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Shoe dilemma

anne

Veteran

Hello everyone
I don't have long to post and haven't caught up on everyone's posts as I have been out of internet contact and will only have it intermittently for the next week.
So am asking a big favour. I received some money for clothes or shoes and have been thinking of buying some shoes.
I am clueless about shoes - I tend toward the "buy one black pair a year and wear them to death" model - but I'd like to change.
I have fussy feet that don't like high or spindly heels or thongs.

A high proportion of "negative" feedback I get on YLF is about shoes
Here is a link to my album
http://s297.photobucket.com/albums/mm234/anneinoz/
I guess I am primarily after summer sandals, but if there is some sort of 2 for 1 etc deal I would look for dress shoes as a second choice.

I would love some suggestions about what to look for. Few Aussie shoe shops are one the internet so feel free to use suggestions from US firms just as an idea.

Must go to bed. Bye!
Thanks so much guys! I may not be there to answer any questions straight away but I will read all responses when I get a chance to look at the internet

Dressing

41 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

shiny

Veteran

Go to zappos, google "Me Too" and look at their ballet flats. Choose a metallic - silver, bronze, gold, pewter - for maximum versatility. For example:

http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7370942/color/29315

I know you said summer sandal but if you're like me, sandals are the trickiest thing to find for my fussy feet, especially if you can't wear thongs (I can't either). They don't have a lot of support, tend to have straps that will probably cut into your skin, and even if you find a comfy pair, they don't last much longer than a season.

This brand - Me Too - is very very comfortable as has been proven by countless YLF converts, including me. They are very cushiony and I can vouch that they truly are 8 (or even 12) hour shoes, having worn a pair of bronze me-too's to tromp all day long all over Paris this summer for two whole weeks.

What's more, a ballet flat can go with casual OR dressier clothes. They will go with your skirts, clam diggers, dresses or long jeans. They can be worn into the fall, long past sandal season, and also in the spring. Three season shoes. In fact, I will probably be wearing mine tomorrow, as it's supposed to hit 65 degrees here.

Go with a metallic - metallics can be worn just like any neutral, but are more interesting. I wear my bronze ones the most; I also have a pair of pretty pearl metallics I wear second most; I'm hoping to add a silver pair this spring. If you wear a lot of silver jewelry I'd go with silver. If you wear a lot of gold jewelry, consider gold or bronze flats. I'm seeing silver on you, I think... silver is a great summer stand-in for white shoes.

Becky

Veteran

Anne, I used to be just like you regarding the "buy one pair and wear them till they fall apart" practice. However, I've read that feet are healthier and shoes last much longer if you never wear the same pair two days in a row. This gives the shoes time to dry out between wearings. So, if at all possible, buy at least two pair and rotate them. I have slowly built my shoe wardrobe so that I do not have to wear the same pair two days in a row.

I agree with Shiny's recommendation of metallic ballet flats; probably they would be the most versatile shoe for summer wear. They usually don't have much support, so I'd suggest buying inserts. I have the Superfeet berry inserts in some of my fashion sneakers and love them.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Anne thank you for posting this question! This is something I can learn from too. Like you I am going to start looking for a comfy sandal that is less chunky than my Birkies (although I will always have a big place for them in my heart and on my feet).

I much prefer wearing sandals than ballet style shoes - its just too hot here most of the time to have enclosed feet. Plus most ballets cut my feet up or sqush my toes in. I am interested in trying out those Me Toos that seem to have gotten the big tick from everyone though. If you find somewhere in Australia that stocks them I'd be interested; I haven't seen them anywhere here. I see a lot up on eBay, but the postage normally costs more than the shoes do - crazy!!!

Alecia

Veteran

Anne or Tamara, can you post a link to Australian shoe sites? It might be easier to go in that direction instead of us telling you shoes we get here that may be difficult to find there. That way, we can peruse what's available and make suggestions that way.

shiny

Veteran

I never liked ballet flats either - found them dreadfully uncomfortable- until I discovered that sizing up 1/2 size solved all the fit issues. I wear a 6 in heels and shoes with ample arch support; and a 6-1/2 in flats, sandals, and other shoes without arch support.

When you have a shoe with little arch support your foot spreads out a lot. So going up 1/2 size can solve this. You may find you slide around a little initially, but as the day wears on, especially if you aren't wearing socks, you quickly stop sliding.

And, except for 90 degree and up weather, ballet flats (even Me-too's which are made of synthetic materials) aren't as hot as you'd think. But, I do agree for 90+ degree weather you want a real sandal though.

Finally, I agree 100% with Becky about having numerous shoes and rotating them for shoe health. But, I will also add that I am finding that rotating in shoes with NO arch support are actually GOOD for your feet.

They mimic bare-foot walking... and when you think about it, nothing could be healthier for your posture and your back than going bare foot. And this is coming from someone that has dealt with a long history of back and foot problems and shin splints too; someone who was told to wear a heel insert for the rest of my life!!

Instead of relying on heel inserts and arch supports... I say, try walking bare foot as much as possible, or in shoes with little support to build up your feet and subsequently your ankles, shins, back etc... to harden them and make them all stronger. The more you rely on arch supports and inserts, the weaker all these other muscles get over time.

This is all in my humble opinion, of course!!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Super suggestions from everyone.

The first thing you have to decide is whether you want to wear open or closed Summer shoes - or both. I think I’m the only one that has given up on wearing open shoes of any description. (I still wear ballet flats in 95 degree heat). Once you’ve decided that, you can move forward and let the hunt begin.

anne

Veteran

http://www.betts.com.au/catalo.....Betts.aspx
This is the only aussie shoe shop I know that is online.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Shiny what you've said about the ballets is interesting. Maybe half a size up is the answer indeed!! I find my toes get squished & the tops of my feet get cut up (the same place where thongs rub too). I've never used heel or arch supports and love walking around barefoot - to me that's what birkies and crocs feel like actually What I don't like is sandals where the insole just feels like a plank of wood, I'd prefer something a bit spongier

Here's some more Aussie shoes that I found online. They don't all have online shopping, but you can browse the selection of what's available in-store in those that don't. Nowhere near as good as Zappos, that's for sure!!!!

http://www.shoobiz.com.au/www/.....22655.html

http://www.dianaferrari.com.au.....8;PageID=3
(probably my fave selection out of the bunch! )

http://www.scootershoes.com.au/

http://www.wittner.com.au
(Have bought 2 pairs from here before: my red boots which I love love love, and mint-green flats which look very comfy hurt my feet dreadfully)

http://www.ninewest.com.au

http://www.sandler.com.au

anne

Veteran

Thanks guys lots to think about - though I am not optimistic about finding out a store for the MeToos is Tam has already had a good look.
Will get back to you when I can (leaving inlaws (and working internet) now...)

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

So while we're talking about sandals, I just have to share that while I was in the city today exchanging some xmas pressies, I spotted at least 5 pairs of gladiator sandals just as tall, if not taller than the first pair Angie shared with us here:

http://youlookfab.com/2008/05/28/gaudy-gladiators

From behind some of them looked like boots! Crazy on a 30 degree day!!!!

Ok back to packing!!

Alecia

Veteran

I had a gander. Here are some ideas that I thought would be nice for you, Anne. Some general thoughts, I think you would do better with a low vamp. I like the idea of the ballet flat, like shiny suggested. I've also posted some peep-toe options, which are gives your foot a bit more air like a sandal. I think I also put one that's a d'orsay style, which would be even more airy.

When it comes to sandals, I think something a bit more strappy than what you're currently wearing would look nice. Also, I think the strap that's straight and high across the foot breaks up the line of your leg. So that may be something to avoid.

As for color, I second shiny's suggestion about metallic. I have also gotten a TON of use out of my red shoes so I think red is good option, too.

Can't wait to see what you turn up with! Fun!

(I had some trouble getting the links to works so I just listed the names for shoebiz.) shoebiz - nyna, pastelle

Scotter shoes -
http://www.scootershoes.com.au.....2114_.html
http://www.scootershoes.com.au.....2114_.html

sandler -
http://www.sandler.com.au/shoes/Sandals_Sail.aspx

anne

Veteran

Alecia and Tam, Thanks so much!!!

Angie - I am not completely decided re closed and open - but I guess I had presumed open. I will at least try on some metallic ballet as per suggestions - I do after all have a couple of pairs of sandals already (plus a dressy pair).

Will let you know how I am going

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

A great start and fab suggestions from the gals. Shoes are the hardest part of my body to dress. I wish you luck and keep us posted!

anne

Veteran

Hi everyone. I am back in internet contact for a few days.
This is what I have tried on so far
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....n09091.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....n09090.jpg
Here is the view from a shop
http://www.betts.com.au/catalo.....LEO_1.aspx

Also
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....n09088.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....n09089.jpg

I am thinking of trying to get some Kumfs ( so far the speciality shops for orthotic friendly shoes that I have tried have been closed for a few weeks (Christmas closedowns) which is a bit annoying. But there is one more I could try and they might have these
http://www.kumfs.co.nz/product.....8;pr=Dress in silver or
these
http://www.kumfs.co.nz/product.....8;pr=Dress in pewter.
This brand is usually very comfortable but pricy. I may not even be able to find the shoes.

Anyway, that is the progress so far Any thought on those first 2 I tried? I am pretty doubtful about that elastic strap on the silver flats

anne

Veteran

Oh I forgot to say - Alecia I do actaully own some red patent flats. I bought them for about $13 and a decorative button fell off the first time I wore them. I might be able to reattach them...
Tam and Alecia I think I will have to go into town to try some of your suggestions at big shops. I haven't forgotten them!

anne

Veteran

Just bumping this before I go to bed (after midnight again! Whoops) My shoe shopping is set for Monday...

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Anne I think I saw those silver flats with the elastic strap in-store somewhere when I was searching around for shoes. Did they feel comfy?

What do you mean you aren't sure about the strap - the look or the feel? The black strap definitely stands out from a distance in the pics, but I don't know if that's good or bad!!!

BLB

(website)

The silver flats and the brown wedges are so different I find it hard to compare them. Which ones would suit your wardrobe and lifestyle better, do you think?

Alecia

Veteran

I think both shoes you tried on are steps in the right direction, Anne. The idea of the silver flats is right but I think the strap does make them much more casual. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I'm not sure it goes with a lot of the looks that you've posted. I like the two shoes you posted from Kumfs better. I really like the bella but I think I like the copper better than the silver. Have you considered that color?

With the sandals you posted, the v shape created by the straps definitely creates a longer leg line than the straps that are straight across. I think this is a design that you should try more.

anne

Veteran

Tam - the issue with the black elastic strap was mainly that I was worried it was impeding the acheivement of the low vamp look. Perhaps also seemed less streamline (looked fine in the black version of the shoe though)

Brianna - that is a good point! i guess they are so different because I am exploring 2 different avenues - the original one for sandals and the YLF suggestions of ballet flats. I suspect flat heels would be better for my lifestyle, but I am drawn to heels and tempted by the idea of getting some comfortable ones. Perhaps you could just evaluate them separately, rather than comparitively.

I am interested in hearing some feedback on the Kumfs possibilitiess as I probably will have only one shot at visiting the shop.

BTW is is very hot here - been over 100 for most of this week. Where I usually live is a little cooler.

Maya

Veteran

Anne, I have a pair of flats that are virtually identical to the silver ones you posted. I actually thought they were the same.

http://www.shoemall.com/produc.....ver-148342

They are indeed pretty sporty and casual, but they got the thumbs up from Angie as I recall. I wear them with jeans, casual dresses, skirts, and walk shorts. Maybe that's all wrong but I think it works. The strap makes them more like a mary jane to me. I needed something that had the support of a sneaker but was more versatile and dainty, and this was what I came up with.

anne

Veteran

Thanks Maya - they are VERY similar. Great have your experience - Ill put them further up the list of possibilities!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

They did get my thumbs up Maya and I can see them working for you too, Anne. In fact, I just saw the pic! Fab with clams and your tunic top! GET!

The gals have you under control with the rest of the shoe possibilities. Exciting stuff!

BLB

(website)

Well then, I like both possibilities! I think the silver ones are casual and cute. I like the sporty edge that the black strap gives them. I would prefer flats without the elastic for myself but that's due to my personal style, which is not sporty at all. The brown wedges are dressier and would go well with skirts and dresses as well as jeans. I would like to find some similar ones with wedge heels myself this summer.

I love the bronze Komfs but they seem a little more office-y and dressy to me. I don't personally like the black ones; the velvet piping and scroll detail make me think of old ladies!

anne

Veteran

Alecia,
Sorry I missed your latest comment earlier. I think you are right. The copper colour looks much better than the silver.

Brianna, I was considering the Gem Kumfs in bronze, not black. - Don't know if that changes the opinion

Angie - your enthusiam was heartening. Would the silver flats with elastic be oday to wear with this dress (yes you've see it a few times before!) ?
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....sd3014.jpg

Tanya

Veteran

I like both pairs, especially the silver flats, very cute.

Dani

Veteran

Anne, both pairs of shoes are cute and would serve different functions in your wardrobe.

As to wearing the silver with the dress, I'd have to see a picture but I'm inclined to think it won't work. I can, however, see the wedge sandals with the dress.

So far, I think you have a couple of good options!

BLB

(website)

Oh, sorry Anne! The colour does make a difference! I like both pairs of Kumfs in the colours you prefer (silver and pewter) a lot better. I think they are dressier than the silver flats with the black elastic, so it depends on whether you wear more casual or smart casual clothes, I think. I agree that the dress would work with the wedge sandals but not the flats with elastic.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm with Dani and Brianna on the silver flats. They won't look fab with dresses, but the wedges are great for that purpose. I hope you get the silver flats! They suit your style.

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