YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shoe Conundrum

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shoe Conundrum https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 00:49:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php lyn* on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-912838 Sat, 20 Apr 2013 06:33:28 +0000 lyn* 912838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just wanting to add that Born's are super comfy! I wear them for >30 hours all the time - and I add in a gel pad w/ extra extra arch support for when I have to stand a long time (ie: surgery). They are also quite pretty! katy on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-912817 Sat, 20 Apr 2013 04:46:24 +0000 katy 912817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ El Naturalista has some great shoes and I've always found their comfort level high. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/http://www.elnaturalista.ca/en/">http://youlookfab.com/http://w.....sta.ca/en/</a> Clarks are good too and Rockport might work. carolbee on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-912722 Sat, 20 Apr 2013 01:40:24 +0000 carolbee 912722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thistle, I was just looking at the summer suggestions on the barking dogs site and there was a pair of "ballet flats" that had inbuilt arch support and small heel that might be worth a try.  Also Naot seem to get the thumbs up for stylish yet supportive shoes.  I haven't tried them myself yet, but plan to check them out. Jjsloane on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-912716 Sat, 20 Apr 2013 01:32:01 +0000 Jjsloane 912716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just echoing what others have said. Try lots of brands and when you find one you like the feel of watch for it online.  I find Clarks (indigos especially), Borns and Cole Haans air styles (I also wear 1/2 size larger in CH) quite comfy. I've had luck with some Naturalizers and some SOfft and have a great pair of Naya sandals.  My most comfortable ever low heeled pumps right now are Ted Baker - I took a chance on Amazon (free returns also) and LOVE them to death.  kkards on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-912108 Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:06:18 +0000 kkards 912108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ thistle, i am a confirmed shoe junkie. and since i wear a size 6, which is usually the size stores display, i try on everything!   if have to confess that i find most of the "comfort" brands, neither comfortable  nor attractive.  but i do like the following brands and can recommend them. AGL ballet flats, and the ballet flat with a small heel.  these are padded and the leather is soft and forgiving.  examples from nordstrom attached <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/attilio-giusti-leombruni-covered-heel-pump/3480610?origin=PredictiveSearch&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=383">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/at.....ictiveSear</a> Cole haan (brand runs approx 1/2 small, i wear a 6.5).  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/cole-haan-milly-wedge-pump/3392691?origin=PredictiveSearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=CHERRY+TOMATO&resultback=4111">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/co.....textualcat</a> i own 2 pairs of shoes from anyi lu--- comfortable and fashionable.  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?keyword=anyi+lu&origin=PredictiveSearch&contextualcategoryid=0">http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?k.....tegoryid=0</a> i realize that these brands are more expensive, but the can be found on sale.  hope this helped chloe on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-912013 Fri, 19 Apr 2013 05:59:26 +0000 chloe 912013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What price range accepptable to you? Seems still hard to figure out what fits you specifically. This is where i do shoes shopping <a href="http://www.shopfromshop.com/categories/Women-Fashion/shoes/" rel="nofollow">http://www.shopfromshop.com/ca.....ion/shoes/</a> elpgal on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911995 Fri, 19 Apr 2013 04:40:49 +0000 elpgal 911995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Naot and Gentle soles make some really stylish and comfy shoes. Birdies carries some styles by both brands. Tina on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911919 Fri, 19 Apr 2013 02:38:13 +0000 Tina 911919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Do the born shoes you're wearing in your WIW come in more colors? I know it's fun to have different styles but hey, you know they fit and you love them, I would duplicate. Suz on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911911 Fri, 19 Apr 2013 02:29:51 +0000 Suz 911911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would say, since you are blessed to have Zappos and Nordstrom's with free delivery and returns, just order away like mad until you find a brand or two whose last seems to work well for your foot, and then narrow the search from there. And think in terms of what will add value to your wardrobe overall. Do you need a nude? A pop of colour? A pattern or shine? What is the element that is sometimes missing from your outfits that a shoe might provide? Shoes that bookend your hair or your toppers are also wonderful to have. And good luck...just look at it this way -- it is no way as bad as jeans shopping!!  Sveta on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911803 Fri, 19 Apr 2013 01:02:05 +0000 Sveta 911803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It looks like you have more problem to decide on the style than on the comfort itself, right? I would suggest to use Pinterest to collect images of outfits with footwear you find attractive and you think can work for you. Of course the problem is that a lot of them are with super high heels but there are flats and low heel options as well. As a bonus you may find an inspiration for the  slippers and booties you already have! Actually YLF forum and Angie's outfits can be a great source of inspiration as well because low heeled footwear is quite popular with us! Anonymous on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911724 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:59:01 +0000 Anonymous 911724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have you narrow it down to a few brands? I twisted my ankle about 5 years ago and had to go off heels for a good while. Easy Spirit saved my life. I would start by going thru the most brands that are "known" as confortable: Easy Spirit, Naturalizer, Geox, Born. I also find shoes by Ash to be very confortable. Caro in Oz on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911691 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:30:05 +0000 Caro in Oz 911691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Day Vies - until you try on a lot of different types of shoes you won't have a clear idea of what works. Day Vies on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911641 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:57:56 +0000 Day Vies 911641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had this same struggle when I started my job at the court. Almost all of my heels exposed either my heel or toe and a closed toe flat did not exist in my closet. I need sturdy yet fashionable flats to run to and from the train I have rolled my ankle several times so heels don't work for me all the time.  I don't have suggestions for brands but I do have suggestions for how to shop. You will need to shop for shoes in person and at the end of the day when your feet are naturally more swollen from shoe wearing all day. You will need to walk around in them for a bit and feel like they are comfortable immediately (no waiting to break them in).  Anonymous on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911640 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:57:08 +0000 Anonymous 911640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I *just* joined YLF so forgive me for busting in, but I have the exact same issue! I haven't found my favorite cute, closed-toe shoe yet, but I do like some Gentle Souls styles (esp. "Bay Unique" and "Gabby"): <a href="http://www.zappos.com/gentle-souls-women~2?zfcTest=sb%3A1%2Cipp2%3A1" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/gentle-s.....2Cipp2%3A1</a> Some of them are very cute; some are too dowdy for me. I have also been stalking these El Naturalista shoes: <a href="http://www.zappos.com/el-naturalista-tesela-n740-black" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/el-natur.....n740-black</a> Also are you familiar with Poetic Licence shoes? They are surprisingly comfortable for my feet, and darling. Zappos doesn't carry them anymore but you can find them on other sites. Their styles can be over the top, but the more "subdued" styles are very ladylike and less wacky. Curious to know what you find! Liz A. on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911632 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:50:06 +0000 Liz A. 911632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What about a low pro oxford? <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zappos.com/not-rated-rain-dance-cream">http://www.zappos.com/not-rated-rain-dance-cream</a> Glory on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911625 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:41:58 +0000 Glory 911625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The shoes can be really tough. Can you take a photo of your current shoe collection for us? And then perhaps we can make some suggestions based on what is there and the gaps you have. Are you looking for neutrals? I really struggle in the shoe area as well. I just purchased gladiators but they have a heel. The other ones I was considering are these from Baretraps - they also come in black and a mint aqua colour - super comfy - I tried them on. I have my first pair of flats from them as well and they are quite comfortable. I have included a picture of them. They are more casual but have a round toe as I cannot wear the pointed. They have several other dressier ones. So,  I think the list is flats that are comfy but reasonably stylish for pants and skirts. Possibly a fun pair for casual days and weekends. And, maybe a flat pair of sandals. Carla on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911611 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:22:21 +0000 Carla 911611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I shop for shoes every time I go shopping, and never pass up an opportunity to try stuff out. Still, I don't have a lot of foot wear. I have managed some surprisingly stylish Naturalizer and Clark's products. I don't think I've purchased a high heel in the past 2 years, though I did pick up a wedge sandal Keep on looking. Remember, once you've made the investment in a great shoe, you'll have it for quite a few years! K. Period. on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911604 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:15:01 +0000 K. Period. 911604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Could you collect a bunch of pictures of shoes that you do like so that we can get an idea of your favorite styles?  Maybe a pintrest board?   I live at Zappos. Free shipping. Free returns. Lots of options.   If you were to prioritize, what type of shoes do you want most of all?  Flats? Low heels?  Then what toe shape.  Which outfits do you have that you want shoes to ramp up the style of? I know that they need to be child-chasing appropriate.  Anything else lifestyle wise that you need?  What is your sweet spot for price?  At what point do you feel pricing pain? I will spend a lot on a shoe (or at least I think a lot) if it is perfect.  But for shoes anything above $200 gets serious scrutiny and anything around $300 has to be so perfect that it will levitate and almost appear to have a saintly halo above it.   Your sweet spot may be lower or higher.   Who on the forum has a shoe style persona that you love?  ETA: What about the Indigo line from Clark? They have some very cute shoes and comfortable too.  ETA ETA: Scratch that recommendation. They apparently have discontinued the line. Bummer.   Nonetheless...I have two pairs of Indigos by Clark that need a new home because they never got any love at my house.  Both with low heels.  Both worn less than five times. And both in size 9..... rachylou on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911562 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:29:04 +0000 rachylou 911562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How about a pair of <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=ferragamo+low-blockheeled+pump&client=firefox-a&hs=m8c&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=fGVwUeFgppKJAuzYgagG&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=584&bih=534" rel="nofollow">low, block-heeled pumps</a>? Like the classic Ferragamo or something. crazyone on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911526 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:59:22 +0000 crazyone 911526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just bought and am wearing these oxfords from Nordstrom: <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hinge-fraser-oxford/3327050?origin=keywordsearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Mauve&resultback=0" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hinge-fraser-oxford/3327050?origin=keywordsearch&contextualcategoryid=0&amp" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hi.....0&amp</a>;</a> they are quite ladylike in vibe, because of the color. Sara L. on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911521 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:54:48 +0000 Sara L. 911521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't have any great suggestions for you, but have you tried searching on Amazon, 6 pm or Zappos for heels under 2"?  All those sites have decent search engines that allow you to search by heel height.  I do that quite a bit when I'm shoe shopping. AJ on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911514 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:48:34 +0000 AJ 911514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How do you feel about this <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/everybody-brazzo-bootie/3446863?origin=category" rel="nofollow">bootie</a>? I like the blue version of these <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/born-danine-pump/3393236?origin=category&BaseUrl=Comfort" rel="nofollow">Born</a> pumps. Thistle on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911497 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:31:40 +0000 Thistle 911497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Little heels I can handle, as long as they are around 1.75 inches or less. I prefer a small heel to a flat, actually, as I find they have more support. I am on Barking Dog subscriber list, but usually, the folks there have super serious issues. And, um, well, a lot of the shoes on there address foot issues, but . . . not really all that pretty or feminine. goldenpig on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911479 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:14:06 +0000 goldenpig 911479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've heard this website may be helpful, it's about comfortable shoes: <a href="http://barkingdogshoes.com/" rel="nofollow">http://barkingdogshoes.com/</a> Diana on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911477 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:13:16 +0000 Diana 911477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Check out barking dog shoes if you haven't already: <a href="http://www.barkingdogshoes.com/newshoe/" rel="nofollow">http://www.barkingdogshoes.com/newshoe/</a> And since you mentioned Wolkys: I tried these gladiators on last summer and almost bought them.  I may still do so this year.  They are super comfy, but they do have a little heel (don't know if you can handle that).  <a href="http://www.planetshoes.com/item/wolky-seminyak/19309" rel="nofollow">http://www.planetshoes.com/ite.....nyak/19309</a> Isabel on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911474 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:10:21 +0000 Isabel 911474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thistle, I say start by doing a little internet search on comfort shoes. There are some great ones now.  You can search on Zappos and Nordstrom. The Walking Company has some great stuff too. Good luck ! Thistle on "Shoe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-conundrum#post-911463 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:59:22 +0000 Thistle 911463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I need new shoes. The black ballet flats from earlier this week hurt by midday. The pointed toed flats I wore yesterday (and you have seen in a lot of K/Rs) hurt within an hour of wearing them. I know I need new shoes. I do. But, I hate shopping for them. You’d think I wouldn’t. My feet are an average size 9, a touch on the narrow side. Almond toes fit with ease. I can almost always buy a size 9 (looking at you size 8 Converse) and they fit.  But I was in an accident, and my back can’t take heels and my left foot can’t take peep toes. I used to love heels. I donated almost every shoe in my closet after the accident. I know shoes really amp up an outfit, but I struggle to find ones I like and can wear.  My Wolkies are something my grandmother would wear (yes, yes they are!) yet saw a lot of use pre-YLF and still do on the weekends because they are so comfortable. Ugly, but they make my feet and back happy. I don’t need any more sandals. It will be June before we can wear them here. I want a pair of sassy black and white sandals and a pair of gladiator sandals (okay, I don’t want the gladiator sandals, DH wants them for me!), but I don’t really need them. I do need some cute closed toed shoes that pair well with skirts and dresses. I don’t have oxfords. I just couldn’t find any with a pretty ladylike vibe to them. I like the silver ones in Angie’s Finds, but the cut outs really don’t bridge into Wisconsin spring or fall. Summer only is covered with sandals. I have 2 pairs of booties, black and snakeskin.  They both get used a lot, but I don’t feel like booties and skirt/dress mesh with my more ladylike style. Or, my current booties don't. And I have a cute pair of leopard smoking slippers that I love but that I struggle to style. So, I am begging for some guidance from you beautiful fabbers!