https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:39:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2284480 Wed, 05 Oct 2022 08:37:58 +0000 Sally 2284480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bijou I will go and try the dr Martens and Birkenstocks and see how they compare </p> <p>Zaeobi - yes long dresses and doc martens are a real 90s thing I think </p> <p>Stagiaire Fash thanks for the article- interesting about Birkenstocks. I wore them all last summer. Maybe I need to wear other things to strengthen my feet</p> <p>Angie thanks for the links. I would wear all those in a heartbeat. I’m looking for some like that sandal at the moment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2284353 Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:15:09 +0000 Angie 2284353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's all in how the shoe fits the shape of your foot, and about how much you walk :)</p> <p><b>Sally</b>, lots of good inspiration and wisdom here. I don't wear heels at all! Nothing over an inch and a quarter. My sweet spot is half to three quarters of an inch. But my shoes are 99.9% dainty. (I know that's not your preference).</p> <p>Heeled footwear can be quite flat - as in <i>flatformed.</i>&nbsp; Here is some inspiration. The Wonders Oxford looks dressy! A friend of mine - who has challenging feet - wore them to a formal event with a formal dress and looked the BOMB!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2284348 Tue, 04 Oct 2022 16:48:15 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2284348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LaPed, I was debating whether to add this article by that same author. It gets better halfway through, and some of the pieces referenced are good too. <a href="https://anyasreviews.com/why-birkenstocks-arent-long-term-solution-foot-pain/" rel="nofollow">https://anyasreviews.com/why-b.....foot-pain/</a><br /> I can relate to her point about a stiff heel leading to the foot getting more stiff. After I broke my foot, I was prescribed insoles. Once I got them and realized there was a plate under the tender part, I only wore them when I really had to. My foot isn’t as good as it was, but the pain in gone. Can’t imagine the insoles would have let me do that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2284342 Tue, 04 Oct 2022 16:32:12 +0000 Zaeobi 2284342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Following on from @Stag's point, I think one key aspect of foot health is how *secure* the (chunky or refined) shoe is on your foot. DH was amazed at how I could run in 'slippers', until I pointed out that they were actually sandals with adjustable ankle &amp; front straps. So maybe now he'll buy himself some too, instead of being in pain from flip flops </p> <p>Anyway I digress, lol! The one pair of slim D'orsay flats I own actually have a thin strap across the foot - so even without an ankle strap, I know they'll stay in place. I no longer do 'refined' shoes if they pinch, rub or flop. </p> <p>PS - I think 'slinky dresses with chunky boots' could work; it was a very popular 90s look! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2284260 Tue, 04 Oct 2022 04:11:54 +0000 Bijou 2284260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sally, I have not had Doc Marten sandals, but I would imagine given they have the same sole as the boots, they are likely to be long wearing and comfortable once broken in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2284250 Tue, 04 Oct 2022 01:43:09 +0000 Sally 2284250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LaPed. I had a look at this thanks. Interesting how some shoes more naturally follow the shape of your foot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2284227 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 21:05:13 +0000 LaPed 2284227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Barefoot/minimalist might be flatter than you want to go, but even for folks who aren’t fully committed to this type of shoe, Anya’s Reviews provides great inspiration for how to be style aware while still oriented toward foot health/comfort. Her blog is informative and full of reviews/roundups, but IG is where it’s at for inspiration pics: <a href="https://instagram.com/anyasreviews?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=" rel="nofollow">https://instagram.com/anyasrev.....MyMTA2M2Y=</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2284213 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 19:25:42 +0000 Sally 2284213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suntiger</b> I guess a slinky dress wouldn't go well with chunky boots but I have seen people wearing ball gowns with dr martens but not sure if you could do it in certain formal places.&nbsp;<br /><b>Bijou</b> - I just had a look.&nbsp; They are really nice.&nbsp; They are more expensive than birkenstocks.&nbsp; &nbsp;Do you think they would be as comfortable as an everyday shoe or as durable?&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><b>CarolS</b>- I agree with you.&nbsp; I also have fussy feet.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;I have attached two photos of formal suits with chunky shoes. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2284170 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 15:40:30 +0000 CarolS 2284170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, I used to share that perception, but have been forced by fussy feet to reshape my perception or forever be banned from certain events.</p> <p>The challenge is to find ways to 'do' evening attire differently when the conventional paradigm isn't workable, or when the wearer simply prefers not to be bound by it.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2284149 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 12:28:47 +0000 Bijou 2284149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sally, have you tried Doc Marten sandals for summer? They have some great designs.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2284087 Sun, 02 Oct 2022 23:50:48 +0000 Anonymous 2284087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd think chunky shoes would be problematic with evening wear, just too much juxtaposition. To my eye they work best with heavier fabrics + volume to balance them out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2283937 Sun, 02 Oct 2022 07:31:12 +0000 Sally 2283937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Jaime yes I want to be more of a sneaker person.&nbsp; I am just getting my head around wearing them with dresses.&nbsp; I tried to last year but it was hard to get the right sneaker.&nbsp; I am on the look for a dress sneaker this spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>@Suz..You actually made a very good point.&nbsp; I can't wear converse either and struggle with the flatness of many ballet flats.&nbsp; So I can't wear a complete flat.&nbsp; I am better suited to a flatform or built up boot.&nbsp; I can wear birkenstocks though and they seem to be very flat.&nbsp; Maybe its the moulding around the foot.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2283928 Sun, 02 Oct 2022 04:25:25 +0000 Suz 2283928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, i love all the inspo pics and am inspired and the inspiring Montreal blogger!&nbsp;</p> <p>I agree with <b>Stag Fash </b>that heels are not necessarily uncomfortable -- but they are uncomfortable to some. My personal sweet spot is between 34/ inch and 2 inches -- lower or higher tend to be uncomfortable and to wear sneakers I need an insole to prevent against plantar fasciitis or I'm miserable, and truly flats sneakers like Cons are a nightmare for me -- the worst! A 4 inch heel would be better, no joke!&nbsp;</p> <p>I do wear flatforms slightly better than complete flats (probably due to the padding). A lug sole works well on a flat.&nbsp;</p> <p>i think those who've said you need to imagine the entire look to get away with a chunky shoe for evening are correct. Not always easy to do, but if you know it's what works for you, then you can plan for it going forward.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes/page/2#post-2283895 Sun, 02 Oct 2022 01:07:50 +0000 Jaime 2283895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love chunky flats. And refined flats. And all the inspo pictures. Although I should be a sneaker person I somehow am not, and rarely wear them, although comfort is very important to me. In short, I will be following happily. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283893 Sun, 02 Oct 2022 01:00:45 +0000 CarolS 2283893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283881 Sun, 02 Oct 2022 00:17:47 +0000 Sally 2283881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ jenni thank you for the recommendation. funnily enough I do go to Remuera on a regular basis (my son plays cricket over that way)and I’m going tomorrow so I’ll definitely have a look at Mikko. I looked online and they have some great sneakers for dresses. I’ll be able to check it out over the cricket season<br /> @Sal modern urban practical is a great moniker and good objectives to keep in mind when choosing clothes. If you can do a summer version, I’d like to see it. I’m aware most of the examples were wintery.<br /> @ CarolS I think that is a problem I have had in the past ..found a dress then realised 1. I didn’t have suitable shoes and then 2. If I had the shoes to fit the dress, they wouldn’t be the kind I would walk far in. I do like dr martens with the ball gown look though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283865 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 21:47:10 +0000 CarolS 2283865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sally I think when it comes to a formal occasion you have to pick the entire outfit with the shoe in mind. No party dress that is only going to look right with a dainty heeled sandal. More, as you suggest, a chic pant suit. I think Emma Thompson - often showing up in a suit and sneakers. It’s also, as others have so aptly pointed out, about wrapping one’s head around the look and developing a sense of how to carry off heavier footwear for evening. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283863 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 21:32:46 +0000 Sal 2283863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These looks are cool. I think of them as modern urban practical and a bit edgy.</p> <p>There’s a couple there I really like and I may try a version myself.</p> <p>I think building shoes up is a great idea- and I agree skirts or dresses need to be midaxi or above the knee. Somehow knee length doesn’t work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283860 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 21:19:25 +0000 Jenni NZ 2283860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Sally I would suggest looking at the expensive brand which however has excellent sales, called Mikko, Auckland based, sorry not your part of Auckland I think but does have a Remuera store. I have bought on excellent sales there eg at Easter there were sale prices with an extra 20% off so my $120 pair had originally been over $300. They have a lot of chunky shoes which are not my style but you may like, if you browse the sale section and there is even an outlet section. The shoes are mostly European so high quality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283850 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 19:06:01 +0000 Sally 2283850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Firecracker</b>- yes maybe it is a case of getting used to the look.&nbsp; I found the combat boots a bit too chunky initially and felt my feet must be so prominent, but I have got used to them.</p> <p><b>Lesley</b> - I can't imagine wearing shoes that I can only stand up for a limited amount of time in again.&nbsp; That's why I'm building my outfits around my shoes to some extent.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>You're right<b> Stag</b>. I had a colleague who found heels more comfortable than flat shoes. I think she had worn them so much her foot had changed.&nbsp; I also like the aesthetic of chunky shoes but not all chunky/supposedly leisure shoes are comfortable as i found with some sneakers I bought online last year.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283845 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 18:07:38 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2283845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m glad to see people thinking about comfort and paying attention to whether they can move in their shoes. That’s always been important to me too. I see an equivalence being set up between “flat shoes” and “shoes that are walkable/comfortable”. After trying on the Fluvogs last year, and having taken about 6k steps in my oxfords with 3” heels today, I don’t think that’s true. The heels I’m considering are made by a company that makes strippers’ heels. That’s not the style I’m getting, but the one night I’ve ever worn strippers’ shoes, for Halloween (with a lab coat) I was amazed at how comfortable they were. I expect this company knows women's feet. Part of my K/R decision will be whether I can run in them. If I can’t, they’re out. If they hurt my back like the fashion sneakers I’ve tried (Sperry’s &amp; S Oliver), they’re out. Kinda mind-blowing to hear myself saying this, but there you have it. It’s not the shape of the shoe that matters (and these looks are great); it’s their wearability.</p> <p>Sorry if I sound cranky. It’s just so easy sometimes to confuse form with function. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283843 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 17:32:54 +0000 Lesley 2283843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All I see is chic, chic, and more chic! I am moving in this direction too. Slowly phasing out all my shoes that I would classify as "nonsense" and moving towards even my "fancy" shoes being comfy and walkable. "Cab shoes" will be a thing of the past. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283841 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 17:27:59 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2283841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I love these looks. Especially #8. Thanks for sharing them. When I try on shoes with giant soles, I feel they are not quite right for me--too clunky. I need a medium clunk, I feel. But maybe I just need to rethink the look, because these women are not overpowered by the shoes the way I feel I am when I look in the mirror. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283838 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 16:56:14 +0000 Anonymous 2283838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Stag </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283837 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 16:55:42 +0000 Sally 2283837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@CarolS I see what you mean about them not suiting all requirements. I don’t go to many formal events but I think in that case I would get a suit and wear boots or oxfords for comfort. I do wear combat boots with dress pants and a tailored jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283836 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 16:51:35 +0000 Sally 2283836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Niikki those shoes in the link are very cool and would work really well for more formal dressy occasions too. I guess the main thing is they need to be comfy. I’ve learned to seek that one shoe that is both comfy and funky and not really alter much in my footwear during the season. I would love to get some sneakers like those in the dress outfit for spring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283835 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 16:44:25 +0000 Sally 2283835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Jules - I am going into summer so my some of the pictures were summer focussed. I was really lucky with my boots this winter as they were chunky but sat well under straight jeans. I did wear dresses in winter though with tights and boots. I find that I need a midi or longer though as they don’t go well with just below the knee dresses/skirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283833 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 16:39:48 +0000 Sally 2283833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@unfrumped - just coming out of winter and wore exclusively combat boots. I rolled the heels of my trousers to accommodate the boots so the jeans were cuffed..especially skinny jeans and my thick ponte pants. It does mean showing a tiny bit of skin when you sit down sometimes but it worked for me and my clothes. Also my boots don’t have tabs but those boots as you say might work with boot cuts. I wear combats with straight legs and they go over the top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283828 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 16:06:53 +0000 Anonymous 2283828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>unfrumped, I have not tried them on. One of reviews said it runs slightly narrow which might work for me. I was considering them as a replacement for duck shoes that I wear in the fall and spring mostly. So it would be with tights or socks. Definitely, wear what you want </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hunt-for-inspiration-around-flat-shoes#post-2283827 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 16:02:39 +0000 CarolS 2283827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love that mj in the burgundy. I’m very taunted by shoes like these that look chunky but are still actually narrow across the forefoot. </p>