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Shoe possibilities

anne

Veteran

I'm trying to come up with ideas for a new pair of work shoes that will work with dresses and skirts. I have very tiresome shoes requirements - I can't do anything low vamp as it will not stay on my feet, tend to wear orthotic shoes and have to have chunky heels no more than 2 inches high.

I may buy some black heeled knee high boots, have some low heeled black booties and have a little wear left on my red patent MJ's from last year - and that's it for winter work shoes

I have seen a couple of these in person, but most I'm just looked at online.

They are all MJ, but I'd consider heeled oxford as well but haven't seen any.

Love to hear your comments - I know they aren't exciting, but I hey!

http://www.naotshoes.com.au/products.php?pid=530#

http://zierashoes.com/Style/29.....2&

http://zierashoes.com/Style/77.....2&

http://zierashoes.com/Style/18.....2&

http://www.paulcarroll.com.au/.....lour=Black

http://www.paulcarroll.com.au/.....lour=Black

http://www.paulcarroll.com.au/.....lour=Black Leather

https://bared.com.au/store/det.....uail-Black

https://bared.com.au/store/det.....ge-Leather

http://www.homyped.com.au/pind.....pcode=BREA

http://www.homyped.com.au/pind.....ode=IMOGEN

http://www.homyped.com.au/pind.....code=NADIA

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from anne

Thistle

Veteran

Other than the Bared Mockingbird, these all look about the same to me. Could just be me, but they all look like basic mary janes with a heel. If you like the style, any of these will work. Some had too high of a heel for my tastes, though, so I would try them on if you can find them in person and pick the most comfortable.

I, too, have problematic feet, so I get where you are coming from. I am not terribly familiar with brands in your part of the world or I would give you a few I like.

anne

Veteran

Yes Thistle - thanks for combing through them all - they are pretty similar. I like the look of the Bared Mocking bird, perhaps just because it is somewhat different, but am not sure if that style would stay on my foot. Hopefully I can find some local stockists, as I strongly prefer B & M for this type of shopping.

Thistle

Veteran

I agree. I am spoiled by Amazon and Zappos here in the US as they do free delivery and returns. I find well over 80% of the shoes I try on have to be returned. I won't sacrifice on comfort!

Jules

Veteran

Ok I didn't comb through all of them (the zieras are saying out of stock) but I agree the mockingbirds are miles ahead of the others. I love the idea of the white ones with your hair, but for winter, maybe the brown ones? I often find wedge heels are not as nice in black as the wedge has less detail and just looks like flat plastic, but maybe they are different in person.
I also have pretty particular and similar foot requirements, so I get combing through many similar, not always super appealing options. It often comes down to subtle differences... For example, I love Naot for comfort but I really wish they would do more refined & current detailing; that big button and the exaggerated round toe look clunky & dated to me. Some of their styles i can tolerate better in non-black, because black looks extra heavy. The thin strap and more almond toe of the mockingbird makes a huge difference! Good luck with the search!

Jules

Veteran

Still looking... I don't know if you also have wobbly ankles, I could be projecting because the shoes are so similar to the type I need, but a couple if those Paul Carrol pairs have a heel that I find problematic: it angles in from your actual heel, which throws off my balance because weight isn't distributed the way it should be. Have you worn this type of heel before? Even a friend of mine who can wear "real" heels finds them difficult. They are not as practical as they might appear from the sturdiness of the heel.
Also, I'm repeating myself, but do consider non-black options. Lighter colours can lighten the heavy effect of these styles.
Of the homypeds, I like the Nadias. Even in black, because the snakeskin and detailed heel add texture and interest. I don't like the first pair and the second are fine but basic/utilitarian.

Anonymous

I did comb through the choices (but then forgot to note all the names I liked or disliked!). But yes to the Mockingbird and Quail in terms of sleeker style, if the heels meet your comfort standards. (There was a burgundy pair with a diagonal strap that I also liked.) Personally, I'd steer far away from details like heavy topstitching, etc. I have large, wide fussy feet and personally, I hate the way Naot and other makers feel compelled to add big buttons, odd cutouts, leather flowers and the ubiquitous topstitching to all their "comfort" shoes.

old chic

I like the detailing on the Nadia and Imogen models, and they look more stable than the Mockingbird (who's ankle strap is nice, though).

Jules

Veteran

I'm so with you gauche!!! Why are they so stuck on those details???

Anonymous

Jules, they must assume every woman with fussy feet is an aging hippie earth mother who has no idea of what other women are wearing. Really irks me.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

LOL, gauche!! SO true.

Anne, I'm with gauche and Jules 100% on this. I would aim for an ankle strap over a MJ, go for minimal detailing, a sleeker shoe if possible, and explore lighter options if they would work with your hose in winter.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, and another option -- must it be a shoe? This is for winter dressing, correct? So what about a sleek bootie? This will stay on your foot and look more current.

rachylou

Veteran

I think not the Ziera's because of the ornamental detailing on the shoes... I find that ornateness to be neither in keeping with your sporty style nor allowing you enough fashion freedom... so this would bar the Klouds Onyx too.

I like the more polished ones for you... so on looks factor alone, I'd choose the Brea's or Bared ones over the Klouds. I also like the ankle strap over the mary jane strap, for grown-up factor. But the mary jane strap is very helpful.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Naots last forever, and have comfortable removable insoles. Highly recommend. Never had any issues with the vamp being too low. The shoes have a quick break-in time, too.

anne

Veteran

Thanks everyone for weighing in - especially for Jules's throughness!!
I have just been checking, and the bared shoes are only available in B & M in Melbourne (why didn't I think of this when I was there!!!) So I think I'll have to rule them out - I am a bit doubtful about the ankle strap too (as in, whether it would be enough to keep my foot slipping out) though absolutely agree with everyone that it is a superior choice fashionwise.
Jules I like the look of those snakeskin Nadia's too.
Suz - I guess I was hoping to have something to wear with my new midis (I ended up buying a couple of those I tried on last week, though the tags are sill on). I do plan to buy heeled black boot and already own 1 inch heel black booties. I guess I feel like I need to have some pump equivalent.

SandiC

I'm not sure how much detail you want on your shoes and how your toes figure into the equation. I have feet with special needs and this one line worked for me. But, everyone is different. The next time when you're shopping, try on this line see how they feel to you. The heels are under 2 inches. This line has other styles that don't have the low vamp. Just sharing it, maybe it's not what you're looking for, but I thought I'd share.

http://www.pikolinos.com/us-en.....-8460.html

anne

Veteran

Today at lunchtime I tried on several pairs of those listed above

Pic one shoes the only one I found both comfortable and available in my size.

Pic 2 shoes ones I really liked but where not comfortable Here's a link

http://www.stepaheadshoes.com......olor=Black

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VernieJane

From the looks of the ones you are thinking about, it looks like you might like some of the new collection from FitFlops (super comfy) or something also comfy but a little nicer is Clarks...

http://www.rubbersole.co.uk/Cl.....223563.php

http://www.rubbersole.co.uk/Cl.....262143.php

http://www.rubbersole.co.uk/Fi.....396195.php

Anonymous

I like the Homyped ones best because they look like the construction may be better and the details are more subtle. I like the look of the Bared ones, pretty, and the wedge might be comfortable but an ankle strap is not at all the same thing as a mary jane, the strap doesn't secure the shoe to the foot and they're way more perilous.

anne

Veteran

SandiC, I am afraid I don't think I can get Pikolinos in Australia, and I really need to try shoes on before I buy. I think too that they were a little too informal for what I am after.

Vernie-Jane, I'm looking for a higher heel than those, but I will check out Clarks

Isabel - "an ankle strap is not at all the same thing as a mary jane, the strap doesn't secure the shoe to the foot and they're way more perilous" I am worried that you are quite right!!
i am going to check out the only Homyped supplier in the CPD to ask them about the Nadias. I didn't see any in their display yesterday.