So, I had to attend a funeral not too long ago. Sad occasion, obviously. And it got me thinking about, well, what shoes to wear. Sounds trivial, maybe, but it really wasn’t when I actually faced it.
First thing I did was check my closet. I’ve got shoes, plenty of them. Black heels too. But looking through them, none seemed quite right for a funeral. Some were sky-high stilettos – definitely not the vibe. Others had shiny buckles or weird textures. Too much going on. You want something respectful, you know?
Figuring Out What Works
So, I had to really think about what makes a shoe right for this specific, somber event. Here’s what I landed on:
- Color: Black. Non-negotiable, really. Deep, solid black. No weird greyish tones or patterns.
- Style: Simple. Closed-toe pump is usually the safest bet. Nothing flashy, no crazy straps, no platforms. Keep it understated.
- Heel Height: This was a big one for me. Stilettos are out. You might be standing for a long time, maybe walking on uneven ground or even grass at the cemetery. A lower, maybe blockier heel is way more practical. Comfort matters here. You don’t want to be wincing in pain.
- Material: I leaned towards simple leather or maybe a matte material. Avoided patent leather because it felt a bit too shiny, too attention-grabbing.
The Actual Search
Okay, so my own collection wasn’t cutting it. I ended up having to look for a new pair, specifically with this occasion in mind. Went to a couple of stores. It’s a bit awkward shopping for funeral shoes, feels strange.
I tried on a few pairs. Some looked okay but pinched my toes. Remembered I’d be standing, so comfort was high on my list. Rejected anything over about 3 inches high. Found a pair of simple black pumps, closed-toe, with a block heel maybe 2 inches high. Plain leather finish. Nothing exciting about them, which was exactly the point.
Walked around the store in them for a bit. They felt stable. Didn’t feel like I was going to sink into the carpet, which is always a good sign if you’re thinking about grass later. They weren’t sneakers, sure, but they felt manageable for several hours.
The Final Choice and Why
I bought that pair. The simple, block-heeled black pumps. They weren’t fashionable in a trendy way, but they felt appropriate. And honestly, that felt more important than anything else.
Wearing them to the service, I was glad I made that choice. They were comfortable enough, didn’t draw any attention, and felt respectful. It’s a small detail, the shoes, but getting it right meant one less thing to worry about on a difficult day. It’s about showing respect, being present, and practical footwear just helps you do that without adding discomfort or distraction. Sometimes the most boring choice is the right one.
