https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:36:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2187752 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 11:41:22 +0000 Anonymous 2187752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I wore the mustard mules yesterday- outfit in Finds. They aren't uncomfortable, but just too "out there" with dark bottoms. It may be a thing to have shoes that "don't match but go" but it's inauthentic to me. If it had been warm enough to go without the sweater it would have been a bit better. Current color in photo- as you see not much improvement. </p> <p>Then I went in DSW and tried Every Single Pair (maybe not every but at least 20) of black flat and low heeled shoes. Ballet flats, loafers, espadrilles, you name it. None were even close to not slipping off my heels, it was laughable. I really appreciated my one off mules after that experience! </p> <p>I told DH that when our ship comes in, I want my own shoemaker/cobbler.<br /> Thank God full time sandal season is nearly here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2187411 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 09:39:05 +0000 Zaeobi 2187411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sooo I double checked &amp;, whilst my FitFlop shoes are *technically* D'orsay style (that's what they call them officially), you'll see that they do actually join in the middle (so they aren't *completely* separated panels). I suspect this is what makes them more comfortable &amp; versatile than the average D'orsay flat. Mine have this white sole but you can see there's also an all black style they do (the version I've seen in shops here doesn't have that perforated upper &amp; has a slightly more pointed toe, so that model might work better for your rainy climate?) </p> <p>Google shows this shoe is available in black, tan (like a mid brown - not sure if that's the cognac you want?), gold, blush &amp; burgundy. I won't attach a link (since I doubt my Hong Kong sources will be of any use to you lol) but it seems they sell a lot of different variants of this same shoe: 'Fitflop Superskate tassel D'orsay leather loafers'. </p> <p>Hope that helps! I can personally vouch for how comfy they are (the flatform doesn't feel wobbly &amp; the leather moulds well enough to be worn with or without socks without issue). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2187362 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 03:27:00 +0000 suzieq 2187362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m set in my ways with shoes, too. My bad feet &amp; knees call the shots. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2187207 Fri, 16 Apr 2021 18:09:33 +0000 Angie 2187207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>:)</p> <p>I don't wear them either. I am soooo set in my ways with shoes.....</p> <p>Cute though!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2187190 Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:44:12 +0000 Anonymous 2187190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That makes sense- they still scare me though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2187186 Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:41:27 +0000 Angie 2187186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my experience, clients size down in d'orsays.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2187178 Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:33:50 +0000 Anonymous 2187178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eta the FP store site itself has them, but the cognac ones seem to be gone. The chocolate is nice though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2187104 Fri, 16 Apr 2021 12:11:08 +0000 Janet 2187104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, I have skinny heels so maybe try them if you can find some! </p> <p>Zaeobi, my feet are slightly on the narrow side of average, slightly low volume, with narrow heels that slip out of nearly every pump or flat that I try. Even sneakers have become problematic. I think my arches are moderate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2187100 Fri, 16 Apr 2021 11:53:36 +0000 Anonymous 2187100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the FPs a lot, but they seem to be gone now. Not sure they'd work on my skinny heels anyway.</p> <p>Dorsays scare me! I bought some a few years ago and never got such blisters from a very short walk. </p> <p>Sandal booties worked for me, but I passed on my last ones cause the heel and platform were too high and felt dated. There are some Pikolinos in my finds that are in the running though.</p> <p>Clogs look too heavy on the foot for me. I had a pair and passed them on. </p> <p>The floral shoes are pretty, but I realized I don't like my shoes to be a focal point. It's always the black, cognac, burgundy shoes that are the workhorses. Floral shoes I've had in the past got passed on with very little wear. </p> <p>I think the trouble with the mustard mules is they're ok with bare legs, but too contrasting with pants. And if my legs are bare, I choose sandals.</p> <p>More covered sandals have often been my solution- like the tan open toe mules. </p> <p>Oxfords just read as too masculine on me, even with a heel, and I hate tying shoes. Prefer loafers, as long as they're minimalist (not penny loafers or such).</p> <p>Otoh- Mary Janes and ballet flats with bows feel too girly/Ingenue. I feel very in between on that spectrum! </p> <p>The Rothys, or similar, are the most likely candidates to try first. Someone said they have 4A heels and was able to wear them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2187084 Fri, 16 Apr 2021 05:40:26 +0000 Zaeobi 2187084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Suz Ah yes, I can't do ballet flats either. Loafers only if the vamp is high enough to accommodate my instep. In that case, if a pair of flats DON'T fit me for whatever reason, maybe that should be your cue to try them instead Speaking of which... </p> <p>@Janet Those Free People copper/ pink ones are a really comfy-looking take on the D'orsay style! Somewhere between a bootie &amp; a shoe? A D'orsay shootie! What are your feet needs like (arch etc)? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2186934 Thu, 15 Apr 2021 14:51:07 +0000 Janet 2186934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I barely have transitional shoes that aren't sneakers anymore, but here is my current collection. And actually the copper Free People ones do qualify as sandals to me, since they are open-toe. :-)&nbsp;</p> <p>Three pairs of oxfords, which stay on my feet because they tie up. They're all old and not frequently worn, but I love them and they seem pretty timeless for my style so I keep 'em and enjoy on the rare occasions they see wear.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Free People pink ones are surprisingly comfortable and a total wild card for me since I'm not a pink person. They make that style in lots of different colors so it may be worth a try. Different colors are different fabrications, and I don't think comfort is exactly the same among them, so it may be a good idea to try a couple if they appeal to you.&nbsp;</p> <p>The black Free People wrap ankle flats are also very comfortable and have a little ventilation thanks to the open back. I wonder if a style like this may work for you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2186932 Thu, 15 Apr 2021 14:45:29 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2186932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just came across these <a href="https://www.vagabond.com/de/LUISA-5112-001-20" rel="nofollow">https://www.vagabond.com/de/LUISA-5112-001-20</a><br /> There are a couple varieties <a href="https://www.vagabond.com/de/LUISA-5112-201-15" rel="nofollow">https://www.vagabond.com/de/LUISA-5112-201-15</a></p> <p>ETA did you see the Bzees that Susieque posted on epgal’s thread? Might be too casual, or might work for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2186883 Thu, 15 Apr 2021 05:13:01 +0000 Suz 2186883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Zaeobi</b>, yes, this is just what I mean. You just never know! I know that style must work well for some, or else how could they sell it? Loafers apparently work well for lots of people, too -- and ballet flats...sigh.....</p> <p>Anyway, I'm glad they work on you and I will keep trying them on in the hope I find a pair that work. Every once in a blue moon I find a flat that works, or a low vamp pump. It feels like a miracle when it happens.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2186879 Thu, 15 Apr 2021 04:06:17 +0000 Zaeobi 2186879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really? I guess everyone is different but for me I have an Eileen Fisher pair of D'orsay block heels that stay on well without a strap (&amp; I rarely wear heels!) and another style of D'orsay orange suede flats with an ankle strap for work (so long as I make sure I put them on with my feet parallel to the ground, the straps won't rub against my heels). Also some FitFlop gold D'orsay flatforms that fill the gap of more casual transitional footwear (no strap either but the soft material moulds to make sure they stay on with or without socks). </p> <p>My shoe needs may be different though - D'orsay works better for me because it leaves room for my fairly high instep (swells with wear) with medium arches, &amp; slightly longer than average toes with a wide toebox but narrower heel &amp; ankles. </p> <p>Edit: The rest of my shoes are either boots or sandals (one pair of slip-on plimsolls), so unfortunately my small shoe wardrobe doesn't have any other examples of transitional footwear to give, sorry </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2186822 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 22:40:17 +0000 Anonymous 2186822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have a virtual resource fair to do in a few minutes, but managed to get a few tossed into Finds!&nbsp;<br />Thinking I really need to narrow down a little transitional capsule-instead of the hodgepodge "everything except heavy puffers and bikinis are fair game" that I usually do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2186711 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 17:12:42 +0000 Suz 2186711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am laughing uproariously about the idea of keeping D'Orsay flats on the foot. You must be joking! That style is the least likely to stay on. My toes would be terribly cramped all day from having to hold them on.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love the style and was really thrilled with it when it came out. But could not wear.&nbsp;</p> <p>Footwear is about as difficult to fit as bras, it seems, and our needs/ issues are equally diverse! It's amazing any of us ever find shoes that fit.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes/page/2#post-2186693 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 13:35:23 +0000 Bijou 2186693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger these are my transitional weather work shoes, my favourites are are shoes with matching scarf. The t-bar style is great for staying on the foot.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes#post-2186692 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 13:18:54 +0000 RobinF 2186692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to wear my transitional shoes in the summer sometimes too so that gets more use than just the spring/fall transitions. But I am indoor at work and don't have to walk much which makes a difference. Mine are mostly loafers and sneakers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes#post-2186676 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 09:24:08 +0000 Anonymous 2186676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think my main trouble with it, like with so many other things, is I'm hoping to find the one pair that works in every situation. With no more than 20 days of use per year (probably 10 tbh), I can't really justify more than 1 or 2 pairs. But those days are in spring, fall, rain, sun, work, potentially formal work, casual...</p> <p>If I'm not working tonight I'll look at all these options. Was too tired when I got home yesterday and went straight to sleep :/ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes#post-2186666 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 05:58:55 +0000 Zaeobi 2186666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about D'orsay style flats? They're closed toe (&amp; therefore more professional looking) but the side cutouts keep the airflow going (but you could still wear them with tights etc without it looking strange).</p> <p>I have a pair of comfy gold ones from FitFlop which work for my high arches, with a wider front of the foot &amp; narrow heels, even without an ankle strap (many styles do have one though, if you feel you need it) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes#post-2186661 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 04:30:28 +0000 Anonymous 2186661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My transitional shoe wardrobe is heavy on loafers and ballet flats. On rainy days I still wear booties, although waterproof and favorites are Aquatilia maryjanes, Croc ballet flats and sparkly jelly ballet flats. I like a grippy rubber sole.<br /> I have a pair of loafer mules but do not consider them transitional shoes. My feet seem to shrink a size when they are cold. I need warm feet to wear mules or I will walk out of them, so they are summer shoes only. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes#post-2186656 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 03:50:39 +0000 Gigi 2186656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You could maybe check out Naturalizer. They make shoes in narrow widths and have quite a variety of styles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes#post-2186653 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 03:08:51 +0000 notsaf 2186653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never thought&nbsp;of this as a distinct category of shoe before, but now that you've named it, I realize it's one of my favorites. These Nisolo d'orsay flats are great and not wide in the heel. I also have a pair of blush loafers that I love for a spring drizzle, along with tons of ballerina flats.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes#post-2186650 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 03:01:58 +0000 rachylou 2186650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do have plenty of court shoes/pumps... but admit I don’t walk far in them... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes#post-2186648 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 03:00:16 +0000 rachylou 2186648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are the trousers ankle pants? Your trousers don’t get caught under your heels as you walk? Anyways, my solution to this is ankle straps and slings. I have AA feet ruined by ballet... so now they’re wide across the bridge but still terribly narrow at the heel. Elastic-back flats work, but I also find they rub. Also lace-up shoes, heeled oxfords. I have a pair that are part lace and quite pretty (oxfords can skew Nurse Ratched, so I realise they’re a difficult choice). And heeled Mary Janes D&amp;G style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes#post-2186610 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 22:33:13 +0000 JAileen 2186610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think these have your name on them.</p> <div><br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.zappos.com/p/rieker-43789-mirjam-89-ice-multi/product/9088303/color/764033">https://www.zappos.com/p/rieke.....lor/764033</a><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes#post-2186609 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 22:24:11 +0000 Sal 2186609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Suz's ideas of either a sandal bootie or maybe an espadrille.&nbsp; They have a feminine shape.</p> <p>I have moved to lace ups for this weather (sneakers or leather) and don't have any ballet flats, loafers or slingbacks at the moment.&nbsp; When I had sandal booties I wore them constantly in the spring and autumn, they were brilliant.&nbsp; I can't comment on Rothy's or their wet weather abilities. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes#post-2186583 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 19:57:13 +0000 SW prof 2186583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have medium width front/ball of foot, very narrow heels, so maybe some of the same issues as you describe. I'll put in a plug for Rieker who make a variety of styles that might qualify as transitional. I'm big on mary janes (mine are not the least bit fashionable but they stay on my foot!) and fisherman-style sandals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes#post-2186564 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 17:39:01 +0000 Anonymous 2186564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks all! Will have to look at all these and will respond individually later.<br /> My solution for the day for a trip to dentist- booties in am, sandals now.<br /> The black mules did go to the cobbler, along with some boots, since I am in the area. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/problematic-transitional-shoes#post-2186558 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 17:28:37 +0000 SarahD8 2186558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heeled oxfords? The heel might make them feel more feminine to you than a flat version, and the tie might enable enough adjustment to get them to stay on your feet. </p>