https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:00:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style/page/2#post-1375544 Tue, 14 Oct 2014 13:46:49 +0000 Anonymous 1375544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Isabel. Maybe my foot problems will lead me in a different but more creative style direction. It might not be a bad thing to wear shoes that are a little out of the ordinary and not typically chosen. I have to have a positive outlook and figure out how to work with this new challenge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style/page/2#post-1375379 Tue, 14 Oct 2014 02:42:35 +0000 Isabel 1375379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the ones that you first posted. I like these last ones too. &nbsp;I think that you are on a good track. &nbsp;: &nbsp;)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style/page/2#post-1375370 Tue, 14 Oct 2014 02:19:09 +0000 Anonymous 1375370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For versatility (a variety of events), I'd go for something like this:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-trotters-pella-black-glazed-kid-leather-p_id327569?source=igodigital">http://www.onlineshoes.com/wom.....e=igodigit</a>&amp;</p> <p>What stops me from ordering shoes like this is the forefoot area. Shoes like this that I've had in the past have bothered my toes. They usually don't have non-slip soles, either. The sole is usually slippery.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1375354 Tue, 14 Oct 2014 01:54:06 +0000 stainedglass 1375354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the Aravon Mary Janes. &nbsp;They're made by New Balance, so hopefully they'll be comfortable. &nbsp;I have a similar foot (wide forefoot with bunions and normal sized heel... I have to buy men's ee width running shoes) and it took lots of trial and error, but I did finally find a pair of funky mary janes that would work for formal events. &nbsp;I like searching with zappos, even if I don't buy the shoes there, because I can easily set the desired height, width, and shoe material. &nbsp;Good luck with the shoe hunt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1375321 Tue, 14 Oct 2014 00:34:33 +0000 rabbit 1375321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>betty</b> do you have pictures of the styles of dressy shoe you are looking for in a non-comfort style? That might help folks point out comfortable options with the same look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1375289 Mon, 13 Oct 2014 23:06:44 +0000 Anonymous 1375289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, anna606. I very much like the insoles of my Dansko boots. I have a neutral gait and only need moderate arch support. I'll look into the Superfeet insoles.</p> <p>I do have a sense of what shoes&nbsp;I want to wear for dressy occasions, but can't find what I want. I may have to wait a while. I am happy with the Rose Petals shoes, though. They are very nice looking and are comfortable enough for events where a lot of standing isn't required.</p> <p>I ordered these this evening:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-aravon-portia-mary-jane-bronze-multi-p_id347140">http://www.onlineshoes.com/wom.....p_id347140</a><br />I've never tried this brand before, but there are excellent fit reviews at Zappos.</p> <p>I also found these boots:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-cobb-hill-peyton-brown-p_id346678">http://www.onlineshoes.com/wom.....p_id346678</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1375267 Mon, 13 Oct 2014 22:29:42 +0000 Anonymous 1375267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi bettycrocker--you're welcome, I'm glad you were able to find some great options!! I've purchases several pairs of Dansko (clogs, sandals and a pair of boots) thanks to Kirsten's website and never looked back. I'm all about the arch support, too. When possible, I'll insert either Superfeet insoles and Sol insoles into my non-danskos because I.AM.OBSESSED. about arch support. I am definitely a classic tomboy with strong minimalimist tendencies (my favorite color is grey in every shade possible.) Keeping all things in proportion and balanced, i find that Danksos pair well with my more simple style and color preferences. Good luck with your new purchases--look forward to hearing about it!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1375197 Mon, 13 Oct 2014 20:14:40 +0000 Anonymous 1375197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't wear flats or pumps, unfortunately. I walk right out of them because the heels are too loose. If it weren't for that, this would be a lot easier.</p> <p>I have owned Ros Hommersons in the past, but my feet now demand more comfortable insoles. There are also certain styles I'm averse to because they remind me of what my aunts used to wear. IOW, I associate those styles with old age. I'm in my 50s and still feel young at heart, so I'm not ready to go there with style. I think I'd go barefoot before I'd wear those shoes, and I'm not kidding.</p> <p>Still, I leave no stone unturned and am always looking at all brands that carry D widths. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1375139 Mon, 13 Oct 2014 18:50:03 +0000 Thistle 1375139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found that smoking slippers in luxe fabrications (velvet, suede etc.) worked for me for nights out and holiday parties.&nbsp; </p> <p>These were an Angie pick last year, and I found them fabulous for date night and for my comapny's holiday party at a swanky country club. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1375073 Mon, 13 Oct 2014 16:26:07 +0000 AviaMariah 1375073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another foot sufferer here and I agree that it is not fab to suffer for a look. &nbsp;I have arthritis in my toe joints which acts much the same as a bunion.&nbsp; I have slowly learned over the past few years which shoes work for me. &nbsp;My advise it to take it slow; try out a lot of different brands (in the house) and don't be afraid to do a lot of returns. &nbsp;You'll probably spend more on each pair of shoes than you're used to&nbsp;so you want them to work. &nbsp;Also, I found that as I only wore comfortable shoes, my feet "recovered" a little so that I could wear a little higher heel than before as long as I only did it once in awhile. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374918 Mon, 13 Oct 2014 12:02:58 +0000 Neelie 1374918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I highly recommend this brand -&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.roshommerson.com/">http://www.roshommerson.com/</a>&nbsp; THey have some very comfortable yet refined shoes that come in different widths too &nbsp;Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374911 Mon, 13 Oct 2014 11:55:43 +0000 Anonymous 1374911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, ladies. I will explore those brands. I am going to want more ankle boots for work, but those aren't too hard to come by. It's the really dressy shoes that will take some time. I need a wide width, a low heel, and prefer a slink back pump that has non-slip doles and closed-in toes that don't kill my feet. No patent leather, though I don't mind a small amount of patent trim. A versatile nude or pewter color would be my top choice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374714 Mon, 13 Oct 2014 02:08:43 +0000 JayS 1374714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel for you. If my feet aren't happy, I'm not happy. I think you are well on your way to putting together a stylish, comfortable shoe wardrobe. I second the Tsubo recommendation. I have several pairs and love them. Also, Gentle Souls are heavenly. The footbeds are memory foam covered by doeskin. They &nbsp;are spendy.. but can be found at discounts at 6pm.com and Amazon, as can Tsubo.&nbsp;&nbsp;My favorites are the WedgeHammer. I've bought both the bronze and black a couple of times.. they're that comfortable. (The straps are elastic..they conform to your foot.)<br />Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374693 Mon, 13 Oct 2014 01:42:40 +0000 bj1111 1374693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>have you tried tsubo? &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tsubo.com/women-heels/">http://www.tsubo.com/women-heels/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374651 Mon, 13 Oct 2014 00:46:41 +0000 Anonymous 1374651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm getting there. If it weren't for the forefoot width issue, I'd have a lot more choices. Still, I'm grateful for what's out there. My beef is that it's nigh impossible to find dress shoes, and by that I mean dressy shoes that meet the level of refinement necessary to be worn for special occasions such as weddings, etc. For this reason, I'm simply going to have to rethink the way I dress for such occasions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374532 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 22:25:36 +0000 rabbit 1374532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>betty </b>I'm not sure about the width sizing in Earthies, but it looks like you have some good leads in several brands. Best of luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374510 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 21:12:54 +0000 Thistle 1374510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A bit late to the party, but I firmly believe that not being in pain trumps style every single time. And I mean this even if you aren't suffering from a conditition. I will never, ever understand suffering for a "look". But that is just me and my very practical streak.</p> <p>That said, I injured my back in an accident 12 years ago and that made it impossible for me to wear any shoe with heel over 1.5 inches comfortably.and I love shoes. So, here are some things I have learned:</p> <p>1. Comfort brands can be fashionable. You just have to be more careful with them. I have found Clarks, Earthies, Ecco, rieker and Munro work well with my feet. Ara less so. Born sometimes. </p> <p>2. I shop a lot online as my local options are limited. Free shipping and returns are a must for me as I am not sure what will and won't work.</p> <p>3. Some fashion brands work, these are mostly based on style of the shoe. Usually with Dr. scholl's inserts to add cushioning. I have found Dolce Vita and Vince Camuto both make shoes my feet, knees and back are okay with. I pop in some Dr. scholl's inserts for a bit of extra comfort.</p> <p>It's harder with issues, but doable. And worth it.</p> <p>I do love shoes. I just have to be careful with what I buy. And I do put more of budget to good quality shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374502 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 20:51:03 +0000 Anonymous 1374502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks to Anna606, I went to BarkingDogShoes.com and found these boots, which I ordered from OnlineShoes.com.</p> <p>Alegria Caiti, in the Drifted color:&nbsp;<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.barkingdogshoes.com/2014/09/hallux-rigidus-limitus.html">http://www.barkingdogshoes.com.....mitus.html</a></p> <p>I'm anxious to see how these fit. I took the fit quiz and ordered the recommended size, which happens to be the same size I wear in the Dansko brand.</p> <p>I only have 2 pairs of Dansko boots, but they're very comfortable. I especially love the arch support in the footbed. I have Buffy in grey suede and in brown leather:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Dansko-Womens-Buffy-Ankle-Suede/dp/B004JSM98A">http://www.amazon.com/Dansko-W.....B004JSM98A</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374468 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 19:59:10 +0000 Anonymous 1374468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's helpful to hear from someone who has the same foot problems as I. The arthritic pain only flares up occasionally, so thankfully it's not something I have to contend with on a daily basis. Still, I don't know from one day to the next which joint is going to give me fits, so I thought it best to make sure all of my shoes are lower heeled and cushioned. I bought special insoles for my New Balance running shoes as well. I hate lace-up shoes, but use those when walking on the treadmill. Otherwise, I don't wear anything that laces up because it makes the tops of my feet hurt after a short while.<br />I will consider any comfortable brand recommended, as long as the price is not astronomical. I don't think the sale prices of the La Canadiennes are too high. I like the looks of their boots.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374320 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 16:03:12 +0000 trix 1374320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>bettycrocker,</b> I'm starting to suspect that you're my body double. I too have a wide forefoot and narrow heel, and although I don't have the arthritis/bunion issues (yet!), I do insist on comfortable shoes because I do a good amount of walking (though my job calls for less than it used to in the past). I hear you on the utter lack of attractive shoes for people with less than perfect feet.</p> <p>Although they may appear spendy at first, would you consider La Canadiennes? Mine are workhorses for me, so I think the cost per wear must be pretty low by now (and I always buy them on sale). Although I don't think they generally come in wide widths, I found that going up half a size worked quite well for me.</p> <p>Clarks are a mainstay for me as well, but a bit more hit-and-miss because their sizing can be a bit erratic. When my job involved more a lot more time on my feet (the kind of job where you'd walk down 15 flights of stairs because the elevator was too slow), I used to invest in Mephistos, but they don't make very fashion-forward styles. For the lesser amount of walking I do now, Aerosoles can be perfectly acceptable, and on sale they can be practically disposable (which is good because they're not that durable).</p> <p>Funny, I actually bought a pair of Walking Cradles sandals for my main summer shoes this past summer. They weren't bad &#151; I'd wear them to walk all over town &#151; but they weren't quite as comfortable as the Clarks Unstructured sandals I wore into the ground over the previous two summers. Actually, I think they contributed to me developing calluses/corns under the balls of my feet (on both sides). The ones you chose look more comfy and sole-friendly, though -- I hope they work for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374297 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 15:25:57 +0000 Anonymous 1374297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rabbit, I looked at some Earthies, but didn't explore the brand in depth. Do they have C/D or D width sizes? Actually, in the Naturalizer brand, I need an E width. Shoe shopping is challenging because of this, particularly when I look for boots, as I need an average shaft and most wide width boots also have wide shafts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374293 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 15:11:21 +0000 Anonymous 1374293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, anna606. I just bookmarked it. I've to replace my boots this year. One pair wore out, 2 pairs started bothering me after the toe pain set in, and one pair never fit quite right to begin with and I foolishly didn't return them while I had the chance. I also had very few sandals for summer, and had to fill that wardrobe hole as well. This is what I bought:</p> <p>Blondo Hermione Mary Jane&nbsp;pump:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JHD528/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687742&amp;pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&amp;pf_rd_t=201&amp;pf_rd_i=B006JHZZE4&amp;pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_r=1YA1HYYAQBNP75DVZ1GA">http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....d_s=lpo-to</a>&nbsp;These are super comfy, and I was lucky enough to get the tan ones in&nbsp;my size&nbsp;at the $42 price. :)</p> <p>Sofft Porter boots:<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.6pm.com/sofft-porter-black-lucca">http://www.6pm.com/sofft-porter-black-lucca</a>&nbsp;These are the ones that didn't fit. Once I read all the reviews that said they run short, I ordered 2 pairs (1 black, 1 chocolate brown), each a half size larger than what I already owned. They fit perfectly and the quality is top notch. Best of all, I didn't pay too much for them.</p> <p>Walking Cradles Cheyenne:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zappos.com/walking-cradles-cheyenne-black-new-soft-leather">http://www.zappos.com/walking-.....ft-leather</a>&nbsp;I already showed you these in another thread. I paid under $70 for them, and that's what I think they're worth. They're comfortable, but not more comfortable than less pricey brands. Still, I'm glad I bought them. They're great ankle boots.</p> <p>Softspots Safia sandals:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.6pm.com/softspots-safia-luggage">http://www.6pm.com/softspots-safia-luggage</a>&nbsp;Again, I managed to find them on sale. I bought a black pair and a red pair.</p> <p>Clarks Wendy Land sandals:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Clarks-Womens-Wendy-Land-Sandal/dp/B0086UD7BA">http://www.amazon.com/Clarks-W.....B0086UD7BA</a>&nbsp;I bought the black.&nbsp;I'm not crazy about the style, except that they look good with my straight-legged black jeans.</p> <p>Cobb Hill Aubrey:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Cobb-Hill-Womens-Aubrey-Dress/dp/B00DZB2EZK/ref=sr_1_24?s=shoes&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1413125872&amp;sr=1-24&amp;keywords=cobb+hill">http://www.amazon.com/Cobb-Hil.....038;qid=14</a>&nbsp;I paid full price for these, but they're worth every penny. I bought the black.</p> <p>Cobb Hill Virginia:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Cobb-Hill-Womens-Virginia-Sandal/dp/B00DZSJ2YO/ref=sr_1_60_mc?s=apparel&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1413126052&amp;sr=1-60">http://www.amazon.com/Cobb-Hil.....038;ie=UTF</a>&nbsp;I got a tan&nbsp;pair with rewards points. They're so comfortable that I paid full price to get a second pair in pewter.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374278 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 14:51:21 +0000 rabbit 1374278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you tried Earthies? &nbsp;They seem to have a wide forefront and narrow heel in some styles. &nbsp; I have a pair of black&nbsp;&nbsp;mary janes that are all day walking shoes for me. &nbsp;Most comfortable heels I've had and work with skirts as well as jeans. They look better on than in the stock&nbsp;photo IMO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374263 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 14:33:12 +0000 Anonymous 1374263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've found this website to be good resource:<br /> <a href="http://www.barkingdogshoes.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.barkingdogshoes.com</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374251 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 14:27:31 +0000 Anonymous 1374251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, everyone. No, they aren't the most comfortable shoes I own, but they were purchased to wear only on occasions when dressy shoes will do, and when I'm not expecting to spend all day on my feet. Those occasions are few and far between, but I like having suitable attire in my closet for such times.&nbsp;</p> <p>I did buy padded insoles to put in them--the kind that are made for women's dress shoes and sandals. The somewhat arty look to the shoes is what I like. Also, I managed to get them for half price, so I thought they were worth a try since I couldn't find anything else that looked even remotely suitable.</p> <p>I wear Clarks, Cobb Hill, Softspots and Sofft for everyday--all of which have padded insoles with arch support and have&nbsp;heels that do not exceed 2 inches--most are 1.5 inches. I have a wide forefoot and a narrow heel, so it's difficult to find shoes that fit in the first place, but somehow I'm managing pretty well. Luckily, I can wear boots 3/4 of the year, and my boots are all very comfortable.</p> <p>I spend the greater part of each day at a desk, so I'm not on my feet much. For that reason, the heel height is not extremely critical, though I do prefer the 1.5-inch height. I have a Desk Cycle underneath my desk, and use it to keep the blood circulating in my legs.</p> <p>No complaints from me except when it comes to finding stylish shoes for people like me who have foot problems. I don't think it's really that hard for manufacturers to do it. They just cater to a different demographic. It's the same as the need for more petite size offerings in a world where many women are petite but the retailers continue to stock clothes for regular-sized women. I often wonder where all the regular-sized women are. I have yet to meet very many women who look like they can wear off-the-rack clothing. Most look like they have to have their clothes altered in on way or the other, or have their clothes custom made.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374227 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 13:52:54 +0000 Jenny H 1374227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can relate as I also have foot issues (different issues, but issues nonetheless). I'm constantly looking for shoes that don't look orthopedic but can accomodate my custom orthotics. </p> <p>I like these shoes. They look very arty and a little edgy. I'm guessing that since you bought two pairs that you are finding that the are comfortable to work for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374182 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 10:41:34 +0000 Deborah 1374182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a very stylish shoe for a 'comfort' shoe. &nbsp;I like it a lot. &nbsp; &nbsp;I am sorry that you experience such pain but at least you know you that style and comfort can work nicely together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374157 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 06:34:21 +0000 Sal 1374157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It must be so painful, I do feel for you coping with that level of pain.</p> <p>In terms of shoes, the positive side is that flats are very fashionable! There are several people on the forum with foot issues so I am sure you will get some stellar advice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374151 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 06:11:38 +0000 thimblelina 1374151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My sub contract in special ed stipulates that closed toe flats will be worn to school sites. It's a limitation, sure, but limitations can actually enhance creativity. Find the most wonderful shoes for you &amp; your life and rock them with joy and conviction. I'd go the Dorothy Parker route: never complain, never explain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-comfort-dictates-style#post-1374120 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 04:11:32 +0000 Peri 1374120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just chiming in with some empathy...I'm with you on the back and foot issues. I have found that the board has been very kind about my fashion limitations. I wear loose pants, and gym shoes most of the time and everyone knows I'm not &nbsp;allover stylish, but they still help me with what I can do. I think there are several of us who can't just dress for looks alone. Life is life, what can we do? Welcome! </p>