Summer Shoes and Flat Feet; What's a Girl to Do?

old-grey-mare

So it's starting to warm up here in Phoenix (when is it not hot?), and it's almost to the point when I can't get away with non-sandals. The problem is that I have very flat feet, overpronated, so I have a very hard time wearing shoes without serious support. I dread every summer because I feel like I am basically forced to give up style until October since I can't wear sandals/heels everyday like everyone else has. And sneakers just look bad with some outfits. Has anyone found a heel that could pass the supportive test? I have a pair of burkenstocks, which aren't bad, but again, not the most stylish shoe. :/

12 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from Diana

Classically Casual

Veteran

Hi Starburst - You might stroll through the archives of barkingdogshoes.com. It's all about shoes & problem feet. You might get ideas of shoe brands to explore.

12 years ago

Jem

Veteran

I have orthotics, so I can wear almost any kind of shoes. They make different styles, so I have full orthotics that I put into running shoes and then "dress orthotics" that I put into ballet flats, etc. My feet/legs/knees used to hurt all of the time, but now they don't Just something to consider.

12 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I totally echo what Jem has said about orthotics. They truly can be a lifesaver.
I've had great success with Naot, both shoes and sandals. They have great support, particularly in the arch area and are one of the brands my physiotherapist highly recommended.

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I have flat feet too, and wear orthotics (non-prescription Powersteps, I like the 3/4 length ones as they leave lots of room for my bunion and fit in most shoes) in most of my closed toe shoes. In the summer, I live in Naot sandals (the ones with the cork footbeds are my faves, although they do run on the narrow side), and I also like Dansko sandals.

12 years ago

old-grey-mare

Active Member

I've never heard of Naot, I'll have to give them a shot! Question though, can you wear orthotics without socks? I had always heard that you need to wear socks with them, and I'd feel odd wearing a pair of flats with socks and capris. :/ Maybe those thin nylon-like socks? I've seen the Dansko sandals, but I've been hesitant to buy them. They're a pricey sandal, which I'm totally fine with if they're comfortable. I was just worried that they're just an average sandal with the Dansko name. And so many sandals I've tried that feel supportive and comfortable in the store, but after two wears, they feel just like any old sandal. And for $90 it can't be just an average sandal!

12 years ago

Elly

Veteran

Flat sandals are harder for me personally, but I find Earthies heels (which are mostly sandals) to have killer arch support.

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I like the Sausalito collection sandals from Dansko... they're built on a slightly softer version of the clog sole. (Although I can't actually compare them to the professional clogs as those don't fit me). I think some of the other collections are not quite as comfortable.
http://dansko.com/Womens/Footw.....Sausalito/

I always wear my orthotics with socks, since I only put them in closed shoes and I cannot wear closed shoes without socks. I sometimes use the no-show secret socks. I don't see why you couldn't wear them barefoot though... the ones I have are covered in fabric and would be comfy on bare feet. I guess you'd have to worry maybe about them getting stinky, but isn't that always the case with shoes w/o socks anyway? Like I said earlier, though, mine are OTC and not prescription, so a lot cheaper (around $20 a pair without sales); I might hesitate to get really expensive ones dirty or stinky with bare feet.

12 years ago

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