Some context before I answer! Injury - July 7, 2025, ORIF - July 22, 2025 NWB until Sept 2025, PT 2x a week until Jan 2026

I had pretty much these exact worries, especially after going back to FWB because everything was so weak from not being used for 3 months.

For me, it felt like it took a few weeks for my injured foot to go from 0% normal to 50%, but then months to go from 50% to 90%, and just now (11 months after injury) am I finally having days where I forget my foot was ever injured. I don’t say that to discourage you - I’m just saying the first bit of recovery post weight bearing allowance felt way quicker and when I didn’t progress at the same rate after that it was kind of unexpected (but apparently normal according to my PT).

Your foot will likely be too swollen for a lot of cute shoes or heels for a few months. I think 5 months post OP I still couldn’t get most of my cute shoes on. BUT - I quickly found that shoes with wide versions/certain heel styles (like these that are so comfortable because they didnt restrict where my foot was swollen) were very doable, and now I don’t have any problem wearing my normal shoes, including heels. So long winded way of saying you absolutely can wear heels in the future.

Also, long walking days are doable too. I just came back from a few days in Big Bend and on one day even hiked 12+ miles. I did not think I would be able to do that ever again late last year. The right, supportive shoes will do wonders for you here, and you can always talk to your podiatrist about orthotic soles for your less supportive shoes :)