YouLookFab Forum » Topic: .

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: . https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:33:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php shiny on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe/page/2#post-1149327 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 17:03:14 +0000 shiny 1149327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oops - typo, yes 2-3/4. Sorry about that! I have standardized on that height for pumps, so I don't have to have trousers hemmed in all different lengths. I have different foot issues/needs/requirements than you do, wasn't recommending them for you. Just wanted to thank Isabel, as I'd never heard of this brand before her post here. I had a hunch Isabel's recommendation might work for me, since she also mentioned Aersoles, which my feet love.  I do not have arthritis, though for about a decade, starting in my 20s, my doctor treated me as if I surely did, hoping to avoid joint degeneration. At one point I also was told I had to resign myself to a lifetime of comfortable, sturdy granny shoes. Unfortunately the NSAIDs the doc had me on created all-new problems, so I had to go off of them. Then about 5 or 6 years ago, he ran x-rays, convinced he'd find significant degeneration..... and my joints are just fine! Turned out I never had arthritis! The joint-like pain I get is caused by something else, there may be an inflammatory process going on, but it's more muscular/ligament related ("lousy" ligaments that tear easily), and also CNS (phantom nerve pain).  So that's very different than what you are dealing with! My foot issues tend to always be temporary, not permanent. Even my supposed "bunions" will come and go.  I can have foot pain for months on end, but babying my feet for awhile will heal the damage and then I can go back to the pumps again. And rotating shoes -- not just heights but also flexibility vs sturdy-- has helped keep the issues at bay. Which of course justifies owning a lot of shoes. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe/page/2#post-1149306 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 16:39:02 +0000 carter 1149306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Shiny. Great input. Those are beautiful pumps, but Amazon says they are 2 3/4". Are they really 1 1/2"? I took about a dozen pair of shoes to my dr appt yesterday, some mine, others new. She disapproved of my black pumps, so I definitely am still searching. She did approve everything else, with a caution on my Clark's loafers that are so comfy (they're too flexible to protect my joint properly). I can wear the Clark's on light walking days, but I'm still looking for a couple pair of low heels that will get me through work. I'll do a post next week on what I have so far. shiny on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe/page/2#post-1149292 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 16:12:29 +0000 shiny 1149292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shout out to Isabel: thanks for the Ros Hammerson recommendation! I ordered a pair of black pumps, 1-1/2 inch heel, and they are keepers!! I'd been searching high and low for comfortable black pumps to fill a hole in my closet.  I got the Roxy in Micro: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Ros-Hommerson-Womens-Black-Micro/dp/B007UY1R8S/ref=sr_1_14?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1390665895&sr=1-14&keywords=ros+hommerson">http://www.amazon.com/Ros-Homm.....8&qid</a> I ordered both 6B and and 6C/D to compare -- my feet are a touch wide, often B's are too narrow and C/D's work better. The C/D's were too wide, and also oddly enough, were longer. My foot was sliding out of them. But the B's fit like a glove. Lots of padding. I suspect I can stand and walk in these for hours. And they are CUTE.  Carter - this past week, on my business trip, I lived in my cowboy booties and boots. I ran through airports. I stood and walked in them for hours on end. My feet were very very happy. My back is happy too. Even then, I did find that it helped to ROTATE. So that is another strategy to consider. Even if you find THE perfect pair of shoes for your fussy feet requirements, it really helps to rotate. Maximum foot health if you rotate between varying height heels, fits, etc. And spend some time every day walking barefoot too! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe/page/2#post-1141360 Fri, 17 Jan 2014 04:01:12 +0000 carter 1141360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Janet! Janet on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe/page/2#post-1141338 Fri, 17 Jan 2014 03:44:03 +0000 Janet 1141338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh ouch! I see everyone has already given you great ideas, but I just wanted to sympathize and tell you those black and white selections are very cute. I promise to thank my lucky stars every day that I am able to continue wearing pretty much whatever shoes I like. Foot problems must be miserable! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe/page/2#post-1141319 Fri, 17 Jan 2014 03:27:57 +0000 carter 1141319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Suz. Honestly, I was so surprised by what she was telling me that I really didn't delve into the reasoning for her shoe suggestions. I need to ask her all these questions when I go back next week. Greyscale, so glad you found your magic shoes! Hopefully I'll find mine in leopard, black, brown, pink, red, etc. She thinks mine probably started 35 years ago with some gymnastics injuries. I don't know if there's anything I could have done to not get to this point, but if there is, please do it. GR, do you worry that you're causing damage with the 3' heels even though they don't hurt anymore? Theodora, so happy you chimed in. I'm taking notes and will certainly ask her about a Morton's Extension next week. What's a flat form? Shiny, I was thinking the same thing about my riding boots. They'll carry some of the load for the next few weeks, but after that it gets too hot for them here. Oh Donna, I'm uncoordinated as it is. Let's hope she doesn't tell me I need a rocker sole! DonnaF on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe/page/2#post-1141304 Fri, 17 Jan 2014 03:09:09 +0000 DonnaF 1141304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A rocker sole is like the sole you find on Dansko Pros and Alegrias.  When the sole is rigid, the rocker helps to propel you forward so that you aren't clomping quite as much as a horse.   Since the rocker doesn't permit horizontal movement, one can twist one's ankles if one is not careful while walking on uneven surfaces.  shiny on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe/page/2#post-1141281 Fri, 17 Jan 2014 02:41:22 +0000 shiny 1141281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wore my cowboy booties out tonight and it got me thinking - could this be a footwear strategy for you? Good quality cowboy boots give you height, but the footbed is such that the pressure is off your toes. And yes they are rigid.  I wish cowboy boots were more of a fashion in Boston because to be honest I'd wear them every single day. They really are quite comfortable and I can walk for hours and miles in them. I find them more comfortable than ballet flats, or converses.  Maybe I'll just have to make them a "thing" here... or .. move! Theodora on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe/page/2#post-1141263 Fri, 17 Jan 2014 02:19:05 +0000 Theodora 1141263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As a former podiatrist, I would definitely recommend that you try an orthotic with a "Morton's Extension", which is a rigid extension across that first metatarsal joint that limits the painful motion. Then you can try it with your shoes, although you might have to go up 1/2 size. That should help with the pain even if you are wearing flexible soles. No good news about the heel height though, as the angle a high heel forces that joint into jams the bone together painfully when the cushiony cartilage is gone. (Think of the end of a chicken bone, the shiny cartilage is smooth, and works on both sides of a joint to reduce friction and smoothly glide...sigh, we lose this in some joints as we get older, and through overuse) Good luck! P.S. What about flat forms? Grey Rainbow on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1141253 Fri, 17 Jan 2014 02:03:23 +0000 Grey Rainbow 1141253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a similar problem but in the third toe on my left foot. My go-to for comfort and style are Paul Green, Anyi Liu, and Tsubo. Cole Haan works some times, and Dansko. I need a wide enough toe box and metatarsal support, and with care and babying I am able to wear 3" heels for a work day. Although I shouldn't do it so regularly. Greyscale on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1141243 Fri, 17 Jan 2014 01:41:20 +0000 Greyscale 1141243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm so sorry to hear this. I had a similar but temporary injury from dancing, and the long-term prognosis for my foot is probably similar to yours, down the road. But! Everyone's right, this is a great year to be looking for low shoes. I haven't seen this many cool flats or low heels in ages. I've been meaning to stock up on interesting low shoes while they're in style, so I'll be eagerly watching for suggestions here. And, though they're no longer available, here are my favorite magic shoes. When I wear them I feel like I'm wearing sexy heels even though they're practically flat. I don't remember how rigid the sole is, but the toe box is quite wide despite appearances. I hope you find your own version of magic shoes! They're out there somewhere. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.theoutnet.com/product/194761">http://www.theoutnet.com/product/194761</a> Suz on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1141232 Fri, 17 Jan 2014 01:25:15 +0000 Suz 1141232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, Carter, hugs!!! So frustrating. I can't really add to the great advice already given, but I wanted to let you know I sympathize. This sounds tricky. I do think AvaMaria is right that it might make sense to hold on to some of your current shoes just in case things improve with a bit of TLC.  It is very difficult for me to imagine rigid soles as being the solution. I am not quarrelling with that; I know it to be the standard recommendation and it must make sense for the condition. But if I ever get that diagnosis I will be in serious trouble, because for me, one of the qualities I look for and truly value is a NON-rigid sole! It just goes to show you that feet are so different from one to the other. It is a wonder that any of us ever get any comfort from our footwear.  LOVE that first pair of shoes.  carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1141175 Fri, 17 Jan 2014 00:33:19 +0000 carter 1141175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will, Caro! They pass the walking around the house test...no toe gripping required, probably because the heel fits nicely. Stay tuned, Shiny. Hopefully we'll find some that are cute enough to get you out of the high heels! shiny on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1141085 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 22:40:21 +0000 shiny 1141085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Commenting so I can save this post... lots of great recommendations here. I don't have arthritis and I can still wear 2-3/4 inch heels, but I am having a hard time finding ones that are comfortable. I am taking notes! Caro in Oz on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1141059 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 22:09:57 +0000 Caro in Oz 1141059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was going to suggest taking them to the podiatrist to she if she approves. Just a thought but if I was wearing any of those shoes my toes would be gripping to keep them on, hope that's not true for you :) carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1141053 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 22:06:02 +0000 carter 1141053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Lisa. I'll look at Rockports and Eccos. DonnaF, surgery to screw the joint together will likely have to be done at some point. Trying to delay the necessity as long as possible with the right shoes.  What surprises you about these two?  They're both stiffer on the bottom than my Clarks loafers.  I'm taking whatever I find when I see her next week so she can tell me if they pass or not.  What's a "rocker bottom", and how does it help? DonnaF on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1141032 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 21:46:39 +0000 DonnaF 1141032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry about your diagnosis; I am surprised your new shoes work for you.  The podiatrist gave me a similar diagnosis:  Arthritis is so bad in my big toe that he wants to do surgery to fuse it, and he told me to wear heels below 2" in shoes with rigid soles and rocker bottoms.  :(  I've found that rigid soles make a HUGE difference in comfort, but that also eliminates a lot of cute footwear.  Zappos does a great job of showing which shoes have flexible soles, so they have saved me a certain amount of ordering grief.  I can't say that I can recommend any footwear that I think you will find acceptable for your style; most are too clunky even for my funky androgynous style.  But for more rigid soles try: Dansko (see the newer booties like the Tabitha) Sanita FitFlop Alegria Fly London (pretty funky but see the Yava booties) Spring Step Other platforms Lisa on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1141006 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 21:06:15 +0000 Lisa 1141006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your new shoes look great, I especially like that two toned loafer shoe.  I have lots of foot problems and had bunion surgery two years ago.  Rockport has become one of my favorite brands since then.  Also Ecco has been working pretty well. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1140988 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 20:49:08 +0000 carter 1140988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ AM, mine is in my big toe as well...the joint right at the base of the toe is the issue.  You are so right to remind me to take it slow.  I was really enjoying having a closet full of clothes I could wear, but now so many of the pants/dresses are out because of the shoes.  I want it all perfect again now. My husband nearly had a cow when I pulled out two huge bags of shoes to take to the consignment store because they don't fit the new rules.  He made me put them in the guest closet for awhile before I ditched them.  Hopefully I'll be able to wear some of them again some day. Thanks, Aquamarine.  Looking up Tsubo now. Aquamarine on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1140957 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 19:53:41 +0000 Aquamarine 1140957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ More sympathy from me Another brand you can try is Tsubo. I have a nude low-heeled pump that is soooo comfortable. The leather is very soft. AviaMariah on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1140955 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 19:48:23 +0000 AviaMariah 1140955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ About three years ago I got the same diagnosis but in my big toe.  My advice would be not to go too crazy buying shoes yet.  I discovered the Danskos felt wonderful on my feet so I assumed that is all I would be wearing the rest of my life.  I promptly bought any pair that was reasonable "cute".  To this day I still wear my original Dankos but rarely wear the others.  What I found is that by babying my feet, I eventually could wear a bigger variety than what I originally thought.  So I don't wear anything painful, wear my Danksos when my feet need a break and wear my Berks around the house.  My collection of cute flats and low heels have been growing in the last year.  Yay for happy feet! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1140932 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 19:19:21 +0000 carter 1140932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for that link, Pam.  Who knew there was a whole website devoted to granny shoes?!  You are so right about getting this figured out before my trip. I so don't want to look frumpy in London and Paris! Hysterical sign...I think I'll be on the slow path. Thistle, that is an awesome list!  I'll check out all of them. Isabel, thank you for the shoe recommendations.  I'll check all of them out as well. Amazon is becoming my new best friend!  I actually have both of those devices you show.  I bought them a couple months ago when I suspected I was developing a bunion.  They do help because they provide a bit of resistance at the joint. She said they're fine to keep wearing.  They're particularly helpful for me in sneakers because there's more room in the toe box. unfrumped on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1140927 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 19:17:05 +0000 unfrumped 1140927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thistle posted a great list, and I agree that try-on, try-on is the only way to go. It is a lot easier if you can get to a major shoe mall so you can try styles plus go 1/2 size up or down. For looks, it just depends on how the shoe combines all the elements--this heel plus that toe etc, and varies with your foot shape, and I find that unpredicable so have to do retail research. Anonymous on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1140901 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:52:49 +0000 Anonymous 1140901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And... extra important to get really comfortable shoes for your upcoming trip to Paris! I too have lots of foot problems esp traveling and have learned to go comfortable over stylish for sight seeing etc. My all-time favorites have been Keens. Not stylish at all but feel like walking on pillows!  See photo taken in Hiroshima- the red shoes are Keens. Also- one of my favorite travel signs found on that trip! Isabel on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1140894 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:45:00 +0000 Isabel 1140894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First, I am so sorry abut the diagnosis. Second, that a girl, take the bull by the horns and rebuild.   There are soooo many comfortable shoes out there now, like the other ladies have suggested.  I have bunions, one in particular used to be very painful. Years ago, my doctor gave me the same list of not tos as yours did. But time, er, shoes, have changed. I also LOVE Clarks.  Aerosoles are fab.  And I have a couple of Earthies that will be mine until they fall apart.  I bought a pair of Ros Hommerson pumps this year that are now the love of my life !  I danced all night in them at a wedding.  <div>Spring Step is also very comfortable.  The Walking Company only does comfort shoes.  The shoes below are AWESOME and are by Ros Hommerson. They are at Amazon and are called the Cabernet  ( sorry, the screenshot was all I could get ) . Finally, there is this little bandage type thing that you can get at most pharmacies is the foot department, that wraps around a big toe joint for added cushion and support. It is mostly meant for people with bunions but it may give you a little extra comfort.  : )  </div> Thistle on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1140881 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:32:52 +0000 Thistle 1140881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First, I am really, really sorry to hear about your foot issues. They are no fun. I am also in the less than 2" heel club, with my preference between right around 1-1.5 inches. I can tell you it is trickier to find shoes, but not impossible. Here are some brands I have found very comfy even if I didn;t buy them because of style. Note you really have to poke through the styles. Some are fab, some are granny. These are mostly practical shoes, so not as fashionable. Trotters Munro Aetrex Ara Aravon Beautifeel - I have not found any I liked and could afford yet, but they feel lovely on. Clarks Dansco Earthies Ecco Josef Siebel Mephisto (usually expensive and ugly, but wow do they feel good!) Naot Orthaheel Pikolinos Rieker UGG Walking Cradles I am sure there are many, many more. I have some from Dolce Vita that are fashionable and comfortable, BUT I don't have the same restrictions you do. I just know if the heel is over 1.5" or so, my body will not be happy. Would an orthodic insert open more doors? Anonymous on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1140876 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:27:47 +0000 Anonymous 1140876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have a look at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.barkingdogshoes.com">http://www.barkingdogshoes.com/</a> They have a large # of posts dealing with every possible foot issue and shoe recommendations for each. Some shoes are a bit "granny" but lots are sort of cute. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1140866 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:15:45 +0000 carter 1140866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Catnip, you are so wise! Munro is another brand I don't know. Googling them now.  Thanks! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1140862 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:13:27 +0000 carter 1140862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Elizabeth.  I'm counting on it!  I'm way frustrated at the moment though because so many of my outfits aren't wearable without new shoes and hemming.  Naturally, boot legs are all I've wanted the last week;-(. Thanks, kkards.  The loafers are beyond comfortable.  I'll keep an eye out for sales on Anyi Lu. Never heard of them, so thanks for the head's up! Ruth, thanks for the reassurance! My little pity party this last week has not been pleasant. Catnip on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rebuilding-a-shoe-wardrobe#post-1140859 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:11:52 +0000 Catnip 1140859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter, I'm so sorry to hear about your foot problems.  Hopefully the pain will decrease with the right shoes.  I love the shoes in your pictures.  Diana is certainly right about fine Italian shoes.  Another American brand you might try is Munro.  Yes, some of these are quite frumpy, but many are not.  In fact, the designer of Munro shoes seems to be making an effort to upgrade the designs.  I have incredibly fussy feet, have had bunion surgery, and have significant arthritis.  I also wear a narrow width, which is hard to find.  At this point, Munro is practically the only brand I wear.  I love their Linda ankle boots and their Ascot oxfords.  These styles are not cutting edge trendy, but are certainly in the fashion mainstream.  I feel great wearing them because they are so comfortable. Today so many fashion blogs show gorgeous women wearing very high heels.  I'm sure they change to flats the minute the photos are taken.  I don't think I could walk across the room in these shoes without falling over, and I tell myself it's more important to have a smile on my face than to wear high heels with a grimace of pain.