reviews when a customer says they are an inch higher than advertised. The other thing they do is always photograph and measure a size 7US shoe (you can tell by looking at the pictures of the underside). This means the heels will be up to half an inch taller in a larger size 10 or 11.

[Firefox]

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7150190.html Steve Madden Tweed. Listed at 4"

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/125982.html Two Lips Tawana. Listed at 4" available to size 11

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7148756.html Steve Isabel. Listed at 3 3/4" I think they are at least 4"

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7150055.html XOXO Macaw. Listed at 4"

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7133829.html XOXO Romance. Listed at 4"

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/125393.html Chinese Laundary Spicy Listed at 4"

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7147450.html Charles David Lucy. Listed at 4"

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/124252.html Charles David Shalimar. Here is a case in point. Listed at 3.5" they are obvioulsy higher and the reviews quote 4.5" as the true height,

[JeffM]

It appears that Zappos needs to check their measuring stick for accuracy. The shoes and boots I have checked against Steve Madden shows that Zappos are considerably more expensive too. Jeff

[Firefox]

The thing is about Zappos that they offer "free delivery" and "free returns" which is quite a good service. It's not actually "free" though, as it's factored into the prices, which one would expect to be a bit higher on account of that.

[Laurieheels]

Lots of great styles if anyone feels that they'd like to send a Christmas present to a certain high heeled goddess.... hey, I have to try.

[Himark]

Sadly, according to their website, Zappo's doesn't ship to Canada.

[Laurieheels]

Yes, but they can ship to a person who can then redirect it as a "gift" and thus with no value, no taxes and duties. We all need to play the system, it seems.

[JinxieKat]

Zappo's has some of the most amazing customer service I have come across anyplace on the net. I bought a pair of shoes that were listed as all leather. When I got them home I tried them on, they fit well. I put them in the closet and threw out the box and such. After that I went to wear them about a week later. I noticed that on the inside of the shoe it said 'man made upper' ... Ooopss. so much for leather I did not have my box and had little hope of being able to return the shoes. However I sent them an email explaining mistake, telling them about my lack of box, and seeing if I could return them. Well of course I can!?! What a responce! I have to admit, I am a procrastinator at heart, so I still haven't sent them back yet, but a few days ago I got a phone call from zappos that was concerned that since I was returning the shoes for a defect that I could get my refund before the shoes were received, or get a replacement shipped out imediately! Wow! I am still floored. I was busy so I only got a message on my machine, but for them to even call to ask.. that said alot to me. I love my zappos! And around here in Kentucky the prices are about the same as shoe shops but with alot better selection. My next purchase.. chinese laundry spicey, pictured above. *drool* I can hardly wait! Jinxie

[Firefox]

Great post Jinxie. Do let us know how you get on with the Spicey. There are lots of different models in that pump. Listed as between 2.5 to 4" by different Zappos editors. They are all over 4 in the large sizes though I think.

OK, how about some boots?

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2174112/c/20245.html XOXO Dazzle listed as 4" and available up to size 11

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2489040/c/12722.html Via Spiga Ango. Listed as 3.5 but at least 4". Available up to size 11

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2729712/c/21549.html Bronx Isa listed as 3 3/4" Available in up to size 11.

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2318809/c/72.html XOXO Catriona. Listed as 3" but surely higher. The reviews say it is 4". Available in up to size 11.

[Laurieheels]

A thought, if you'll indulge me a moment here... What if, and yes, this is just a theory, what if shoe comapnies lie about the heel height? What if they list the heels as lower to promote sales? I mean, let's face it. The internet is this bubbling cauldron of sales activity. And women will see these really great shoes. I mean, just look at the examples we have. Trendy, nice heels... but most women may not feel they can wear heels that are high. So if you had all of these wonderful designer shoes and you wanted them to sell, would you take such a factor as women's confidence into consideration? Would you fudge the measurements? Let's face it. 3 inch heels aren't as intimidating for women who are not used to wearing them as, oh, 4 or 5 inch heels. We've seen that in reviews, people are saying that the heel height is higher than listed. And we can say the measurement is done differently, or claim any number of factors. But what if it is just marketing? I know, it works the opposite for people like us who crave heels that are higher. A desire that just consumes the soul when thinking about that next pair of shoes. But if we are a minority, and sales are key, maybe, just maybe, they under value the hei9ght of heels for a more commercial site like that, to win over the majority of women who feel that high is 3 inches. And so, they end up wearing higher. The designers are going to make shoes with higher heels. And if you're trying to sell them to a world where many women feel "I'd break an ankle wearing those" even though it is not true, would you flub on a few things to get people to spend the money and wear those wonderful shoes? Just a thought. Big thought, apparently.

[Firefox]

There is a legitimate system where you measure heels up their front. I believe this is used by many shoemakers and sellers eg Payless. You wont find much over 3 or 3.5 on the Payless website (excluding platforms). I think you are right that in choosing what system to use some influence is extended by the intentions of the group as a whole. Payless: Practical no nonsense volume shoe seller wanting to emphasise how comfortable their shoes are. HHboard: Disparate group of shoecrazed individuals plotting and scheming about the height and style of their next purchase Yes... I could buy that argument! This could be backed up in that identical styles for men and women will have a heel height quoted for the womens page (eg 2 inch/2 .5 inch etc) and no height on the mens page. The sellers are suiting their descriptions to match the customer expectation. Men don't expect a heel height to be given even though they are wearing the same style boots as women. But the Zappos position seems strange. They use a combination of all three height systems (front/middle/back of heel) which can mislead people at the time of purchase, but then they offer comprehensive customer reviews so they will get found out. Allied to that they offer free returns and exhanges. Very weird. They do offer good multi views of the shoes so their intention is not to mislead. But the best thing would be to say 3.5 in size 5, 4 in size 11, all heels measured up the back. Then there could be no argument.

[Firefox]

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7145138.html Guess Tease. Available to size 11. Listed as 3 inch, is easily over 4.

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7146117.html Pleaser USA 8220. Cheap PU shoe available to size 14. Listed as 5 inch.

[J-Nation]

... the Zappos position seems strange. They use a combination of all three height systems (front/middle/back of heel) which can mislead people at the time of purchase, but then they offer comprehensive customer reviews so they will get found out. Allied to that they offer free returns and exhanges. Very weird.

They do offer good multi views of the shoes so their intention is not to mislead. But the best thing would be to say 3.5 in size 5, 4 in size 11, all heels measured up the back. Then there could be no argument.

Maybe they're trying to cater for the whole range of people with different heel-height motivations, with just the one design, so they sell even more?

Emma

[Steve B]

Those are the very same Pleasers that I have. They may be cheap, but I love the way they fit.

[Guest]

Thanks for the links, a truly fantastic website - great the way you can see the shoes from all different angles

The reviews make for an interesting read to, this one made me smile!:

Head Turning Shoes - I love these heels!!! I wear them every chance I get. They make my legs look awesome, but my husband gets a little upset that all the guys look my way. So I will just wear them when he is not around. What he dosen't know won't hurt him!!!

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7146117.html

[JeffM]

Bob this made you smile.

They make my legs look awesome, but my husband gets a little upset that all the guys look my way. So I will just wear them when he is not around.

I think it sad. I would be ever so proud if guys looked at my lady and her heels.

Look at the comments from Laurie and Anne Louise for example. The looks that they get that make them feel so good. Why would any one be ashamed of their partner attracking looks that made them feel good about themselves.

Jeff

[JinxieKat]

I got my Spicey's! *dances* I have to admit that I didn't get them at Zappo's though.. I got them at Off Broadway Shoes since they were only 40.00 there and I had a 5.00 discount for them. Soooooo 35.00 instead of 60.00... I couldn't resist. They are quite comfy, for 4.25 inch heels in a size 8.5 US. Though I have to admit they aren't as easy to walk in as some. I'm not used to the underslung heel, it makes for a different balanceing experiance. Even my husband noticed that I walk differently in them. Interesting! Jinxie

[xam]

I like the first and third one. Slingback and strappy shoes are very sexy.

[Skirted-UK]

I think Laurie has a good point there, but as FF points out it all depends were you measure heel height from. I bought a pair of loafers from www.womenshoesplus.com, I was disappointed that they were advertised as having a 2.5" heel which is a bit low for me. But when they arrived I was delighted to find that they were really 3" heels. and had been measured from the front at 2.5", properly for the same reasons as Laurie pointed out.

[Firefox]

Good news on the Spicey's!

Now here's an interesting one:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7143292.html

RSVP Brogan, listed at 4 1/4, the reviewer says they are 4 1/2. Going up to size 12, I think this style is going to sell well.

Side view of the Fuschia colour

[hoverfly]

I got my self a pair of those in a 12, with a 4.5" heel. Compared to others this one at least has some pading from heel to the ball of the foot.

[Dawn HH]

Firefox:-) I also think those boots will be a best seller. Very nice. Cheers--- Dawn HH

[Guest]

oh to be a size 10-11.... Looks like my 12-13 babydolls will be all over Ros Hommerson and Moda Spana!

[Firefox]

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7143313.html

Gabriella Rocha Isis, they go up to 11. Heel listed as 4" Reviews say they are comfortable

You are allowed to post your own reviews as well, guys (hint,hint)

[Firefox]

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7143311.htm

Gabriella Rossa Harmony. 4 inch plus heels and up to size 12.

There's really plenty available in street wear for the larger woman's foot nowadays. No excuses!

[Guest]

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7143292.html

RSVP Brogan, listed at 4 1/4, the reviewer says they are 4 1/2. Going up to size 12, I think this style is going to sell well.

I like these in the natural color.... in fact, I like most shoes in that color

Reviewer: Anonymous from Brooklyn, New York

Overall: *** Comfort: *** Look: ***

Shoe Size: Felt a full size larger than marked

Shoe Width: Felt true to width

fun color, too big - Looks good but you definitely get what you pay for. The material that the pink was made of reminded me of a $39 shoe. Shoe was much larger than most 12s -- I put on a pair of socks and still had room!

this is definitely music to my ears! (or a beautiful painting to my eyes)