summer shoe shopping - YouLookFab Forum

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summer shoe shopping

Maya

Veteran

I have never owned or worn sandals before. Ever. But I think I would like to get a pair (at least one pair) because I found my ballet flats too restrictive for the amount of walking I did today. I was wondering if there are certain styles or features my fussy feet should avoid. I think a thong sandal would be best, though I'm not particularly fond of the look (or of showing that much of my ugly feet), but comfort is the priority here. I think some kind of buckled adjustable strap would be good too, but I don't want to look like I'm wearing Birkenstocks or some other hideous hippie shoes. These are some styles I was looking at, but they all have things about them that make me hesitant:

http://www.endless.com/Rocket-.....mPage=cart

I've had luck with Rocket Dog in the past, but I'm not sure about the slingback.

http://www.endless.com/Shellys.....mPage=cart

Unbelievably cute, but they are extremely flat and I don't know if it's possible to put an insole in a sandal. I'm also not sure about all those straps.

http://www.endless.com/Natural.....words=h111

These have great padding and I love the look, but the strappiness intimidates me.

Any ideas? Are there materials/styles I should be looking for or avoiding?

Dressing

31 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Maya

Veteran

I also liked these because the straps seem to be before and after the most sensitive part of my foot, but I dont know if the ankle strap is going to be a problem or if there's enough padding.

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....8;color=11

Same with these, though Boden seems to be generous with padding:

http://www.bodenusa.com/col.as.....;gen=1#img

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I've never had luck with most strappy styles ever, especially ones with skinny straps.

Here's my advice: I would avoid any straps that are patent leather, or a stiff synthetic, because these tend not to be very flexible, and I think you will find that they cut in to your foot and never really "break in." Look for soft leather or synthetic fabric with stretch in it instead. And I would look for a thicker strap, rather than skinny (or even a whole bunch of skinny straps together) and opt for a strap that sits farther back, more like a thong style, as you suggested. Since your feet are so wide, and it's hard for you to find shoes that are wide enough in the forefoot (I also have this problem) with this style, your foot won't be squeezed by the straps in the front (that's my biggest problem with strappy sandals).

Have you thought about Sofft brand? I have tried some of their strappy sandals, and the ones with thicker straps were actually pretty comfortable, and all their shoes have a lot of padding on the soles, so you probably wouldn't have to add an insole. Here are some examples that might be comfortable for you:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/3.....34880.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/3.....66224.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/30141591/c/72.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/25089025/c/53639.html

And as far as having ugly feet, I wouldn't worry about it. Just buff your feet and take care of your nails (you don't have to paint them, just make sure they are neat and clean) and you'll be fine. I've never walked by another woman and thought, "Cute outfit...too bad her feet are ugly." You know? I only ever even notice their feet if they are obviously not taken care of or are unclean.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh Maya. These are all the worst, worst, worst style of shoe for urbanites with fussy feet. But I love the look of them of course. ALL straps cut into you after a wee while. There is no solution. I seriously doubt that anyone can run around or commute on foot for 8 hours in strappy shoes. If they do, they are sitting for most of the day!

If you get lucky, you might find a 2-3 hour pair. This is what I feel Ana has suggested. Well done and great advice, Ana. Sofft is a good brand and wide feet like open shoes. Groom your feet and there is no such thing as ugly feet

(BTW: I decided that I would never wear strappy shoes again this season. I have chosen to bypass this pretty look)

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I'm with Angie, I'm bypassing strappy sandals. Instead, I am looking for ballet flats that have cut outs to keep my feet cool. You know, I'm not sure what your budget is for shoes, but these get really good reviews, and they look airy, soft and comfy:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/32413342/c/935.html

I'm planning on getting them in cream to start, and if they're fabulous, I'll look into other colors. I can let you know how they work out if you want.

Maya

Veteran

Hmm, I haven't had much luck with Sofft in the past. For a brand called Sofft, I sure found their shoes stiff and narrow (even though I ordered wides). I guess I can just wear Converse shoes most days, but that means no dressing up or even smart casual which doesn't seem practical. I'm not sure what to do.

Maya

Veteran

Ballet flats aren't really working out for me anymore. Even the Swanns, which I raved about at first, did not really hold up to the amount of walking I did on Friday. I'm starting to think that unless I change the amount of walking I do and the pace at which I do it, I'm never going to be able to wear "stylish" footwear. I know I'll be told not to give up, but I have wasted an unbelievable amount of money in failed shoe experiments, so not giving up hasn't been working. It might be time to just listen to my mom and just stick to some frumpy but comfy shoes.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Well, maybe you should plan to wear your Converse while commuting, and then change into some shoes that are comfortable, but still "stylish" for class, or any "events" you have. Kind of like how some women wear ballet flats while commuting and then change into heels.

Maya

Veteran

I dont' know if that's practical for me. Most women change their shoes because they have a dress code for work, and they end up spending the entire day in the office anyway. I'm constantly zipping around from one location to another. And Converse shoes are perfectly fine for class anyway.

When I think about it, I need a shoe that goes beyond 8 hours. I start my commute at 7:00 in the morning and I don't usually get home until around 7:00 pm, so I really need a 12 hour shoe--even longer if I stay out in the evening.

On Friday I left my Metrocard at home, so I decided instead of buying a new one and taking the subway, I would just walk to class (it was a gorgeous day). It was about 22 blocks and took maybe half an hour. I also walked back. I need a shoe that can hold up to THAT.

I am going to give these a shot:

http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/7301065/c/87218.html

The reviews say they feel wider than marked and I have had good luck with Kenzie in the past. But I think they might be a bit too big on my right foot because the smallest size is a 6.5. I wonder why Zappos no longer has any Kenzie shoes. They seemed pretty popular.

Nicole

Veteran

I think all those strappy sandals will hurt your feet. I think thong sandals will hurt your feet (based on the amount of walking you do, and the fact that you've never worn them before-). I don't consider a ballet flat a sandal, but the last ones you posted with the open toe, are probably going to be more comfortable than any of the sandals you liked.

I noticed that the sandals you were drawn to are dainty and feminine. Would you consider somthing a little more chunky, if it's still pretty? I know heel height is an issue for you too...so I looked for ones with lower heels. I'm afraid a totally flat sandal wont give you the foot bed support you need for all that walking. Here are a few that might be worth considering:

http://www.famousfootwear.com/.....t_id=33734

http://www.famousfootwear.com/.....t_id=40595

http://www.famousfootwear.com/.....t_id=65917

http://www.famousfootwear.com/.....t_id=65336

http://www.famousfootwear.com/.....t_id=26236

http://www.famousfootwear.com/.....t_id=00590

There are more but I don't want to crowd the post w/too many links. I own or have owned sandals in most of these brands and they are very comfortable.

Maya

Veteran

I am looking for daintier styles because the chunkier ones are very casual to me, and that's not really my thing. I want shoes that I can wear with jeans or a dress or skirt. I guess it's not true that I never wear sandals since I wear flipflops at home, but never out. I figured a thong sandal would have a similar feel. Chunkier styles also look weird on me because I have very thin calves and small feet and they just look out of proportion.

I went to the Clarks store today and tried a cutout style, but I didn't like how the edges of all those little holes were rubbing against my foot. Their sandals were all either wedges or not the style I'm after.

This is kind of close to what I'm looking for stylewise. If the sole were better padded and it wasn't so expensive, it would be perfect:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/37941236/c/585.html

There are no straps going across the problem area of my foot, and the ankle strap will keep it secure on my smaller foot even if I have to go up half a size. And I adore the big embellishment, which besides being cute, will hopefully distract from my ugly scars and callouses and other weird foot issues.

I suppose I don't have to have sandals specifically, but I need something to keep my feet cool and happy and I thought they would be a good solution. I guess not though.

Nicole

Veteran

http://www.famousfootwear.com/.....t_id=61361

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Maya, you’re not rushing around for 12 hours are you? That's a marathon. Then you need Nike Airs! Once you’re in cushioning Converse there is no substitute. The strappy shoes that you have posted are dainty and beautiful and I too wish that I could wear them for longer than 5 seconds. But they are like daggers piercing my feet.

Believe me, there isn’t a strappy shoe or sandal that you can walk in leisurely for 12 hours that won’t tear your feet apart. You need a closed shoe for this purpose. A peep toe will rub as well. I say you swop shoes when you get to class/work . This will give you a 4 to 5 hour shoe alternative instead which widens your option ( pun intended).

Maya

Veteran

Ha, I'm not literally running around for 12 hours. I start the walking portion of my day with maybe a 5 block walk to class. Then I usually stay near campus but when it gets warm I like to go on walks outdoors or take a stroll around the open air market. I enjoy taking long walks and I walk very fast, so I guess I really do need the support of a sneaker, even if it is just a Converse sneaker.

I don't think I'll bother changing shoes. There just isn't any point. Who cares what shoes I'm wearing in class? Plus I stay in several different buildings, so taking them on and off and on and off seems silly. Even at work the dress code is casual enough for me to wear my Converse shoes. I guess this is good in a way because it means I'll save some money that I was going to spend on a dress.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds like a plan. Enjoy your student days. Splurge on a pair of sitting shoes from time to time and explore ALL converse styles. I wear retro Chucks, but there are daintier options too.

Antje

Veteran

Maya, I usually totally get your quests, but this time I'm a little puzzled. You want sandals that are comfortable for zipping around in, and I think you know a ton about what your feet need, and what makes a sandal comfortable to you, but most of the sandals you link to are very dainty and quite far on the end of "pretty but not super comfortable". Especially the beautiful pair with the flower. Yes, it's gorgeous, but just glancing at it I think most everyone would discount it as a shoe to run around in, even without having fussy feet. Are you sure you're serious about finding comfy everyday sandals, or are you secretly dreaming of pretty sandals for some special occasions?
I dislike Birkenstock as much you do (I have some old ones that come out on camping trips and that's it), but I swear there is tons of middle ground between strappy flower sandals and Birkenstocks. You might still find them more casual than what you'd really like to wear, but the benefits of comfort and airiness could be worth it. I think there is great value in comfortable sandals, even if they are more of a "fine" than a "spectacular" part of an outfit. I personally don't commute on foot or generally walk around a lot in my daily life, but when I go on vacation, I sure pack a pair of comfortable sandals, and I wear them with skirts and dresses in addition to jeans and shorts/clamdiggers. You might want to check out http://www.designershoes.com/d.....038;page=2, the list of sandals from the special sizes online shoe store (they have wide shoes). Go for comfort, sacrifice a little bit of style, and gain happy feet - without having to resort Birkenstocks

Maya

Veteran

I guess I'm just confused about what "strappy" means. Doesn't a shoe have to be strappy to qualify as a sandal? Is it the amount of straps that makes a shoe bad? Or the size?

Maybe they aren't comfortable, but like I said I never wear sandals so I really don't know. I figured it's more about where the straps are placed than them just being there at all. I liked those shoes because the straps totally avoided the widest part of my foot. And there really is only one strap around the foot. The other one is around the ankle, and I don't think i have had problems with ankle straps in the past. So I actually don't know much about what my feet need in this case.

I suppose I am being snobbier than I have room to be. I just can't see myself wearing those shoes with the outfits I have in mind. I have so many pretty skirts and even a couple of dresses I would like to bust out and those shoes would just kill them. Plus I need them to be fairly flat, otherwise I'll need to get new jeans and pants to accommodate the heel height. So unfortunately I think I'm just going to have to save the skirts and dresses for special occasions only, or situations where I won't be walking that much, and just stick to my Converses and go casual all summer.

Maya

Veteran

BTW I am going to try the first pair of shoes Ana posted by Sofft. Maybe their open toe styles will be less stiff than the ones I have tried in the past. Wish they came in one of the colors I wanted though

What about these? I heard good things about Born and they seem to have arch support and good padding. Is the slide style no good though?

http://www.6pm.com/n/p?p=7144584

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Those might work, Maya. I think you may have more finnicky feet than I do, but I have had good luck with Born in the past. Their soles tend to be highly padded and very cushy. Their leather uppers tend to be very soft and pliable as well.

Here are some others that *may* work, and come in several colors:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2.....29953.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2.....29953.html

Maya

Veteran

My friend Nathalie recommended them to me and she also has picky feet and commutes. I think I'll give them a try along with the Soffts.

shiny

Veteran

I personally prefer slide style sandals myself. I just need to make sure that the upper part is wide enough, and doesn't dig into my foot.

I can't wear thong styles at all - so painful! It doesn't matter how thin the strap is that goes between the toes. I don't know why this is, but I'll be in tears of agony within just 20 steps or even fewer. Yes, I've tried to "break myself in" with them and it never happens. I think it has something to do with the bone structure of my toes.

But I can wear those sandals that just have one loop to hold the big toe, provided the material isn't going to dig into my toe. I discovered last summer that this style (once I got used to it) actually helped to pull and hold my toe back into place, reducing the bunion problem. I.e., I found my feet felt *better* after a day of wearing them!

These were shoes I bought at Target so I didn't blow to much on the experiment. They have tons of cushioning too. My only gripe is the material is man-made. But I wore them all over Spain for two weeks, and my feet were happy!

I don't like ankle straps at all - I find them incredibly annoying, and I think they make my legs look short.

As for materials, in general I look for leather uppers. Sometimes fabric uppers work really good. And certain lightweight man-made materials are awesome (i.e., the kind often advertised as "anti-bacterial" - and usually more of a sporty sandal).

Have you tried Cole Haan Air shoes? My best pair of sandals - the ones I can walk in all day long AND look quite fashionable - are this type. They have tons of cushioning and support. Unfortunately they have seen better days now but I'm hoping the cobbler may be able to revive them enough for another season. I am also planning on going to the store and trying on new Cole Haan styles.

Also are you familiar with http://www.footsmart.com? It's exclusively for people with fussy feet. They offer 271 different pairs of sandals.

Tanya

Veteran

I've tried these on in a store and they felt very comfy, but I only had them on for couple of minutes:
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/30131782/c/1141.html

My feet are fussy, but probably not as much as yours.

I second Shiny's suggestion of Cole Haan Nike Air. They are very pricey, but IMO worth it. I have one pair of black flats( wish I could afford more) and they are the comfiest shoes I have ever had.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Cole Haan Airs could work. They are very sporty looking though. This might be an option if they come in wide? I'd be surprised if Maya is into anything sporty looking. I have the impression that Maya is a retro girl. Am I right? If so, I understand this because I am too.

BUT, CH airs are sweet and definitely stylish if that’s a look you like. Lovely suggestion from Shiny & Tanya. Have put a slew of SAHM’s in this type of shoe and they are thrilled. Definitely worth the price.

Tanya

Veteran

Most of them are sporty, tough I have my eyes on these that are not sporty at all to me:
http://www.colehaan.com/coleha.....oup=171561

However, I've just checked, they do not come in wide, just regular and narrow.

Maya

Veteran

I don't know if CH is in my budget for now, unfortunately. Shoes are one of those things where I normally refuse to skimp, but it's the end of the semester and I'm broke until I can find a full time job in the summer =\

I ordered the Born slides and I'm waiting for my dear mummy to get home so she can use her QVC account to order me the Sofft Raya sandals. Nordstrom and Zappos don't have any colorful options left in my size!

If the Born slides work out, I would like to get a second pair. Also, Tanya's thread about Keds skimmers inspired me to look into those too. I'm a sucker for their cute prints.

Maya

Veteran

BTW I had to laugh at the above comments. I am arguably the most unsporty person on the face of the earth.

Nicole

Veteran

Maybe you're right Maya, maybe sandals are not in your future. There's a reson why you have not owned a pair thus far. Slides are great, but they will bang off your heel with every step. They offer very little support, especially around your heel and ankle. I don't think they will be the walking sandal you are craving.

I find it interesting that everyone thinks Converse Chuck E Ts are so comfortable. I have a baby blue pair that I love, but I don't wear them if I'm going to be doing alot of walking. I find the tops dig into my feet. I would much rather spend the day walking in a pair of thong sandals or even 2" heels.

Maya

Veteran

I think people's feet are fussy in a million different ways. Mine are fussy, but not about everything. Several ladies here say they have trouble with thong sandals and ankle straps, which have never been problematic for me. Nicole isn't a fan of Converse shoes for walking, but I love them. In fact a lot of people with wide feet and even regular feet don't like them, but I don't seem to have the same problems they have. My mom also has fussy feet but she finds 2" heels more comfortable than flats.

In fact I now recall that I used to have a pair of slides/mules a few years ago (ok more like 6 years ago). They were the cheapest, dinkiest shoes around. I'm sure everyone remembers them. They were those mesh Chinatown slippers that were everywhere, or maybe they were just a NY thing:

http://www.silk4you.com/images/slipperall.jpg

I know everyone's thinking "no wonder she has foot problems!" But I actually got them because the cheapo material was so flexible and stretchy that I had no problems with my wide feet being smashed in there, and they were breathable and cool in the summer. I did not have the problem of them flapping around against my heel like a flip flop. They stayed fairly close to my foot as I walked. The idea of an open back is appealing to me because it means I can size up to a 6.5 without having to worry about the shoe falling off in the back, which is a constant battle for me with closed shoes. Whether these slides work or not will depend on how soft the leather band is. The reviews on Zappos were pretty mixed. Some people thought they were wide, others thought they were narrow, and still others thought they were great. But it just proves my point. I never bother with Zappos reviews anymore because there are just too many variables in people's feet, and you never know who *thinks* they're a medium but are actually a wide, etc.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I wish there was a measurement system. I think most people can tell what size they are, but it's difficult to tell what width you are. Like, if your feet are X inches wide, then you have a wide foot, etc. That would be very helpful.

Maya

Veteran

I printed out a chart from Payless' website, but it's completely inaccurate. It has two strips of gray on either side of the chart that indicate a wide width. Judging by that, I'd be a narrow. They're assuming that a 6 wide is the same as a 10 wide, which is really, really wrong. My foot is a regular width...in a size 7.5 or 8. But in length I'm only a 6.

The best way to figure it out, I think, is still just to go with how your feet feel.

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