Can you help me choose shoes?

medusa

I'm looking for replacements for the Keens I often wear that I've been told (nicely of course) by several people here should go. I would love help choosing new everyday shoes.

At Marlene's suggestion I went to the Walking Company today. Two options I found that definitely work with my orthotics:

1. Seibel Denise
http://www.thewalkingcompany.c.....=category#
I tried on the brown, but they're also available in black.
On me: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG2078.jpg
Top view: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG2079.jpg
With pants pulled up: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG2080.jpg

I quite liked these ones - they were comfortable and seemed to look ok. Am I delusional?

2. Clarks Unstructured Un Loop
http://www.thewalkingcompany.c.....e=category
On me: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG2081.jpg
Top view: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG2082.jpg
With pants pulled up: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG2083.jpg

These seemed like they might be too hippie-ish.

Here are some other shoes I saw online that might also work:

3. Mephisto Allrounder - too sneaker-ish?
http://www.thewalkingcompany.c.....e=category

4. Ecco booties
http://www.zappos.com/ecco-fla.....rica-suede

5. Naot lace-ups
http://www.zappos.com/naot-foo.....te-leather

6. Fluevog Tennyson
http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w.....ourID=2465

7. Fluevog Danielson - too much?
http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w.....ourID=2631

16 years ago

Dressing

41 replies

Latest reply was from Jean Gray

Tricia

Veteran

Those last Fluevogs are so funky! I love the look of Fluevogs...someday I want a pair. Those might be hard to wear for everyday, though. I think I like the first ones on you.

16 years ago

shannon

Active Member

I like #5 the best for sure!

16 years ago

Misia

Veteran

All of them seem too heavy somehow, very look alike to your Keens, maybe you can find something with a short chunky heel (2,3 inch), would give you a bit of a lift, that is what your outfits need to look really fab, I think!

16 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

which ones do you like best medusa?

16 years ago

Misia

Veteran

medusa, I'm talking about something like what Angie has in her store, Naot "Gleam" Bootie, they would work for you I'm sure!

16 years ago

marianne

Active Member

I vote Fluevogs for you. Have you been to their store? They are probably not as comfortable as standard comfort brands, but they go so well with your style.
Hmm otherwise I think I would go for Ecco boots. Josef Seibels are very comfortable, but they tend to be on the clunkier side. This is always my struggle as well.

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I was also going to say to try the Naot booties Angie posted. All of these seem either clunky or overly masculine to me.

16 years ago

Anonymous

I prefer the Naots that Angie posted too. She did say that they look great poking out from under bootcut jeans and I can see they would. I like them in the black patent.
I think the Fluevogs do go with your personality but their shoes are so different it seems you'd have to get a different pair for each outfit.
I have these Tsonga'a and they are quite roomy for orthotics. They are the same brand as the beautiful white loafers that Angie bought in South Africa. The women there sew them by hand. I LOVE these booties.
http://vip.zappos.com/tsonga-ladi-black
http://vip.zappos.com/tsonga-ladi-walnut
I have the black because that's all they had in my size. I thought the brown was pretty because the flowers show up best on them. I'm happy with my black ones though because they blend in better with my blue and black jeans. The leather is buttery soft.

16 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I really like the Fluevog Tennysons.

16 years ago

rute

Veteran

Those shoes are way to far of my style.. I couldn't pick one, but I just pass by to say... please don't buy the last ones..

16 years ago

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Personally I like the patent Mephistos but they're more of a casual look. Fun, though!

Otherwise I'm another vote for the Naot booties Angie has in the store for you.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Medusa, are you looking for a sneaker, or an oxford? Have you tried your orthotics in the fluevogs?

16 years ago

Alecia

Veteran

Of the ones you posted, I like number 6 the best.

16 years ago

medusa

Veteran

Tricia, Shannon, Julie, Rute, Alecia - thanks for your votes.

Queenie, I don't know which ones I like best because I don't trust my opinion. Argh.

Renata, Maya, San, Kristen - I like the idea of the Naot booties from Angie's store (or the Tsonga booties which are gorgeous!), but I've tried lots of heels and I've never, ever found a shoe with a heel that works with my orthotics. Maybe I could try it, but I'm super skeptical that it will work. Plus I am really bad at walking in heels, so it's hard for me to imagine heels being a good everyday shoe for me.

Angie - I don't have a strong opinion between sneakers and oxfords as long as it fits my orthotics. I want something that I can wear with jeans and socks when it's cold, something that I can walk around in all day and wear while teaching without pain, something that looks smart and not too gear-ish. Something that would make this type of outfit look better:
http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG1470.jpg
http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG2041.jpg
http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG1921.jpg

I haven't tried on the Fluevogs yet, I was thinking why bother if they're still too clunky?

Oh, this is so frustrating. Thinking about it actually makes me feel like I'm going to cry. I know that it's ridiculous to get so upset about shoes, but I feel like it's never going to work. I guess I'm overwhelmed.

16 years ago

medusa

Veteran

What about these Joseph Seibel booties?
http://www.zappos.com/josef-se.....poli-black

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Come here for a big hug, Medusa! Don't worry! We'll get your shoes sorted. I promise.

Oxfords are a little more versatile than sneakers. Do you like the Naots Maya is talking about?

Style wise, these are the best imo: http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w.....ourID=2465

The Eccos are quite comfy. I have a few clients in those. They feel very flat though. My thumbs up on the Seibels too.

I'll be back - got to run!

16 years ago

medusa

Veteran

Angie, thanks, clearly I need a hug.

OK. I'm going to try on the Fluevog Tennysons and see if they work.

16 years ago

Dashrashi

Veteran

Do they have to be a comfort brand if you've got orthotics? I'm obsessed with these, for instance:

http://www.zappos.com/sam-edelman-joss-dust

Flat; wearable with socks; deep heel cup; the Zappos reviews say they run large, so they might be wide enough in the forefoot; and I think they're sleek, cool, and decidedly not clunky.

Other options that might not work, but maybe something will pique your interest:

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-shi.....ck-stretch
http://www.zappos.com/kumfs-collide-black
http://www.zappos.com/cole-haa.....black-calf
http://www.zappos.com/fitzwell.....d-kid-skin
http://www.zappos.com/biviel-bv2156-black
http://www.endless.com/Nine-We.....=519508011
http://www.endless.com/ALL-BLA.....=519508011
http://www.endless.com/DV-Dolc.....=519508011
http://www.endless.com/Luxury-.....=519508011
http://www.endless.com/Kelsi-D.....=519508011
http://www.endless.com/Dolce-V.....=519509011
http://piperlime.gap.com/brows.....=729614012
http://piperlime.gap.com/brows.....=719868012
http://piperlime.gap.com/brows.....=612415022

16 years ago

garmenta

Active Member

Medusa--
If you have foot trouble, you start with what doesn't hurt, and you keep trying until you find something that doesn't hurt and is also stylish/fun to wear. If you need orthotics, then you have to figure that in. That will constrain you, but it won't preclude your finding something that gives you pleasure to look at as well as to wear.

If you have bad feet you have to try on a lot more shoes to find the ones that work (I speak from experience here). Sometimes you can be surprised by what does work. And unlike people without foot problems, who can buy and wear shoes because they're cute, it's always better for the sore of foot to decide first with their feet (comfort) and next with their eyes (style).

Your shoes are out there! We'll help you find them.

16 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

You're not being ridiculous at all Medusa! It's hard enough to find comfortable and cute shoes if you have fussy feet, I can't even imagine how difficult it must be if you have to take orthotics into account too. Big hug from me as well!

You've received lovely suggestions already. Here are some more (the more options, the bigger the chance that there's something that fits the bill right;-). I've no idea how comfortable all of these are, and whether or not your orthotics will fit in them.

Have you ever tried Campers? In the past all their shoes were quite comfy, recently it's more hit and miss, but you have to try all shoes on anyway, right.

http://shop.camper.com/product.....38;lng=en#

http://shop.camper.com/product.....38;lng=en#
(the detailing on the toe reminds me of oxfords or is it brogues?-)

Or do you think the Miz Mooz boots Angie posted in the shop would work?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....R_Lu9PpPGA
(get them in orange or green;-)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....t-_-Manual

16 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

These might be a long shot, but I have a pair of Fly London pumps and a pair of ankle boots and they are very comfortable.

http://tinyurl.com/ybjf4lb
(they seem high, but wedges are always more stable, and these have a built-in platform too - I quite like the purple)

http://tinyurl.com/ydgmczx
(I have these in purple, fun! I think that if you go up a size they will be quite roomy and could possibly accommodate your orthotics).

http://tinyurl.com/yf8tj55

http://tinyurl.com/yjlmgnc

16 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Do you think a loafer could work Medusa?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....rchresults
(in burgundy, I'd always go for a fun colour or something with interesting texture with loafers)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....rchresults

http://tinyurl.com/ylmusok
(maybe the grey croc)

http://tinyurl.com/yg9pfgx
(grey or red)

http://tinyurl.com/ycrjrl7
(Bordo)

16 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

And the final batch;-)

http://tinyurl.com/yawc87c

http://www.aerosoles.com/product1.asp?P=ENDLESS
(the purple suede just seems like such a fun colour for Winter)

http://www.zappos.com/blowfish.....ue-leather
(I've been wondering for ages how comfy these would be...)

Oh and since Dr. Martens seem to work for you, how about trying on some different styles?
http://www.dmusastore.com/p-2668-carmen.aspx
(quite classic looking pump)

http://www.dmusastore.com/p-2836-christina.aspx
(I love the texture of these ones!)

http://www.dmusastore.com/p-2838-jadyn.aspx

http://www.dmusastore.com/p-2420-semira.aspx

http://www.dmusastore.com/p-2580-gia.aspx

16 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I understand this is an incredibly difficult and time consuming experiment for you Medusa and I can sympathise with your frustration. Garmenta is right the aesthetics are secondary to comfort.

Remember that shopping is FUN and you will have immense satisfaction when you find a comfortable pair which you adore. So what if it takes six weeks.....why the hurry?

The forum is here to help you but remember we all have our different styles and preferences when it comes to shoes. Rute can wiggle in heels all day long, Angie has her beautiful flat boots. It is unlikely you will find a shoe which everyone loves but you will find the ones YOU love.

I'm sending you hugs and chocolate from Edinburgh.

Edit: these are my oxfords, I'm not sure if they will work with orthotics but they are sublimely comfortable. They are a year and a half old now and still look quite new.
http://www.clarks.co.uk/find/E.....s-20334110

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Medusa, I COMPLETELY sympathize with your plight. Believe me, I have shed tears over shoes before! It's so hard already and I'm only 25! I should be able to wear 4" heels and strappy shoes with the rest of them. I feel like an old lady

Anyway, Sudini and Naturalizer are two of the brands I have tried with removable footbeds. Actually, didn't Angie post a pair of Naturalizer oxfords some time ago? I don't know if their dressier shoes have removable footbeds, but I know some of their casual flats do. Both brands have wide widths.

16 years ago

April

Veteran

As you can see from all the replies to which I am about to add this one -- you are *so* not alone in your shoe frustration!

Hang in there. I am very shoe challenged as well (not because of orthotics -- just somewhat clueless about how to choose comfortable shoes that will also look good with my clothes). We'll all sort it out together.

16 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

Medusa-
I think the first ones you have posted are nice- the Siebel Denise- They look comfy and classic IMO.
I do like the Tennysons as well.....

16 years ago

Debora

Veteran

Oh, Medusa, I know how frustrating shoe shopping can be for those with fussy feet! Sending you hugs, also!

You mentioned that you didn't have a strong opinion between sneakers and oxfords. How about something like this:

http://www.naturalizer.com/Sho.....pg=3005154

It's described as a sporty oxford with Naturalizer's N5 Comfort Elements and a sporty 1" heel.

16 years ago

medusa

Veteran

Wow. Thank you thank you thank you for all the help and sympathy.

Dashrashi and Inge, I am SO impressed by the huge number of gorgeous shoes you suggested. Some of them are truly amazing. I'm going to go through them thoroughly later when I have a bit more time.

Julie, Maya, April, Queenie - thanks for the good wishes. I really, truly appreciate it.

So I bought the Fluevog Tennysons yesterday, and I need to decide whether or not to keep them (I can return them as long as they're unworn). They will work with my orthotics. Honestly, I utterly adore how they look and I hope they get YLF approval.

Top view: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG2087.jpg
Side view: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG2088.jpg
Jeans rolled up: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG2090.jpg

16 years ago

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