YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 19 Jun 2026 18:37:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php gryffin on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy/page/2#post-1403070 Thu, 27 Nov 2014 18:13:55 +0000 gryffin 1403070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ BC - thrilled you like them!!  So difficult to make recommendations and was getting quite concerned that I'd find a bunny boiling on my stove (which would be bad since I'm vegan and love me my mammals!!) if things went awry!!  Enjoy your GS and I hope you find them as comfy and versatile as I do!! Firecracker (Sharan) on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy/page/2#post-1402999 Thu, 27 Nov 2014 04:36:00 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1402999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oooh! glad to hear the Gentle Souls worked for you! Suz on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy/page/2#post-1402947 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 23:48:02 +0000 Suz 1402947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yay!!  Gryffin, you are the shoe-whisperer this month!! First my slippers and now bettycrocker's flats! :)  Anonymous on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy/page/2#post-1402939 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 22:56:56 +0000 Anonymous 1402939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! The shoes are indeed wider than marked. I ordered my usual size 7.5 and they fit perfectly. :) Thanks also to everyone who made recommendations, gave advice, and commiserated with me. I realty appreciate the friendly guidance. Anonymous on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy/page/2#post-1402860 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 19:05:42 +0000 Anonymous 1402860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My shoes were supposedly delivered today (I say supposedly because we've had trouble with our mail carrier; the entire neighborhood has complained). I can't wait to get home and try them on. If they aren't wide enough for my feet, I'm gonna go after Gryffin! (just kidding) Anonymous on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy/page/2#post-1401438 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 15:27:28 +0000 Anonymous 1401438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, everyone. I can't wear pointed toes or lace-ups, and don't think all MJs are ugly--though most are, and a lot depends on how you style them. Griffin, I was sold on the Gentle Souls after reading a review from someone who said she could wear them with her orthotics. I figure they must have a generous width for that. I have always wanted to wear ballet flats but have never seen a pair that I thought could possibly work. These look promising. Thanks to everyone for the recs and advice. I'm getting into more comfy shoes this year in the hopes of preventing future grief, and am adjusting my style accordingly. It's a process. gryffin on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy/page/2#post-1401432 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 15:01:45 +0000 gryffin 1401432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ BC - I do hope they fit - I have them in the black leather and suede.  As I said they are quite roomy and the leather is very soft - you could have the toe box stretched or do Angie's wet feet stretch.  The suede is even softer. They were the only shoe I could wear when I broke my toe.    I can't imagine you'll need more room in the middle or back (they are a bit big on me and I will ocassionally size up to a wide or 1/2 size up if a shoe runs on the narrower side.  I am dying to know what you think.  I usually find flats uncomfortable and a 1-1.5" heel better but the footbed is lovely.  I actually bought duplicates of both which tells you something!!  Good luck and fingers crossed!! ElleH on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy/page/2#post-1401312 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 05:49:49 +0000 ElleH 1401312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't read all the replies so I'm sorry if this has already been said but I prefer an ankle strap to keep my foot from falling out of a shoe. I do find these a little frumpy. Can you wear a pointy toed shoe? If so I would recommend a pointy toed ankle strap shoe or a lace up oxford. anne on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy/page/2#post-1401302 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 05:26:13 +0000 anne 1401302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bettycrocker, I've been meaning to get back to this thread all week (I only really have time on weekends) to offer you my empathy. I too have feet that will NEVER keep shoes on and have to have straps. I have about 4 strapped pears of shoes now. When I first started on YLF ballet flats ruled supreme and I kept getting outfit advice telling me to try low vamped shoes (I have short legs) - but I just can't. A lot of the time I try to wear orthotics shoe too which further restricts my options and budget. Anyway it looks like you have had some great advice - I can't offer you brand recommendations as I am in Australia. I did want to say generally to all the Mary Jane haters out there that one pair I have consistently earns me compliments! Anonymous on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy/page/2#post-1400982 Sat, 22 Nov 2014 14:59:44 +0000 Anonymous 1400982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Kat. I do have a couple of Mary Janes that I wear with other things. The problem is that I need flats for some pants that are too short to wear with heels. I also have those new black ankle pants that I don't quite know how to style other than to tuck them into boots. The ankle wrap on the Gentle Souls ballet flats may be the answer to that issue. We shall see! Kat on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400961 Sat, 22 Nov 2014 13:40:49 +0000 Kat 1400961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have those Gentle Souls in black suede and want to reaffirm their width--they run quite wide in the toe box.  Super comfortable shoe if flats are your thing!  I hope they work for you. And I wanted to throw in a little love for the mary jane- I have a lovely pair of Mary Janes from Sofft that I wear with cropped jeans, boyfriend jeans, etc.  I don't feel frumpy in them, but rather cool ( a little gamine) and have received compliments from stylish friends, so I don't think it is a matter of my confidence overriding my common sense or style.... Anonymous on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400949 Sat, 22 Nov 2014 13:00:16 +0000 Anonymous 1400949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Firecracker. The only reason I didn't buy the Danskos was because they look a little too chunky. I may try them if the ballet-style shoes Gryffin talked me into buying don't fit properly. I'm always nervous about ordering a medium-width shoe, but these are said to run wide, so I've decided to give them a try. It's the only way to know if I'll ever be able to wear a ballet flat. Firecracker (Sharan) on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400890 Sat, 22 Nov 2014 05:19:47 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1400890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really love those Danskos you linked to--the second ones (these: <a href="http://dansko.com/Womens/Footwear/View%20All/Bess/Grey%20Kidskin/" rel="nofollow">http://dansko.com/Womens/Footw.....20Kidskin/</a> ). I know the Munros I've suggested for you in the past don't work for you. I'm hoping you find something that will suit your feet and your style! Anonymous on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400771 Sat, 22 Nov 2014 00:19:43 +0000 Anonymous 1400771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are such an enabler, Gryffin! I ordered the Gentle Souls in black leather, and am trusting you that they run wide. I can wear a C width if I don't wear socks, and I would never wear socks with these adorable ballet flats. What sells me on them is the arch support visible in the pic you posted. I was going to wait to buy shoes, but I managed to get 20% off at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.onlineshoes.com">http://www.onlineshoes.com</a>. I'm getting them for under $170 including shipping. Not bad for what looks to be well-made shoes. Anonymous on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400764 Sat, 22 Nov 2014 00:02:55 +0000 Anonymous 1400764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, ladies. You are all so sweet to make recommendations and help me sort this out. Gryffin, those Gentle Souls have my name written all over them. They're a strong contender. Suz, I'm really drawn to the Tsubo t-straps, and know what you mean about slingbacks. Lisap, I'm not really looking for the type of shoes you've posted, but those suede shoes look awfully comfortable. They're the type of shoes I would definitely wear. Anonymous on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400743 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 23:22:00 +0000 Anonymous 1400743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not as familiar with your style as perhaps I should be to make suggestions here, but I am always intrigued by shoe threads on this forum as I've decided I have very different taste in footwear than many of the members:)  BUT....I am old, have cranky feet, pumps slip off , flats aren't comfortable, etc - the same garbage many of us are dealing with.  I am not a fan of Mary Janes at all so won't even get into that discussion. I find they are suitable for a very particular style of dresser and make most women look just dowdy. I picked out some great flat shoes from my favourite shoe store : Brown's.  They are Canadian, but sell internationally.  I think that a loafer is very classy, classic and feminine when done in luxe suede, patent or the best leather.  They can work with skirts, pants , jeans, anything. Plus - they don't slip, are usually wide enough in the toe box for proper comfort , and are just generally a good shoe!  Here are some ones I like: (plus a kind of interesting looking brown sueded number (3) that might be comfy. Irene on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400720 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 22:10:44 +0000 Irene 1400720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've given up on ballet flats and low vamp loafers, It ain't happening. Yes: I wear Mary Janes. Not often, but that's because nylon socks are very uncomfortable, and not wearing socks is an impossible idea for me if I'm wearing closed-toe shoes. So, yes. Mary Janes. I've got three pairs: - High-heeled Mary Jeans. I wear these on special occasions. In winter, and with dark tights, they look pretty cool and not childish at all. - Flat Mary Janes, with an almost ankle strap. They are not absolutely comfortable because they are too flat. - Wedged Mary Janes: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.fashionworld.co.uk/shop/clarks-flake-berry-shoes-standard-fit/FH906/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=1667&promo=6230&ci_sku=FH90606&ci_src=18615224&cm_mmc=Googlebase-_-Fashionworld-_-Product%20Feeds-_-na&gclid=CjwKEAiA4rujBRDD7IG_wOPytXkSJACTMkgaR9P8aP_mCmyEHB3NNUd1-3s_2gyg8rxWn-kpOAfJ3BoCPDfw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#colour:Black%20Patent,size:8"><a href="http://www.fashionworld.co.uk/shop/clarks-flake-berry-shoes-standard-fit/FH906/product/details/show" rel="nofollow">http://www.fashionworld.co.uk/.....tails/show</a>.</a> Suz on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400714 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 21:54:53 +0000 Suz 1400714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I was going to add slingbacks. If your climate allows. (Mine's too cold except in summer). Sometimes slingbacks are a massive fail for me, too -- if I can't tighten them enough (as often happens). But when they work, they work well.  gryffin on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400711 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 21:42:42 +0000 gryffin 1400711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ FYI - they run wide.  Quite wide - if you were interested it might be worth trying them on.  You can read the reviews Anonymous on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400662 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 20:29:56 +0000 Anonymous 1400662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I absolutely love those, but they're a B width and I need a D. I found these just now: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-mark-lemp-classics-aster-black-kid-p_id326579">http://www.onlineshoes.com/wom.....p_id326579</a> I already have these; they fit great but are fabric so I don't really want to wear them to work: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-mark-lemp-classics-buffy-black-micro-p_id334000">http://www.onlineshoes.com/wom.....p_id334000</a> gryffin on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400657 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 20:12:46 +0000 gryffin 1400657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ BC - I don't wear shoes, I only wear boots and booties but when I broke my toe I needed something really comfy and lo and behold I found.....drum roll please....the Gentle Souls Bay Unique...cue your inner ballerina.  I love these and are divinely comfortable and I don't find flats comfortable and of course they stay on your feet.  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Souls-Womens-Leather-Unique/dp/B006M2MW5G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416599986&sr=8-1&keywords=bay+unique" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Gentle-S.....qid=141659</a>  The second pairs are chloe - I know the toe box is squared like a real pointe shoe but for this ballet school drop out they fulfill my inner ballerina while keeping feet happy and hey if they are good enough for Chloe....lol!! Anonymous on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400643 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 19:47:24 +0000 Anonymous 1400643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the input. I'll have to look around and try things on. I'm leaning towards an ankle-strap shoe if I can find just the right thing. I have a very high instep on top of everything else, though I find that boots are much more comfortable than just about any other style. The problem is that it's too warm to wear boots year 'round. Suz on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400630 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 19:21:14 +0000 Suz 1400630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel with your feet! I also have a relatively high instep/ arch and narrow heels. So high vamped shoes sometimes cause discomfort (or I can't get them on) and lower vamp shoes won't stay on my feet.  I am fortunate in that my feet are regular width and I do not have bunions.  So at least I can wear sandals in summer. Plus, I live in a cold climate -- which allows me to wear boots and booties for a good portion of the year. While there are some styles that are hard for me to get on, most now have zippered sides, which makes for easier entry and greater comfort. Add to this a relatively casual lifestyle (work from home) and a relatively androgynous style, and I can get away with boots/ booties and sandals for most of the year.  BUT. You knew that was coming, right? ;)  I do have a ladylike streak! So I love to wear a pretty and frankly feminine outfit now and again. Plus, some occasions just plain call for it. Meanwhile, I also happen to have rather short legs. And there is nothing that flatters a short calf more than a low vamp shoe.  What's a girl to do?  I have tried all the proffered solutions. Heel grippers, heel lifts, insoles throughout, etc. etc. etc. Never had much success beyond a wearing or two.  My next attempt was Mary Janes.  Unfortunately, most of these make me feel either too "little girl" or too "retro" in a way that doesn't work with my style persona.  Also, I am with Diana -- low vamp shoes are useless except for dress up in winter for me. I do wear oxfords with pants in the autumn. These stay on because they tie up.  A couple of other options that might work for you, depending on your climate and needs.  1. Don't completely give up on flats, slipper flats, and pumps. It is true that this is pretty much a doomed search, but if you accept that and simply try them on whenever you get the chance, you might hit on a pair that actually works. I'm told that some manufacturers still make lasts with different HEEL sizes. This, to me, would be the holy grail. But in the meantime, I, and a few other Fabbers, have found success with SELECT styles of Ecco and Munro shoes. Note that most won't work. But I do own one pair of Ecco pumps that stay on me, and I will never get rid of them -- precisely for this reason. I don't care if they are a bit less current -- at least they are a pump. I also have a pair of 9 west almond toe flats that stay on me. (The Itsonn, which I believe comes in some widths.) Forum member Diana (who also has very narrow heels) found success with a Munro slipper flat. I read all reviews assiduously. Sometimes you can find some helpful information there.  2. Try an ankle strap shoe instead of a Mary Jane. For instance, the famed Sam Edelman Okalas actually come in widths and they stay on. For me, these are strictly a summer shoe, but nonetheless, they give me hope. A bit more current than a MJ strap, yet secure. I find that one toned more or less to my skin is more elongating, but <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2013/07/02/flattering-ankle-strap-footwear/">Angie has all kinds of clever tips for wearing them. </a> The Okala has a heel but there were a lot of flat versions this year also. I can't wear complete flats with comfort so I didn't try them out.  3. Another option would be a MJ with a diagonal strap, sort of like these flamenco shoes below. The diagonal looks more "adult," a little less "retro," and is more elongating -- at least to my eye. I have seen Tsubo shoes with straps like this -- and they are supposed to be comfortable.  4. Something with a t-strap could also work and again, this is more elongating. There are quite a few flats with t-straps around right now -- even Valentino, if you are feeling rich! :)  Diana on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400625 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 19:09:29 +0000 Diana 1400625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, so my issue with Mary Janes (and ballet flats for that matter) is that I think they only look good without socks. Low vamp means even secret socks don't generally stay hidden. No socks is not practical for winter! I wear flat oxfords instead. Because they lace up they should accommodate higher insteps ok. (My insteps are super low though and I have narrow feet, so I'm not going to recommend specific styles for you. ) The higher vamp means socks don't show under things like bootcut trousers, plus you can wear secret socks with shorter pants and skirts in warmer weather. Anonymous on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400607 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 17:59:07 +0000 Anonymous 1400607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks. I need a D width, though. That's one of the reasons my style options are so limited. kkards on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400597 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 17:37:47 +0000 kkards 1400597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ i think there are better looking mary janes out there....(sorry i'm at work and the finds app doesn't work on this computer)  <a href="http://www.zappos.com/arcopedico-vitoria-burgundy" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/arcopedico-vitoria-burgundy</a> <a href="http://www.zappos.com/calvin-klein-kira-zinc-caribou-goat-nappa-satin" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/calvin-k.....appa-satin</a> <a href="http://www.zappos.com/tsubo-honnor-elephant" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/tsubo-honnor-elephant</a> <a href="http://www.zappos.com/tsubo-honnor-metallic-crackle-silver-leather?zlfid=191&ref=pd_sims_p_ab_t_1" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/tsubo-ho.....s_p_ab_t_1</a> viva on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400544 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 14:55:04 +0000 viva 1400544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not a suggestion, Betty, but a comment based on Jenny's comment about MJ hate. I do think it can be hard to find a pair of MJs that look stylish, but when you do it can be a wonderful thing. About 10 years ago, Banana Republic sold a pair of berry red MJs with a one-inch block here and a thin strap, and I wore them to death. I wish now that I had bought out their stock of 8.5s, because I would still be wearing them today. One of my most favorite shoes ever, and wearable with  everything. Retro/modern cool. Good luck! Anonymous on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400517 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 13:56:06 +0000 Anonymous 1400517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Jenny H. I do have sandals for summer. The problem is that I have bunions that need to be hidden, so none of my sandals are the open strappy type. And if that's not bad enough, I'm having to deal with osteoarthritis pain that occasionally affects my feet and knees. Yes, it's the in-between weather I'm concerned about. The worst part is that I'm such a shoe lover and really can't be happy with orthotic shoes. Hopefully I won't have to resort to wearing them. I just found these. ??? They're a little chunky but they might work since my pants would cover up the ankle strap: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://dansko.com/Womens/Footwear/View%20All/Bess/Grey%20Kidskin/">http://dansko.com/Womens/Footw.....20Kidskin/</a> Jenny H on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400497 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 12:49:23 +0000 Jenny H 1400497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just want to chime in with moral support. My feet won't stay in pumps or ballet flats either, so I wear a lot of Mary Janes. All the Mary Jane hate is a downer for me since they are such a feet-saver in my case. I think the pair you linked is pretty cute considering they are a comfort shoe. But I will say, I have had a hard time wearing Mary Janes with pants-- it just never looks right to my eye. I've found them to work better with skirts in my wardrobe. With pants, I do better with flat boots or sandals in summer. Often in the in-between weather I completely lack footwear to wear with pants. Oh, the struggles that difficult feet bring... Anonymous on "Shoes - stylish or fumpy? Thank you, Gryffin et al" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes---stylish-or-fumpy#post-1400362 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 01:25:14 +0000 Anonymous 1400362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those are indeed cool shoes, annabelle. They're too expensive, though, and I'm now thinking that maybe I should go with low boots as suggested by unfrumped.