https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:07:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2348030 Thu, 28 Dec 2023 14:22:58 +0000 Jen 2348030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gryffin, what a great story. I’m so glad you are doing so much better! Alas, I don’t think my problem fits his account. My arches are still super high, and my feet were always very wide and are now wider only because of bunions developed from years of wearing shoes that probably weren’t quite wide enough for them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2347985 Wed, 27 Dec 2023 13:09:12 +0000 gryffin 2347985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jen - very sorry to hear about your problem.&nbsp; I don't know if this will be helpful but I thought I'd share, just in case.&nbsp; I had developed a neuroma and was not helped at all by local ortho.&nbsp; I stumbled, after much research. on thetaorthotics and dr jarret.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://thetaorthotics.com/">https://thetaorthotics.com/</a>&nbsp; He actually picks up when you call and will give you a personal opinion.&nbsp; But the basics, with gravity our arch collapses causing shift in the bones.&nbsp; He basically does invisalign for your feel.&nbsp; Sequential orthotics to jack the arch to it's normal position.&nbsp; In doing this the flattening and widening of the foot is reversed.&nbsp; Goodbye pain, goodbye baby bunion, neuroma is there but no pain at all if I wear my orthotics.&nbsp; Makes perfect scientific and architectural sense.&nbsp; My personal story, foot decreased in size by a full size and I was bordering on wide and now am an easy medium.&nbsp; No pain, happy feet.&nbsp; It might be worth the phone call to discuss.&nbsp; I wear the full orthotic in my merrell mocs as house shoes, I have the dress 3/4 orthotic which fits most boots.&nbsp; But yeah it got me back into cute shoes pain free.&nbsp; Wishing you best of luck and happy feet!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2347944 Mon, 25 Dec 2023 05:32:53 +0000 Helen247 2347944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In regards to bunion surgery, I had one 9 years ago and it was successful and no problems with the pain I had prior to surgery. I kept stretching my shoe which helped only up to a certain point.<br /> I suppose it depends on the surgeon and whether the bunion surgery will solve your issue. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2347940 Mon, 25 Dec 2023 00:59:31 +0000 Jen 2347940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Mise chef shoes are a great find, April! And an article I just looked at suggested the company may be adding a Chelsea boot in 2024. Wouldn’t that be heaven! The toe boxes look great. Will definitely try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2347919 Sun, 24 Dec 2023 02:48:25 +0000 April 2347919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here to commiserate.&nbsp; My own foot issues include neuromas on both feet, a gigantic bunion on my right (larger) foot, the "long second toe" problem, and an increasing need for padding in the heel.</p> <p>My best fit lately comes from a pair of Mise chef shoes (only available in black), sized up and then made smaller with an extra squishy insole stolen from another shoe, my Natacha Ramsay-Levi boots collab with Ecco, and my very ugly Kuru sneakers in a W size.</p> <p>Another thing that works for me is Crocs (the horror!) with an Uggs woolen insole added for padding and comfort.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>My classic Ugg boots have lost their comfort since the wool in the heel region is all smushed down.&nbsp; They are, however, gold for the fact that they are to be worn without socks, which for me often cause more problems than the shoes.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2347913 Sun, 24 Dec 2023 01:24:38 +0000 Carol 2347913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All I can say is once you settle on a few pairs, find clothes that flatter them. Maxi skirts and dresses look great with all shoes. Uggs would be a fun winter option with leggings and a tunic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2347774 Thu, 21 Dec 2023 09:46:04 +0000 fricobatman 2347774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Calla shoes is another brand to check out (I suspect you may have come across them already). They are wider than they look but frustratingly do point at the front of the shoe.&nbsp;</p> <p>I feel your woes. Wish shoes were foot shaped! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2347754 Wed, 20 Dec 2023 18:05:35 +0000 Style Fan 2347754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can sympathize with you.&nbsp; My feet are always in pain.&nbsp; It took me years to find footwear that I could walk in.&nbsp; I gave up on fashionable or pretty shoes.&nbsp; All I wanted was to be able to walk pain-free.&nbsp; My list of problems is different than yours.&nbsp; I have arthritis, and I need lots of support.&nbsp; I also have to have natural fibres, like all leather or wool.&nbsp; My skin is very sensitive and gets irritated easily.<br />A lot of people find Barking Dog helpful.&nbsp; I know that has been mentioned.&nbsp; She reviews all kinds of footwear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2347669 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 19:50:21 +0000 rebekahphoto 2347669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As one who has fussy feet I understand the foot woes, and can only imagine the frustration for you. I have been following an account on instagram with wide foot shaped shoes, many Euro brands shown which I think some others have already posted some of these barefoot brands.&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://barefootuniverse.com/best-barefoot-shoes-for-wide-and-extra-wide-feet/">https://barefootuniverse.com/b.....wide-feet/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://barefootshoeguide.com/best-barefoot-shoes-for-wide-feet/">https://barefootshoeguide.com/.....wide-feet/</a></p> <p>Cydwoq shoes offer a wide range of wider width styles and customization if you are looking for a more unique funky style<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://cydwoq.com/collections/womens">https://cydwoq.com/collections/womens</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2347664 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 17:59:32 +0000 danskogirl 2347664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have wide, high-volume feet that need a lot of arch support (since I over-pronate). What has sometimes worked for me is to buy a size or two larger and put in either my prescription orthotics or over-the-counter insoles with arch support (e.g. Superfeet or Sole). </p> <p>This works especially well for tall boots (with the added benefit of the larger size being slightly wider in the calf to fit over my muscular calves), and ankle boots and shoes with removable insoles. (With my tall boots, I didn't remove the insoles that came in the boots because they were glued in -- but they were thin anyway.) I typically wear a size 6 wide in dress shoes and usually end up buying a size 8 in tall boots in order to do this. For shoes and ankle boots, I typically end up buying a size 7 or 7.5, occasionally 8.</p> <p>I play around with the thickness of the insole, seeing what works best for each shoe. Sometimes I add a layer of cheap flat foam insoles (easily available at drugstores) on top of my prescription orthotics to make things fit better and for cushioning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2347471 Sat, 16 Dec 2023 01:54:50 +0000 Zaeobi 2347471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oof I'm sorry you're going through this but I can commiserate - it seems every time I go to get my feet measured, I go up in width! </p> <p>I'm *supposed* to be a UK5.5E size with E width (used to be D). So the equivalent *should be* EU38 / US7.5, but I'm often in EU40 / US8.5 &amp; *still* not finding them wide enough anymore! </p> <p>I used to also have great luck with Easy Spirit, plus Aerosoles &amp; FitFlop. Even Blondo! But now I'm in a part of the world where I don't have easy access to these brands (not without expensive international shipping fees, at least) &amp; each order is riskier than the last, thanks to brands slimming down their toeboxes like you said... even the 'comfort' brand Clarks are culprits! </p> <p>I'm currently living in old FitFlop &amp; Hush Puppies styles - but my sandals are falling apart &amp; the insoles are now coming out of my work shoes. I *just* managed to find a non-leather style locally in HK (recently posted), but so far I'm coping by doctoring some shoes (I have a pair of FitFlop loafers (also posted) that I've actually put Sheec insoles into just around the balls of my feet). </p> <p>It's not really a long-term solution though, since I usually need to replace shoes every couple of years. I suspect it's only going to get worse since the 2000s (with all their 'slim' styles) are trending again... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2347467 Fri, 15 Dec 2023 22:39:50 +0000 ophelia 2347467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks like mine. A friend call mine “kids’ feet.” </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2347458 Fri, 15 Dec 2023 20:39:30 +0000 Jen 2347458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>True-life “duck feet” </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse/page/2#post-2347457 Fri, 15 Dec 2023 20:36:20 +0000 Jen 2347457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Though so have to say— just looked at “Duck Feet,” got all excited by their logo because my feet ARE duck feet, but their shoes don’t actually seem to be shaped that way! Why the tease?? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347456 Fri, 15 Dec 2023 20:33:07 +0000 Jen 2347456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wonderful suggestions, all! LaPed, you are well named. I will look into the brands you mention. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347383 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 23:59:29 +0000 Barbara Diane 2347383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear a size 11. I have narrow heels and need extra width for my toes. Munro was my go-to until the designer(s?) decided to cut their shoes narrower to look more “stylish”. This was the response from Munro when I expressed frustration that their shoes no longer fit me.</p> <p>I will try some of the suggestions here. Thanks everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347377 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 23:38:26 +0000 Jonesy 2347377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of great suggestions on this thread--I hope there are some leads here that will get you out of your footwear apocalypse! I have hard-to-fit feet (large size, one foot 1/2 size bigger than the other, very high arches, wide forefoot with squared off toes but a narrow heel, etc.), so I can totally empathize. It does seem like most shoe makers (especially for women) don't really care about what feel actually look like or need, which is very bizarre.</p> <p>Since your feet are small, could you try boys' shoes/boots? Might get you the width you need and be small enough for your foot length.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347360 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:58:34 +0000 DonnaF 2347360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Crocs have a generous toe box and run wide but I'm not sure if they run wide enough for you. Plus I am quite aware that they aren't everyone's cuppa. Crocs sizing varies a bit in length and width from style to style, but from reviews/complaints I've read, it seems that the heels below are unisex. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347352 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:00:22 +0000 Carla 2347352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not particularly pretty, but quite popular in my neck of the woods are Ugg products. &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ugg.com/ca/women-new-arrivals/">https://www.ugg.com/ca/women-new-arrivals/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347350 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 21:25:53 +0000 LaPed 2347350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that following Anya's Reviews is a good place to start. There's an eye-adjustment element involved in shifting to foot-shaped footwear, but I think from a health perspective it's worth it. There's a great Facebook group called Minimalist Footwear Buy/Sell/Trade which is as much a discussion group as a BST group. Lots of helpful suggestions, and you'll realize there are lots of other folks out there in the same position, and seeing how other people style their wider-toed shoes is really useful. </p> <p>If you aren't interested in the super thin/flexible "barefoot" style soles, there are more and more options with slightly thicker soles but still plenty of width. Custom shoemakers <a rel="nofollow" href="https://conkershoes.com/">Conker</a>&nbsp;(UK) and <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.aurorashoeco.com/">Aurora</a> (US) both make beautiful leather shoes based on your foot tracings. Danish brand <a rel="nofollow" href="https://duckfeetusa.com/">Duckfeet</a>&nbsp;makes lovely unisex leather shoes -- and cozy shearling lined boots -- in foot-shaped unisex sizes.&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.barebarics.com/">Barebarics</a> is a line of trendy zero-drop sneakers with a slightly chunkier sole than most barefoot brands. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.topoathletic.com/">Topo</a>&nbsp;and <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.altrarunning.com/">Altra</a> make excellent running shoes with room for toes to spread and a range of options for stack height. Hope that helps!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347321 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:35:52 +0000 kinnick 2347321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brands that have unisex sizing usually carry smaller lengths. &nbsp;I am normally a size 8 but have bought men’s size 6 in Danner, Adidas, and Maison Margiela (replica sneaker), and MOBS shoes. &nbsp;I am pretty sure they carry size 5. &nbsp;These shoes are more casual and you might be looking for a different vibe. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347244 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 23:39:02 +0000 Olive Green 2347244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b></b>Jen, that is tough. We wear the same size but my feet are flat and narrow. Mens shoes are rarely that size, but some boys shoes are really wide, lots of room for growing feet.&nbsp;<br />Kets’s suggestion of minimal, or barefoot shoes, is a good one. Soft Star, for instance, might be something you could like.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347224 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 20:34:19 +0000 Irina 2347224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jen</b>, my feet are narrow and as I age, I developed some serious bunions. I knew I might require a corrective surgery, bunions run in my family and I saw how bad it can get. I had a consultation on it, the recovery and rehabilitation are difficult and require time. I Spent a year recovering from a complicated ankle break. I honestly think that the surgery would be my last resort.&nbsp;<br /><div>I bought a wooden stretcher for shoes. It doesn’t work all the time. Leather must be really soft for it to work but it helps a little.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347206 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:57:39 +0000 Jen 2347206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks again, all you wonderful folks! Last year I got very excited about the idea of trying men’s shoes. Really wanted Chelsea boots and thought that might be a way to go. The problem is, my feet are, in length, actually quite small so the men’s shoes would have to be size 5. I imagine there must be men out there who need such a tiny shoe, but I haven’t yet found them.</p> <p>A comment on square toe boxes makes me want to say: in fact, most wide feet do not need a square toe box, but rather a bulbously rounded one. The Dr. Comfort shoes are, again, highly unusual in that they are actually shaped like a wide foot— I would draw it if I could, but basically bulbously round in front and tapering toward a much narrower heel. Often wide shoes just have a squarish toe and that DOESN’T work, esp. when bunions are involved— and of course wide feet will almost always, over time, lead to a bunion.</p> <p>The thing that astounds me is how little interest or knowledge shoemakers seem to possess about what feet actually look like/need. Again, it reminds me of issues about needing pants/jeans that fit women’s actual bodies, etc., and yet that problem has been addressed/discussed more— why? Do they not want to spend money on the extra leather?</p> <p>The idea of making one’s own shoes is certainly intriguing, but somehow I doubt I’d find the time…</p> <p>One thing is I am wondering now, Angie, based on your post is whether shoemakers just use the same stretching devices I used at home. My orthopedist seemed to feel pretty strongly that bunion surgery should be avoided if at all possible since it has a high rate of not working and can cause further problems. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347200 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:21:06 +0000 marija 2347200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so sorry.&nbsp; I hear you.&nbsp; I'm a 12 and it probably isn't as frustrating as your difficulties, but I can't shop at any regular stores.&nbsp; All I can think of is Finn Comfort.&nbsp; The other option is to spend a fortune and find a shoemaker.&nbsp; If you only own exactly what you need, it may not be too bad.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347197 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:12:38 +0000 Suz 2347197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you about those fabric shoes being made on what looks like a regular to narrow last. And I agree -- it isn't ok. And won't work. At least not for a shoe you want to get any significant wear from. But I wondered if maybe one of the companies actually provides a wider last.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347195 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:04:02 +0000 Dee 2347195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Jen that sounds so frustrating, I find shoes in the last ten years have completely gone downhill with cost cutting measures. They just seem to focus on style over any comfort now, there’s no longer any real arch support and no cushioning whatsoever. I can’t even imagine the struggles of trying to find decent shoes in a wider than average sizing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347193 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 17:56:48 +0000 Inge 2347193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I'm so sorry, Jen, this is extremely frustrating :-((</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe the menswear options from Birkenstock?</div><div><br /></div><div>FWIW: I have wider feet and have only ever worn Birkenstock sandals, but their Medium/Narrow size has been wide enough, so I'm thinking they make their lasts on the wider side to begin with.</div><div><br /></div><div>Several of the closed-toe options are available in both women's and men's sizes, like this one:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.birkenstock.com/us/bryson-natural-leather/bryson-acewalk-naturalleather-0-thermorubber-u_1577.html">https://www.birkenstock.com/us.....morubber-u</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The width info says:</div><div>- Regular/Wide women's width equivalent is C-D</div><div>- <b>Regular Wide men's width equivalent is D-EE</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b></b>So maybe the men's sizes are worth a shot?<b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347190 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 17:48:12 +0000 Ket 2347190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you checked out Anya's Reviews? I suggest it because she reviews shoes that have true, actual wide toe boxes and flexible soles. The caveat is these are considered minimal shoes, so they do not provide lots of bracing and support. (There is an entire philosophy and reason for this too lengthy to detail here.) But I do think there would be room for orthotics, depending on the shoe you choose.<br />&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://anyasreviews.com">https://anyasreviews.com</a></p> <p><div>And maybe you've checked these all out and it's not an option. But mentioning it in case it helps. Minimal shoe people seek out wide toe boxes for foot health, and they generally have very square, wide toe boxes. Anya started the blog as a way of finding fashionable minimal shoes. So another idea!</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-apocalypse#post-2347188 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 17:46:48 +0000 Angie 2347188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry, <b>Jen.</b> That sucks, and I empathize. I WISH they made the shoes you want to wear in the width you are looking for.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am with <b>cat2</b> and<b> Kinnick </b>with my further suggestions.</p> <p>I have a client who needed WWW shoes. She was an exective and needed them dressy too. So we bought SOFT leather WW dressy shoes and had them stretched in the toe boxes. It worked well. She has since had bunion surgery on both feet, and is down to a regular or W, generally.&nbsp;</p> <p>Men's shoes are cut wider, and I highly recommend you try some of those.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm with you on not having custom-shoes made. My own experiences were disastrous and very expensive :(&nbsp; </p>