Let's Get Brainwashed.

I recently bought a new pair of shoes for work. They are shiny black oxfords. I am somewhat particular (or some would say "picky") about my shoes, so it has taken me about 3 years to buy a new pair. I can't seem to find a good balance: a shoe that is comfortable, has 3 eyelets, not too pointy and not too square tip, and not over $150. Many times I gave up, and then months later, if I was out, would glance at some shoes, and found nothing. Out of desperation, I bought the pair I have on now about six weeks ago. It's because my old pair is falling apart, and it actually looks bad to be wearing such scuffed up, fading shoes in my office environment. It looks like I have shoes from a thrift store paired with a snappy suit. So I bought a pair of oxfords, a type of shoe I wasn't really into until now. I really like them, but they hurt my feet. I thought the pain would go away, but after a week, the back of my right foot became so sore I stopped wearing them. Then my other shoes hurt my feet too, which made me think I seriously injured my foot. I had the shoes stretched, and that didn't seem to help. Then I bought a pair of cedar shoe stretchers that I left in the shoes for 2 days and got a shoe horn to make putting them on easier. Anyway, I finally wore the shoes again yesterday, after a month off, and they seemed fine at first. By the end of the day, though, my right foot was sore again. I have them on again today, and it's morning, and I'm already uncomfortable. I think I may have bought shoes that are too small. But if it took this long to find these ones, what will I do now - take another 3 years? (By the way, the ones are bought were on sale because they aren't making them anymore.) I know I'm making this more complicated than needed. I really need to shut it and just pay more for a better shoe. It just seems there is a huge gap because the $150 shoes and the next level up starts closer to $500. In between are crappy shoes, or rare finds that I don't have the patience to seek out. So yes, the dilemma feels like my own doing, but I am still optimistic I can find what I'm looking for.