https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:34:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long/page/2#post-1241484 Sun, 04 May 2014 15:51:55 +0000 BethL 1241484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I forgot: I also got these gladiator sandals, which I'm almost positive I'm going to keep. I think they look even better in person. They seem very comfortable, and the pewter goes with everything. One note: if you order a wide width, the sole is all black. <a href="http://vip.zappos.com/softwalk-torino-soft-pewter-metallic-soft-tumbled-leather" rel="nofollow">http://vip.zappos.com/softwalk.....ed-leather</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long/page/2#post-1241454 Sun, 04 May 2014 15:22:56 +0000 BethL 1241454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, I'm so sorry about all these trials and tribulations. As you know, I share some similar issues with you. I have a torn meniscus in my knee, plus I have a bunion that will probably need surgery in the next couple of years as well as a recently diagnosed case of plantars fasciitis that is affecting my arch more than my heel. </p> <p>The Clarks are lovely, and I'm glad you'll be able to swap out the Mephistos for a different style. Do they have a wider or narrower footbed than Birks? I'd like to get a pair of one or the other at some point. Right now, I need a lot of lateral support, so I'm finding sneakers to be my shoe of choice most of the time, but, since I work from home, that's not presenting too much of a problem. </p> <p>I've ordered the New Balance Classic sneaks below from Zappos. I guess I'm going to try out the Sneaker Chic look, which actually can work with my style. Adrienne, the blogger who Inge profiled this past week, has a post with some ideas I can work with, at least for the time being: <a href="http://www.therichlifeonabudget.com/2014/01/sneaker-chic.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.therichlifeonabudge.....-chic.html</a>. She is both taller and slimmer than I am, but I'm going to see what I can do. </p> <p>I've also got a couple pair of Alegria shoes. They're in the what I call "ugly or funky" shoe category, but, boy, are they comfortable. Wide toebox, great arch support, and good heel support. Some of their sandals are kind of cute. Kirsten from <a href="http://www.barkingdogshoes.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.barkingdogshoes.com/</a> profiles their shoes from time to time. The one she recently did, the Carina, is one which I have and really like. </p> <p>There seem to be more than a few of us looking for solutions. As Angie says, you're not alone. Let's keep sharing what we find!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1241048 Sat, 03 May 2014 21:05:22 +0000 Petite Marj 1241048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, what an interesting journey in the land of "fussy feet." Two lines that I currently have and greatly enjoy are Naots and Beautifeel. My periwinkle suede Naots are still going strong in spite of the fact that I bought them in the summer of '99! ( At the time, I had never spent that much - $99, on a pair of sandals.) Both lines are available in Canada. <br />Happy hunting... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1240893 Sat, 03 May 2014 17:27:05 +0000 catgirl 1240893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like both! The Clarks are very you and I know from friends that Mephistos are amazing. Sorry about your foot woes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1240852 Sat, 03 May 2014 15:34:25 +0000 MsLuna 1240852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good idea on wearing the sandals around the house. If they pinch around the toes at the time, then it would be worse on pavement! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1240848 Sat, 03 May 2014 15:27:07 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1240848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Quick update - I've been wearing the Mephisto sandals in the house since I got them and they'll be going back. The toe thing on the left foot is pinching my second toe and I can see it becoming a painful problem. But otherwise these are fab and I'm just going to exchange them for a pair of Mephisto sandals with just straps across the front instead - no biggie. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1240542 Sat, 03 May 2014 02:28:59 +0000 MsLuna 1240542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, thank you for sharing this. You have NO IDEA how much I'm in dire need of footwear ideas, given that I'm recently diagnosed with a whole myriad of issues too. I really appreciate your recommendations and i am so happy to know that you are hopeful, which means There may be hope for some of us as well!</p> <p>I have seen the Clarks around and I may give this a shot. The heel is under 2 inches so I should be good. You're so lucky to have Canadian Footwear in your city! I've ordered from them online in the past and they're absolutely wonderful!</p> <p>Again, thank you for sharing this, and please do share any shoe discoveries! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1240537 Sat, 03 May 2014 02:21:32 +0000 Anonymous 1240537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those Clark's sandals are great! I like the texture that they can add to an outfit. Most Clark's do not work for my feet. I seem to fall between sizes, but I want to try them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1240535 Sat, 03 May 2014 02:17:34 +0000 Anonymous 1240535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad that you found shoes that work and you'll know what to look for from now on! I was actually thinking about those Mephistos (because I think my feet are too narrow for Birks), but was wondering whether the toe thing would be uncomfortable, so it's good to hear it isn't. And the Clarks are really pretty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1240534 Sat, 03 May 2014 02:17:30 +0000 Echo 1240534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not only am I glad you found great fitting shoes, but it's even more valuable that you found a store with knowledgeable and helpful SAs who can work with your feet's issues. Mephistos don't work for my Birkenstock-shaped feet at all, but I know that many people swear by them. They look great, and I hope they make your feet happy. And the Clarks look like a great dressy sandal.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think many of us are at the age or stage where for whatever reasons we are choosing shoes that don't kill our feet. For me, I've finally realized that I don't lead a crazy shoe lifestyle, but healthier feet over the long run is a fringe benefit I'll be happy to accept! You have a lot of company in your shoe choices. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1240523 Sat, 03 May 2014 02:02:25 +0000 Sveta 1240523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am glad you found help in this store, Shannon. I went to look at them online and they do not have any locations in Ontario - boo!<br />Oh and thank you for those Clarks sandals - they are in my cart too now </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1240232 Fri, 02 May 2014 21:10:10 +0000 cciele 1240232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, that is a very thorough analysis of your feet, Shannon. I'm impressed! And so glad you found some good options.</p> <p>It's funny, I just mentioned the Helen's in kellygirl's footwear thread. I had a pair that was over 10 years old. The most comfortable sandal ever. Had to throw them out though because they were getting kinda grungy after all that time. I hope my Birks wear in as nicely as the Mephistos, or else I'll be back for the Helen, backstrap or no.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1240025 Fri, 02 May 2014 17:51:39 +0000 jackiec 1240025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have those Mephisto's too! Bought them a few years ago for a trip to London where lots of walking was involved (ok didn't end up wearing them too much on the trip&nbsp;b/c it rained!). Super comfy and have held up well. Sounds like you are all sorted Hope you can keep those feet comfy and healthy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1240010 Fri, 02 May 2014 17:39:57 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1240010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1240005 Fri, 02 May 2014 17:39:08 +0000 Angie 1240005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*chuckle*</p> <p>Aren't you punny. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239997 Fri, 02 May 2014 17:33:47 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1239997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ali - ooooooh how cool to see my new Mephisto's on Barking Dog. I suddenly feel <i>tres trendy</i> - lol!</p> <p>Angie - high five right back at ya! Now that I'm armed with more info it will make looking so much easier I think. Love your Nike choice - and of course they had to be citron! You are so right in that we are in this for the long haul. Thanks for your support (pardon the pun) :)</p> <p>Rachy - "prettier but still kind ugly for that touch of fashion" - so true!</p> <p>Thistle - it is in no small part because of you that I went there and decided to really look into what was going on with my feet and check out these comfort brands - so THANK YOU!</p> <p>Parsley - the feet (and knees for that matter) really set the tone for how we function I think. If we're hobbling around and in pain, it makes it kind of tough to get on with our day and be happy, don't you think?</p> <p>Thanks for the sandal love ladies </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239965 Fri, 02 May 2014 16:47:59 +0000 rabbit 1239965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is awesome, so great to get a thorough diagnosis and I love your choices! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239952 Fri, 02 May 2014 16:23:30 +0000 Parsley 1239952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're smart to figure out what your feet need and stick with it, Shannon!<br />You know that saying, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"?<br />Well, just substitute <u>feet</u> for mama!<br />I'm glad you found some shoes that will work for you. My husband also swears by Mephistos. They're too wide for me, or I would wear them, too.<br />The Clarks look like they'll work perfectly for your dressier needs, too.<br />I hope your plantar fasciitis is getting&nbsp;better! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239934 Fri, 02 May 2014 16:04:55 +0000 Thistle 1239934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so glad you went to that store!!&nbsp; They are just what you need, both for comfort and style.</p> <p>No compromising on foot comfort for me.&nbsp; I want to be able to walk comfortably for the rest of my life :D&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239907 Fri, 02 May 2014 15:36:48 +0000 Suz 1239907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great choices, Shannon! I hope they give you comfort and joy! (A holiday carol in May.) &nbsp; Good to know that those Clarks are comfy -- they look pretty versatile, too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239894 Fri, 02 May 2014 15:28:43 +0000 Anonymous 1239894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Clarks are beautiful! So glad you are finding some good shoes that will work with your feet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239888 Fri, 02 May 2014 15:23:13 +0000 rachylou 1239888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes... gonna have to join the choir on Mephistos. Love the comfort of mine, and they are definitely way prettier but still kinda ugly for that touch of fashion. </p> <p>Which is not to say I don't want a pair of ugly Birks right now. I do. However, I just do not have a Birk-shaped foot, as last weekend's events proved. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239848 Fri, 02 May 2014 14:55:31 +0000 Angie 1239848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's all good information, Shannon. Most of my clients have foot challenges - and when they don't - it's usually&nbsp;because they sit at work&nbsp;all day and wear sneakers over the weekend. Rest assured - you are <b>not</b> alone. And you know I'm Queen Fussy Feet - so high five.&nbsp;</p> <p>We will find solutions together. And both styles here get my thumbs up. Clarks has a GREAT selection at the moment.&nbsp;</p> <p>(FWIW, the Eliana's feel lower than they are - like the Okalas. It's the ONLY sandal that I would consider purchasing if I wore sandals).&nbsp; </p> <p>I just bought these Nikes for walks, and to wear&nbsp;going to and from yoga (yoga is barefoot so I don't <i>wear</i> them for yoga). I am saving my feet as much as I can so that I CAN wear fashionable shoes when it counts. I have to loose the battle and win the war.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239831 Fri, 02 May 2014 14:38:21 +0000 Jaime 1239831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon in Italy everyone wears Mephistos like those and rather than being Birkenstock wannabes I am pretty sure they are seen as&nbsp;chic Birks (all recent trends aside). I love both choices for your choosy feet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239826 Fri, 02 May 2014 14:35:25 +0000 Anonymous 1239826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, I had a pair of those Mephistos that I wore and wore and wore for years. &nbsp;I finally threw them out because my husband thought they had just gotten too grubby, but I know they would have lasted more years!</p> <p>And that style was also just featured on the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.barkingdogshoes.com/2014/04/mephisto-helen-sandal.html">Barking Dogs Blog</a>.</p> <p>I think you made great choices! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239819 Fri, 02 May 2014 14:27:09 +0000 kellygirl 1239819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Shannon: I'm thinking about it. I loved the Eliana's in the YLF store but they are really too high for me for an all day shoe (8+ hours.) I have several pairs of black sandals but none of them are really all day shoes for me. I'm looking to correct that :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239817 Fri, 02 May 2014 14:21:21 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1239817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NDMom - cross posted!</p> <p>Sounds like we have some major Mephisto fans here at YLF! And you are so right about needing our feet to be happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239816 Fri, 02 May 2014 14:20:24 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1239816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kelly - are you going to go back for the Clarks? Honestly, if these turn out to be as comfy as I'm hoping, I may duplicate them in the tan color. I live in sandals during the summer.</p> <p>Elizabeth - funny, that's what the lady at the store said too about the Mephistos. I wore the Helens around the house last night and will wear them more in the house this weekend to be sure they are "the ones" before venturing outdoors and negating any possibility of return. But I didn't find they slid sideways - but I'll look out for that issue. Thanks for the tip </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239814 Fri, 02 May 2014 14:19:03 +0000 NDMom 1239814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, &nbsp;I have had the Mephistos for about 3 years....still going strong and so, so comfortable. &nbsp;Great casual sandal.</p> <p>I really like the Clarks too. &nbsp;Gad you got some answers. &nbsp;When feet aren't happy....nobody's happy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/footwear-woes-new-hope-long#post-1239810 Fri, 02 May 2014 14:14:51 +0000 Elizabeth P 1239810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so glad you found somewhere and someone that is going to help you going forward.&nbsp; Keeping your feet happy is so important!&nbsp; Looks like you found what you needed for now.</p> <p>Now Shannon, Mephistos are NOT Birkenstock wannabees.&nbsp; They are superior to Birks, by a long shot.&nbsp; And unfortunately the price reflects this - they fit me much better as well, and they look less clunky on me.&nbsp; You might also want to check out the Hale style - I have some Helens and I find my foot slips sideways in them a bit, it's the way the strap crosses the front, very little lateral support.&nbsp; Don't know if this will be an issue for you or&nbsp; not.&nbsp; With me, this doesn't happen in the Hales.&nbsp; And the toe thing is not an issue. &nbsp; So you've taken the trend and raised it :).&nbsp; </p>